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If you plan to live or reside abroad for an extended length of time, you will want to make sure you invest in a high quality international health insurance plan for the period you are abroad, outside of your home country, in case something happens and you need to seek medical treatment. For most countries around the world, it may also be a requirement of your visa (if you need one) to show proof of adequate international health insurance coverage. These plans are ideal for Expatriates, Global Nomads or International Citizens who are abroad for the majority of each year.Global Medical Plan BenefitsInternational Health Insurance or Global Medical Plans offer comprehensive medical coverage for those living outside of their home country for a year or longer. The best plans offer:Freedom to choose any hospital, clinic or doctor24 Hour Emergency Assistance and Medical HelplineEmergency Evacuation, Repatriation, HospitalizationIn most cases, Home Country coverage is includedChoice of GBP, Euro and USD currencies for paymentTable comparing benefits of 3 top insurers:Additional Benefits and OptionsPlans may offer additional benefits such as dental, vision, maternity, prescription drugs and other coverage options. Some of these are included in the base plan. Other times they are optional add ons that come with an additional premium. For example, the Cigna Global Health Plan allows you to pick and choose various options (Wellness, Dental and Vision, etc) and benefits to design a plan that meets your specific needs.Exclusions and LimitationsRead the fine print. Many plans look good on the surface but may include certain limitations and/or exclusions that you need to be aware of. Insurance plans can not cover all situations - so insurers add terminology to protect themselves against certain risks. Typically, pre-existing conditions will be reviewed and either accepted, excluded or addressed with a premium increase. Insurers may also put a limit on benefits related to your pre-existing condition.Another typical limitation to be aware of is maternity coverage. Most plans will limit or exclude coverage for maternity for at least 10-12 month. Their goal is to prevent people from buying the policy only after they have become pregnant - which would be extremely costly for them.Exclusions and limitations are not all bad. They allow the insurer to cover most situations at a reasonable price. The alternative would be very costly plans that none could afford.Again, read the fine print. You can always request a brochure or copy of a sample policy certificate which will include all the details of the plan, including the fine print.How Much do Global Medical Plans CostInternational Health Insurance eligibility and premiums are based primarily on a policyholders age, current medical history and area of coverage (typically not on an individual’s claims history) as well as the deductible and maximum coverage selected. Plans will normally offer two areas of cover; Worldwide or Worldwide excluding the USA, sometimes excluded countries also include Canada, Hong Kong and other more expensive countries for medical care. If you choose coverage that includes the US it will typically be more expensive. The reason for this is that medical care in the USA is the most expensive in the world. At times, international medical insurance providers (i.e. GeoBlue and Cigna) will rank countries by medical costs and have premiums adjusted accordingly.Read: How Much Does an Expatriate Medical Plan Cost?Premiums will increase with age. Lower deductibles and higher maximum limits also increase premium costs. You can lower your monthly premium by choosing a higher deductible, adding a co-pay or co-insurance, or lowering the amount of coverage you purchase. Many plans offer flexibility in pricing to accommodate for the needs of their clients.Learn more about international health insurance plansView a Table comparing benefits of 3 top insurers:

If you plan to live or reside abroad for an extended length of time, you will want to make sure you invest in a high quality international health insurance plan for the period you are abroad, outside of your home country, in case something happens and you need to seek medical treatment. For most countries around the world, it may also be a requirement of your visa (if you need one) to show proof of adequate international health insurance coverage. These plans are ideal for Expatriates, Global Nomads or International Citizens who are abroad for the majority of each year.Global Medical Plan BenefitsInternational Health Insurance or Global Medical Plans offer comprehensive medical coverage for those living outside of their home country for a year or longer. The best plans offer:Freedom to choose any hospital, clinic or doctor24 Hour Emergency Assistance and Medical HelplineEmergency Evacuation, Repatriation, HospitalizationIn most cases, Home Country coverage is includedChoice of GBP, Euro and USD currencies for paymentTable comparing benefits of 3 top insurers:Additional Benefits and OptionsPlans may offer additional benefits such as dental, vision, maternity, prescription drugs and other coverage options. Some of these are included in the base plan. Other times they are optional add ons that come with an additional premium. For example, Cigna allows you to pick and choose various options (Wellness, Dental and Vision, etc) and benefits to design a plan that meets your specific needs.Exclusions and LimitationsRead the fine print. Many plans look good on the surface but may include certain limitations and/or exclusions that you need to be aware of. Insurance plans can not cover all situations - so insurers add terminology to protect themselves against certain risks. Typically, pre-existing conditions will be reviewed and either accepted, excluded or addressed with a premium increase. Insurers may also put a limit on benefits related to your pre-existing condition.Another typical limitation to be aware of is maternity coverage. Most plans will limit or exclude coverage for maternity for at least 10-12 month. Their goal is to prevent people from buying the policy only after they have become pregnant - which would be extremely costly for them.Exclusions and limitations are not all bad. They allow the insurer to cover most situations at a reasonable price. The alternative would be very costly plans that none could afford.Again, read the fine print. You can always request a brochure or copy of a sample policy certificate which will include all the details of the plan, including the fine print.How Much do Global Medical Plans CostInternational Health Insurance eligibility and premiums are based primarily on a policyholders age, current medical history and area of coverage (typically not on an individual’s claims history) as well as the deductible and maximum coverage selected. Plans will normally offer two areas of cover; Worldwide or Worldwide excluding the USA, sometimes excluded countries also include Canada, Hong Kong and other more expensive countries for medical care. If you choose coverage that includes the US it will typically be more expensive. The reason for this is that medical care in the USA is the most expensive in the world. At times, international medical insurance providers (i.e. GeoBlue and Cigna) will rank countries by medical costs and have premiums adjusted accordingly.Premiums will increase with age. Lower deductibles and higher maximum limits also increase premium costs. You can lower your monthly premium by choosing a higher deductible, adding a co-pay or co-insurance, or lowering the amount of coverage you purchase. Many plans offer flexibility in pricing to accommodate for the needs of their clients.Learn more about international health insurance plansView a Table comparing benefits of 3 top insurers:

Answers to your Questions about Expatriate Health InsuranceThere are some basic questions that most expatriates have when choosing to purchase an expatriate health insurance plan. We will try to provide some answers below, but you may feel to reach out to us directly to address your specific questions. Some Helpful Articles:What is an Expatriate Insurance PlanWhat is a Global Medical InsuranceHow Much Does an Expatriate Medical Plan Cost?Costs for global health insurance will vary greater. It will be less expensive for younger clients and more expensive for older applicants. You can purchase comprehensive plans or a plan that will cover only the bare minimum. Additionally, other factors, including the deductible amount you choose, will impact costs.Example: For a husband and wife, ages 62 and 60, one plan, IMG Global Medical, offers the following coverage options:Worldwide excluding the U.S., Canada, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Macau, Singapore, and Taiwan orWorldwide coverage (including the US, etc.).IMG’s plans would cost (ages 60 and 62) as little as $2,260 per year for a plan Excluding the US and other countries with a $10,000 deductible or as much as $41,546 for Worldwide coverage and a $100 deductible (benefits for these plans – Silver, Gold and Platinum plans – differ as well, including maximum benefit limits). GeoBlue Xplorer (for US Citizens or internationals residing in the USA) offers two options: Worldwide coverage 1) including the US -more expensive – or 2) Excluding the US – less expensive. The CignaGlobal Medical Plan will adjust pricing based on where you are going to be living, and it varies by country.Request a Quote: Free Quote for Expat Health InsuranceAre there Certain Countries where Expatriate Insurance Cost More?Plans will cost more if you want US coverage – medical costs are highest in the US. Age is also a key factor – less expensive for younger applicants and more expensive as you get older. Other factors may change (similar to US health plans); for example, if you use an accredited facility you may not have to pay co-insurance. You might have to pay co-insurance for a facility in the US but not one that is located outside of the US…Why Choose a Private Expat Plan Instead of a National PlanNational, state-funded, or public health insurance can be very different from what most Expatriates are used to and can be of limited service for internationally mobile citizens. Many public plans offer less regarding medical services than what is covered under a private plan. For example, it is unlikely you will be covered for medical evacuation benefits under a public health plan. Just like you would compare international health plans to pick the best coverage, review and compare your expatriate insurance plan to the national/public plan offered in the country where you will be located.Public plans (including Medicare in the USA) usually only cover you in your host country or region. For an expatriate that travels for business or returns home throughout the year, benefits stop at the border. When covered under a national plan you may not have access to the leading private facilities or specialists. Private plans also offer 24/7 medical assistance (to find a doctor or facility), translation services (help with communicating with local healthcare providers), repatriation, etc. Finally, most private providers offer optional riders for dental, vision, add, etc.Related: Expat Meaning – What is it to be an Expatriate?Which is More Expensive – A National or Private Plan?It depends on where you are living. Health care costs, and domestic insurance plans, in the US, are significantly higher than in other countries. Further, expatriates in the US are not bound by the ACA and can choose a policy the best suits their needs, and wallet, rather than a domestic US health insurance plan, which can often be significantly more expensive.In other countries where health care, and public health plans, costs are less, the quality of care may vary from city to city or facility to facility. It makes sense to have private insurance to pay for the costs of treatment at high-quality facilities without the long waiting periods. An Expatriate plan provides you the option to choose the facilities from which you receive your care.Cigna Global Plans: Learn More | Free Quote / Apply – Premier Plan for Expats, Families, and SeniorsIMG Global Medical: Learn More | Free Quote / Apply – Affordable / Best for Younger ClientsExpat Plans: Questions When Buying an Expatriate Insurance PlanIs There an Underwriting Process When Applying for Expatriate Healthcare?Medical underwriting (A review of your medical history) is required by international healthcare companies when you apply for one of their global medical plans. For US Citizens, familiar with the protections and benefits of the Affordable Care Act (AKA Obamacare), it does not apply here. You can be turned down or denied coverage. The process is generally to obtain and review the medical history of the applicant. It is not overly burdensome (most providers can complete underwriting in 3-5 business days) unless some unusual circumstances arise.How Do Pre-Existing Conditions Affect my Expat Insurance Application?A great question without a simple answer. Many applicants who come with pre-existing conditions have a difficult time finding a suitable plan. In some cases, pre-existing conditions would prohibit coverage from a provider. Other issues in your medical history can be managed with adjustments to the plan (riders, exclusions or cost adjustments) or the cost of the coverage might be adjusted.GeoBlue’s Xplorer Plan (for US Citizens) has a nice benefit to address pre-ex; from GeoBlue’s website: “If you were previously covered by a group or individual U.S. health plan that issues you a Certificate of Creditable Coverage, GeoBlue would apply this prior coverage to the pre-existing conditions waiting period, provided you meet GeoBlue’s medical underwriting criteria. GeoBlue will also consider private health insurance issued in other countries as creditable coverage. GeoBlue does not consider surplus lines insurance sold in the U.S. as creditable coverage. The number of months of coverage shown on the Certificate will reduce or eliminate the six-month pre-existing condition waiting period. If you have six or more months of creditable coverage, your waiting period will be eliminated. If you have less than six months creditable coverage, your waiting period will be reduced by the number of months you had creditable coverage. For example, if you have two months of creditable coverage, your waiting period will be reduced from six months to four months.” GeoBlue offers additional benefits if you maintain a health plan in the US while working abroad.US Citizens: ACA Compliance and Expatriate Health PlansIn some cases, the public health care system where you are relocating to is high quality and affordable, sometimes free. In that case, you may not want to purchase a private medical plan. However, we recommend that you check local requirements (review visa and your company’s requirements and policies).US Requirements: US citizens who are outside of the US for more than 11 months of each year do not have to comply with ACA (AKA: PPACA or Obamacare). They can choose any insurance plan that fits their needs. Expatriate plans for US citizens often do not comply with the Affordable Care Act.US expats who spend more than one month per year in the US often are frustrated trying to find one plan to cover them at home and abroad – while remaining ACA compliant. Often our clients will maintain a US plan, sometimes with a high medical deductible, and choose an international plan excluding benefits in the USA (to keep costs down).“Foreign nationals who live in the United States for short enough period that they do not become resident aliens for federal income tax purposes are not subject to the individual shared responsibility payment even though they may have to file a U.S. income tax return. The IRS has more information available on when a foreign national becomes a resident alien for federal income tax purposes.” Read More at IRS.gov.Are There Age Restrictions on Expatriate Plans?There may be limitations and restrictions based on age when applying for international health plans. GeoBlue will not allow anyone over the age of 74 to apply for a new policy. However, if you have a plan in place with them before age 75, they will allow you to continue with coverage to age 84.IMG will allow you to apply up to age 74 and coverage will terminate after you turn 75. If you have had a plan with them before your 65th birthday and have maintained coverage through age 75, they provide a Senior Plan option to allow you to continue coverage. This plan has fewer benefits and lower maximum coverage amounts – but it is an option.Cigna Global will allow customers of any age to apply and will provide coverage for life.In general, insurance companies’ risks increase as their client base ages, so they have to manage those risks with increases in price, restrictions on benefit and limitations on coverage.