Is moving to a foreign country on your list of things to check off? A life abroad can be a breath of fresh air. However, figuring out your new way of life, local culture, healthcare, shopping, etc, can send you down a never-ending rabbit hole. As an expat, the first step you want to take is to purchase a good expat health insurance plan to pay for medical emergencies in a foreign country. If this sounds like your life plan, read this blog further to navigate the intricate world of health insurance and find the best health insurance for expats.
What Is Health Insurance for Expats?
Expat Health Insurance is a special insurance plan that offers coverage for doctor visits and other emergency expenses for those who live or study overseas. Remember that most domestic policies do not offer long-term overseas coverage, and the cost of healthcare in these foreign countries can be steep, posing a huge burden when trying to keep yourself and your family in good health in a new country.
Expat health insurance plans are ideal as they are designed specifically for individuals who plan to live overseas for a long period of time. The right expat health insurance plan can protect you and your family from high medical costs, making healthcare more accessible and affordable.
How Does Health Insurance for Expats Work?
Expat medical insurance is similar to traditional health insurance intended to serve those living abroad. Let’s take a look at how it works —
- The first step is to visit our website and connect with one of our agents. They will help you assess your health requirements, compare plans, and choose a suitable coverage option.
- The next step is to complete the related application and submit supporting information, including medical history.
- The third step is to pay your premium per the agreed-upon terms and conditions.
All that’s left to do is use your expat health insurance and visit a medical care professional within your policy’s provider network. Then, file a claim for out-of-network medical services and have your claims processed within a reasonable time.
Do I Need Health Insurance for Expats?
Yes. If you intend to live abroad, consider purchasing expat health insurance. Every country has a unique healthcare system. Some are available to the public but come with long wait times and an endless cycle of referrals. The costs to afford private healthcare may also be too high and can quickly add up without the right insurance plan. The best way to tackle healthcare expenses while living in an overseas country is to purchase health insurance designed for expatriates.
Can I use my US health insurance in another country?
This depends on your insurance plan and insurance provider. Most providers have restrictive support for medical services outside the home country. The best option is to research your options and buy a good health insurance plan for expats.
What Does Health Insurance for Expats Cover?
Here are some of the benefits of health insurance for expats.
1. Coverage
With expat health insurance, you are truly global. These policies offer coverage in most countries, making it ideal for someone who plans to live overseas briefly.
2. Hospitalizations / Clinics
With expat medical insurance, you can access doctor visits, routine examinations, and hospitalizations to care for your medical situation without hassle.
3. Optional Add-Ons
Some plans have the option to add in dental, vision, maternity, and more.
4. Emergency Medical Evacuation
Some locations may not possess the specific medical treatment and facilities you seek. Your Expat Medical Insurance can help transport you to a nearby medical facility for the required specialized care.
5. Repatriation of Mortal Remains
In the unfortunate event of death, an Expat Health Insurance plan can transport the insured’s mortal remains back to their home country for their last rituals.
6. Prescription Medications
This plan covers prescription medication. If you have a pre-existing condition, there may be a possibility to cover the medication, which depends on the underwriter’s approval.
7. Chemotherapy
This plan covers chemotherapy or radiation therapy services in case of a cancer diagnosis.
8. Transplants
If you require transplant services, expat health insurance plans may cover organ procurement, harvesting services, travel, and lodging required for the transplantation.
9. Maternity
Depending on the plan, you may be eligible for maternity coverage. Some Expat Health Insurance plans offer support for pregnancy and encourage proper prenatal and postnatal medical care for expectant families.
Factors that Determine Cost of Expat Health Insurance
The cost for expat medical insurance can vary on several factors, ranging from —
1. Age
As a thumb rule, the older the individual, the higher the premium. This is due to the increased risk factor that comes with age.
2. Location
Some destinations involve higher risks for travelers, such as current political unrest or geographical restrictions. This can indirectly affect insurance costs.
3. Pre-existing conditions
The underwriter decides whether your pre-existing condition is covered or if it can be covered with a waiting period.
4. Policy Type
There are different policy maximum limits available, and coverage varies based on these limits. The higher the coverage, the higher the premium. The lower the coverage, the lower the premium. Fixed plans are economical, whereas comprehensive plans are more expensive as they offer many benefits.
Talk to our agent to find a plan that protects you medically and financially.
Which is the best international expat health insurance plan?
It is impossible to pinpoint and deem one plan the best since everyone’s medical needs differ. Ultimately, the best international expat health insurance plan depends on the plan that best suits your needs.
Here are some of our top recommended expat health insurance plans. Please note that some plans offer coverage for pre-existing conditions, which only applies if the insured is not on a certificate with creditable coverage.
Global Medical Insurance Bronze
The Global Medical Insurance Bronze is a top-rated comprehensive expat health insurance plan with an A “Excellent” AM Best Rating. The eligibility criteria are for people between the ages of 14 days and up to 74 years. Once an online application is submitted, please note that these plans require underwriter approval, which takes from 1 to 5 business days.
Global Medical Insurance Silver
The Global Medical Insurance Silver is a comprehensive coverage plan among our highly rated plans for expatriates. With an A “Excellent” AM Best Rating, this plan has an eligibility criteria of ages 14 days up to 74 years. The coverage for pre-existing conditions is as follows –
Known Disclosed Conditions: These are covered the same as any illness or injury unless excluded by a Rider.
Non- Disclosed Conditions: There is no coverage for non-disclosed conditions.
Unknown Conditions (after 24 months of continuous coverage): You are eligible up to $5,000 for the period of coverage and $50,000 for the lifetime maximum.
This plan offers an online renewal option.
Global Medical Insurance Gold
The Global Medical Insurance Gold is another top-rated plan with comprehensive coverage and an A “Excellent” AM Best Rating. The eligibility criteria for this plan are for people ages 14 days up to 74 years. The coverage for pre-existing conditions is as follows –
Known Disclosed Conditions: These are covered the same as any illness or injury unless excluded by a Rider.
Non- Disclosed Conditions: There is no coverage for non-disclosed conditions.
Unknown Conditions (after 24 months of continuous coverage): You are eligible up to $5,000 for the period of coverage and $50,000 for the lifetime maximum. This plan offers an online renewal option.
Global Medical Insurance Platinum
The Global Medical Insurance Platinum plan is one of our preferred plans among expatriates. This comprehensive coverage plan has an A “Excellent” AM Best Rating. The eligibility criteria are for people aged 14 days up to 74 years. The coverage for pre-existing conditions is as follows –
Known Disclosed, Non-Disclosed Conditions, Unknown Conditions (after 24 months of continuous coverage): These are covered if disclosed and not excluded by rider. This plan offers an online renewal option.
How much does international health insurance cost for expatriates?
There is no set price for international health insurance for expatriates. As discussed earlier, the cost depends on the factors that affect your premiums. You may always get a quote on our website.
Why VisitorPLANS?
At VisitorPLANS, we understand life can be unpredictable. Our main focus is helping customers from anywhere in the world face these unpredictable curveballs by helping them plan their insurance needs.
VisitorPLANS is one of the largest insurance agencies in the United States, and we are committed to meeting the needs of our customers and their loved ones. Our trained insurance agents help you shop for quotes, answer questions about policies, file your claims, and more.
