How to Buy International Health Insurance?
Buying international healthcare insurance is a crucial step for anyone planning to live, work, or retire abroad. As an ex-pat, you're stepping into a new environment with different healthcare systems and a potential for serious issues, if you don’t select the right healthcare insurance provider. Therefore, having the right international healthcare insurance, that not only offers peace of mind and covers any existing conditions is essential. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how you can buy expat healthcare insurance, highlighting the options of purchasing directly from insurers or through brokers. We even have a list of all the jargon that insurance companies use, on our helpful jargon buster page.
Understanding International Health Insurance
International health insurance is designed to provide health coverage for individuals living outside their home country, we call them expats (expatriates or ex-pats). Unlike travel insurance, which is typically short-term and does not cover chronic conditions, international health insurance provides more comprehensive coverage for not only a longer duration, but also covers an expat for chronic conditions, which can include preventive care, routine check-ups, and emergency services. Finding the right international or expat health insurance product should be a key priority before you leave for your destination country.
Assessing Your Healthcare Needs
Before purchasing a policy, assess your specific healthcare needs. Consider factors like:
The length of your stay abroad.
Pre-existing medical conditions.
The healthcare standards in your destination country. We provide some useful country guides that will help you understand how sophisticated the country’s healthcare system is, before you arrive.
Whether you need coverage in multiple countries. It can sometimes be easier to simply buy a domestic private health insurance product rather than one that covers you in multiple countries. Some providers will cover you for two countries only and this can significantly reduce the overall cost of the policy.
The activities you’ll be undertaking – for instance, if you plan to engage in adventure sports. Some insurers won’t provide cover if you are participating in dangerous sports, so always speak to them BEFORE you participate or get extra cover with a specialist provider.
Evaluating and Understanding Coverage Options
Regardless of whether you choose to buy directly from an insurer or through a broker, consider the following when evaluating expat health insurance plans:
Coverage Scope: Ensure the policy covers a range of medical services, including emergencies, hospitalization, outpatient services, and possibly evacuation.
Geographical Coverage: Some policies offer global coverage, while others are region-specific. Choose according to where you'll be spending your time.
Exclusions and Limitations: Be aware of what the policy doesn’t cover. This can include pre-existing conditions or specific activities.
Premiums and Deductibles: Weigh the cost of the policy against the coverage it provides. Higher deductibles can lower your premiums but mean more out-of-pocket expenses during a claim.
Buying Directly from Insurers
We provide information on all the major insurance providers, so you can easily contact them whilst looking at what the best International health insurance policy is.
Purchasing a policy directly from an insurer has its advantages. Here's what you need to know:
Advantages of Purchasing Direct from an Insurance Company
Customization: Some insurers allow you to tailor your coverage to suit your individual needs.
Direct Communication: You have direct contact with the insurer for any queries or claims and can make sure that you re covered for what you need.
How to Buy Directly
Research: Visit our page on all the Insurance providers and contact them to see what they can provide for you
Get a quote: Start off with getting a quote from as many of the insurance companies as you can. You may be surprised to find the difference in price for the same level of cover
Compare Plans: Look at the details of each plan, including coverage limits, exclusions, deductibles, and premiums.
Contact the Insurer: Reach out to the insurer directly for any clarifications or to tailor your plan.
Application Process: Apply online or through the insurer’s telephone customer service.
Buying Through a Broker
We also provide a list of brokers in each country that you can buy from. Click here for a list of all the brokers available in your country or region.
An alternative to buying directly from an insurer is purchasing insurance through a broker. Brokers are professionals who can guide you through the selection process.
Advantages of Using a Broker
Expert Advice: Brokers have in-depth knowledge of various insurance products and can offer expert advice tailored to your situation.
Simplified Comparison: Brokers can compare different policies for you, saving you time and effort.
Assistance with Claims: Brokers often assist with the claims process, making it smoother for you.
No Extra Cost: Generally, brokers earn their commission from the insurer, so there's no direct cost to you.
How to Use a Broker
Find a Reputable Broker: Look for a broker with good reviews and experience in expat insurance.
Discuss Your Needs: Provide the broker with details about your healthcare needs and preferences.
Review Options: The broker will present you with a range of options. Review these carefully.
Broker Assists with Purchase: Once you’ve made your decision, the broker will guide you through the purchase process.
Additional Tips on Buying International Health Insurance
Read Reviews:
Look for customer feedback and reviews about the insurer or broker.
Check for Flexibility:
Your policy should be flexible enough to change as your circumstances do.
Understand the Claims Process:
Familiarize yourself with how to file a claim and the time it typically takes to process it.
