Alyssa Lane
If you're planning to live or work abroad for a year or more, it's important to ensure you have adequate health insurance coverage. Many health insurance plans do not cover international travel, and even if they do, the coverage may be limited to emergencies or require you to pay extra costs for being out-of-network. Before purchasing a separate travel insurance plan, it's worth checking with your current insurance provider to see if you're covered overseas and what limitations there may be. If your current plan doesn't provide adequate coverage, you can explore other options such as purchasing a comprehensive travel health insurance policy designed for long-term travellers or international health insurance as primary insurance. These plans can offer broader coverage for routine medical expenses, hospitalisation, surgeries, ambulance services, prescription medications, and more. Additionally, it is recommended to choose a plan that includes a 24/7 medical assistance benefit, which can be crucial in arranging medical evacuations or providing assistance with other travel-related problems.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who is it for? | Expats, frequent business travelers or individuals who spend significant periods of time living outside their home country. |
| What does it cover? | Hospitalization, surgeries, doctor office visits, ambulance services, prescription medications, medical evacuations, dental care, therapies, routine medical coverage, etc. |
| What else does it cover? | Legal troubles, lost passports or credit cards, etc. |
| How to get it? | Check with your insurance company to see if you have coverage abroad. If not, you can purchase travel insurance. |
| How much does it cost? | The price varies and is based on the destination, length of trip, traveler's age, amount prepaid, and how much coverage is desired. |
| What to do in case of a medical emergency? | Contact the insurer, pay expenses, and file a reimbursement claim. |
| What to do if your insurance doesn't cover overseas? | Consider purchasing a comprehensive travel health insurance policy meant for long-term travelers. |
| What if I have Medicare or Medicaid? | Medicare and Medicaid do not cover medical costs overseas. |
| What if I have private insurance? | Private insurance might or might not offer coverage overseas, depending on the plan. |
| What if I have employer-sponsored insurance? | Even if sudden illness or injury is covered, services are usually rendered on a pay-and-claim basis. |
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What You'll Learn
Check if your current insurance covers overseas
It is important to check if your current insurance covers you overseas. The U.S. government does not provide insurance for U.S. citizens overseas and does not pay for medical bills or unexpected medical costs. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover medical costs overseas. Private U.S. insurance policies may also not cover any or all expenses abroad.
The best way to find out whether your health insurance covers international travel is to contact your insurance provider. Ask the agent whether your emergency medical coverage extends outside of your home country, whether it covers pre-existing conditions, and how to proceed with a claim if your policy includes coverage abroad and you need medical services. If you have a specific trip in mind, it is worth checking the country information for your destination, as some countries require an import license or permit to travel with certain medications. You may also need to show proof of vaccination or other inoculations or medical tests.
If you are enrolled in an insurance plan through your place of employment or through the Health Insurance Marketplace, your coverage may extend to some international locations. For example, some Blue Cross Blue Shield plans cover international care in emergency situations, and their Florida Blue plans provide some overseas coverage if you hold a Florida Blue policy and you call to activate your BlueCard. GeoBlue plans, which can be purchased as an add-on to some existing insurance plans, offer a more complete set of benefits and access to services like emergency medical evacuation, which might not be covered by your regular plan.
If your current insurance does not cover you abroad, you may want to consider purchasing travel insurance. Travel insurance varies widely, so be sure to read the terms of the policy carefully to make sure it fits your needs. In addition to emergency medical insurance, you can choose to be covered for trip cancellation and interruption, weather, terrorism, travel and baggage delay, rental car damage, and more.
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Compare travel insurance policies
When comparing travel insurance policies, it is important to consider your specific needs and the type of trip you are taking. Here are some factors to keep in mind when reviewing different travel insurance policies:
Trip Details
The length of your trip is an important consideration when choosing a travel insurance policy. Single-trip medical travel insurance covers you for one specific trip, including any number of countries you visit, but once you return home, the coverage ends. On the other hand, multi-trip plans are designed for frequent travellers and provide coverage for multiple trips within a set period.
Coverage Options
Different travel insurance policies offer varying levels of coverage. Some key areas to look out for include trip cancellation, trip interruption, trip delays, missed connections, lost or delayed luggage, medical emergencies, medical evacuation, and repatriation. If you are engaging in any hazardous activities such as paragliding, skiing, or water sports, ensure you have the appropriate additional cover. Additionally, if you are travelling with expensive equipment or gadgets, consider a policy that covers loss or damage to these items.
Pre-existing Medical Conditions
If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, it is crucial to declare them when obtaining a quote for travel insurance. Not all providers will cover pre-existing conditions, so you may need to seek out specialist policies. Be sure to provide honest and accurate information about your medical history to avoid invalidating your policy.
Cost
The cost of travel insurance can vary depending on several factors, including your age, the length of your trip, and the total trip cost. It is advisable to compare quotes from multiple providers to find the most suitable policy for your budget. Remember that paying more for a policy does not always guarantee better coverage, so review the details of each plan carefully.
Customer Service and Support
Consider the level of customer service and support provided by the insurance company. Look for a company with a 24-hour contact line that can assist you and your medical providers overseas if needed. It is also beneficial to read customer reviews and ratings to gauge the quality of their services and claims handling.
Exclusions and Limitations
Be sure to carefully review the exclusions and limitations of each travel insurance policy. Understand what is and isn't covered, especially regarding medical emergencies, evacuation, and repatriation. Additionally, check if there are any geographical restrictions or limitations based on your country of residence.
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Consider long-term international health insurance
If you are planning to live, work, or travel abroad for a year or longer, it is important to consider long-term international health insurance. This type of insurance is designed specifically for expatriates and long-term travelers, providing comprehensive medical coverage while you are overseas.
Long-term international health insurance offers several benefits that can give you peace of mind during your time abroad. Firstly, it ensures that you have access to quality healthcare facilities and leading private medical treatment worldwide. This is especially important as healthcare systems abroad may differ significantly from what you are used to in your home country. With this insurance, you can rest assured that you will have access to the same level of care no matter where you travel, so long as the country you're moving to is within your chosen area.
Another advantage of long-term international health insurance is the range of comprehensive medical benefits it provides. These benefits typically include coverage for hospitalization, surgeries, physician office visits, ambulance services, prescription medications, and even dental care. Some plans may also offer additional benefits such as maternity care, cancer cover, and MRI scans. This comprehensive coverage ensures that you are protected financially in the event of unexpected illnesses or injuries during your time abroad.
When choosing a long-term international health insurance plan, it is important to consider your specific needs and budget. Plans can vary in terms of coverage, cost, and payment options. For example, you may have the option to pay your premium annually, quarterly, or monthly, and you may be able to reduce your premium by selecting a voluntary plan excess. Additionally, make sure to review the area covered by the plan, as some plans may exclude certain countries due to local insurance regulations or exchange controls.
Finally, it is essential to choose a reputable insurance provider with a good track record of providing efficient and reliable service. Look for companies that offer 24/7 emergency assistance services and have a user-friendly claims process. Reading reviews and comparing different plans on insurance comparison sites can help you make an informed decision. By considering long-term international health insurance, you can ensure that you and your family have the necessary medical coverage and support during your time abroad.
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Understand what's covered and what's not
Understanding what is covered and what is not is crucial when it comes to overseas medical insurance. Here are some key points to consider:
Firstly, it is important to note that your existing insurance plan may not cover you while you are abroad. This includes government-funded health plans such as Medicare and Medicaid, which generally do not provide coverage for medical costs outside of the United States. Therefore, it is essential to contact your insurance provider and inquire about the scope of your policy. Ask specific questions about overseas coverage, including whether it covers pre-existing conditions and emergency medical situations.
If your current insurance does not provide adequate coverage, you may need to purchase additional travel insurance or a separate travel health insurance policy. These policies can vary widely in terms of what they cover, so it is crucial to carefully review the terms and conditions before purchasing. Pay close attention to the specific benefits and exclusions listed in the policy. For example, some policies may only cover emergency medical treatment, while others may offer more comprehensive coverage, including medical evacuation and repatriation.
Additionally, be mindful of any limitations or restrictions on your coverage. For instance, some plans may have dollar-amount caps on specific benefits, giving the illusion of high coverage when, in reality, certain treatments may have much lower caps. Also, certain "accepted practices" in your destination country may be considered experimental or investigational by your insurance plan and, therefore, may not be covered.
Furthermore, understand the process for obtaining reimbursement for any medical expenses incurred overseas. In some cases, you may need to pay upfront for medical services and then seek reimbursement from your insurance company upon your return home. Keep detailed records of any medical treatment received, including itemized bills and receipts, as these will be necessary for submitting a claim.
Lastly, consider the specific country or region you are travelling to and review the relevant country information. Familiarize yourself with the local healthcare system and the typical costs of medical services in that country. This will help you assess whether your insurance coverage is sufficient and whether you need additional coverage. Additionally, look into whether your insurance company has a 24-hour contact line that you or your medical providers can reach in case of an emergency while abroad.
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Look for 24/7 assistance
When looking for medical insurance for overseas travel, it is important to consider the possibility of needing 24/7 assistance. This is because, no matter how unlikely, accidents and emergencies can happen, and the consequences can be severe. Overseas hospitals can be expensive, and the quality of care can vary. Therefore, it is important to ensure that your insurance provider can offer you assistance at any time of day or night.
Firstly, check that your insurance company has a 24-hour contact line. This will ensure that you can always reach them in an emergency, and that you can get the assistance you need as quickly as possible. This may include advice, referrals to local providers, or emergency medical evacuation. Some providers may also offer translation services over the phone, which could be useful if you encounter a language barrier when seeking medical care.
In addition to a 24-hour contact line, some insurance providers offer 24/7 emergency assistance services. These services can provide you with support and advice in an emergency, and may even be able to help you arrange medical treatment or evacuation. It is important to note that these services may have certain limitations, and you may need to follow their advice in order to be eligible for assistance or coverage.
When considering a 24/7 emergency assistance service, be sure to review the specific benefits and limitations of the policy. For example, some policies may only provide assistance if your medical claim exceeds a certain amount, or if you have received medical treatment in a specific country. It is also important to note that Medicare and Medicaid typically do not cover medical costs overseas, so you may need to purchase additional insurance if you are relying on these programs for your domestic coverage.
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Frequently asked questions
If you are a US citizen, the US government does not provide insurance for you overseas. You will need to buy insurance before you travel. You can search for medical travel policies on insurance comparison sites like Squaremouth, InsureMyTrip or Travel Guard. If you have existing insurance, check with your insurance company to see if you are covered overseas. If you are enrolled in a plan through your workplace, you may be covered. If you are not covered, you can purchase a comprehensive travel health insurance policy meant for long-term travellers.
Make sure your insurance company has a 24-hour contact line so that you can reach them in an emergency. Your travel health insurance plan should cover medical evacuations, which can be expensive. It should also cover hospitalisation and surgeries, as well as physician office visits, ambulance services, and prescription medications.
If your insurance covers you overseas, you may need to pay extra costs for being out-of-network or have limits on what will be covered (e.g. emergencies only). You may need to pay upfront and get reimbursed upon your return. If you are enrolled in Medicare or Medicaid, you are not covered outside of the US.
