International Insurance
Expat health insurance

Expat health insurance is a serious subject. If you’re an expat or plan to become one, then you typically will fall into one of three categories:

• you’re working overseas for an extended period on behalf of an employer;
  
• you’re self-employed and working abroad – in such cases you’re very probably doing everything yourself and without an employer as sponsor;
  
• you’ve moved overseas on a permanent or semi-permanent basis, again under your own responsibility.

One of the things that typically every expat worries about is health care and costs when abroad. The position varies tremendously depending upon the country you’re going to live in but there are a few general points that may be worth keeping in mind.

The NHS does not exist everywhere

Many countries of world do not have a universal health care system. You access to medical care or at least quality medical care may be directly related to your ability to pay. In some countries you may find it difficult to obtain any treatment at all unless you can show up-front evidence of your ability to pay for it.

Corporate assignments

If an employer is sending you overseas, they will typically make arrangements for your health cover. It would be prudent to ensure that you understand exactly what this provides for you and your family.

Temporary overseas relocation – personally arranged

If you’re going to a country within the European Union, you may be eligible for reciprocal health care. You may need to take the appropriate form or card with you from the UK. It is worth keeping in mind that typically this covers only sickness or serious conditions requiring emergency treatment. It may not cover other forms of non-urgent medical care.

If your destination is outside of the EU, you may need to make enquiries before you depart. In general terms, you will typically have to make your own expat health insurance arrangements.

Permanent or semi-permanent moves (personal)

As above, you may be advised to make your own private medical insurance (PMI) arrangements. Even in an EU country, your critical health cover offered reciprocally will be of limited duration and it will not cover a number of important areas of non-emergency treatment. In some non-EU countries you may be able to enter (through contributions) the local health schemes but once again the cover provided may be limited.

Private medical insurance and expat health insurance

Some providers of UK based PMI also offer schemes that provide expat health insurance. These may be able to typically provide you with the protection you need when overseas and they may also be more cost-effective than the equivalent health schemes in your destination country. The schemes may vary by country and making further enquiries about your specific destination may be a good idea.