by If you are looking for an online international health insurance quote, be sure to check out our free quotes for international medical insurance plans. We have the information you need for affordable travel insurance coverage. If you are a U.S. citizen that is residing in a foreign country, you may consider purchasing an international health insurance policy. This type of health plan is more comprehensive than a standard travel insurance policy and may have benefits similar to private health insurance policies available in the United States. A U.S. health plan, such as those available through Blue Cross, are not typically available to Americans residing in foreign countries. This is because these domestic health insurance companies do not have provider networks outside of the country and medical expenses are unpredictable, making it difficult for them to calculate monthly medical insurance premiums based on risk factors and claims histories. In addition, a U.S. citizen residing in a foreign country may not be eligible for the health insurance options available in that foreign country. Many countries have government-sponsored health plans that are only available to citizens or permanent residents of that country.
Most international health insurance policies have no boundaries or geographical limits on where you are eligible for coverage through the health plan. Some may even provide coverage while you are in the U.S., provided that you do not return to the country on a permanent basis. This is very useful for persons that are world travelers or have employment with a company that relocates you to various locations throughout the world. Be sure to get an international health insurance quote. Our free quotes for international medical insurance plans will ensure that you find the most affordable insurance possible.
International health insurance policies are annually renewable. This means that your premium for the coverage is guaranteed for one year and you cannot be denied coverage when your annual policy period expires. The premiums may increase at renewal, but your coverage will not be denied, even if you had many claims in the previous year. To be eligible for this type of health insurance, you will need to have a foreign residence and coverage will not become effective until you are actually residing at the foreign address. If you are planning a move to a foreign country, you may apply for coverage in advance of relocating, but the coverage will not become effective until you leave the United States.
There are many companies throughout the world that offer international health insurance coverage. It is not necessary to purchase an international health plan in the country where you hold citizenship. Most insurance companies that offer international health plans will provide this coverage to any person regardless of country of citizenship or where you are residing as an ex-patriot. The coverage limits and benefits may vary substantially from one insurance company to another, so make sure to review policy descriptions in details before purchasing a health insurance plan for your foreign residency. For more information and tips on selecting the right plan, visit our How-To Guide for Choosing International Health Insurance.
Most international health insurance plans will provide benefits similar to those that you have come to expect from a private or group health insurance plan in the United States. These benefits may include doctor’s office visits, hospitalization, prescription drug coverage, ambulance service, emergency room visits, and preventive health care and maternity benefits. For information about what benefits you should look for in this type of health plan, visit the international health insurance benefits section of our website.
As with any type of health insurance, international health insurance has exclusions and limitations that you should be aware of when comparing health insurance quotes for long-term foreign health care. It is important to understand the plan exclusions to make sure that none of them will directly affect your expected needs. For instance, if you are a young married couple and are planning a family, the exclusions associated with maternity benefits may be especially important to you. There may also be restrictions on coverage for pre-existing conditions. When applying for an international health plan, you will be required to complete an application that will ask questions about your health history. The insurance company may deny you coverage if they feel the risk of insuring you is too great. We offer more information about what to expect when applying for international health insurance.