Make sure you research international health insurance coverage before moving abroad
Moving abroad can be an exciting and life-changing experience for you and your family. If you are going abroad to study, work, travel, or retire, you must prepare for life’s overseas challenges, including healthcare. Unfortunately, many expats do not adequately research international healthcare coverage options before departure. Some even think that their domestic plan will cover their health expenses overseas. In this article, we will discuss the importance of international health insurance, healthcare costs abroad in general, and how to obtain a healthcare insurance quote online.
Moving Abroad Checklist for international health insurance coverage
Will Your Domestic Insurance Plan Cover You Abroad?
The short answer is probably no, but you should always check the fine print first. For most Canadians living abroad for more than six months, your provincial medical plan coverage will probably stop covering you. When it does, it will only pay a fraction of the overseas treatment and no evacuation costs. For most other nationalities, your domestic health plans will not pay for medical treatment you incur while abroad. That travel medical plan can probably cover you up to six months or a year, but only for emergency expenses, not out-patient care, wellness, cancer treatment, and much more. So it is usually best to assume the worst and plan for the best. And that is by buying a comprehensive global health policy.
Why Is International Health Coverage Important?
Healthcare systems operate differently worldwide. Most countries have public and private medical facilities. In many states, local health care plans may only cover a small amount of medical specialist treatment and prescriptions. Despite the overall quality of medical facilities, medical emergency evacuation is vital for expats. No matter you are residing in a country with limited medical services or a highly developed country, the cost of ambulances, helicopters, traveling medical care, and planes can be incredibly high if you do not have an adequate evacuation plan.
Expatriates should obtain international healthcare coverage before departure. Such policies can provide you and your expat family with a flexible and worldwide service. It offers direct payment so that you do not need to worry about any out-of-pocket medical expenses.
Healthcare Costs Overseas
Global researchers report that medical costs have been increasing rapidly. In many countries around the world, private medical treatment is becoming more and more expensive. And medical costs for expatriates have also increased. For expats who want to use the private medical system, you must have expat health insurance coverage.
What If I Didn’t Purchase an International Health Insurance Plan?
Well, you should obtain a quote and get international healthcare coverage right away. If you have a global health plan, do not cancel it until your new policy is active.
It is similar to Pre-existing Conditions Coverage for Expats. If you have a pre-existing medical condition that is covered by an existing expat health plan, think very carefully before canceling that plan. Perhaps keep it in place as a new individual policy as it requires medical underwriting by the new insurance provider.
How To Obtain Health Insurance Quote Online?
Expat Financial offers various high quality and affordable international health insurance plans for expatriates living abroad, and obtaining a quote is very easy. We also provide excellent service before and after you purchase your international health insurance plan as TFG Global Insurance Solutions Ltd, which owns and operates Expat Financial, acts as your independent advocate. Our firm is also very experienced in sourcing group plans for multinational firms with expats. If you have questions about our international medical insurance plans or you, want to discuss your needs and produce a customized quote, please contact us or complete the quote form.