International Health Insurance
Your average traditional U.S. private health insurance plans does not cover comprehensive care for U.S citizens who reside in a foreign country because most major U.S. insurance carriers do not maintain provider networks abroad.
Most health insurance plans will require you to use doctors and hospitals within a network. This means that a domestic health plan will not include foreign doctors and hospitals in their network making it impossible to acquire care under current insurance benefits when you are out of the country. U.S citizens who reside in a foreign country should consider obtaining international health insurance which affords you the benefits of a traditional health insurance plan that is able to be utilized outside of the United States. Also, many countries have socialized health care meaning that non-citizens are not eligible for health insurance that citizens will receive.
International health Insurance Overview
If you are a resident of the U.S. but work for an employer with international offices and you are subject to travel throughout the world you definitely should consider an international health insurance plan . Various plans will also cover expenses within the U.S. provided you do not stay in the U.S. for extended periods of time or permanently. A number of companies allow policyholders the freedom of receiving care in numerous locations throughout the world. Of course your specific needs will need to be addressed when purchasing your insurance.
Yearly renewals are available to the long-term traveler and short term use can be purchased for as few as 5 days. Therefore anyone needing comprehensive health coverage for international travel can apply. Upon expiration of your yearly policy you are guaranteed eligibility for renewal. Premiums set for the current year will not increase. However, rates can increase at the time of renewal but you cannot be denied coverage regardless of the number of, or amounts of previous claims. Again free quotes are available, making it easy for you to get the most for your money. Prior to relocating you may apply for coverage as long as you can supply proof of a foreign residence. Coverage will become effective immediately upon departure from the U.S.
Applying for international health insurance can be purchased in any country. You do not have to purchase this insurance from the country in which you hold citizenship. There are companies worldwide to offer coverage. With that said it is wiser to do the research on the subject and contact different providers of this type of insurance because the benefits, limitations, coverage, and premiums will differ greatly amongst various companies. Before buying, be sure to thoroughly assess the policy descriptions and be sure they are understood by you.
Just as you are familiar with the provided benefits of your domestic health insurance, most international plans cover the same basic needs. Possible inclusions depending on the policy will be coverage for medications, emergency services such as hospital or ambulance, maternity care, and customary doctor’s visits for preventative care.
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Typical International Plan Features
Emergency Medical Evacuation:
Most International Health Insurance Plans will provide coverage for Emergency Medical Evacuation to the nearest medical facility qualified to treat your life-threatening condition or potential loss of limb. All Emergency Medical Evacuations must be approved in advance and coordinated by the provider. Emergency Medical Evacuations provide you with access to care when you need it most.
Emergency Reunion:
In the event of a covered Emergency Medical Evacuation, some plans will provide the following benefits: the cost of an economy round-trip air and/or ground ticket for one of your Relatives (parent, spouse, sibling or child age 18 or above) for travel to the area where you are hospitalized following an Emergency Medical Evacuation and reasonable expenses for lodging and meals for your Relative for a period not to exceed 15 days.
Repatriation of Remains:
In the event of a covered Injury or Illness resulting in your death, the plans usually provide the following benefit: air and/or ground transportation of bodily remains or ashes to the area of your principal residence and reasonable cost of preparation of the remains necessary for transportation.
Wellness:
After 12 months of continuous coverage, you may be eligible for Wellness benefits that are not subject to the Deductible on certain plans. If you are at least 30 years of age, you could be entitled to the following Wellness benefit: $250 per Certificate Period for a Routine Physical Exam, including OB/GYN visits for females. Additionally, females who are at least 40 years of age can be entitled to the following benefit: $100 per Certificate Period for a screening mammogram. If you are under the age of 19, you will be entitled to the following Wellness benefit: $50 per visit (including immunizations) with a maximum of three visits per Certificate Period. Benefits vary from company to company.
Optional Dental Insurance:
The Optional Dental Rider provides important benefits for families including Preventative care for children and Basic and Major Dental Benefits for both children and adults. Preventative Benefits may include routine oral exams and x-rays, cleaning and fluoride treatments. Basic Benefits may include periodontics, endodontics, extractions and fillings. Major Benefits may include crowns, bridges and dentures. Coverage is generally provided worldwide at your choice of dentists.
Optional Sports Rider:
The Optional Sports Rider is a must-have addition for your extreme sports lifestyle. Whether your interests include mountaineering, skydiving, or whitewater rafting, electing the Sports Rider option (if available) will add coverage up to a lifetime maximum of $25,000 for these activities excluded by the standard plan. Coverage for Contact Sports, such as soccer or hockey, is added up to a possible lifetime maximum of $5,000. The Sports Rider adds coverage for sports and athletics except those activities engaged in for wage, reward, or profit.
Pre-existing Conditions:
If your Pre-existing Conditions have been fully disclosed on your Application and not excluded or restricted by a Rider or any other provision of your Certificate, your Pre-existing Conditions are covered the same as any other Illness or Injury as of your effective date. Pre-existing Conditions include any Injury, Illness or Mental Health Disorder that existed at or prior to your initial effective date, including chronic or recurring conditions.
As always check with your International Health Insurance provider for all included benefits.
Knowing or assessing your health and the health needs you will require is the first step to ensuring that you purchase a policy that will give you the most for your money. Find out what exclusions apply and evaluate what effect they will have on you or your family. Choose wisely. If you are planning a family, make sure the plan has maternity benefits. If you have pre-existing conditions, you may not qualify for coverage. Insurance companies assess the risk of insuring you by having a completed application which will include previous health issues. Be prepared to answer the questions.
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