Moving abroad is an exciting experience, but you must remember that it is not just an extended vacation. This means that you need to prepare certain things for expats before you pack your bags and go to the airport.
One of the most important things you should do? Get a health insurance plan.
Most US health insurance policies do not cover your medical expenses while you are out of the country. This means that once you leave the US borders, your policies will essentially become ineffective. And even for the healthiest people, having health insurance while living abroad is essential.
Fortunately, there are ways to get health insurance for an American living abroad. Let’s take a look at where to look for international health insurance and what options are available.
Talk to your existing health insurance company
Most health insurance plans do not cover you abroad, but if your insurance does, you should first check with your insurance company for the extent of that coverage.
For example, some plans may only cover emergency medical services, or if they do cover regular medical services, at an out-of-network rate (which is much higher than an in-network rate).
If you can keep your US health plan while living abroad, it likely offers limited coverage. Before you move, be sure to ask the following questions about your plan:
- Are pre-existing conditions covered?
- Do I need to pay something in advance before the trip?
- Are there any exemptions for “risk activities” such as scuba diving or mountain climbing?
- Is pre-authorization required?
- What are the franchises and surcharges?
- How long does the coverage last?
Consider Travel Health Insurance
Travel health insurance is short-term health insurance that provides health coverage while traveling. However, it usually only covers emergencies related to unexpected illness or injury. Travel health insurance not cover elective procedures or routine doctor visits while you live in another country.
Just like a regular health insurance policy, every travel health insurance plan is different so you should always check the details. However, here are some services that may be covered:
- Hospitalization.
- Visit to the emergency room.
- An ambulance is coming.
- Laboratories and imaging.
- Prescription drugs.
Read more: Travel cheap: 7 ways to see the world cheaper
Depending on what other coverage you have, travel health insurance can be a primary or secondary policy:
- Main policy means it is the only policy that will cover your medical needs abroad.
- secondary policy (or additional policy) means that it will add to your coverage after your main insurance company has paid its share.
But most importantly, travel health insurance is not permanent. This only lasts for a short amount of time, and if you stay for a long period, your coverage may end. Typically, travel health insurance lasts one year or less. If you intend to live abroad longer, you may want to consider other options.
Find out if you qualify for a national health plan
Depending on where you are moving and your situation, you may be eligible for a health insurance plan in the country where you live.
For example, if you are studying at an international university or have a job with an employer in another country, you can probably get health insurance from a provider in your new country of residence.
If you qualify for a national health plan, it must be very similar to your old US health plan. Most plans cover routine doctor visits, prescriptions, some routine procedures, lab tests, and emergency care.
However, you’ll still want to pay attention to out-of-pocket expenses and which doctors and medical facilities are in the network.
Read more: What types of health insurance are there?
Find out about public health plans in your country
In some countries, Americans can take advantage of publicly funded health insurance plans.
Typically, these international health insurance plans cover only emergency care, and other medical services are paid extra. However, knowing that emergencies are covered can still give you peace of mind.
Here are some examples of international healthcare systems that Americans can use while living in the country.
United Kingdom
Americans living in the United Kingdom can get emergency care at a National Health Service (NHS) facility. However, you must be able to prove that you are an American temporarily residing in the UK in order to qualify. American tourists are not eligible for NHS medical benefits.
Ireland
To be eligible for free or subsidized health insurance as an American resident in Ireland, you must show that you intend to live in Ireland for at least one year to be considered an “ordinary resident”. If you have lived in Ireland for less than one year, you are not allowed to receive health insurance through the country’s public health system.
Italy
The Italian National Health Service offers expat health insurance for US citizens who have lived in Italy for at least three months. Depending on your situation, you may be eligible for free basic health care. Otherwise, there is a small fee to enroll in the country’s health insurance program.
Canada
To get public health insurance in Canada, you must have a work permit that is valid for at least six months and you must be working full time. You may also qualify if you have a work permit under the Live-in Care Program or the Seasonal Farm Worker Program (SWAP).
If your spouse is eligible for public health insurance through a work permit, you may be eligible for health insurance benefits even if you do not qualify.
Read more: Do you want to move to Canada? Here’s how much it will cost
Frequently asked Questions
How much does health insurance for foreigners cost?
The cost of health insurance for expats varies, as does domestic health insurance. The average American pays roughly $2,000 to $4,000 a year for overseas health insurance, but factors such as your age, pre-existing medical conditions, and personal expenses will affect the amount of the premium.
If you can get health insurance through a public health system like the NHS, the cost can be significantly lower.
Private health insurance plans are almost always more expensive than public ones, but be aware that public health insurance may have limits.
Read more: Cost of health insurance – is it worth it?
Can you get international health insurance abroad with pre-existing conditions?
Many international health insurance policies have exceptions for pre-existing conditions, as do plans in the US. However, this depends on the specific condition. Some plans cover certain pre-existing medical conditions, but you must pay a higher deductible or copay for treatment.
If you have a pre-existing medical condition, be sure to check with your plan provider to see if the treatment is covered before you buy a policy.
Is health insurance required for an international visa?
Most countries require that you have health insurance before you can get a visa. Depending on the country you are moving to, US health insurance or a travel health insurance policy may be sufficient.
Ultimately, you need to prove that you can financially cover any emergency medical expenses that may arise during your visit to the country.
Also, keep in mind that some countries require health insurance to visit the country, not just for a visa. Many countries today also require a health insurance plan that covers COVID-19.
How much international health insurance is needed?
As with US health insurance, the amount of international health insurance you need will vary. Your age, pre-existing medical conditions, and financial status all play a role.
There are other factors to consider when choosing a plan, including:
- Risks present in the country you are visiting.
- The types of activities you will be involved in.
- How long will you be abroad.
Whether you get sick or have an accident, having adequate health insurance is essential. While healthcare costs abroad are often cheaper than in the US, you can still end up with a huge medical bill if you need treatment and don’t have a good health insurance plan to cover it.
Final Thoughts
If you are moving abroad for a period of time, it is vital to obtain international health insurance.
Whether you have coverage under a valid U.S. insurance policy, have purchased travel health insurance, or may qualify for the country’s public health insurance program, make sure you have some form of coverage. Getting emergency medical care abroad is intimidating enough, but not knowing how you will cover the costs can add even more stress.
Ultimately, the most important thing is to make sure the plan suits your needs, where you are going and how long you are staying.
Finding the best plan may require some research and comparison, so give yourself plenty of time to decide on a plan before you move.
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