We always talk about how important it is to get your health insurance in place before you move abroad ideally, and to at least ensure you get medical cover established once you have moved abroad. This is simply because few countries in the world have a free system like the NHS, and even where medical care is available free to certain groups of expatriates such as British retirees, the care available is always limited and supplementary charges will often be incurred by anyone if they seek treatment.
You need to understand the level of healthcare you will be entitled to or have access to in your new nation of residence, and then you need to begin examining which expatriate healthcare and insurance providers will be able to give you the type of policy you need to cover the protection of your health and that of your family.
In this article we look at expatriate healthcare and help you get your checklist in order so that you can examine and judge each and every single health insurance provider on the same criteria to see which one offers you the best level of cover and the best value for money.
Expatriate Healthcare – Out-Patient Treatment
Even in certain European nations where the likes of emergency treatment or some in-patient care is free or subsidised, the majority of outpatient treatment has to be covered by the patient in question – that’s you! Therefore, this is the first place you need to look when examining one health insurance provider’s policies in light of another’s.
You may feel that out-patient treatment covers only visits to a family doctor or general practitioner and the likes of prescriptions, and that you’d be comfortable picking up the tab for such elements of your healthcare cover – however, out-patient treatment covered by some insurance providers goes far further. For example, it can include the likes of x-rays and diagnostic tests for all conditions, consultant and consultation fees, physiotherapy treatment, dental treatment – or dental treatment from accidental damage. It may also include cover for complimentary medicines, psychological and psychiatric treatment as well as many wellness treatments. The latter includes screening for cancers for example through mammograms, prostate tests etc.
Think long and hard about the level of cover and care you want – any excesses and exceptions, and how long you have to have cover in place with a provider before they will pay out. Compare like for like across healthcare policy providers.
Expatriate Healthcare – In-Patient Treatment
When it comes to in-patient treatment many expatriates expect all insurance providers to offer the same level of care and cover – but to assume such a thing is wrong. All providers are not only looking for ways to win customers, they are also looking for ways to increase profits! So, whilst one provider may seemingly offer you so much more for less, make sure that what they are offering you is what you want and need, and that they are not missing out essential levels of care such as nursing care for example.
In-patient insurance should cover everything from hospital accommodation and nursing care, to the drugs you need, the physician’s fees, all x-rays and diagnostic tests and checks, right down to theatre charges and intensive care costs.
You may also want to look at whether an insurer will give you parent accommodation if you’re insuring your children’s health. Pre and postoperative care is another important feature to look out or when comparing levels of in-patient healthcare cover.
Expatriate Healthcare – Additional Benefits
The above are all must-haves really, and most insurers ensure that their clients are well protected as both inpatients and outpatients with straightforward or common medical issues. However, there is a lot more to a health insurance policy than making sure your insurer will pay out if you break your leg or you need to see your GP. So, you now need to think about who you are, your medical history, that of your family, the nature of your job, any hobbies you do, the level and availability of care in your new nation of residence, and what conditions you could possibly require cover for in the future – and then ensure that you can get the cover you need from your preferred insurance provider.
Things to consider may include maternity care, care of newborn babies, HIV or AIDS care and treatment, hospice or palliative care, cover for cancer treatments, road and air ambulance transfers and rehabilitation cover…
Expatriate Healthcare – Optional Benefits
And finally, some insurers will offer you the likes of repatriation or evacuation insurance as well if you’re going to be living in a country where medical facilities are few and far between. If you have any specialist requirements such as these, make sure you discuss them with your insurer to ensure that you are comfortable with what they can provide, what they will pay for, and how appropriately your expatriate healthcare policy suits your needs.
Remember, compare like for like as far as you can as not all insurers are as good value or as suitably matched to your requirements as others.
