A comprehensive guide to choosing the best health insurance as an expat - insights from experienced expats

Is health insurance essential for expats?

Let’s dive right in: why is it so important to choose the right health insurance when moving abroad? Here’s why you must prioritize securing health coverage:

• Access to top-tier healthcare 

A good health insurance grants you access to private clinics abroad that offer premium, high-quality medical services, ensuring you receive the best possible care.

• Protection against unforeseen expenses 

Accidents happen and getting health insurance even if you are in excellent shape can save you money. Medical bills, from consultations, stays, and surgeries can be extremely costly, particularly in certain countries. For example, healthcare in the United States, for example, is notoriously expensive and can be shocking if you’re used to more affordable healthcare systems. Maternity costs can exceed $15,000, and a routine visit to a general practitioner or pediatrician could cost you $200.

• Continuous care

Some health insurance plans allow you to keep seeing specialists back home or to access specific treatments while abroad. This means you do not lose touch with your current healthcare provider during visits to your home country or that you can seek a second opinion in your native language if necessary.

• Repatriation assistance for emergencies

International insurance policies often cover medical repatriation in case of serious health issues, whether it’s an emergency or a condition that’s difficult to treat in your host country.

• Reminder: What are social security policies?

While your home country’s social security may cover some medical expenses during short trips abroad, this coverage often does not extend to long-term stays. Indeed, as an expatriate, you’ll no longer be covered by your home country’s social security system but rather by the social protection framework of your new country.

Key considerations for choosing international health insurance

So, what should you look for when selecting health insurance for your expatriation?

Cost

Although cost should not be the only factor (your health is at stake!), it is certainly important to consider the cost of international health insurance. Allocate a realistic monthly budget to your health coverage.

Guarantees on offer

Expat insurance plans often include a range of guarantees, some of which are optional: personal liability, work stoppage indemnity, life insurance, and more. Focus on the guarantees that are most relevant to your needs.

Deductibles and coverage limits 

Insurance contracts may have annual coverage limits and sometimes even limits per medical service. Carefully consider the amount of deductibles before making your final decision on expatriate health insurance.

Exclusions

Certain risks are not covered by international health insurance (such as extreme sports or travel to war zones). Be sure to check these exclusions when signing up or ask your insurer for clarification based on your personal needs.

Coverage zone

Some insurance contracts only cover specific geographic areas, like Europe, while others provide worldwide coverage. You may want to choose a health insurance that covers your care during visits to your home country.

Reimbursement conditions

Don’t skip the fine print! To avoid unpleasant surprises, thoroughly review the reimbursement conditions and procedures for medical expenses. Some insurance policies require you to pay upfront for certain medical services, so it’s important to be informed in advance. Another important question to ask: what are the reimbursement times?

Practical tips from seasoned expats

To make choosing your health insurance easier, we’ve compiled several practical tips from those who have walked this path before.

Tip #1: Assess your needs 

Before committing to an expatriate health insurance policy, take stock of your specific needs. For example, if you wear glasses, make sure your insurance covers optical care. Other considerations: Do you have a chronic condition? Do you or your children frequently require dental care? Do you rely on alternative medicine?

Tip #2: Understand local legal requirements 

In some countries, local laws require you to sign up for specific local insurance. If the local policy provides satisfactory coverage, you might not need international health insurance. Also, ensure that the insurance you choose is compatible with the visa or residence permit you’re applying for.

Tip #3: Consider the quality and cost of healthcare in your host country

Healthcare quality and costs can vary significantly from one country to another. In some expat destinations, medical care is generally of high quality and reasonably priced, but this isn’t true everywhere. If public healthcare is inadequate, a solid international health insurance plan will make it easier to access private healthcare. If medical costs are high, opt for an expatriate health insurance plan with comprehensive medical expense coverage.

Tip #4: Ensure easy communication with your insurer

Your health insurance should be easily reachable from abroad. Confirm that 24/7 assistance is included in your contract. It’s also a plus to have a consultant who speaks your language.

Tip #5: Compare your options 

One of the best pieces of advice from expats is to take the time to compare your options. Here’s how: 

• Use insurance comparison tools (but remember, this is just a starting point); 

• Check out the websites of the insurers you’re considering; 

• Request quotes that factor in your specific needs to find the best health insurance; 

• Engage with other expats: tap into the experiences and recommendations of those already living in your chosen country.

Tip #6: Understand contract duration 

The duration of your contract is a crucial aspect of international health insurance. International health insurance contracts typically have a 12 month duration with automatic renewal. Expats recommend reviewing the renewal conditions of your expatriation insurance contract, as well as the terms for cancellation and modification.

Picking the best health insurance for your move abroad is critical in ensuring a smooth transition to your new life abroad. With these tips and the collective wisdom from fellow expats, you’ll be well-equipped to find the insurance plan that best fits your needs and budget, setting the stage for a worry-free expatriation.

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