Expat Health Insurance vs. Travel Medical Insurance

When planning to live, work, or travel abroad, securing the right type of insurance is essential to protect your health and finances.

While both expat health insurance and travel medical insurance offer valuable coverage, they serve different purposes and are meant for different types of situations abroad.

Here are some of the key differences between expat health insurance and travel medical insurance and how to determine which type of insurance is the best fit for your needs.

What Is Expat Health Insurance?

Expat health insurance, also known as global or international health insurance, is designed for individuals and families living abroad for extended periods, whether for work, retirement, or long-term relocation.

This type of insurance provides comprehensive health coverage that goes beyond basic medical emergencies, offering access to healthcare services similar to what you would expect in your home country.

Key features of expat health insurance include:

• Comprehensive coverage for medical care, including inpatient and outpatient care, routine doctor visits, prescription medications, and preventative care
• Access to private healthcare abroad
• Customizable plans to fit your individual needs, including optional add-on coverage for specific types of care
• Coverage for chronic conditions, depending on the plan (read plan’s terms and policy wording for information regarding pre-existing and chronic condition coverage)
• Worldwide coverage

What Is Travel Medical Insurance?

Travel medical insurance is designed for short-term trips and primarily focuses on providing coverage for unexpected medical emergencies that can occur while traveling abroad.

This type of insurance can offer medical coverage if you have a new injury or illness while traveling and need to seek medical care.

Key features of travel medical insurance include:

• Emergency medical coverage for new injuries or illnesses that occur during one’s travels, including hospitalization, urgent care, emergency medical evacuation, and repatriation
• Trip-related benefits, including coverage for lost luggage, stolen travel documents, and border entry protection

Expat Health Insurance and Travel Medical Insurance Compared

Which Type of Policy Do You Need?

The purpose of your stay abroad and the duration of your stay will determine which type of health insurance coverage is right for you.

Choose expat health insurance if you are planning to live or work abroad for an extended period of time. This type of insurance is ideal for expats who need comprehensive medical coverage for all of their healthcare needs while living outside of their home country.

Choose travel medical insurance if you are taking a short trip, vacation, or traveling for a short time for business. Travel medical insurance is best suited for individuals who are traveling outside of their home country for a short period of time and need coverage for potential emergency medical situations that might occur while you’re away.

Ensuring the Right Coverage Abroad

Both expat health insurance and travel insurance serve important roles in protecting travelers and expats, but they cater to different needs. Understanding the scope of each type of insurance will help you make an informed decision that ensures you have the right level of coverage, whether you’re on a short adventure or settling into life in a new country.

Still have questions? Reach out to our Customer Success Team for further assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions