If you’re thinking of moving abroad, it is recommended that you secure good expatriate medical insurance before you depart. To be confident that you are fully protected from the very day of your arrival, it is best to shop around and look at government regulations to find the best plan for you, and then purchase your insurance policy whilst still in the UK.
Expat health insurance specializes in providing a smooth transition from one health care system to another and prioritizes potential problems particular to people living abroad. The policy should include a repatriation clause and a reimbursement policy in the event of having to pay cash upfront for foreign hospital treatment. Not only does having expatriate insurance save dealing with complicated foreign health systems and possibly also language barriers, but in some countries it is also a legal requirement for entry.
It is worth checking what eventualities are covered before you buy expat insurance and whether the plan offers ‘paid in full’ cover or just a proportion of incurred costs in the case of certain accidents or illnesses. It is also advisable to deduce the maximum limit on any policy you are considering, to understand in advance whether or not high expense claims such as emergency surgery or long-term treatment are covered.
As long as you do your research and buy in advance, securing expatriate health insurance is not a complicated process and more importantly it will allow you to relocate at ease and in the confidence that, should you need any healthcare, it will both adequate and affordable.
