What You Should Know About Health Insurance Before Moving Abroad — Hometown Station | KHTS FM 98.1 & AM 1220 — Santa Clarita Radio

Are you thinking of relocating to another country? You need to think of applying for health insurance before moving. Your health and overall well-being is as important as your accommodation, feeding, and clothing. Getting health insurance abroad isn’t as straightforward as it seems.  Every country has its own requirements. The process may be time-consuming and cumbersome in some countries. It also depends on the type of health insurance you need. These and many more are some of the reasons you need to know about the health insurance system before you migrate to another country. Here’s a comprehensive guide on the things you should know about the health insurance policies of your destination country.

Find out whether you need health insurance before going overseas

For as long as you require to pay medical bills, and tend to all aspects of your health, you have to make findings about your health insurance needs before you make the trip. Most countries operate health policies that provide free healthcare. However, just because a country provides free healthcare for its citizens doesn’t mean that an immigrant would enjoy such a treat. Most countries do not issue health insurance cover for foreigners. In such a case, what would serve as your cover? If you are from a country that provides health insurance for its citizens abroad, you are safe. Whereas,  you need to make adequate findings on:

1. The type of health insurance you require
2. What is covered in the health insurance policies?
3. Do you need health insurance in the first place?
4. If you are relocating overseas with your family, your wife needs a gynecologist. Your kids need a pediatrician. You may also need to be sure that there are experts to handle special underlying health cases.

Does your current health insurance provide coverage for trips abroad?

In most cases, the health insurance in your country may not guarantee you and your family coverage abroad. This is a major reason why you should make findings before taking the trip.

A better option is to get international health insurance. Buying health insurance before moving will help keep you from depleting your finances in cases of emergency health issues.

What is covered by international insurance?

Whether you live permanently abroad or often travel outside your country, you need international health insurance. It is available for students, expatriates, asylum seekers, and many other categories of immigrants. International health insurance is one that provides coverage for people who live outside their home countries for a long period of time (usually, over twelve months). Accessibility isn’t necessary until you are out of your country. You can also access international medical insurance in your own country.

Pay attention to a reputable moving company that can assists you with any moving service you may require if you ever need a trustworthy hand to relocate. Before thinking of moving abroad, you need to know if your international insurance covers your health needs appropriately. Most international insurance covers:

1. Emergencies
2. Routine medical checkups
3. Maternity healthcare
4. Chronic health conditions
5. Repatriation (of deceased in case of death while abroad)
6. Dental healthcare
7. Radiology scans
8. Surgery
9. Underlying health issues
10. Medical evacuations

To know the best plan to take, you need to consult your insurance brokers.

Cost of International Insurance

It’s important not to try to minimize the cost while picking an international insurance plan. The cost of international insurance is reflective of the conditions it’s meant to cover. The more demanding the conditions of covers, the more the cost.

To have an adequate cover, you need to carefully consider your health needs and those of your family. Seek a professional guide from experts when necessary. As professionals, they’ll properly guide you in making the right decisions, to ensure that the cost is worth your spending.

The Difference Between Medical Insurance and Travel Insurance

Most people get medical, and travel insurance mixed up. These two don’t have to be confusing. The difference is entirely based on their coverage.

Medical insurance is meant to cater to your health needs over an extended period of time while in a foreign country. On the other hand, travel insurance is usually for the short-term period while you are abroad.  Travel insurance covers a wide range of needs, such as:

• Emergency medical cases during the trip: if you experience any emergency health issues, you can be treated without having to pay for it.
• Lost luggage: if your belongings, such as luggage or any personal property listed, are stolen during the trip, the insurance plans help to ensure that you are reimbursed.
• Cancellation of a trip: in any case of trip cancellation as a result of listed circumstances, such as your wife in labor, you are covered.
• Accident: in a situation of an accidental occurrence during the trip, your travel insurance ensures that you and your family are adequately covered.
• Repatriation: for unforeseen circumstances like ill-health, death, or any form of occurrence, as stated, you are sure to be returned safely back to your country home.

Who do you call if you require medical care?

Now that you have your international medical insurance:

1. What if you require medical care abroad?
2. What are the steps to follow to ensure that you claim your insurance?

Get Your Documents and Contacts Right.

For starters, ensure that you print out all documents related to your insurance company. Make contacts with your brokers to be properly guided on the steps to follow in order to make claims when the need arises. Your insurance service providers will likely have a representative in your country of residence or make appropriate provisions to ensure that you are reimbursed.

Last thoughts

Your health and well-being aren’t a thing to handle with levity. It’s even more serious abroad where geography, social and language barriers play a crucial role in the quality of health you can get. Don’t put your finances under pressure by making rash decisions.

Now that you have known what health insurance entails, you must be sure to give adequate consideration in order not to get entrapped on the web of health crises. You should properly enquire about what countries require health insurance before moving there.