Health insurance policies are life-savers. Literally. So, when living abroad it is logical that you would think about your health and about those ‘god forbid’ situations of emergency. When planning to move abroad, it’s important that you research the type of health insurance you can get. However, this insurance should not be confused with travel insurance. Travel insurance is there for flight cancellations, emergency medical treatment while traveling, and lost belongings.

International health insurance, on the other hand, is designed for ex-pats, workers, and international citizens who live in another country for a longer period of time. And when you have a quality international insurance plan, it can help cover expenses of illness and serious health issues. Now that you know the difference, let’s see why an international insurance plan is crucial when living abroad.

It is Often Required By Law

Many countries will require you to have international health insurance in order to get medical treatment. What’s more, the immigration office might even require you to submit your insurance documents before you even get a visa. However, these laws will differ from country to country. Some will require you to have insurance that covers specific health conditions, while some countries may be more strict and require an investigation of your existing health condition to see if you’re covered. Nevertheless, by law in many countries, you will have to have an insurance policy before you enter.

Getting Quality Healthcare Service

Almost every person on Earth has been in need of medical treatment. This becomes even more important when you are abroad as you most likely don’t have local insurance. International health insurance comes in handy here when you have to visit a doctor or any other medical facility. It is a good idea to have this insurance because it might happen that you get sick, or need to visit a general surgeon, get treatments, or simply have a physical examination of your body. When you have insurance you can rest assured that you will get a quality healthcare service. There won’t be anything stopping you from getting treatment and all hospitals will gladly help you get better.

Coverage for Illnesses, Medical Problems or Health Care

When you live in another country, medical care can be expensive. If you happen to have a serious medical problem or need emergency care, the bills could be high. And what’s great about international health insurance plans is that they can cover those costs. Additionally, if you have a chronic condition, having an insurance plan is a strict requirement. This way, you don’t have to worry about expenses, and you can simply continue your treatment and make sure your condition is not getting worse.

What’s more, many insurance plans are customizable. This means that you can adjust benefits, coverage, and limits according to your health needs. And if you have enough money, a comprehensive policy is a great idea as it covers almost everything, including surgeries, dental care, general visits, and emergencies.

You Get An Extra Layer of Security

There are cases when people who live abroad face exorbitant healthcare costs as some facilities like to exploit patients. What’s more, it may happen that you get discriminated against as a foreigner in another country. It gets even harder when you don’t have an emergency contact or someone close abroad to help you out. This is why an international health insurance plan is a must.

It is a legal document that provides you with an extra layer of security when you are in need of medical attention. Plus, insurance plans have a hotline for your insurance provider who can make sure you are well taken care of in any situation abroad. They can also help guide you through country-specific protocols and documentation which can make your medical treatment much safer and faster.

Having health insurance is always a great idea. It makes sure you are well taken care of when in need and it can help cover at least some of the costs. However, when traveling abroad for work or for a longer stay, having only travel insurance is simply not enough.

So, before you pack your bags and plan your stay abroad, do some thorough research on international health insurance plans. Customize that plan to fit your medical needs and your budget and you can safely travel and stay in a foreign country. Plus, you will legally be required to have this insurance in some countries, and if not, it is still a great idea to get one.