International health insurance is a necessity for expats who want to live abroad. However, there are many different international health insurance companies, and it can be challenging to figure out which one will best suit your needs.
There are many factors to consider when exploring international insurance companies. These include questions like: How long will you be abroad? Will your spouse and children be travelling with you? What is the cost of living in your host country? Will you need to visit a doctor or hospital while abroad, or will you only require prescription benefits?
What is International Health Insurance?
Before going into the list of best international health insurance companies, it is essential to know what service you are getting and how to make the most out of a health plan. As the name implies, international health insurance is a health insurance coverage in a different country.
It can help cover medical expenses abroad in case your need emergency medical care. International health insurance companies typically cover the following:
-Inpatient and outpatient hospital care
-Lab work, x-rays, diagnostic tests, ambulance transportation to and from hospitals
-Surgeries (including scheduled organ transplants)
-Dental treatment (usually limited to emergencies)
-Prescription drugs dispensed at pharmacies (not through doctor visits or clinics)
-Mental health issues/addictions treatments
-Annual health exams
-Assisted living services for seniors
-Other health care services
What are the Benefits of Expat Health Insurance?
As many questions need to be considered when looking for an international health insurance plan, it can feel overwhelming at first. This article provides a list of the ten best global health insurance providers that expats worldwide rely on to give them peace of mind and security during their time working overseas away from their home country.
There are many benefits to international health insurance, especially for expats. Those living in areas with no government-funded healthcare plans will find much better coverage with an international health insurance provider rather than attempting to pay out-of-pocket for medical services when they need them.
Some may also want to consider taking out an expat health insurance because they will typically have higher premiums when seeking insurance in their home countries or within the location that they are moving to next. In addition, international health insurance gives expats access to hospitals and doctors in their new country without worrying about high costs.
How Does an Expat Apply for International Medical Insurance?
Expat international health insurance (also known as expatriate medical insurance) is insurance available to individuals who relocate outside their country for an extended period, either by choice or obligation. Expats are usually transferred to another country for work purposes, and taking their private health insurance policy with them can save them money compared to local medical fees.
Expat medical insurance is suitable for employees and their immediate family members who are moving abroad with them, thus helping expats get superior access to better quality healthcare in their new environment. This is why it is essential to know the best international health insurance companies that offer the perfect global health plan for you.
Here are the 10 Best Expat Health Insurance Providers Expats to Look Into
IMG Global Medical Insurance
This is an international health insurance company that offers a complete set of plans that cater to expats. In addition, IMG provides affordable prices, flexible payment options and an easy claim filing process.
If you’re an expat who is tired of paying high premiums for incremental coverage, then this might be the right insurance provider for you. Just like some other top players in the market, they have a dedicated team of professionals who work towards providing you with access to some of the best medical services in the world.
Cigna Global Health Insurance
This is an international health insurance plan that has been designed to meet the needs of expats. They have a vast network of roughly 1.65 million international hospitals and doctors in over 200 countries worldwide.
With each health insurance plan with Cigna Global’s network, expats get access to world-class medical treatment and quality service regardless of their location without worrying about high costs because of their affordable premium plans.
GeoBlue International Health Insurance
This company’s international health insurance plans provide quality and affordable medical insurance for expats who want to experience world-class healthcare without emptying their wallets. In addition, their global travel medical insurance plan is top-rated among expats because it covers emergency medical evacuation to the U.S. and treatment in the country’s top hospitals.
Aetna International
This international health insurance provider offers a wide range of coverage and comprehensive benefits to expats. It includes hospitalisation, outpatient visit, emergency medical evacuation and much more.
Aetna offers award-winning medical insurance to expats worldwide, with more than 800,000 global members currently. This provider has also assisted governments and corporations around the world in building world-class health systems.
This award-winning expat business provides various health benefits to over 800,000 members across the globe. Additionally, we have assisted in developing high-grade health systems for corporations, governments, and providers worldwide.
AXA Global Healthcare
AXA offers five levels of medical insurance that help expats find a suitable international health insurance company for themselves. These plans are catered based on an individual’s specific needs and budget.
With any coverage plan, expats have access to international private healthcare and will be able to access the provider’s select network of hospitals without having to pay a single dollar. In addition, AXA has a wide range of plans that include various medical benefits and services that expats can expect to receive.
Bupa Global Insurance
In the heart of Bupa Global Insurance lies doctors dedicated to helping people worldwide live longer, healthier and happier lives.
With leading international medical insurance plans, Bupa gives customers direct access to leading GPs, consultants and specialists without the need for referral. You will also get in-hospital cover for private rooms at various world-class medical facilities worldwide.
Bupa will partner you with a personal relationship manager to make figuring out what to do next easier, no matter your medical history. In addition, you can have coverage for up to two children younger than ten years old at no extra cost as part of your international health plan.
Expacare Global Healthcare
Having over 35 years of experience in the health insurance industry, Expacare is one of the world’s longest-established global health insurance companies. This provider has adapted to a growing and expanding international healthcare market.
As a well-established health insurer, decades of working with customers have allowed Expacare to tailor its international health plans to cover various medical expenses. For example, Expacare’s insurance policy pays for eligible expenses caused by many medical emergencies as well as offering deductible and prescription benefits.
Generali Global Assistance
Generali Global Assistance provides many types of insurance care, including travel insurance, expat insurance and beneficiary companion. Generali ensures that you receive essential benefits when you purchase coverage, including subsidised healthcare, expatriate healthcare, or other global medical needs.
If you’re living overseas or working abroad, one of the most challenging things to address is having worldwide coverage for your health insurance needs. An effective healthcare system has allowed Generali to become the world’s largest individual crisis protection provider with one of the best health insurance policies worldwide.
Allianz Worldwide
A leading international provider, Allianz has provided international medical insurance plan packages that protect the future of families, individuals and employers for years. This is done with the use of different health, critical illness, life and disability insurance products. Allianz is a medical care insurance provider that prioritises keeping people healthy and free of worry.
People working abroad or looking for global medical insurance can rely on Allianz’s private health insurance policies that provide world-class medical care.
A Plus International
More than 10,000 doctors, hospitals, and clinics in over 150 countries provide customers with world-class private global health insurance plans wherever they are. Each global medical insurance plan that A Plus offers considers a customer’s medical history in providing coverage that fits their needs.
Whether you are living abroad or are an expat away from your home country, A Plus offers a range of creditable coverage that include affordable health insurance plans. In addition, A Plus has insurance policies that provide lifetime insurability, worldwide cover and 100% inpatient and outpatient coverage.
FAQs About International Insurance Companies
What is an expat health insurance plan?
An international health insurance company provides expats with health insurance plans that will cover all their medical expenses while they are living or working abroad long-term. The best international health insurance will typically cover anything from emergency medical care to providing deductible and prescription benefits.
Why is purchasing health insurance important for expats?
Most people need comprehensive coverage at home. Likewise, citizens abroad need health insurance when they’re living in a different country. Global insurance plans could save you a lot of money, especially if you have any pre-existing conditions that may become expensive after an extended period.
Furthermore, many countries require expats to provide proof of health insurance as a prerequisite for a work permit or visa.
During your time living abroad, you will still need to have your regular checkups and treat any pre-existing conditions and emergencies that may arise. Without the help of medical insurance companies, this could lead to substantial expenses.
Many people receive travel medical insurance through the company they work for, but this is not always the case. Be sure to check with your employer whether they offer individual or group insurance for you and your family.
The advantage of most medical insurance companies is that you can find an insurance plan that is comparable to the one you had in your home country, only it will be valid anywhere in the world.
Would travel insurance count as health insurance while living abroad?
Generally, travel insurance is completely distinct from health insurance. Travel insurance is most often purchased for trips to a single country that don’t last longer than six months.
What should I look for to find the best international health plans?
Finding the best international health insurance company will depend on your individual needs regarding the extent to which you require comprehensive coverage. Nevertheless, the following are some common and basic things an insurance company should offer:
- Sufficient annual maximums
- In- and Outpatient hospital visits
- Emergency care and wellness care
- Multilingual and good customer service
- An extensive network of medical facilities and doctors
- Various plans and pricing to choose from
Other things like dental care, optical care, mental health, and maternity coverage will likely be included in more expensive health plans, but it could be necessary, depending on your situation. Ultimately, the best health insurance company for you will be distinct from that of your co-workers.
A leading provider of expat financial services and wealth management services across Asia.
