What Is Global Health Insurance & What Does It Cover?

What Is Global Health Insurance & What Does It Cover?

Whether you’re living abroad as a retiree or are taking advantage of the digital nomad lifestyle, one important aspect of taking up residence overseas is healthcare.

If you’re gearing up for a global adventure, consider your medical coverage and how this will be affected by living outside of your home country. Health coverage is essential to avoid costly medical expenses out-of-pocket, and a global health insurance plan can help those staying abroad long-term to remain covered wherever they are in the world.

Did you know? Most U.S. domestic health insurance plans do not offer coverage internationally.

What Is Global Health Insurance?

Global health insurance is a long-term medical insurance solution for both individuals and their families who are living or working abroad for extended periods of time. 

As opposed to travel medical insurance, global health insurance is designed to act like a domestic health insurance plan while you are living or working overseas, covering your medical care where your domestic health insurance otherwise wouldn’t cover you.

What Does Global Health Insurance Cover?

Global health insurance covers eligible medical expenses incurred internationally.

While coverage can vary from plan to plan, global health insurance typically covers:

  • Preventative care
  • Medical services
  • Emergency medical care
  • Emergency medical evacuation
  • Mental health assistance
  • Maternity care
Compare global health insurance policies to find a plan that offers the benefits you need. Certain riders can typically also be added to your insurance plan to fill any gaps in coverage.

What Is Global Health Insurance For?

Global health insurance is valuable for anyone who is living or working outside of their home country and would like to have comprehensive medical coverage.

Global health insurance is ideal for:

Does Global Health Insurance Cover Families?

Global health insurance plans do offer the ability to add your spouse and dependents to your coverage if they are moving abroad with you. 

Does Global Health Insurance Cover Preventative Care?

Preventative care is a benefit of global health insurance. There may be some limitations and exclusions to be aware of, so it’s important to read a policy’s coverage details to see what kind of preventative care may be covered under your plan.

Does Global Health Insurance Cover Mental Health?

Global health insurance does typically offer coverage for mental health services, however, there may be a waiting period for these benefits to take effect. 

For example, you may need to wait 12 months after your coverage begins in order to be eligible to receive mental health coverage.

Does Global Health Insurance Cover Pregnancy?

Maternity care can be included in global health insurance coverage if the pregnancy occurs during the effective dates of coverage.

There may be a waiting period for maternity care to take effect, so it’s important to check with your insurance provider to understand when you may be eligible for these benefits.

Where to Buy Global Health Insurance

Global health insurance can be purchased online through trusted travel insurance providers such as VisitorsCoverage.

Stay protected abroad and compare global health insurance plans or contact our Customer Success Team for further assistance.