How Does International Health Insurance Work? (2024)

One of the most challenging parts of living in a foreign country is navigating the healthcare system and whether it caters to expats. In most cases, the insurance policy you have at home won’t cover when you leave your country, so international health insurance is required.

Here is an overview of how international health insurance works:

1. You move abroad.
2. You purchase international health insurance.
3. You require medical attention while abroad.
4. You collect the required documents.
5. You pay for the medical costs in a foreign country.

Comparison marketplaces like Insubuy and International Citizens Insurance will also provide a comparative overview of several global insurance plans where you can pick and choose.

You Plan to Move Abroad

Before buying your international insurance policy, make sure that you actually need one. For example, if you stay in a foreign country only temporarily, i.e., less than a month, you might consider buying only travel insurance that will cover any medical emergencies during your stay. On the other hand, if you plan to live in a foreign country long-term, i.e., for work or family purposes, you should buy international health insurance. Learn more about the differences between travel insurance and international health insurance.

Here you can find the list of the countries with the best health insurance for expats.

You Purchase International Health Insurance

Even though you are not legally obligated to buy international health insurance, you are highly advised to do this before moving abroad. This way, you will know that whatever injuries, illnesses, or emergency interventions you have are covered by your provider, no matter where you are.

You Require Medical Attention While Abroad

Let’s say, while you are abroad, you suffer an injury, get sick, or need a medical procedure. Whatever the reason, you can seek medical attention at your local health center. However, at these public health centers, you may experience longer waiting times and difficulty accessing an English-speaking doctor. With your international health insurance, on the other hand, you can access private healthcare facilities thus eliminating waiting times.

In cases where your condition may not be treatable abroad, you will be evacuated to your home country. Either way, your international health insurance will cover these expenses if you purchase a reparation and evacuation coverage plan.

You Collect the Required Documents

After you get treated at the medical center abroad, you must collect a set of documents so you can make an insurance claim. This includes the bills and receipts from the hospital, prescription notes (including your info, your doctor’s name, the pharmacy details, etc.), the medical procedures you undertook, and any other information required by your insurance provider.

Please save a copy of every document if you need to re-send them to your insurance provider. If you’re not sure what documents your insurance company needs, contact your provider since they offer a 24/7 help hotline and will be able to assist you.

You Use Your International Health Insurance to Cover Medical Costs

There are two ways in which your international insurance provider will pay for your medical costs while abroad:

• Directly. Your insurance provider will pay the bill directly to the hospital if you are in the same provider network. You still need to fill out the insurance claim form. The hospital or medical center where you received treatment can bill the insurance company directly based on your insurance ID.
• Via an insurance claim. If your bill is not paid directly, you must pay the expenses yourself and file an insurance claim. You need every detailed invoice and receipt issued by the hospital, your doctor, and your pharmacy to make an insurance claim. You will need to attach these documents to your insurance claim form and send them to your provider. Most providers will reimburse 80% of expenses, depending on your insurance plan.

Note: When filing an insurance claim, you need to fill out an insurance claim form for every medical condition treated.