For UK residents, having access to the NHS is often taken for granted. In many of the popular expat destinations around the world, such a service isn’t available for free and medical treatment can be expensive if the right Health Insurance policy is not taken out.
Often expats who are relocated as part of their work will be covered under a group medical insurance program through their employer, but expats who are not already covered for health insurance should purchase an international medical policy immediately.
Depending on your location be covered with a health insurance policy which provides worldwide medical protection and also including evacuation services could mean the difference between life and death.
As with all insurance policies, the cost of expat health insurance can vary dramatically. Quite often, though, costs are reasonable and in many cases, less expensive than coverage would be in the UK.
Finding the right expat health insurance
If you are an expat, or intend to be on an international assignments for six months or longer, you should consider an expat health insurance policy which includes the following options:
- Emergency medical evacuation, at no additional cost
- Coverage of hospitalisation, physician, surgeon, specialist fees, and prescription drugs
- Portability ensuring you can take insurance with you across borders if you have to relocate
- Choice of quarterly, semi-annual, and annual payment plans to suit your financial needs
- Advanced payment for medical treatments and procedures
- Inclusion of children (some policies may include a number of children free of charge)
- Wellness benefit can be applied to an annual physical, mammogram, or colonoscopy
- Optional coverage includes: dental, vision, accidental death and dismemberment, or war and terrorism related injuries
- Short-term travel medical coverage for when you take short trips outside your country of residence
