Whether you are moving abroad for work, study, retirement or a long-term stay, having the right health insurance abroad can make a real difference. Medical costs, access to private healthcare and reimbursement rules vary widely from one country to another, which is why it is important to understand your options before you leave. This guide explains why international health insurance matters, how to take out suitable cover, and what to check before choosing a plan.
Why take out international health insurance?
1. You may no longer be covered by your home country's health insurance
When you leave the territory of your country of origin and settle abroad, you may lose your rights to your health insurance system in your home country. Most national health insurance systems will not cover the reimbursement of health costs incurred in another country (with rare exceptions).
2. Credit card insurance is inadequate
Your credit card may provide insurance for your stay, but the cover on offer is likely limited. You will only get a cash advance if you have an unexpected need for treatment, and if you have first made a call to the contact centre which manages your credit card insurance to get their agreement.
In short, this is a complicated process that could be avoided by opting for proper international health insurance.
3. Healthcare systems abroad differ a lot from country to country
Did you know:
hospitalisation in the United States can cost tens of thousands of dollars?
depending on the country, access to public sector care can take several weeks?
some hospitals will ask for a credit card before starting your treatment?
the local health infrastructure in some countries often makes expatriates turn to very expensive private clinics?
And you may find it difficult to get insurance if you are ill.
What does international health insurance cover?
You can choose between several levels of cover tailored to your needs and your budget.
You can opt for hospitalisation only, or more comprehensive cover which, depending on your plan and level of cover, can include:
hospitalisation in the event of accident, illness, or childbirth,
consultations with GPs and specialists,
pharmacy items,
medical examinations (x-rays, tests),
medical auxiliaries (physiotherapists),
prevention (vaccines, screening),
dental treatment, dentures, and implants,
optical care.
How to take out international health insurance
Taking out international health insurance starts with assessing your personal situation: your destination country, length of stay, family status, healthcare needs, budget and preferred level of cover. Depending on your profile, you may choose a hospital-only plan, or a more comprehensive policy that also includes outpatient consultations, medication, medical tests, preventive care, dental, optical, maternity or assistance services.
Before subscribing, it is important to compare benefit levels, reimbursement limits, deductibles, co-payments, waiting periods, exclusions and the geographical area of cover. You should also check practical services such as direct billing, digital claims management, teleconsultation, access to medical networks and multilingual support. Once you have chosen a suitable plan, the subscription can usually be completed online by requesting a personalised quote and providing the required information. Depending on the policy and your medical history, you may also need to complete a medical questionnaire or go through medical underwriting, particularly for long-term international private medical insurance.
Taking out international health insurance after moving abroad
In many cases you can take out international health insurance after you have already moved abroad. However, it is recommended to arrange your cover before leaving, or as soon as possible after arrival, to avoid any gap in protection. If you wait until you are already overseas, you may have to pay medical expenses yourself before your policy starts, and some benefits may be subject to waiting periods, exclusions or medical underwriting.
Taking out cover after moving abroad can still be useful if your local health insurance is limited, if your employer’s plan does not meet your needs, if you are moving between countries, or if you want access to more flexible international healthcare protection. In this situation, the insurer may ask for details about your country of residence, your nationality, your medical history, your desired start date and the level of cover required. To avoid unexpected costs, you should check when your benefits become effective and whether any ongoing treatment, pregnancy, chronic illness or pre-existing condition may be treated differently under the policy.
FAQ - Taking out international health insurance abroad
When should I take out international health insurance?
When should I take out international health insurance?
Ideally, you should take out international health insurance before you move abroad. This helps ensure that your cover starts when you arrive and that you are not left unprotected if you need medical care shortly after relocating. It also gives you time to compare plans, check exclusions and understand any waiting periods before your policy begins.
Can I buy international health insurance after I have moved abroad?
Can I buy international health insurance after I have moved abroad?
Yes, you can often buy international health insurance after moving abroad, although the conditions may vary depending on your destination, age, medical history and chosen level of cover. Some benefits may not start immediately, and pre-existing conditions may be reviewed through medical underwriting. That is why arranging cover before you leave is usually the safer option.
What information do I need to provide when applying?
What information do I need to provide when applying?
You will usually need to provide personal details, your country of residence, destination or area of cover, the people to be insured, your preferred start date and the level of benefits you want. For some plans, you may also be asked to complete a medical questionnaire or provide information about your medical history.
Does international health insurance start immediately?
Does international health insurance start immediately?
It depends on the policy. Some benefits may start from the effective date shown on your insurance certificate, while others may be subject to waiting periods. Maternity, dental, optical or pre-existing medical conditions may have specific rules, so it is important to read the policy terms before subscribing.
