The Best Expat Health Insurance Policies: Our 2023 Guide
Welcome to our guide on finding the best expat insurance plan.
As an expat, it's crucial to have reliable insurance to ensure peace of mind and access to quality healthcare when moving abroad. Not only that, but often it is essential for your visa application if you plan to get residency in a country such as Portugal.
(Note: Even though, of course, we specialize in helping people move to Portugal, the information in this article is relevant to expats moving to any country in the world).
Moving overseas is an exciting venture, but like any international journey, it's important to understand your healthcare options. In this article, we'll explore exactly what expat insurance is and give you our pick of the best policies. We’ll discuss key factors to consider when choosing a plan, and provide insights into the importance of having adequate health insurance coverage as an expat.
Expat health insurance can be a confusing minefield, so we’re here to clear up the confusion around the issue for you.
Essential info!
Let’s start with the two most important things you need to know:
Expat health insurance is different than regular travel insurance, and
Expat health insurance is a legal requirement for obtaining residency visas in many countries, such as the D2, D7, and digital nomad visas in Portugal - and your residency application will be unsuccessful without it.
Visa insurance, expat insurance, expat health insurance or Schengen travel insurance: What’s the difference?
So let’s start with probably the most common question of all on this topic:
What’s the difference between visa insurance, expat insurance, expat health insurance or Schengen travel insurance?
You might have heard these terms used interchangeably, but in truth, they are referring to the same thing. For the sake of this article, we’ll refer to it as expat health insurance.
So, what is expat health insurance?
Expat health insurance is a comprehensive insurance plan designed to provide health coverage to individuals living abroad.
It is not the same as travel insurance.
Unlike regular travel insurance, which typically covers short-term stays and emergencies, expat health insurance covers routine healthcare, specialist treatments, and sometimes even maternity care and preventive health measures, making it suitable for those residing in a foreign country for an extended period.
What are the best expat health insurance policies?
Our tip: Safetywing Nomad Insurance
Pros: SafetyWing offers an affordable and flexible insurance solution tailored specifically for digital nomads, expats, and frequent travelers, earning it a top spot on our list.
The coverage extends to a wide range of medical services, including hospitalization, intensive care, emergency room visits, urgent care, and even some outpatient care.
SafetyWing policies also cover one child (between 14 days and 10 years old) per adult, up to 2 children, at no additional cost, making it a great option for families.
Cons: Despite its many advantages, SafetyWing does have some limitations. The policy doesn't cover routine check-ups, preventive care, or pre-existing conditions, which might be a downside for some individuals. It also has a maximum age of 69, which could be a downside for the more mature traveller.
Another point to consider is the deductible of $250 for the Nomad Insurance, which could add to out-of-pocket expenses in the event of a medical issue. However, considering its affordable premium rates, this deductible may not be a significant concern for many.
In summary, SafetyWing's flexibility, affordability, and comprehensive coverage make it an excellent choice for expats, despite some limitations in coverage.
Highly recommended for moving to Europe: Swisscare International Schengen Visa Insurance
Pros: Swisscare is a reputable insurance provider that offers comprehensive and high-quality coverage, making it an excellent choice for those expats moving to Europe. Their International Schengen Visa Insurance is specifically designed for expatriates and travelers in Schengen zone countries.
One of the standout features of Swisscare's policy is its extensive coverage. It includes emergency medical expenses, hospitalization, medical evacuation, and repatriation. This wide-ranging coverage gives policyholders peace of mind knowing they're protected in a variety of circumstances.
Swisscare is also known for its customer service. The company offers multi-language support, and claims can be submitted online, making the process straightforward and convenient.
Moreover, Swisscare's policy provides coverage up to €100,000, which exceeds the minimum requirement for Schengen visa insurance.
Cons: While Swisscare offers robust coverage, it's worth noting that it comes at a higher price point compared to some other options, like SafetyWing. This could be a consideration for those on a tighter budget. Additionally, the policy does not cover routine check-ups or preventive care, and this could be a downside for those who want comprehensive health coverage that includes these types of care.
In summary, Swisscare's International Schengen Visa Insurance provides robust and high-quality coverage, and while it may be pricier than some other options, the extent of coverage and quality of customer service can make it a worthwhile investment for North Americans moving to Portugal.
The Best of the Rest
Cigna Global Health Insurance
Pros: Cigna Global is a renowned provider of international health insurance, covering a wide range of medical and wellness services. It offers customizable plans where you can choose from various coverage options, such as inpatient care, outpatient care, wellness, vision, dental, evacuation, and more. They have a vast network of healthcare providers worldwide, meaning you can seek treatment virtually anywhere.
Cons: On the downside, Cigna Global's plans can be more expensive compared to some other providers. Also, although they offer a high degree of customization, this can make their plans more complex to understand and compare.
Allianz Care International Health Insurance
Pros: Allianz Care is a leading player in the international health insurance industry. They provide a variety of plan options that cover inpatient, outpatient, maternity, dental, and repatriation services. Allianz Care also offers a 24/7 multilingual helpline and a useful app for managing your policy and healthcare on-the-go.
Cons: Although Allianz Care's plans offer a variety of coverage, they tend to be on the more expensive side. Also, while they provide coverage for chronic conditions, pre-existing conditions are generally not covered unless disclosed and approved during application.
IMG Global Medical Insurance
Pros: IMG Global offers a variety of international health insurance plans, including long-term, short-term, and travel-specific options. They also provide options for coverage in the U.S., which can be beneficial for American expats who travel back home frequently. Their plans include a range of services from hospitalization and surgery to wellness check-ups and mental health support.
Cons: While IMG Global provides extensive coverage, the coverage for pre-existing conditions can be limited. Also, there have been some reports of slow claim processing times.
When is expat health insurance required? Do I need it for a scouting trip?
No. In most cases, expat health insurance is only a requirement if you will be in the country for more than 90 days - i.e., if you are making a visa application. For shorter trips, regular travel insurance will be good.
How is expat health insurance different from local health insurance, private health insurance, and travel insurance?
Firstly, it’s important to know that you will likely not be able to get local health insurance until you have residency in the country that you are moving to, so you’ll need an international health insurance plan to cover you while you go through your application process, however to get clarity on the difference:
Local health insurance: These plans provide coverage within the local healthcare system of a country. They may not cover care received outside of that country and might have limitations compared to expat insurance.
Private health insurance: This can be purchased as an addition to local health coverage for more comprehensive protection. However, it's usually limited to the country where it's purchased.
Travel insurance: This typically covers emergency healthcare during a short-term visit to another country. It's not designed for long-term residents.
Expat health insurance: Provides comprehensive healthcare coverage for long-term international residents. It usually covers global healthcare, which means you can receive medical care even if you're traveling too.
What does expat health insurance cover?
Expat health insurance generally covers:
Hospitalization and out-patient treatment
Prescription medications
Medical evacuation
Dental care
Maternity care
Mental health care
Preventive health services
The exact coverage will depend on the specific policy, so it's important to carefully read the policy details.
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Understanding the Importance of Expat Insurance
As an expat, having insurance is of utmost importance, especially when moving to a new country.
Expat insurance provides peace of mind by ensuring access to quality healthcare, protecting against unexpected medical expenses, and offering assistance in emergencies.
By obtaining the expat insurance, you can confidently navigate the healthcare system and focus on enjoying your expat experience without worrying about unforeseen medical costs.
Key Factors to Consider in Choosing your Policy
When selecting the policy for your needs, there are several key factors to consider when choosing.
Assess the coverage offered, ensuring it includes both inpatient and outpatient services, emergency care, and specialist consultations.
Consider the network of healthcare providers and hospitals available in the country you’re moving to. It's crucial to review the policy exclusions, deductibles, and claim processes to understand the coverage limitations.
Take into account the cost of premiums and any additional benefits provided, such as coverage for pre-existing conditions or dental and vision care.
Top International Insurance Companies: A Closer Look
When choosing between the best global health insurance plans, it's important to examine the offerings of top international insurance companies.
Finding the Best Provider for Your Needs
Finding the best provider for your needs as an expat requires careful evaluation.
Look for providers that offer tailored plans specifically designed for expats. Consider factors such as:
Coverage options
Flexibility in choosing healthcare providers
Customer reviews, and
The provider's expertise in serving expat communities.
Take the time to compare multiple providers, request quotes, and assess the comprehensiveness of their coverage. By doing so, you can select a provider that meets your specific requirements and ensures reliable healthcare coverage.
Navigating the World of Insurance: Common Terms to Know
Understanding common terms related to expat insurance will help you navigate the world of insurance coverage with ease.
Familiarize yourself with terms such as premium, deductible, co-insurance, out-of-pocket maximum, and exclusions.
Each term plays a significant role in understanding the extent of coverage, costs involved, and any limitations associated with your expat insurance plan.
By familiarizing yourself with these terms, you can make informed decisions when comparing and selecting the best policy for your needs.
Travel Insurance, International Medical Insurance and International Health Insurance: Understanding the Difference
It's important to differentiate between travel insurance, travel medical insurance and international health insurance.
Travel medical insurance typically provides short-term coverage during trips, while international health policies offers long-term coverage for individuals living abroad.
As an expat, you need a policy that provides comprehensive coverage for your healthcare needs throughout your stay, and it's best to search out specific global health insurance providers, rather than regular travel insurance companies, health insurance companies or medical insurance companies.
Travel medical insurance may be suitable for shorter visits or vacations but may not offer the long-term benefits and coverage necessary for expats as specific expat health insurance.
Tips for Evaluating and Comparing Expat Insurance Quotes
When evaluating and comparing expat insurance quotes, consider the overall value and coverage provided.
Look beyond the price alone and assess the extent of coverage, including inpatient and outpatient care, emergency services, specialist consultations, and medication coverage.
Take note of any additional benefits, such as coverage for pre-existing conditions or dental and vision care.
Compare the quotes from multiple providers and consider the reputation, customer reviews, and reliability of each insurer.
By evaluating these factors, you can make an informed decision and select the expat insurance plan that best meets your needs.
Understanding Coverage Limits and Deductibles in Expat Insurance
Coverage limits and deductibles are important aspects of expat insurance that should be understood to ensure appropriate financial protection.
Coverage limits refer to the maximum amount the insurer will pay for specific services or treatments.
Deductibles are the amount you must pay out of pocket before the insurance coverage kicks in.
It's essential to carefully review these limits and deductibles to understand how they may impact your coverage and expenses. Be sure to select an expat insurance plan with reasonable coverage limits and deductibles that align with your financial capabilities while providing sufficient coverage.
Tailoring Your Expat Insurance Plan: Add-Ons and Optional Coverage
Expat insurance plans often come with the flexibility to tailor the coverage to suit your specific needs.
This may include the option to add on specific coverage for areas such as:
Mental health services
Alternative therapies
Wellness programs
Consider your personal requirements and preferences when reviewing the optional coverage options offered by your insurance provider. For example, if you have a pre-existing condition or require regular mental health support, selecting a plan with these additional coverage options can provide the necessary support.
Exploring Insurance for Expats: Long-Term vs. Short-Term Options
When choosing expat insurance, you will encounter both long-term and short-term options.
Long-term insurance is designed for expats residing overseas for an extended period, typically one year or more.
Short-term insurance, on the other hand, is suitable for those who plan to stay in Portugal for a shorter duration, such as a few months or a year.
Consider the length of your stay and select the insurance option that aligns with your needs. If you plan to reside in a foreign country for an extended period, opting for long-term expat insurance will provide continuous coverage and eliminate the need for frequent policy renewals.
The Importance of Pre-Existing Condition Coverage in Expat Insurance
If you have a pre-existing medical condition, it is vital to select an expat insurance plan that offers coverage for such conditions.
Pre-existing condition coverage ensures that you can receive necessary medical treatment and support for your existing health condition.
Review the terms and conditions of the insurance policy to understand how pre-existing conditions are covered and keep in mind that some plans may have waiting periods or exclusions for pre-existing conditions.
By choosing an expat insurance plan with appropriate pre-existing condition coverage, you can ensure that your healthcare needs are met and manage your condition effectively.
Tips for Finding Affordable Expat Insurance Plans
Finding affordable expat insurance plans in Portugal requires careful consideration and comparison.
Start by evaluating your specific needs and determining the essential coverage you require.
Obtain quotes from multiple insurance providers and compare the premiums, deductibles, and coverage limits offered.
Consider the reputation and financial stability of the insurance companies to ensure reliable service.
Additionally, review customer reviews and testimonials to gauge the customer experience and satisfaction.
By conducting thorough research and comparing multiple options, you can find an expat insurance plan that strikes the right balance between affordability and comprehensive coverage.
How to File a Claim with Your Expat Insurance Provider
Filing a claim with your expat insurance provider should be a straightforward process.
Typically, you will need to gather the necessary documentation, such as medical bills and invoices, receipts, and any other supporting documents related to the medical services received.
Contact your insurance provider to understand their specific claim submission process, as it may vary among different companies. It is important to submit the claim within the designated timeframe to ensure a smooth process.
Keep copies of all documents for your records and follow up with the insurer if you have any questions or require assistance during the claims process.
By understanding the steps involved and promptly submitting the necessary documentation, you can ensure a seamless experience when filing a claim with your expat insurance provider.
Final Thoughts: Investing in Your Health and Well-Being as an Expat
Choosing the best insurance is a vital step in securing your health and well-being while living abroad.
By selecting a policy that offers comprehensive coverage from an international insurance company and offering worldwide coverage, you can have peace of mind knowing that your medical expenses will be taken care of in the event of an illness or injury.
Take the time to evaluate your needs, compare companies, and find a plan that aligns with your requirements as an expat.
Remember, investing in your health is investing in a fulfilling and worry-free expat experience.
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