Most Americans realize the importance of buying medical insurance in the United States, but what about health insurance when you move abroad? It is highly likely that your domestic American health plan will not cover you if you move abroad, and the same goes for Medicare if you are over 65. In this article, we will provide ten tips for future and current American expats on buying international health insurance.

Before we start, it is important to realize the importance of buying international medical insurance if you and your family are moving outside the USA. We all know medical care is extremely expensive in the USA, but many countries around the world also have expensive and, in some circumstances, inadequate medical healthcare. Going abroad without international medical insurance can lead to not only financial ruin, but also medical problems as well.

Most Americans realize the importance of buying medical insurance in the United States, but what about health insurance when you move abroad? It is highly likely that your domestic American health plan will not cover you if you move abroad, and the same goes for Medicare if you are over 65. In this article, we will provide ten tips for future and current American expats on buying international health insurance.

Before we start, it is important to realize the importance of buying international medical insurance if you and your family are moving outside the USA. We all know medical care is extremely expensive in the USA, but many countries around the world also have expensive and, in some circumstances, inadequate medical healthcare. Going abroad without international medical insurance can lead to not only financial ruin, but also medical problems as well. 

Here are 10 tips for American expats when considering international medical insurance: 

1. Deal with a reputable & secure insurer 

Choose a high-quality international health provider. When buying any insurance plan, it makes sense to check the reliability and reputation of your insurance provider. All insurers will have some bad reviews and they may be due to the concerns raised by their domestic arms. Make sure you are working with an international health insurance provider that will be there when you need it. 

2. Make sure you buy a plan that covers treatment in the USA 

Most international health plans cover you globally, excluding or including the USA. We find that most American expats want a plan that will cover treatment back home, especially if a serious condition needs to be treated or for the few months in the year the American expat is back home visiting family. 

3. Pay your premiums annually 

If you can afford to do so, pay your premiums on an annual versus a monthly basis to save ten percent on your premiums. Make sure you pay that premium when due and advice the insurer of your new email or postal address

4. Buy a global medical plan that covers COVID-19 

Most international health plans that our company offers to Americans do not exclude pandemics and as a result, will cover someone if they catch COVID. Keep in mind that a previous or recent infection will be treated a potential pre-existing condition before you apply, especially if there were complications. 

5. Fully declare your medical conditions 

Individual expatriate health plans are medically underwritten and are provided by offshore insurance providers that are not bound by HIPAA, COBRA or ACA regulations. As a result, the insurer may decline to cover you because of your medical history, exclude a condition, cover the condition or ask for a medical loading. The more information you can provide at the time of application, the better. 

6. Deal with an independent international health insurance expert 

Many global medical plans can be purchased directly from the insurer, but we should not that you can purchase via an independent agency like Expat Financial, a division of TFG Global Insurance Solutions Ltd., at no extra cost. You get the same premiums and direct service and premiums to the insurer, but with advice and advocacy both before and after you purchase coverage. 

7. Make sure you buy evacuation coverage 

If you plan to live in a region with substandard medical care, American expats should consider buying the optional medical evacuation coverage. It is also important if you plan to travel

8. Buy a plan with lifetime coverage if you are retiring abroad 

We are often approached by American expatriates who plan to retire abroad. It is key that you get an international medical plan that will cover you for life as long as you are an expatriate. Some plans will cease at age 75 or 80, but the Cigna Global Health Options plan we offer online can cover you for life as an expat. 

9. Buy your plan up to 45 days prior to leaving 

Most international health plans that we offer can be applied for up to 45 days prior to leaving the USA. It may take a few days to a week, depending on your medical history. Note that you can buy global medical coverage once you are abroad as well. 

10. Get a quote for international health insurance online 

There are many options to consider when buying international health insurance. Expat Financial offers an international health insurance guide for free and can discuss your options in detail. Sometimes, it makes sense to get a quote online as there are so many options to consider – such as deductibles, the region of coverage, coinsurance, out-patient care, dental, evacuation and much more. 

This article was provided by David Tompkins.

David is an international insurance broker whose company, TFG Global Insurance Solutions Ltd., owns and operates Expat Financial. David’s company has become an expert in sourcing global health insurance plans for multinationals and individual expats around the globe. You can reach their company at info@tfgglobal.com or 604-628-0426. More details can be accessed at his expat website: 

Expat Financial is a trademark of TFG Global Insurance Solutions Ltd.