Jane Dotson
As a US expat, you may be wondering how to obtain medical insurance for your time abroad. This is a common concern, as healthcare in other countries can differ significantly from the US system, and you may need help navigating your options. Fortunately, there are several healthcare insurance options available to US expats, including international health insurance, expat health insurance, and travel insurance. These options can provide you with access to quality healthcare services and peace of mind during your time abroad.
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What You'll Learn
International health insurance plans
International expat health insurance can give you and your family access to quality medical care wherever you are in the world. It can be difficult to find English-speaking doctors outside of the US, but international health insurance providers can connect you to healthcare providers that speak your language. The cost of international expat insurance can differ based on your individual needs, as well as other influencing factors such as age and medical history.
There are many options for purchasing international health insurance plans, and these typically provide similar coverage to US-based options. You can buy an international health insurance plan or expat insurance online, either directly from an insurance company or through online marketplaces like Insubuy or International Citizens Insurance. It is recommended to use a comparison platform to review multiple plans, get free quotes, and compare their benefits side-by-side to find the one that meets your needs.
If you plan on returning to the US at some point in the future, it may make sense to continue maintaining Medicare Part B coverage while living abroad, as it can be expensive to repurchase this coverage after your benefits have lapsed. You should also check whether your comprehensive global insurance plan includes coverage in the USA, as some international health insurance policies do not cover the cost of hospital treatment in the US.
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Country-specific policies
Canada
Medicare may cover some medical costs in Canada in rare cases, such as emergencies during travel when the Canadian hospital is closer than the nearest US hospital. However, Medicare generally does not cover health care costs outside the US, so it is essential to have additional travel insurance or international health insurance.
Mexico
US expats in Mexico may consider enrolling in the public health system, IMSS, which offers affordable healthcare services. Additionally, private health insurance options are available, such as private hospitals and clinics, which can provide faster access to medical care.
European Countries
Many European countries have universal healthcare systems that cover both citizens and residents. US expats may be automatically enrolled in the national healthcare plan of the country they reside in and contribute through monthly payments. However, long wait times may be a concern, and private insurance can provide faster access to medical treatments.
Asian Countries
Asian countries vary in their healthcare systems, with some offering universal healthcare while others having more privatized systems. For example, Singapore has a public healthcare system with subsidized costs for citizens and permanent residents, while Malaysia has a dual-track system with public and private healthcare options. US expats should research the specific healthcare system of their Asian country of residence and consider purchasing international health insurance or enrolling in the public system if possible.
Australia and New Zealand
Both Australia and New Zealand have public healthcare systems that provide coverage for citizens, permanent residents, and eligible visa holders. US expats may be able to enroll in these public systems and access subsidized healthcare services. However, wait times can vary, and private health insurance can offer faster access to medical treatments.
When considering country-specific policies, it is essential to evaluate the quality of the public healthcare system, the cost of private healthcare, and the availability of international health insurance plans that can provide worldwide coverage, including the US.
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Worldwide healthcare policies
As a US expat, you will need to understand the importance of international health insurance while living abroad. The healthcare system in your new country of residence is likely to be different from the US system, and you may not be entitled to free or subsidised healthcare. International health insurance allows you to get access to healthcare and converge wherever you are.
If you plan to move to a country that doesn’t have a good public healthcare system, you may need to look into purchasing a private policy. The good news is that there are many options for purchasing international health insurance plans, and these plans typically provide similar coverage to US-based options. For many US expats living overseas, it makes sense to purchase a worldwide healthcare policy, which helps cover medical expenses regardless of where you are. While certain country-specific policies help cover the costs of travelling back to the United States for care, they may not pay for medical treatments once you’re back on US soil. While a worldwide policy may be more expensive, it can help protect you regardless of what country you’re in when you receive treatment.
If you plan on returning to the United States at some point in the future, it may make sense to continue maintaining Medicare Part B coverage while living abroad, as it can be expensive to repurchase this coverage after your benefits have lapsed. If you are over 65, consider pairing international health insurance with a Medicare Advantage Plan that offers limited travel coverage.
You can buy an international health insurance plan or expat insurance online, either directly from an insurance company or through online marketplaces like Insubuy or International Citizens Insurance. When browsing for expat health insurance, make sure to compare different policies and see whether you have the coverage you need and are comfortable with. To explore your options, you can use a comparison platform to review multiple plans, get free quotes, and compare their benefits side-by-side to find the one that meets your needs.
Depending on your country of residence and employment situation, you may be eligible to participate in a national, public healthcare plan. If you’re actively working for a company, you may even be automatically enrolled in the national plan. Typically, countries require you to pay monthly contributions to the plan in exchange for affordable access to healthcare in public hospitals and clinics.
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Travel insurance
If you're a US expat, it's important to have travel insurance in place when visiting another country or returning to the US for a short period. This is because, in the US, you're responsible for paying for any medical treatment you may need, and the costs can quickly add up.
When choosing a travel insurance plan, consider factors such as your age, the length of your trip, the policy maximum, and the deductible. The typical cost of travel insurance will vary depending on these factors. For younger travellers, a policy maximum of at least $250,000 is recommended, although $500,000 or more is preferred. If you're over 70, you can get up to $1 million in maximum coverage.
There are a few insurance providers that offer short-term travel medical insurance for US citizens living outside the US but visiting the country. Global Underwriters and American Visitor Insurance are two examples. American Visitor Insurance allows expats to compare different options and choose the best plan for their needs.
It's also worth noting that Medicare has limited travel medical coverage outside of the US, so you may need to purchase additional travel insurance to ensure you have adequate coverage during your trip.
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Public and private healthcare
The US healthcare system is comprised of both private and public sectors. However, public healthcare coverage is limited and reserved for older citizens with low incomes. The federal Medicare program is only available to retirees, while the Medicaid program is for the poorest citizens. Therefore, most US citizens and expats opt for private health insurance.
If you are a US expat, it is important to understand the healthcare system of your new country of residence. Depending on your country of residence and employment situation, you may be eligible to participate in a national, public healthcare plan. If you are actively working for a company, you may be automatically enrolled in the national plan. Typically, countries require you to pay monthly contributions to the plan in exchange for affordable access to healthcare in public hospitals and clinics.
However, if your new country of residence does not have a good public healthcare system, you may need to purchase a private policy. There are many options for purchasing international health insurance plans, which typically provide similar coverage to US-based options. A worldwide healthcare policy can help cover medical expenses regardless of where you are, although this option is more expensive. If you only plan to spend a short time in the US, you may wish to exclude it from your annual policy and purchase coverage for each visit.
International expat health insurance can give you and your family access to quality medical care worldwide. It can be especially useful if you are moving to a country where healthcare is very different from what you are used to, or if you are moving to a country where English is not widely spoken and finding an English-speaking doctor could be difficult. Expat health insurance can also help bridge the gap if you are not entitled to free or subsidised healthcare as a foreign national.
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Frequently asked questions
US expats can get medical insurance by purchasing an international health insurance plan. These plans typically provide similar coverage to US-based options and can be purchased online, either directly from an insurance company or through online marketplaces like Insubuy or International Citizens Insurance.
International expat health insurance provides access to quality medical care wherever you are in the world. It can help bridge the gap between the healthcare you are used to and the healthcare standards in your new country, which may be very different. It also ensures that, as a foreign national, you can access healthcare services without having to pay expensive fees.
Cigna Global and Bupa are two of the biggest players in the market, offering extensive lists of medical services and being the easiest to file claims with. Cigna Global offers round-the-clock access to multilingual help centres and access to 1.5 million hospitals and doctors across 200 countries. Bupa offers four plans with max coverage limits ranging from 1 million to 3 million pounds.
