Health Insurance Considerations for Expatriates Living Abroad

• Written by Rashmi Rai

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Many Indians want to go abroad to pursue better work opportunities, higher education, and quality of life. However, when you move abroad, the risk of falling sick may increase because of a change in your environment, climate and the food available for you to consume. If you stay abroad for an extended period, you should be prepared financially to survive a medical emergency. As an expatriate, access to quality healthcare in your host country is most important for survival. You and your loved ones will need health insurance for living abroad to protect your finances from the high cost of medical care abroad. However, it would help if you considered certain important aspects of medical insurance for living abroad to select the right insurance coverage.

What is Health Insurance for Living Abroad?

Global or international health insurance that provides worldwide medical coverage and is designed for individuals and families working and living abroad is called health insurance for living abroad or Expatriate health insurance. It is suitable for expatriates, international business travellers, frequent travellers to different countries, Government employees, remote workers or retirees. There can be different types of expatriate health insurance plans, such as:

1. Health insurance plans provide coverage in the host country only, also known as local health insurance plans.

2. Travel insurance for living and working abroad offers coverage for a limited period and for emergency medical expenses only.

3. Global health insurance for Indian citizens living abroad to cover their medical needs.

>> Also Read: This Is How Health Insurance Can Enhance Your Living Standard

What to Consider Before Buying Health Insurance while Living Overseas?

An expat's health insurance covers routine and emergency medical care while living abroad. Every country has its healthcare system. Some countries have made it mandatory for expats to have health insurance as it ensures access to medical care abroad. Here are essential factors to consider before buying health insurance for living overseas.

1. Comprehensive Coverage

Look for a plan that covers a wide range of medical procedures, emergency care, prescription medicines, hospital stays and specialised treatments. It should cover everything you may need while staying abroad, including maternity and paediatric coverage if you plan to start your family abroad.

2. Global Coverage

Local coverage is often cheaper than a global coverage plan but might only cover treatments within the country. Hence, if your job requires travel to different countries, it is best to have expatriate health insurance with worldwide coverage to pay for your emergency medical expenses no matter where you are.

3. Emergency Evacuation

In the event of a life-threatening situation where an expat is in a remote area and requires critical care that is not available, emergency medical evacuation may be the only option. It is crucial to ensure that your plan covers emergency transportation services to your resident country or any location where you can receive medical care.

4. Additional Benefits

Many global health insurance plans provide additional coverage such as vision coverage, dental treatment coverage, vaccinations, etc. These additional benefits can be used to personalise your global health insurance coverage. For instance, students studying abroad will not require comprehensive health insurance coverage. On the other hand, health insurance for retirees living abroad will be more comprehensive, covering pre-existing conditions and age-related health issues.

5. Understand Sub-limits and Caps

Insurance plans offer coverage limits. Hence, it is essential to understand these limits and check whether your medical needs are covered within the limit. Otherwise, your claim request might be rejected, and you will have to bear the cost of the treatment.

6. Coverage for Specialised Treatments

Ensure your policy covers specialised treatments requiring special infrastructure or a specialist medical practitioner. If you or your family members have special medical needs, buy a plan that provides coverage for the same.

7. Claim Procedure

It is the tricky part when we talk about global coverage. Check whether you can avail of cashless treatment (direct billing) or whether you will have to file a reimbursement claim. Understand the claim procedure, list of required documents, and timeframe to file a claim, and check the network of hospitals where you can avail of treatment that the insurer or your health care service provider will cover.

Conclusion

It is essential to consider various factors before choosing a global health insurance plan that suits your requirements. Various health insurance options are available to Indian citizens living abroad. While travel insurance plans are short-term plans available for those travelling abroad, there are also health insurance plans that offer global coverage for anyone seeking treatment outside India for a disease diagnosed in India.

Care Health Insurance provides Care Advantage which offers global coverage for planned and unplanned medical treatments, subject to policy terms and conditions. It is advisable to carefully evaluate your options and choose a plan that best fits your needs.

Disclaimers: All plan features, benefits, coverage, and claims underwriting are subject to policy terms and conditions. Kindly refer to the brochure, sales prospectus, and policy documents carefully.