Living as an expat offers exciting opportunities but also comes with significant responsibilities that cannot be ignored. To ensure peace of mind for you and your family, it's important to make preparations for essentials such as healthcare while abroad. The extended duration of your time away from home increases the potential risks you might encounter. Navigating the expat health insurance landscape requires careful consideration due to its complexities. Armed with preparation and knowledge, you can make informed decisions to safeguard your family's health. In this article, we offer insights into selecting the expat health insurance best suited to your needs.

Understanding expat health insurance

International coverage

Expat health insurance is designed to offer coverage beyond your home country, and often globally. It ensures that you receive quality medical care regardless of your location, providing peace of mind during your time abroad.

Comprehensive coverage

International health insurance policies typically cover a wide range of medical services, including hospital stays, outpatient care, prescription medications, and preventive services. Comprehensive coverage ensures you are protected in numerous scenarios.

Emergency evacuation

Consider policies that include emergency evacuation coverage. This means that you can choose to receive medical attention back in the US in situations where local healthcare facilities may not meet your needs.

Choosing the right plan

Assess Your Needs

Consider your health history, lifestyle, and the duration of your time away from home. Assessing your needs will help you determine the level of coverage required for your situation.

Research Providers

Research insurance providers with a strong reputation for serving expats. Look for companies with a global network of healthcare providers and a track record of efficiently handling claims for their international clients.

Compare Plans

Compare different plans to find one that aligns with your requirements and budget. Check the coverage limits, deductibles, and exclusions. Consider consulting an insurance advisor who specializes in expatriate coverage for personalized guidance.

Policy Flexibility

Opt for a policy that offers flexibility, allowing you to make adjustments as your circumstances change. This is particularly important for expatriates who may experience shifts in their healthcare needs over time.

Upfront payment or reimbursement

Choose between upfront treatment payment or reimbursement, and consider your preference and financial strategy. Upfront payment ensures immediate access, while reimbursement offers flexibility with initial out-of-pocket costs.

Tailoring your expat health plan 

Opt for a plan that lets you select facilities and benefits aligned with your family's needs, enhancing the adaptability of your healthcare coverage. Tailoring your healthcare plan ensures that you receive healthcare benefits aligned with your specific requirements and preferences.

Exclusions and limitations

Pre-existing conditions

Find out how pre-existing conditions are treated under the policy. Some plans may exclude pre-existing conditions, while others may offer coverage after a waiting period.

High-risk activities

Also find out about the policy's stance on high-risk activities. Certain plans may exclude coverage for injuries sustained during specific activities, such as extreme sports.

Coverage in your home country 

Expat health insurance typically offers limited coverage in the US (other than emergency evacuation cover), with restrictions on the number of days you’re allowed to spend there. These visits can't be solely for medical purposes, and additional deductibles or co-pays may apply. Duration varies by plan, ranging from 2 weeks to 6 months.

The importance of global coverage for expats

Expat health insurance is an investment for a secure and healthy life abroad. Opting for an expat plan over local healthcare addresses the challenge of navigating global variations in healthcare coverage. While arranging coverage for a single destination is straightforward, many expats are often mobile and tend to move around. Reliance on localized healthcare can be costly and leaves expats vulnerable to gaps in coverage precisely when they need it the most.