Global Expat Health Insurance: What it is, and how it works

How does expat medical insurance work?

International expat health insurance works by limiting how much you would otherwise have to pay for expensive medical care abroad. Here’s how it will typically look when you arrange for services and make a claim:

1. You’ll find and sign up for a health plan that fits your needs.

2. Then, when you need treatment or health services, you’ll contact your insurer.

3. They’ll liaise with good quality healthcare providers near you to arrange guarantee of payment and check that the treatment is covered by your policy.

4. You’ll use the medical facilities, whether it’s a hospital or a clinic.

5. Your insurer will either pay your medical provider directly , reimburse your provider via an invoice, or you may be reimbursed after paying the costs yourself.

The regular upkeep and terms of your health insurance can vary depending on the provider and the plan you choose. This is often how health insurance works in a nutshell:

• You’ll pay a premium, which is usually a monthly fee to keep up your insurance plan.

• You may have a deductible. This is a sum of money that you would have to contribute to medical services each year before your health plan helps to pay. You can often choose how much you’d like this to be, which can influence the cost of your premiums.

• After you meet your deductible, you’ll share the costs with your health plan. This is called ‘coinsurance’, where you’ll agree to pay a share of eligible costs that equal 100 percent. For instance, your coinsurance contribution could be 20 percent, which means your health plan would cover the other 80 percent of your medical services.

• Routine care usually costs nothing. Compared to the large fees it could cost if you had to pay for services abroad on your own, preventative healthcare is often covered for you. This may include medical services such as check-ups, flu shots, children’s vaccinations and some types of wellness screenings.

• Some plans may require copayments. Depending on your insurance plan, this is a flat fee you might have to pay at the time of your medical visit or when you pick up a prescription. Copays cover your portion of the cost of the medical care.

Who is international health insurance for?

International health insurance is for anyone working and living abroad for an extended period, or where your employer does not provide health insurance as part of your contract. Professionals, families and students can benefit from health insurance for expats, giving access to worldwide healthcare at the drop of a hat.

• Working expats. If you’ve moved countries for work and you’re not yet a legal resident or citizen.

• Digital nomads. If you travel from place to place while working remotely or as a freelancer.

• Seasonal worker. If you’re in short-term employment abroad and wish to access a broad range of high-quality healthcare.

• Students. Get international coverage while studying abroad.

• Retirees. Enjoy peace of mind with international healthcare wherever you settle down for retirement.

Healthcare standards are known to vary widely in different countries. When you move abroad, medical treatment may be different compared to what you’re used to from home. It may be less convenient too.

What’s more, as foreign nationals, you and your household are not likely to be entitled to any free or subsidised healthcare. Expat health insurance can help bridge the gap.