With international borders now more porous than ever, deciding to become an expat in a foreign land is a choice many people are making nowadays.
But while many people take the time to tie up loose ends at home and adequately prepare themselves for life in a different country, their future healthcare arrangements are vital considerations that are often overlooked.
The fact of the matter, however, is whether you’re already living and working in a foreign country, or in the process of making the move abroad, international private medical insurance is a necessity that should not be neglected.
Healthcare systems in foreign countries will inevitably be different to what you’re used to at home and that can make the ordeal of suffering an illness or an injury even greater.
International private medical insurance, also known as expat health insurance, is designed to keep you (and your family) covered when you’re residing in a different country.
Don’t forget, unlike the UK, where you have the NHS as a safety blanket, many other countries have no provisions in place to treat you unless you have sufficient insurance cover.
We’ve both lived and worked abroad, so we understand better than most just how important suitable health cover is and our integral knowledge means that we’ve come across many of the scenarios faced by expats abroad.
Language barriers, unfamiliar surroundings and different medical protocols make falling ill abroad stressful enough, without the added burden of worrying how you’re going to finance your treatment.
Some people wrongly assume that travel insurance is enough to cover them while they are living and/or working abroad. Unfortunately, it’s usually not and if you are planning to be living or working abroad for more than six months in a year, international private medical insurance is ultimately what you need.
But as with most types of insurance, expat cover varies by plan and insurer, so it’s always best to discuss your requirements with us in the first instance.