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Health insurance abroad – comparing policies

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When you are looking for a health insurance abroad, it makes sense to shop around. This is particularly true in the current economic climate when so many are forced to reassess their expenditure and make savings wherever possible. Even if your employer arranges international medical cover for you, it is advisable to know your options within the scope of your employer’s policy. Not having the right health insurance cover for you and your family could result in a medical bill that reaches into the thousands. Here are some areas you can compare to get not only the right price, but also the cover and service you want too. Level of Health Insurance CoverConsider the level of insurance cover you need or desire, and the different health services you are sure to use during your time overseas.Companies offer international medical cover that ranges from basic through to comprehensive coverage. There is a wide range of policies available on the market, so check thoroughly what elements of health care are included in any particular policy package. Basic policies: these usually provide payment for a limited range of healthcare services like visits to a GP, basic in-patient services and emergency treatment. Supplemental policies: as an addition to the basic policy, many companies offer the choice of add-ons, which stretches the level of health care covered under your medical insurance. An add-on policy may include services otherwise only found in comprehensive cover, or for specialty services such as maternity care and optical. Comprehensive cover: such a policy varies greatly between locations and providers but it is safe to say that the range of health services included in a comprehensive policy is considerably wider than the basic insurance policy, usually including health services such as comprehensive dentist coverage, dietary advice and wellness treatments. Additional Considerations 1. Check whether the health insurance policy covers you in all locations. If you are a frequent business traveller, check that you are covered for vaccinations and medical treatment whilst outside your place of residence, including additional costs you may incur for accommodation and travel 2. A policy will cover hospitalisation costs, but check the details to ascertain the exact costs the insurance company will reimburse; a semi-private or private hospital room or a standard ward? 3. Some health provisions have a maximum reimbursement level (e.g. maternity care), which can vary considerably between companies. Therefore, this is a useful area of comparison between providers 4. Exclusions also require attention. Most companies do not cover costs associated with pre-existing conditions, but the terms and conditions around this clause do vary.You can start now by reviewing the major expat medical insurance providers and contacting them directly for any enquiries you may have on www.expatfinder.com Compare the major providers BUPA healthcare, Clements International, and more or request a free quote from an independent broker to help you compare the market and find the most cost effective solution. Visit www.expatfinder.com.

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Page 1: Health insurance abroad – comparing policies

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Health Insurance Abroad – Comparing Policies

Page 2: Health insurance abroad – comparing policies

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When you are looking for a health insurance abroad, it makes sense to shop around. This is particularly true in the current economic climate when so many are forced to reassess their expenditure and make savings wherever possible.

Page 3: Health insurance abroad – comparing policies

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Even if your employer arranges international medical cover for you, it is advisable to know your options within the scope of your employer’s policy. Not having the right health insurance cover for you and your family could result in a medical bill that reaches into the thousands. Here are some areas you can compare to get not only the right price, but also the cover and service you want too.

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Level of Health Insurance Cover

Consider the level of insurance cover you need or desire, and the different health services you are sure to use during your time overseas.

Companies offer international medical cover that ranges from basic through to comprehensive coverage. There is a wide range of policies available on the market, so check thoroughly what elements of health care are included in any particular policy package.

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Basic policies: these usually provide payment for a limited range of healthcare services like visits to a GP, basic in-patient services and emergency treatment.

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Supplemental policies: as an addition to the basic policy, many companies offer the choice of add-ons, which stretches the level of health care covered under your medical insurance. An add-on policy may include services otherwise only found in comprehensive cover, or for specialty services such as maternity care and optical.

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Comprehensive cover: such a policy varies greatly between locations and providers but it is safe to say that the range of health services included in a comprehensive policy is considerably wider than the basic insurance policy, usually including health services such as comprehensive dentist coverage, dietary advice and wellness treatments.

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Additional Considerations

1. Check whether the health insurance policy covers you in all locations. If you are a frequent business traveller, check that you are covered for vaccinations and medical treatment whilst outside your place of residence, including additional costs you may incur for accommodation and travel

2. A policy will cover hospitalisation costs, but check the details to ascertain the exact costs the insurance company will reimburse; a semi-private or private hospital room or a standard ward?

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3. Some health provisions have a maximum reimbursement level (e.g. maternity care), which can vary considerably between companies. Therefore, this is a useful area of comparison between providers

4. Exclusions also require attention. Most companies do not cover costs associated with pre-existing conditions, but the terms and conditions around this clause do vary.

Page 10: Health insurance abroad – comparing policies

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Start now!

Compare the major providers Bupa International, Integra Global, Clements International and more or request a free quote from an

independent broker to help you compare the market and find the most cost effective solution.

Visit www.expatfinder.com now!