Compare your Options
Once you have determined your needs, start comparing your international health insurance options. According to Boggs, you have four options:
- Go without insurance and incur medical expenses out of your own pocket
- Participate in your new country’s national health plan if you become eligible
- Obtain a domestic health plan if you become eligible
- Purchase an international health insurance plan with coverage options tailored to your needs
International Health Insurance Plans
“As compared to a U.S. domestic plan, international plans are often less expensive,” Boggs explained. “However, some plans that have additional coverage options may be comparative in price.” The additional coverage options you may have include the supplemental option examples listed earlier in this article.
A convenient way to compare international insurance and healthcare plans is through the website Travel Insurance Review, a Better Business Bureau accredited member. It rates and summarizes various travel insurance providers, including IMG, HTH Worldwide, and Seven Corners. Each review includes company pros, cons and A.M. Best company ratings. The website also has a quote generator to compare plans.
If you find that you are ineligible for certain international healthcare plans, even though you have met requirements for a domestic plan, there could be several factors affecting your eligibility. IMG’s Boggs said these may include “citizenship(s), length of stay outside of one’s own country, visa requirements, coverage area, age and underwriting guidelines to name a few. The best option is to find an experienced international agent or go online to a website that offers an international plan. The application process can determine initial eligibility prior to underwriting in most cases.” So while sites such as Travel Insurance Review can help you narrow down your choices, the next step is to check directly with the providers who seem most fitted to your desired lifestyle abroad.