The first step is to establish who is actually carrying the healthcare risk while you are overseas. If you are employed, your company may already provide a medical scheme, but that scheme may only be valid for employees resident in a particular country.
This guide is general information only. Health insurance rules, visa requirements and underwriting decisions can change, so always check current requirements before applying.
What expats need to know
The first step is to establish who is actually carrying the healthcare risk while you are overseas. If you are employed, your company may already provide a medical scheme, but that scheme may only be valid for employees resident in a particular country. If you are self-employed or working through your own company, you will usually need to arrange cover yourself.
Ask your employer for the policy wording rather than a short benefits summary. You need to know whether overseas residence is permitted, whether routine care abroad is covered, whether dependants are included, how claims are paid and whether treatment in your destination is direct billed or reimbursed. You should also confirm that the remote working arrangement itself has been approved from a legal, tax and HR perspective.
Then check visa or residence rules. A remote work visa may require private medical insurance for the full period of stay. In some countries, local enrolment may still be required even if you have international cover. Do not assume a policy that looks strong medically will automatically satisfy local paperwork.
International health insurance can be useful because it is designed for people living outside their home healthcare system. Depending on the plan, it can include hospital treatment, outpatient care, diagnostics, prescriptions, mental health support and evacuation.
ExpatInsure helps remote workers compare suitable options and avoid relying on cover that was never designed for long-term overseas living. For additional practical content, follow ExpatInsure on Facebook and use r/expathealthinsurance for specialist expat health insurance discussion.
Compare expat health insurance before you buy
Every destination, medical history and family situation is different. ExpatInsure can help you compare international health insurance options, understand the wording and avoid choosing on price alone. Start your quote or book a call before making a decision.
Helpful ExpatInsure resources
- Worldwide health insurance requirements
- Expat country guides
- How to buy international health insurance
- How to compare international health insurance
- Start an ExpatInsure quote
- Book a call with an ExpatInsure specialist
More expat health insurance questions?
For ongoing updates, follow ExpatInsure on Facebook. For specialist discussion topics and community-style explainers, visit r/expathealthinsurance.
FAQs
How Do I Get Health Insurance as a Remote Worker Overseas?
The first step is to establish who is actually carrying the healthcare risk while you are overseas. If you are employed, your company may already provide a medical scheme, but that scheme may only be valid for employees resident in a particular country.
What should I check before choosing cover?
Check the country of residence, area of cover, medical history questions, exclusions, deductible, hospital access, claims process and any visa or residency wording required by the destination country.
Where can I ask more questions?
You can compare options through ExpatInsure, follow ExpatInsure on Facebook for updates, or use r/expathealthinsurance for specialist expat health insurance discussion prompts.
