Although living abroad for the next year is an exciting prospect, there is much to plan and consider. One aspect that’s often overlooked is extended medical treatment.
Most people living abroad would want to return home for treatment and recovery and to be close to loved ones if they become critically ill. Many mistakenly assume that if a critical illness should arise, then their managed care plan would take care of things; this couldn’t be further from the case.
Your health insurance plan in the United States isn’t designed to cover you when you are out of the country for an extended stay. Medicare and Medicaid generally don’t offer any coverage for medical expenses that develop outside the United States.
HMOs generally will cover emergency room treatment wherever you are, but routine health coverage is offered through the state provider networks of your resident state. If you use a network doctor, PPOs will typically cover a greater portion of the expense.
Some travelers turn to travel insurance as a source of extended medical coverage, and travel policies do provide a degree of coverage for illness and injury. However, the benefit period on many travel plans is usually limited to six months, so a year-long stay could leave you uncovered for part of your trip. If your stay extends beyond those limits, consider Long Term International Health Insurance.
Expatriate Health insurance, by its very name, is designed for people living away from home for extended periods. In Latin, “ex” means away from and “patria” means fatherland. This insurance is geared toward those who will be away from their home, especially for stays that extend past six months, and many expatriate plans are a form of International Health Insurance.
Coverage is often only half the problem when navigating a foreign health system. Expatriate Health insurance can also help with language barriers, arranging transportation to U.S. health care centers, and handling currency exchange for medical bills.
Expatriate Health insurance plans are divided into two categories. The first is the basic expatriate plan, which offers in-hospital and in-patient coverage: hospital stays, services from several medical providers, and ambulance transportation.
Basic plans often include home health nursing care and emergency dental services, and many allow enhancements—such as outpatient services, certain therapy services, and prescription drugs—for an additional cost. Emergency medical evacuation coverage is commonly offered as an add-on and can include transport to the nearest advanced treatment center and a return fare.
The second category is the comprehensive expatriate plan. This option covers more extensive needs, such as dietary, psychiatric, vision and hearing care, chiropractic and osteopathy, rehabilitation, labor and delivery, and home nursing care. Some plans also cover certain prescription medications and diagnostic testing, and you can compare broader coverage options like Global Medical Insurance if you require more extensive worldwide protection.
Like any health plan, expatriate coverage usually has exclusions and restrictions. Most carriers generally will not cover preexisting conditions, injuries from war, rioting, and terrorism, or losses tied to hazardous occupations. In some cases carriers may underwrite preexisting conditions for an additional cost.
If you want personalized help comparing plans or reviewing specific coverage details, talk to an agent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my U.S. health insurance cover me while I live abroad?
Most U.S. plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, do not cover routine care outside the United States; HMOs may cover emergencies only.
How long does travel insurance typically cover medical expenses?
Many travel insurance plans limit coverage to about six months, which can leave long-term travelers exposed after that period.
What is the difference between a basic and a comprehensive expatriate plan?
Basic plans focus on in-patient and emergency services, while comprehensive plans include broader outpatient, rehabilitation, and specialty care.
Are preexisting conditions covered by expatriate plans?
Most carriers exclude preexisting conditions, though some may offer coverage after underwriting or for an additional premium.