As an expat living outside of your native country temporarily, it is important to remain covered under a health insurance plan while abroad. International health insurance for expats is also referred to as worldwide health insurance, as it covers you while you are living outside of your home country abroad. It also provides coverage worldwide, meaning you can travel to multiple different countries and still remain covered under one international health insurance plan.
Is Expat Medical Insurance Necessary?
If you’re an expat living abroad or traveling from country to country, chances are that your domestic health insurance plan would not provide coverage in the event of an illness or injury. Without proper medical coverage, you’ll end up paying out-of-pocket for medical care if you require treatment when abroad. Depending upon the country you are traveling to, uninsured medical treatment will likely be extremely expensive and difficult for most to pay for outright. For example, medical costs in the United States are exorbitant without proper insurance coverage.
Aside from the financial burden you may face if you seek treatment abroad without insurance, there is also the risk of your personal health. If you have to put off doctor visits or health care due to lack of coverage, your health may suffer. Since expats are typically abroad for an extended period of time, it’s important to have health insurance to ensure that you can seek the medical care that you may need without fear of breaking the bank.
What Does Expat Medical Insurance Cover?
Expat medical insurance will cover a multitude of health care treatment and services such as hospital visits, ambulances, consultations, psychiatric treatment, maternity care, emergency dental, and more. Your exact coverage will depend upon the worldwide health insurance plan that you choose – some have more benefits than others. You’ll also be able to decide upon a plan based on your desired coverage amount.
Benefits of expat medical insurance include:
- Medical coverage worldwide
- Medical assistance
- Translation services
- Ambulance services
- Preventative care coverage
- Emergency dental
- Surgical treatment
Best International Health Insurance for Expats
The following worldwide health insurance plans are recommended for expatriates and their families who are living abroad for extended periods of time.
Global Medical Insurance
Limited Coverage Plan
Global Medical Insurance is a limited coverage worldwide health insurance plan that provides coverage for individuals who are living outside of their home country for an extended period of time and their families. Services such as physician visits, maternity care, cancer treatment, vaccinations, dental care and more can be covered under this plan.
Plan Highlights
- COVID-19 Coverage
- Policy maximum up to $8,000,000
- Covers up to $8,000,000 for emergency evacuation
- Covers up to $50,000 for return of mortal remains
- Covers vision exams up to $100 and vision materials up to $150 per 24 months
- Optional add-on: Global Term Life Insurance, Global Daily Indemnity, Maternity (Silver, Gold & Gold Plus options), Terrorism (Platinum option), Sports (Gold Plus & Platinum option), Dental & Vision (Silver, Gold & Gold Plus options)
Cigna Global Health
Limited Coverage Plan
Cigna Global Health is a limited coverage worldwide health insurance plan for individuals and their families who are living outside of their home country for an extended period of time. This plan provides coverage for medical treatment and services.
Plan Highlights
- Benefit Maximum Tiers: Silver, Gold, Platinum
- Covers advanced medical imaging (MRI, CT & PET scans)
- Covers cancer treatment
- Routine maternity care
- Optional Add-on: Evacuation & Crisis Assistance Plus
- Optional Add-on: International Health and Wellbeing
- Optional Add-on: International Vision & Dental
Where to Purchase Expat Health Insurance
When purchasing expat health insurance, or worldwide health insurance, it’s important to weigh your options and compare plans to choose the one that is best for you and your family’s needs. Luckily, expat health insurance can be purchased online through trusted providers such as VisitorsCoverage. Compare plans, get instant quotes, and secure your health insurance plan online in just minutes.
