In today’s globalized world, people are traveling more and more frequently – for business, pleasure, and education – and many are relocating permanently or semi-permanently. If you are one of them or are planning to be, it is essential to protect yourself and your family with comprehensive and reliable health insurance that covers you wherever you go and whenever you need it. In this article, we will introduce you to some of the top international health insurance options available to individuals, families, and expatriates, and help you choose the one that best suits your needs and budget.
What is International Health Insurance, and Why Do You Need It?
International health insurance is a type of health insurance that provides coverage for medical expenses and emergencies when you are outside your home country. It is designed for people who travel frequently – for leisure, business, or education – or live abroad for extended periods, whether as expatriates, digital nomads, retirees, or students. International health insurance can protect you from unexpected medical bills, help you access quality healthcare in different countries, and give you peace of mind in knowing that you and your family are covered no matter where life takes you.
There are several reasons why you may need international health insurance, including:
Reasons to Get International Health Insurance |
Explanation |
|---|---|
You are traveling or living abroad |
If you are a frequent traveler or expatriate, you need health insurance that covers you worldwide, as your domestic insurance may not be valid outside your home country. |
You want access to quality healthcare |
International health insurance can provide you with access to private hospitals, clinics, and doctors in various countries, ensuring that you receive timely and appropriate medical care. |
You want to avoid unexpected medical bills |
International health insurance can protect you from the high costs of medical treatment abroad, which can quickly add up without insurance. |
You want peace of mind |
Knowing that you and your family are covered by comprehensive and reliable health insurance, no matter where you are, can give you peace of mind and reduce stress. |
What Should You Look for in International Health Insurance?
Choosing the right international health insurance can be a daunting task, as there are many factors to consider, such as your age, health status, destination countries, coverage needs, and budget. Here are some of the key features and benefits you should look for when comparing international health insurance plans:
1. Worldwide Coverage
Make sure that your international health insurance plan covers you for medical treatment and emergencies in all the countries you plan to visit or reside in. Some plans may exclude or limit coverage for certain regions or countries, such as the US, Canada, or countries with high medical costs or political instability.
2. Comprehensive Benefits
Choose a plan that offers a broad range of benefits, such as hospitalization, surgery, outpatient care, prescription drugs, dental and vision care, mental health, maternity, and preventive care. Some plans may also include additional benefits, such as medical evacuation, repatriation, accidental death and dismemberment, and travel assistance.
3. High Limits and No Deductibles
Select a plan that has high coverage limits for each benefit and no deductibles or copayments, so that you pay little or nothing out of pocket for medical expenses. Make sure that the coverage limits are realistic and match your expected medical needs and the costs of healthcare in your destination countries.
4. Flexibility and Customization
Look for a plan that offers flexibility and customization options, such as annual and lifetime coverage, deductible and coinsurance options, and the ability to add or remove benefits or dependents. Some plans may also allow you to choose your preferred doctors and hospitals, or offer second medical opinions.
5. Affordable Premiums and Discounts
Compare the premiums of different international health insurance plans and choose one that fits your budget and provides good value for money. Some plans may offer discounts for families, non-smokers, or healthy lifestyles, or allow you to pay your premiums monthly, quarterly, or annually.
Top International Health Insurance Providers
Now that you know what to look for in international health insurance, let’s take a closer look at some of the top providers on the market, based on their reputation, coverage, benefits, customer service, and price.
1. Cigna Global
Cigna Global is a renowned international health insurance provider that offers comprehensive health coverage for individuals, families, and expatriates in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide. Cigna Global plans are flexible, customizable, and provide high coverage limits, no deductibles or copayments, and a wide range of benefits, such as hospitalization, surgery, outpatient care, prescription drugs, and mental health. Cigna Global also offers wellness programs, telehealth services, and 24/7 customer support in multiple languages. Cigna Global premiums start at $179 per month for individual plans and vary depending on age, location, and coverage needs.
2. GeoBlue
GeoBlue is a leading international health insurance provider that specializes in serving students, faculty, and staff of universities and colleges, as well as business travelers and expatriates. GeoBlue plans are designed to provide comprehensive benefits, including medical evacuation and travel assistance, in more than 190 countries and territories worldwide. GeoBlue also offers telemedicine services, online claims submission, and 24/7 customer support in multiple languages. GeoBlue premiums start at $40 per month for student plans and vary depending on age, location, and coverage needs.
3. IMG Global
IMG Global is a global health and travel insurance provider that offers a wide range of international health insurance plans for individuals, families, and expatriates. IMG Global plans offer flexible coverage levels, no-deductible options, and a broad range of benefits, such as hospitalization, surgery, outpatient care, prescription drugs, and emergency medical evacuation. IMG Global also offers travel insurance, trip cancellation, and 24/7 customer support in multiple languages. IMG Global premiums start at $19 per month for basic plans and vary depending on age, location, and coverage needs.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About International Health Insurance
1. Does my domestic health insurance cover me abroad?
It depends on your insurance policy and the country you are visiting or residing in. Some domestic health insurance plans may offer limited coverage or no coverage at all for medical treatment abroad, especially for non-emergency care. You should check with your insurer and consider purchasing international health insurance if you travel frequently or live abroad.
2. Can I choose my own doctors and hospitals with international health insurance?
It depends on the plan and the insurance company. Some international health insurance plans may require you to use a network of preferred doctors and hospitals, while others may allow you to choose any licensed provider. You should read your policy documents carefully and ask your insurer about your options and limitations.
3. Do I need medical evacuation coverage with international health insurance?
It depends on your destination countries and your medical needs. Medical evacuation coverage can be useful if you are in a remote area, require specialized treatment, or need to return to your home country for medical reasons. However, it may not be necessary if you are traveling to a developed country with high-quality healthcare facilities. You should assess your risks and preferences and choose a plan that offers suitable medical evacuation coverage.
4. Can I cancel my international health insurance if I return to my home country?
It depends on the terms and conditions of your insurance contract. Some international health insurance plans may allow you to cancel your policy if you return to your home country, while others may require you to continue paying your premiums until the end of your policy term. You should check your policy documents and ask your insurer about your cancellation options and any applicable fees or penalties.
5. How much does international health insurance cost?
The cost of international health insurance depends on several factors, such as your age, health status, destination countries, coverage needs, and benefits. Generally, international health insurance premiums can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars per month, depending on the plan and the insurer. You should compare different plans and prices and choose one that provides the best value for your money and meets your health insurance needs.