Your Guide To Getting International Health Insurance
Buying International Health Insurance (also known as Expat Health Insurance) is a vital step for anyone planning to live, work, or retire abroad. Every country has its own healthcare system, and without the right coverage, you could face serious challenges. The right plan gives you peace of mind and protection — even for pre-existing conditions.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to buy expat health insurance, whether directly from an insurer or through a broker. You’ll also find plenty of other useful resources on the site to help make your move abroad smoother.
Understanding Expat Health Insurance
International health insurance provides comprehensive medical coverage for people living outside their home country — commonly known as expats. Unlike short-term travel insurance, it’s designed for long-term stays and includes chronic condition management, preventive care, routine check-ups, and emergency treatment.
Choosing the right expat health insurance should be a top priority before moving abroad. For up-to-date advice checkout our pages on visa requirements, policy updates, and our Expat Healthcare Blog.
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 or just single destination. 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.
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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.
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Not sure what’s considered reasonable for premiums and deductibles? Our detailed guide on how much expat health insurance costs provides real pricing examples by age and country, helping you benchmark quotes and understand what to expect for your situation.
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Buying Directly from Insurers vs. Using a Broker
At ExpatInsure, we’re both a comparison site and a broker, so you get the best of both worlds. We give you access to all the major expat health insurance providers and the freedom to explore your options — plus, our friendly Expat Experts are here to guide you every step of the way.
And the best part? Our help is completely free. You’ll pay exactly the same price as if you went to an insurer directly.
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Where to Start
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- Get a quote – Compare prices and plans to get a feel for what fits your needs and budget.
- Chat with an Expat Expert – We’ll help you understand the differences between plans and find what really matters for you.
- Compare your options – Look at coverage, exclusions, deductibles, and premiums side by side.
- Apply and relax – Apply online or through the insurer, and you’re good to go!
How much does expat health insurance cost?
The cost varies depending on your age, the country you are moving to, the level of cover you choose and whether you include add-ons such as dental or maternity cover. Younger, healthy applicants moving to lower-cost markets will typically pay less than older applicants moving to higher-cost destinations. Rather than quoting a figure that may not reflect your situation, ExpatInsure compares plans from leading international insurers and can help you find the right cover at the right price for your specific circumstances.
Can I get expat health insurance with a pre-existing condition?
Yes, in many cases — but the options vary depending on the condition, your age and the insurer. Some plans exclude pre-existing conditions entirely. Others cover them after a waiting period, or use a moratorium underwriting approach where conditions may become covered over time. A smaller number of specialist plans offer full medical underwriting that covers pre-existing conditions from day one. ExpatInsure can help you understand which plans are available for your situation and what each one covers.
Do I need health insurance to move abroad?
In many countries, yes. Private health insurance is a legal requirement for a wide range of visa types around the world, and the specific requirements vary by country and visa. Even where it is not legally required, relying on a country’s public healthcare system without private cover as a new arrival carries significant financial risk — particularly during the period before you have established residency or access to local healthcare services.
What is the difference between travel insurance and expat health insurance?
Travel insurance is designed for short trips – it covers emergencies and unexpected events for a limited period. Expat health insurance is designed for long-term living abroad – it covers routine care, specialist appointments, hospitalisation, prescription medication and ongoing condition management over an extended period. If you are moving abroad rather than visiting, travel insurance will not meet your visa requirements and will leave significant gaps in your coverage.
Does Medicare cover me when living abroad?
No. Medicare does not cover healthcare outside the United States in almost all circumstances. If you receive medical care abroad, Medicare will not pay for it regardless of which part you are enrolled in. Americans moving abroad need to arrange separate international health insurance from the point they leave the US. If you are approaching 65, consider carefully whether to maintain Medicare Part B while living overseas, as dropping it creates a permanent re-enrolment penalty of 10% for every year of non-enrolment.
Should I buy expat health insurance directly from an insurer or use a broker?
Using a specialist broker gives you access to plans from multiple insurers side by side, so you can compare coverage, exclusions, deductibles and premiums without researching each insurer individually. A broker can also help you identify which plans meet the specific requirements of your visa application – requirements that vary by country and are easy to get wrong. The cost is the same whether you buy directly or through a broker.
Additional Tips for Buying International Health Insurance
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Read Our Reviews: Check what other customers say about us and the insurers we work with
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Look for Flexibility: Choose a plan that can adapt as your circumstances change.
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Know the Claims Process: Understand how to file a claim, how long it takes and what to do in an emergency
Selecting the right expat health insurance takes a bit of research, but it’s worth it. Whether you buy directly or through a broker, make sure you understand the coverage, costs, and terms. With the right plan, you can start your life abroad confidently, knowing your health is protected.