What Is Expat Health Insurance?

Expat health insurance, also known as expatriate medical insurance, offers health insurance coverage for anyone temporarily living outside of their home country. You can usually tailor your policy to suit your health needs, regardless of where you live. These plans can be an excellent option to provide private health insurance, which can be helpful if it's difficult to source quality healthcare where you live. 

Why you need international expat health insurance

Most health insurance plans won't provide coverage if you're temporarily living in another country. Not having appropriate health coverage can risk your health and finances, as good quality medical care costs may be expensive depending on where you live. 

If you're an expat, or a digital nomad, navigating a new healthcare system in a foreign country isn't always easy. However, the right health insurance plan can help keep you safe and healthy while living outside the U.S. 

What's the difference between travel health insurance and expat health insurance?

When you purchase travel health insurance, it's typically for a short-term vacation where you set the time frame for your coverage and specify the countries you're visiting to get the right level of coverage. In comparison, expat medical insurance offers coverage for multiple countries, so you and your family can have peace of mind the entire time you're living elsewhere. 

If you've relocated for work but have coverage via your employer's group medical insurance company, you must check with your employer to see if you are eligible for any coverage while living abroad. 

What does expat health insurance cover?

Typically, expat health insurance offers worldwide coverage. This scope of coverage is an excellent benefit if you're a digital nomad and spending time in more than one country. In addition, an expat insurance plan means you can access care no matter which country you're currently living. 

Plans vary depending on the insurance provider, but many cover medical expenses, including hospital treatment and physician consultations. In addition, most policies offer you the choice of selecting multiple coverage options, and policy maximums typically start at around $250,000.

Typical features can include: 

• Worldwide coverage

• Flexible plan options

• Ambulance

• Emergency dental

• Preventative care 

• Surgery

• Maternity and childbirth care

Expat travel insurance also offers other additional services that can help you access medical assistance in another country. These can include translation services, medical aid, and access to online tools to help modify or purchase your health plan while abroad. In addition, it's a good idea to do an expat health insurance cost analysis before you buy a plan to determine your coverage options. 

Need help with your health insurance? 

At Health Plans of NC, we specialize in helping residents of North Carolina find the best health insurance plan for their health needs. Our experienced and local health insurance agents research the right health insurance for expats, so you end up with a plan that covers your needs and budget. So get in touch with us today.