Facts About International Health Insurance

One of the things someone who is soon to become an expatriate or someone who is already an expatriate should give focus to is health insurance. Because of the increasing number of expats every single day, health insurance providers have also increased in number. This is why it might be difficult to choose which is right for you and your family, especially since health insurance providers usually only give an overview of their services. In order to find the right one, in-depth scrutiny is required and natural investigating instincts come in handy.

To help you find the right insurance provider, here are some tips to remember:


Analyze Your Healthcare Situation
Before you start scouting for a health insurance provider, it is best if you know what your situation is so you could have a set of requirements to look for. The element which has the most impact on your search for a proper health insurance is the span of time you will be spending abroad. You would not avail of an insurance which would cover a year's amount if you are only planning to spend a couple of weeks outside your country. For example, a 1.6 million USD annual plan is the perfect amount of insurance if you would be spending years outside your country. However, for someone who is only going on a short 2 week trip, something near the 25,000 USD mark would be more appropriate.


Your Target Location
Remote and high-risk locations like countries with high cases of terrorism should impel you to find an insurance which covers special packages such as evacuation. Your set of requirements should differ depending on the location you are heading. If you know you are going to a relatively peaceful and safe location, you should find an insurance that puts emphasis on hospitalization and basic medical attention rather than evacuation.


Customer Service
You will never know when you will need medical attention. Check if your preferred insurance provider offers customer care in the location you are heading. It might be hard to find one, but it is not impossible especially with call centers present around the entire globe.


Basic Features
Before you decide on one health insurance, you first have to know the features you need. Do not hesitate to ask potential insurance providers all the questions you need about their insurance services. Ask them about their payment options, plan renewals, and assistance offered while in other countries.


Special Features
Different people have different needs. Aside from the fact that expats moving to high-risk locations need evacuation packages, there are those who need special medical attention. Therefore, it would be best if you can find an insurance provider which allows your insurance some flexibility. You could opt to get the basic medical package but you could also get an insurance which also covers other aspects of health-related needs such as dental or maternity costs. It all depends on your situation including who you are bringing with you and if any of you were in need of special medical care.


International Health Insurance Packages
Listed below are the ideal packages depending on the length of one's trip:

1. Short trip Health Insurance package
A short trip health insurance package should amount between 25,000-30,000 USD. It would usually cover only the most basic medical attention and 24/7 customer support together with perhaps an evacuation package if you are in a high-risk location. Short-trip types of insurance schemes could also include trip cancellation or lost luggage protection.


2. 2 weeks to 6 months Trip
Longer trips should put more emphasis on special medical packages. Plans for such a trip should range from 100,000 to1,000,000 USD. It is advisable to find an insurance that covers costs for a family member to come to your care in case you should get hospitalized in your current location. Medical insurance for high-risk activities such as sky diving, skiing, bungee jumping, and scuba diving should also be included.


3. Long Trip
Long trips are usually defined as trips longer than six months. Insurance for long trips should approximately be worth more than one million USD (preferably $1.6 million) that covers all the basic and special features plus bigger medical benefits.


4. Trips for years at a time
If you are going to be abroad for more than a year at a time, perhaps it would be ideal if you get an insurance that covers an annual plan. Annual plans cover more than just the basic and special feature packages. This type of plan may include coverage for mental and maternal health, and at times, transplant coverage. Paying a premium every year is all it takes to maintain an annual health insurance plan. You will be covered by the plan wherever in the world you fancy visiting. This type, however, may be unobtainable by those who have prior health problems.