It goes without saying that medical emergencies and illnesses are some of life’s most stressful situations, but that stress can be amplified several times if you are outside of your home country. Even if you have been living abroad for a while, medical care is hopefully not something that you need all too often, and this means that you will likely be unfamiliar with the way things are done in the country where you are living.
Medical insurance offers a convenient, but sometimes expensive, solution to this. As well as paying for the care you need, it means that you will be in contact with somebody who understands the system in your adopted country. Of course, there is a chance that you may never use it, and that is why many people question whether private medical cover is a worthwhile investment.
This article explores why it is an important investment for expats and offers a few tips on finding appropriate cover for your needs.
The case for private medical cover
The premiums for overseas private medical insurance can be steep, especially for something that in an ideal world you will never need to use. However, there are several reasons why it is worthwhile.
The first and most simple reason is that expats are required by law in some countries to have medical insurance, and schemes that might be freely available to citizens of those countries do not necessarily extend to foreigners living there.
However, many expats end up choosing private medical cover even in countries where they can be enrolled into the public insurance program. Private cover often grants you quicker access to the care you need, access to doctors who can speak your language, and treatment in private hospitals which are usually of a higher standard than public ones.
How to find appropriate coverage
Choosing the right insurance is a complex topic worthy of its own article. While we cannot cover everything here, below are some tips to help you find insurance that is tailored to your needs.
Make it comprehensive
If you have any existing conditions that require special treatments or medication, make sure these are covered. Also be sure that it includes any physical activities or hobbies that you enjoy.
Emergency transport
If you are living in a country where medical treatment is highly limited, make sure your insurance plan covers transportation to other countries for urgent treatments.
Language
Good medical insurance will make sure you have access to medical staff who speak your language. Being able to communicate is important to getting the help you need.
Customer service
An ideal insurance provider will offer a 24/7 helpline and a quick and easy claims process. It should always be easy to speak to a representative when you need to.
Conclusion
Many people living overseas find that the peace of mind that they get from knowing help is at hand is worth paying for, even if they do not use it often or they live in countries which provide health insurance for foreigners. There could always be bad things lurking around the corner and many find it comforting to know that they will not have financial or communication issues to add to their woes.