Making the decision to venture out abroad to live, work, or further your education can be both exciting and scary as you immerse yourself into an entirely new culture and way of life.
When moving to a new country, one thing you may consider is health insurance. Living abroad for an extended period of time means you will likely need to seek medical care at some point.
Getting healthcare without insurance while abroad, especially for an emergency, can be financially devastating. This is why it is so important for expats to have health insurance while living internationally.
What Is Expatriate Health Insurance?
Expat health insurance gives you and your family longterm access to healthcare and insurance coverage wherever you are in the world.
You can have peace of mind knowing that while living abroad as an expat, you will have coverage for costs associated with both routine and emergency medical care.
Expatriate health insurance can cover vital medical care including:
- Hospitalization
- Surgery
- Scans and testing
- Prescription medication
- Emergency medical evacuation
- Return of mortal remains
- Preventative care
- Maternity
- Mental health treatment
How Much Does Expat Health Insurance Cost?
The cost of expat health insurance will vary depending on a number of factors.
These factors can include:
- The plan you select
- Benefits offered
- Coverage for pre-existing conditions
- Your age
- Deductible
- Destination location
It's best to enter in your specific personal details and get a quote to compare plans and pricing. Typically, most expat health insurance plans are comparable in price to that of domestic health insurance plans.
Can You Use Your U.S. Health Insurance in Another Country?
Most U.S.-based health insurance plans do not offer coverage abroad, unless under vary rare circumstances. Even Medicare typically does not offer coverage outside of the United States and its territories.
In order to avoid a gap in coverage while living abroad, it is important to secure a health insurance plan that you can confidently rely on for medical coverage outside of the United States.
Do Expats Get Free Healthcare?
While some countries do suggest that they offer free healthcare for nationals, it isn't necessarily free. Free healthcare means that medical costs are built into other daily costs or taxes of its citizens.
Typically, expats aren't eligible for free healthcare in foreign countries where they aren't nationals, permanent residents, or citizens.
How Do Expats Get Health Insurance?
Expats can secure worldwide health insurance to cover them abroad through online insurance marketplaces such as VisitorsCoverage.
All you will need is some personal details about yourself, your family, and your stay to get a quote and buy a plan in just a matter of minutes.
What Is the Best Expat Health Insurance?
For expats, the best health insurance will include comprehensive coverage for both medical emergencies and routine care.
Depending on your personal medical history and current health, the best expat health insurance plan for you may differ from another expat. This is why it is important to compare plans and benefits to find the right coverage for your needs.
Is Health Insurance Required as an Expat?
Depending on the country you are living in, health insurance may be required as an expat. Be sure to check your destination country's laws to understand any requirements when it comes to medical coverage.
Even if health insurance isn't required, it is still highly recommended for expats for necessary protection when it comes to medical care, including for emergencies.
Secure Expat Coverage Today!
Ready to get covered for your expat adventure? Compare worldwide health insurance plans to find the policy that is right for your travels.