How to Find the Right Health Insurance Policy When Moving to a New Country
If you have recently decided to move to a new country, you’re going to need to organize health insurance. There are several reasons why health insurance is imperative when you are relocating to a foreign country.
Even if the country you are moving to offers free public healthcare, you may not be able to access your local healthcare facilities for medical treatment without valid health insurance. Extensive health insurance coverage also grants you access to top-quality medical care as soon as needed.
With health insurance, you can enjoy your time exploring your new home country without worrying about accessing emergency medical care. If you fall ill, get injured, or a pre-existing medical condition worsens while you are living as an ex-pat, your health insurance provider will cover some of the costs of your treatment.
Finding the Best Health Insurance Policy for Your Needs
Searching for the best health insurance policy isn’t the easiest task. Because there are so many different providers, all of which offer various policies and plans, it can quickly get confusing.
To make your research a little less stressful, we’ve provided some top tips below on how to find the best health insurance policy when you’re moving abroad.
Consider the different types of policies that are available
There are plenty of different kinds of health insurance policies, each of which offers coverage for either you as an individual or you and your travel buddies.
The most common types of health insurance plans include:
- Individual policies. This type of policy offers health insurance for just one person. This policy is best if you’re traveling to a new country on your own.
- Joint policies. A joint policy provides health insurance coverage for you and one other person, such as a partner or child. A joint policy is often cheaper if you’re traveling with one other person than purchasing two individual policies.
- Family policies. A family policy provides health insurance for whole families. This option will be much cheaper and easier to organize than several individual policies if you’re traveling with multiple family members.
- Child-only policies. If you’re relocating abroad with a child, they will also need health insurance, and a child-only policy is perfect for this.
Alongside the above options, you can also get international group health plans if traveling with others. Often, group health plans are cheaper overall than each person purchasing an individual health insurance policy. However, you will need to check that the policy covers everybody’s unique health needs before you sign up for a group plan.
Compare health insurance policies and providers
There’s no shortage of health insurance companies and, while it’s great to have plenty of choice, it can get overwhelming when you’re trying to find the best policy for your needs. During your research, you should compare policies from multiple providers.
When you do so, make sure to consider the following:
- Coverage – identify what types of coverage and the extent of the coverage offered by each policy. Do they cover hospitalizations, emergency medical care, specialized treatments, prescription medications, and medication management.
- Deductibles and copayments – figure out we much you’ll be expected to pay if you receive medical treatment abroad and how much your insurance provider will cover. Most providers state the amount you’ll need to pay as a percentage of the total price.
- Reliability and credibility – when purchasing health insurance, it’s important to find a provider that is trustworthy and has a strong reputation in the industry. Check to see whether the company has good reviews and provides top-quality health insurance.
Research the healthcare system in your destination country
Every country has a unique healthcare system, and it’s essential to learn about the system in your destination country before you sign up for any policies. Doing so will enable you to choose the most suitable policy.
Some countries offer free for all residents, including ex-pats. However, you may still need healthcare insurance to access certain hospitals, practices, and treatments. In countries that do not offer a free public healthcare system, you will need health insurance coverage from the moment you arrive.
You’ll find detailed information about the healthcare system in a particular country by looking at the official government website. Alternatively, contact a global health insurance provider, who should be able to provide the necessary details to help you make an informed decision.
Consider your personal healthcare needs
If you suffer from long-term conditions that require specialized treatments or therapies, you’ll need to consider this when choosing a health insurance policy. Not all policies will cover every single available treatment option, and you’ll want to sign up for a plan that offers adequate coverage to meet your unique needs.
