Jane Dotson
Whether you're travelling abroad for business or pleasure, it's important to consider how you'll be covered in the event of a medical emergency. While some primary insurance plans may cover you overseas, this is not always the case, and you may have to pay extra costs for being out-of-network or face limits on what is covered. If your insurance doesn't provide coverage abroad, you may need to purchase travel insurance, which typically covers medical emergencies, as well as non-medical benefits like lost luggage or cancellations. For longer stays, you may need to look into international health insurance, which can provide long-term cover for private medical treatment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| UK private medical insurance covers health abroad | No |
| Options for protecting health while abroad | Local healthcare system, international health insurance, or travel insurance |
| Travel insurance | Covers medical emergencies, cancellations, lost property, travel delays, baggage delay, etc. |
| International health insurance | Provides long-term cover for private medical treatment, both urgent and non-urgent |
| International health insurance | Access to private hospitals, emergency care, repatriation, etc. |
| International health insurance | AXA Global Healthcare offers five levels of cover, including optional upgrades such as dental and outpatient cover |
| Freedom Worldwide international health insurance | Offers cover in Europe, worldwide excluding the USA, and worldwide including the USA |
| Primary insurance plans | May cover overseas, but may have to pay extra costs for being out-of-network or have limits on what will be covered |
| Government-funded health plans | May not cover overseas costs |
| Medicare | Generally doesn't cover healthcare while travelling outside the US |
| Medicare Part B | May pay for inpatient hospital, doctor, and ambulance services in a foreign country in rare cases |
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What You'll Learn
Travel insurance
Typically, private health insurance does not cover medical treatment abroad. However, you can still protect yourself by purchasing travel insurance, which is specifically designed to cover medical emergencies and other unexpected incidents like cancellations, loss or theft of personal belongings, travel delays, and missed transport.
The price of travel insurance varies depending on the destination, length of the trip, the traveller's age, the amount prepaid, and the desired amount of coverage. It is important to note that travel insurance is usually suitable for short trips abroad, ranging from a few days to a few months. If you are planning to relocate abroad for a prolonged period (usually 12 months or more), you may need to purchase international health insurance to cover your long-term health needs.
Before purchasing travel insurance, it is essential to review the country information for your destination and understand the local policies and requirements for healthcare. Some countries may have specific entry requirements, such as carrying an International Certificate of Vaccination (Yellow Card) or showing proof of other inoculations or medical tests. Additionally, certain medications that are legal in your home country may be prohibited in your destination country, so it is crucial to check with the foreign embassy to ensure your medications are permitted.
When selecting a travel insurance provider, ensure they have a 24-hour contact line so that you or your medical provider can reach them if needed. It is also recommended to make two copies of all your travel documents, including insurance information, and leave one copy with a trusted contact. This will help ensure that you have access to the necessary information and support in case of an emergency while abroad.
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International health insurance
If you are planning to travel abroad, it is important to understand what your health insurance covers. While you may have health insurance in your home country, it may not cover you internationally. Even if it does, it may not include benefits for medical expenses incurred internationally. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check with your insurance company to establish what kind of coverage you have.
If your health insurance does not provide coverage abroad, you can consider purchasing international health insurance or travel insurance. International health insurance is designed to provide long-term cover for private medical treatment, both urgent and non-urgent, when living, studying, or working abroad for a duration beyond the typical scope of travel insurance (usually 12 months or more). It can also be purchased as primary insurance for expats or someone relocating to another country for an extended period of time (6 months or longer). These plans are comprehensive and include added features such as preventive services, acupuncture, chiropractic care, and maternity benefits. They also include medical evacuation services, which can be expensive and complicated to arrange yourself.
On the other hand, travel insurance is designed for shorter trips, typically ranging from a few days to a few months. It covers various risks and expenses associated with travelling, such as cancellations, medical emergencies, loss of personal belongings, and legal liability. It can also include medical evacuation and repatriation coverage. The price of travel insurance varies based on factors such as destination, length of trip, traveller's age, amount prepaid, and desired level of coverage.
Before purchasing any insurance plan, it is important to understand your needs and the specific coverage offered by the plan. Additionally, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with the local policies and requirements for healthcare in the country you are visiting or relocating to. This will ensure that you have the appropriate coverage and are prepared for any medical situation that may arise during your time abroad.
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Local healthcare systems
State health insurance providers, such as those in Belgium, France, or the Netherlands, offer access to local private facilities and shorter waiting times for treatment. Local private insurance plans can be useful in cases where the local healthcare system has limitations. For example, the USA is known for high hospital costs.
Before relocating, it is essential to familiarise yourself with the local policies on healthcare and make the necessary arrangements. Checking the requirements for healthcare in the country you are moving to is crucial before taking out international health insurance. International health insurance is designed to provide long-term cover for private medical treatment, both urgent and non-urgent, when living, studying, or working abroad for extended periods. It offers flexibility and peace of mind, ensuring that you always have somewhere to turn for help, whether in your country of residence, your home country, or any country you travel to abroad.
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Emergency coverage
Private medical insurance may or may not offer coverage overseas, depending on the plan you have. It is always best to contact your insurance provider to find out whether your emergency medical coverage extends outside of your country of residence. If your insurance does not cover you abroad, you may need to purchase travel insurance or international health insurance.
Travel insurance is designed for short trips, ranging from a few days to a few months, and covers various risks and expenses associated with travelling abroad, including emergency medical treatment. If you are travelling for a longer period of time, such as 12 months or more, you may need to purchase international health insurance, which provides long-term cover for private medical treatment, both urgent and non-urgent.
If you are a US citizen, Medicare usually doesn’t cover healthcare while you’re travelling outside the US. However, there are some exceptions, including some cases where Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) may pay for services that you get on board a ship within the territorial waters adjoining the USA. Medicare may also pay for inpatient hospital, doctor, and ambulance services in a foreign country in rare cases, for example, if you are in the US when a medical emergency occurs, and the foreign hospital is closer than the nearest US hospital that can treat your medical condition.
If you are a UK citizen, your UK health insurance policy typically won't provide cover for medical treatment abroad. However, you may be able to use the local healthcare system of the country you are visiting or buy an international private health insurance policy in the UK.
If you are travelling abroad, it is important to understand what medical services your health insurance will cover overseas. In case of a medical emergency, contact your insurer, pay any expenses, and file a reimbursement claim.
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Pre-existing conditions
If you have a pre-existing condition, it is very important to be honest and provide accurate information on any insurance applications to avoid rejected claims or a cancelled policy. A pre-existing condition is a medical problem or symptom(s) for which you have received medical treatment, diagnosis, or advice before you sign up for or apply for a health insurance policy. According to Investopedia, there are two types of pre-existing conditions: the "objective standard" definition and the "prudent person" definition. Under the “objective standard” definition, a pre-existing condition is any condition for which the patient has already received medical advice or treatment before enrollment in a new medical insurance plan. Under the broader "prudent person" definition, a pre-existing condition is anything for which symptoms were present, and a prudent person would have sought treatment.
If you are travelling abroad, it is important to take out travel insurance before you go, which covers existing physical or mental health conditions (including those currently under investigation) and any activities you will be doing while you are away. If you do not have appropriate insurance before you travel, you could be liable for emergency expenses, including medical treatment, which may cost thousands of pounds.
If you are an expatriate relocating abroad for a prolonged period (usually at least 12 months), you might choose to purchase international health insurance to cover your long-term health while living outside your home country. With international health insurance, you can access private hospitals in your country of residence to treat medical acute conditions and even emergency care and repatriation. However, international health insurance plans, expatriate health plans, or global medical health insurance will be medically underwritten, meaning a medical underwriter working for the insurance company will review your medical history and determine if they can insure you.
If you are moving abroad, it is important to consider your insurance needs carefully. Local law may require you to have medical insurance, including as part of a visa application, and you can buy insurance from local providers abroad. You should always check policies carefully, including whether you could transfer medical cover if you relocate to other countries in the future.
If you have a pre-existing condition, there are several options for securing international health insurance coverage. One option is to participate in a large group insurance policy. If that is not possible, you may be able to find an insurance company that will cover your pre-existing condition with a higher annual premium. This happens when the insurance provider determines that a higher premium will offset enough financial risk from covering the medical condition during the underwriting process. Expat medical insurance companies may also choose to cover a pre-existing condition but provide a lower limit on the benefits that can be claimed related to the pre-existing condition. This decision will be made during underwriting. It is important to remember that declined coverage from one expat health insurance provider does not mean that all insurance companies will decline coverage. Insurance brokers can help expats with pre-existing conditions find and compare policies from different international insurance companies at no cost.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the insurance plan you have. UK health insurance policies typically don't provide cover for medical treatment abroad. However, some primary insurance plans may cover you overseas, but you may have to pay extra costs for being out-of-network or have limits on what is covered. It is best to contact your insurance provider to find out if your plan includes coverage abroad.
If your private medical insurance does not cover you abroad, you can consider purchasing travel insurance. Travel insurance typically covers medical emergencies, cancellations, loss or theft of personal belongings, travel delays, and medical evacuation and repatriation.
If you are relocating abroad for a prolonged period (usually 12 months or more), you might choose to purchase international health insurance to cover your long-term health. With international health insurance, you can access private hospitals in your country of residence to treat medical acute conditions and even emergency care and repatriation.
