Why consider getting health insurance abroad and how can it affect our trip? Traveling to or living in another country can be challenging. You have to think about food expenses, accommodation costs, and then you must adapt to a new culture. Another important aspect that many people often forget is access to healthcare services and medical facilities.
When discussing insurance abroad, two terms commonly come up: travel insurance and health insurance abroad.
The difference between travel insurance and international health insurance
Travel insurance is designed to cover flight cancellations, lost belongings, and medical treatment in the event of an emergency. The cost of a late departure can also be covered in more comprehensive travel insurance policies.
International health insurance is intended for workers, immigrants, or international citizens living in another country for an extended period. An international health insurance plan helps cover expenses for everyday illnesses and serious health issues. More comprehensive plans may cover rehabilitation, childbirth, and cancer treatment.
Why get insurance abroad?
Here are the reasons why you should get travel insurance or international health insurance when you go abroad.
1 – Compliance with requirements
One of the main reasons for the need for insurance abroad is legal requirements. The immigration office of the country you’re visiting may require you to submit insurance documents before issuing your visa.
The destination country will influence the type of international health insurance you need. Some regions may require insurance that covers specific health conditions before entry is allowed. Typically, the policy should cover a certain amount of expenses in the local currency and should remain valid for the entire stay.
There are more strict countries that may examine your existing health condition and check if you’re covered by insurance before allowing entry into their territory. Generic health insurance policies are easy to obtain, but you must double-check if they meet the requirements set by your destination country.
2 – Quality Healthcare Service
International health insurance is useful if you need to visit a doctor or medical facility abroad for emergency care. The insurer can help you find a doctor abroad and cover the treatment costs. If you are an expatriate, expatriate health insurance is essential because it ensures that you will have access to a doctor or hospital that will provide medical care. Expatriate insurance also offers the luxury of choosing the facility, and sometimes even the doctor, who will attend to your medical needs.
3 – Coverage for Travel Issues
Travel insurance protects your financial investment in your trip. It covers the cost of lost luggage, unexpected trip cancellations, and even flight accidents. You wouldn’t want to waste money on something you can’t enjoy. Travel insurance helps you recover the cost of disruptions so you can focus on the trip instead of expenses caused by unexpected situations.
4 – Coverage for Medical Issues, Illnesses, or Health Services
Healthcare in another country can be very expensive. If you have a serious medical issue and are likely to need emergency care, you need international health insurance to cover the associated costs.
If you have a pre-existing condition or chronic illness, international health insurance is likely to be a strict requirement. Make sure the policy can cover all your medical needs during your stay. Out-of-pocket expenses in a foreign country can be very high, and you don’t want them to be part of your travel memories.
International health insurance helps cover medical expenses for individuals or groups traveling abroad. It not only covers expenses for major surgeries but also outpatient care and general clinic visits. It can also cover the cost of prescription medications and lab tests.
Many insurance policies are customizable, allowing you to adjust benefits, coverage, and limits according to your budget and medical needs. Comprehensive policies cover nearly everything, from emergency health services and surgeries to general visits and dental care.
When buying health insurance, the cheapest option is usually not the best. It likely offers minimal coverage and will be filled with high deductibles and high out-of-pocket expenses. Carefully check the basic coverage as well as the availability of add-ons like emergency travel arrangements for families, medical evacuation, or even repatriation services.
Domestic policies may offer basic coverage for short-term international trips. However, they often have limited coverage, higher deductibles, and more expensive out-of-pocket costs for emergency services.
Before purchasing international health insurance, first check your local policy to avoid duplicate coverage. Not only will this save you money, but it will also ensure that you are not paying for redundant coverage.
5 – An Extra Layer of Security
Sometimes, expatriates face excessive medical costs at facilities abroad. Worse still, there are cases where foreigners are discriminated against when trying to access proper healthcare in another country.
If you find yourself in a medical emergency in a foreign country without insurance, you might struggle to navigate the differences in local healthcare policies, especially if you’re used to excellent services in your hometown.
Without proper health insurance, you’ll likely have to search for contact numbers of local doctors or hospitals on your own. Additionally, you may face difficulties with healthcare facilities requiring verification of your medical history. Dealing with medical paperwork and bills can be another hassle, especially if you’re unfamiliar with how things work abroad.
However, having a support line from your insurance provider offers a crucial safety net while traveling. Insurance representatives at the hotline can guide you through the specific protocols of the country you’re in and ensure you receive the necessary medical care promptly and efficiently.
6 – The Right Policy for Your Needs
Studying, working, or vacationing abroad each requires a different type of health insurance policy. The risks associated with each activity vary, so choosing the right insurance plan enhances your protection.
For example, if you’re traveling abroad to complete your studies, a basic policy may suffice due to the lower risks involved. On the other hand, if you’re going to volunteer or undergo medical surgery abroad, you’ll face higher health risks, requiring a more comprehensive policy.
Regardless of your age or the purpose of your trip, one thing is certain: health risks are real, and you should acknowledge them before booking your flight.
In Conclusion
There are countless healthcare systems worldwide, and navigating them all can be exhausting. Sure, there are third-party insurance providers who act as intermediaries to help you choose a service provider. But are they giving you the best policy for your travel needs?
Purchasing a high-quality travel health insurance plan is an excellent way to protect yourself from unexpected medical costs while traveling abroad. Look for an insurance provider that offers the types of coverage and coverage limits you need, so you can focus on enjoying the experiences of your trip.
