Global medical insurance is a great solution for individuals who are working or living abroad for an extended period of time and need health insurance coverage during their stay. While travel medical insurance also offers coverage for trips abroad, there are key differences between the two.
What Is Global Medical Insurance?
Global medical insurance is a way for travelers to stay physically and financially protected while living or working internationally. It offers comprehensive medical coverage including insurance for healthcare, emergency care, emergency medical evacuation, preventative care, maternity care, and more.
Global medical insurance is best suited for:
- Those who are living or working for a long period of time outside of their home country.
- Expatriates (also known as expats) living or working abroad for long periods of time.
- International travelers on deputation who need coverage while they are working overseas but also traveling back to their home country for short periods of time.
- People who will be working in different countries at a time, such as traveling bloggers or vloggers.
Global medical insurance policies have PPO networks worldwide and you will have access to all of your medical needs at those providers. When you go to a new country, you'll be covered if you get sick or need medical attention. Once you're a member, you can reach your insurance company for assistance from anywhere in the world.
What Is Travel Medical Insurance?
Travel medical insurance is designed to help you cover the costs of unexpected medical expenses. Travel medical insurance is intended for people who are traveling for a short time and who know exactly when they are traveling and returning home.
Travel medical insurance is best suited for:
- Traveling for holiday
- Visiting family
- Taking short business trips out of home country
- Those visiting the USA from abroad
Does My Domestic Healthcare Plan Cover Me Abroad?
Typically, domestic healthcare plans do not offer coverage internationally. Check with your current healthcare provider to see what options are available for international coverage. If no coverage is available abroad, it’s crucial to secure a global health insurance plan that will offer coverage for any medical care you need.
Which Do You Need: Travel Medical or Global Health Insurance?
When considering global medical insurance vs. travel medical insurance, consider how long you will be staying in your new country and what the purpose of your trip is.
If you are moving abroad for an extended period of time and plan on living or working in a new country, global or expat health insurance is more suitable for you.
If you are just visiting a country abroad for a short-term period, travel medical insurance is the right choice for health coverage.
Who Needs Global Health Insurance?
Global health insurance is ideal for a variety of different situations that include living or working abroad, described below.
Global Medical Insurance for International Employees
International employees working outside of their home country for most of the year but who come back home for a few months would benefit from global medical insurance since it's similar to domestic insurance policies. You'd only need one policy for international coverage.
Global employees will enjoy having access to medical attention in countries where you may not be familiar with the healthcare system, giving you a global peace of mind.
Global Medical Insurance for Companies and Businesses
Global medical insurance is a cost-saving solution for employees because companies don't need to spend extra on domestic insurance plans. With one global plan, employers can cover their employees worldwide. Additionally, global travelers on deputation don't have to wait for paperwork which means less hassle and more convenience.
Global Medical Insurance for Expatriates
Global medical insurance is also suited for expatriates, or expats, who are living or working abroad for an extended period of time. Global medical insurance for expats will ensure that you are protected in the event that you need medical care while away from your home country.
Stay Protected With Global Medical Insurance
Global medical policies offer more coverage compared to travel medical insurance because they cover pre-existing medical conditions. Thus, you only need one policy to cover you across the globe. Having one policy means you will save money by removing the need to buy domestic insurance.
With their ease of use and global coverage, you'll have peace of mind during your time abroad. Have questions? Reach out to our Customer Success Team today.
