What to Look for When Choosing International Health Insurance
Choosing the best international health insurance provider and deciding on the best plan for your specific needs can seem like a daunting task.
There are so many insurance companies that offer international health insurance, and reviewing all the different plans can feel like navigating a minefield.
Here’s everything you’ll need to know to choose the right international health insurance provider, and what to look for when you begin to Compare International Health Plans.
Coverage for Your Destination(s)
Once you’ve decided to live and work abroad, you’ll need to think about health insurance.
The very first thing you should research is which international health insurance company like – trustedunion.com will provide coverage for your destination(s).
It almost goes without saying that you also need to make sure that you’re clued up about which areas are excluded so that you can avoid any nasty surprises later.
A Large Medical Network
When traveling abroad as an expat, it’s important to choose an international health insurance provider that has a large medical network. Having access to a large medical network means that you have more options when it comes to choosing a doctor while you’re abroad, and you’ll never have to pay for health care out of your own pocket.
The best health insurance companies will usually allow you to go to a hospital or doctor that is not in their network and will provide a guarantee of payment. Claims submitted online are usually reimbursed by transferring the funds into your bank account.
Competitive Pricing
While it’s generally not recommended to decide on an international health insurance plan solely on the price, the general rule is that you get what you pay for.
Most insurance companies will have a tiered system, and each tier will offer different levels of coverage. What is important is to choose a plan that comparatively offers the highest value of coverage for what you are paying.
Excellent Customer Service
Numerous insurance companies offer international health insurance, but very few have a proven track record of excellence when it comes to customer service. Global insurance firms generally have better reputations – this is because they have a larger network of support, which means they can resolve any issues that arise more efficiently.
When choosing an international health insurance company, always have a look at the company’s online reviews from customers on Google and social media. Watch out for consistent bad reviews for customer service, and take note of how the company responds to bad reviews and if they try to resolve them.
Before deciding on an international health insurance company, make sure that they have a 24/7 customer claims line so that they can address your medical emergencies promptly, if and when they arise.
Personalized Plans
Once you’ve decided on an international health insurance company, it’s important to carefully review the plans available to you so that you can choose the right one for your needs.
The four aspects to focus on are emergency medical evaluation benefits, deductibles, maximum limits, and exclusions.
Emergency Medical Evacuation Benefit
The emergency medical evacuation benefit is something many expats look for when comparing health insurance plans – this benefit ensures that you qualify to be evacuated to a nearby health facility if you become injured or seriously ill.
Maximum Limit
Look at the plan’s maximum limit – this is the total amount the health insurance company will pay for claims over a period of time. Many expats look for a maximum limit of $1 million or more for peace of mind.
Deductible
It is essential to look at the deductible on your plan – this is the amount that you must pay before your health insurance company begins to pay for any benefits. You can choose your deductible according to your budget, personal preference, where you are traveling to, and what you plan to do there.
Exclusions
Review the exclusions section of your plan very carefully – you must know exactly what your health insurance company will not cover.
Make sure that any exclusion does not apply to you or your situation, and if you’re not sure what’s excluded in your plan, call the insurance company and ask them to clarify it for you.
