How to Buy International Health Insurance?
Buying International Healthcare Insurance, also known as Expat Health Insurance, is a crucial step for anyone planning to live, work, or retire abroad. As an expat, 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, which not only offers peace of mind, but covers any existing conditions is essential.
In this 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 and we have loads of other content about making your move abroad.
Understanding Expat 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:
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The length of your stay abroad.
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Pre-existing medical conditions.
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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.
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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.
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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 like us, consider the following when evaluating expat health insurance plans:
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- 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 vs. Using a Broker
While we’re both a comparison service and a broker, we also provide information on all the major insurance providers offering Expat Health Insurance. This gives you the flexibility to research them in detail as you search for the best international health insurance policy for your needs. And of course, one of our Expat Experts will be happy to guide you along the way!
Note that ExpatInsure do not charge for our service and the prices you receive will be the same as going direct.
Where do I start?
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Research: Visit our page on all the Insurance providers and to see what they can offer
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Get a quote: get a quote from us to compare prices across providers and get an indicative price
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Speak to an Expat Expert: spend some time with one of our experts. You may be surprised to find the difference in price for the same level of cover and they can help work out what’s most important for you
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Compare Plans: Look at the details of each plan, including coverage limits, exclusions, deductibles, and premiums.
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Application Process: Apply online or through the insurer\’s telephone customer service
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. Also check out our Jargon buster
Choosing the right expat healthcare insurance requires careful consideration of your personal needs and a thorough evaluation of available options.
Whether you decide to buy directly from an insurer or use the services of a broker, make sure you understand the terms, coverage, and costs involved. With the right plan in place, you can embark on your expatriate journey with confidence, knowing your health is well-protected.
