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As the trend toward remote work and digital nomadism grows, so does the need for more versatile and globally oriented health insurance solutions. If you’re often on the move, local insurance might not provide the coverage you need, particularly when crossing borders.
In this article, you’ll find out what global health insurance is, whether you need it, and if yes – how to choose the best-suited one for your needs.
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What Is Global Health Insurance?
Global health insurance, often referred to as international health insurance, offers comprehensive medical coverage for individuals living or working outside their home country for prolonged periods. Unlike travel insurance, which generally covers short trips and often emphasizes emergencies and trip cancellations, global health insurance is designed to provide a broad spectrum of health care provisions for those living and working abroad.
Choosing the right global health insurance can be a lifesaver, both medically and financially, ensuring you remain protected regardless of where life takes you. One option is SafetyWing’s Nomad Health – read our overview and find out if it’s right for your needs.
If you’re an EU citizen, you most likely have your free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). EHIC allows you to access essential healthcare when visiting any of the 27 EU countries and Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland (and in some cases the UK). Just like the locals, you’ll receive necessary medical treatment which includes care for chronic or pre-existing illnesses and during pregnancy and childbirth.
However, you need to keep in mind that:
- Your EHIC isn’t a replacement for your travel insurance and it won’t cover private care, lost or stolen property, or return flights.
- EHIC won’t cover your costs if you’re traveling specifically for medical treatment.
- Healthcare rules differ by country. A free service back home might have a fee elsewhere.
- If you’re moving countries to another EU country, you have to register with the S1 form instead of using your EHIC to get medical care in your new home.
If you’re an EU citizen traveling or living outside of the EU, EHIC won’t cover you for healthcare.
Thinking of moving to Europe as a freelancer? Good news! Europe, with its vibrant culture, top-notch infrastructure, and friendly governments, has become one of the favorite destinations for freelancers, digital nomads, and online entrepreneurs. There are loads of other benefits of starting your freelance business in the EU.
How Does International Health Insurance Work?
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how international health insurance typically works:
- Selection: Choose a suitable international health insurance plan based on your coverage needs.
- Enrollment Process: Apply by providing personal, medical, travel, and residency details.
- Insurance Payment: Make the payment to activate and maintain the policy.
- Medical Appointments and Emergencies: Seek medical care abroad when needed, either for routine check-ups or emergencies.
- Payment for the Treatment: Depending on your policy, either pay upfront or have the hospital or clinic bill your insurer directly.
- Claim Process: If you paid upfront, submit a claim with the necessary documentation.
- Reimbursement: After claim approval, receive reimbursement from your insurer.
For more details, check out the table below providing a concise overview of the key practical aspects of international health insurance.
| Practical Overview | Description |
|---|---|
| Coverage Scope | Provides health coverage in multiple countries, ideal for travelers and expatriates. |
| Enrollment Process | Application through an insurer often requires your medical history, current health status, and travel and residence abroad details. |
| Insurance Payment | Paid monthly, quarterly, or annually. Varies based on coverage area, age, and health. |
| Medical appointments & emergencies | Visit a healthcare provider abroad. You can use a network of recommended healthcare providers worldwide. |
| Payment for Treatment | Pay out-of-pocket and get reimbursed. Otherwise, if the treatment is scheduled or your policy offers it – the provider (the hospital or clinic) can bill the insurer directly. • Some policies have deductibles, which are amounts you must pay before the insurance starts coverage. • There will also be maximum limits on how much the insurer will pay for specific treatments or overall. |
| Claims Process | After receiving the medical treatment you paid for, you initiate a claim by filling out a claim form provided by your insurer. It typically requires details about your treatment, provider, and any costs incurred. • You must submit relevant documentation, so remember to collect it during your treatment! This can include medical reports, invoices, receipts, and any other proof of the medical services received and their costs. |
| Reimbursement | When approved, your insurer will reimburse the covered amount. |
What Does Global Insurance Cover?
While specific coverage can vary between providers, a typical global health insurance policy might include:
Hospitalization & Medical Treatment. This covers in-patient and sometimes out-patient treatments at medical facilities around the world.
Emergency Evacuation. If you’re in a location where adequate medical care isn’t available, global health insurance can cover the costs of transporting you to the nearest appropriate facility.
Routine Check-Ups. For those leading a nomadic lifestyle, maintaining regular health check-ups can be challenging. Some global health insurance plans cover these routine visits.
Maternity & Childbirth. Some plans cover the costs related to maternity, prenatal care, and childbirth.
Chronic & Pre-existing Conditions. While not all, some policies offer coverage for ongoing and pre-existing medical conditions.
Why Do You Need Global Health Insurance?
You plan to keep moving. You want to live abroad and travel and need worldwide or multi-country cover. You can use the policy in different countries, including your home country.
Higher level of coverage than your domestic plan potentially has, including evacuation and preparation depending on the policy.
Preventive health. Some global health insurance plans offer coverage for vaccines, screenings, and regular check-ups.
Consistent quality. Ensures the same standard of medical care no matter where you travel.
Avoiding language & cultural barriers. Local healthcare plans may offer policy documents and helplines only in the local language. An international health insurance provider often offers multilingual support, assisting in communicating with local medical providers.
No possibility to get a local health plan or state-provided health insurance. In some cases, if you aren’t a permanent resident of the country, you might not be eligible to apply for a local health plan or state-provided health insurance.
Unexpected health issues. Accidents and sudden illnesses don’t respect borders.
Cost management. Health care in foreign countries can be exorbitantly expensive without insurance. A single health crisis without coverage can lead to financial ruin.
Legal requirements. Some countries require visitors to have health insurance before granting visas or residency.
Peace of mind. Travel and reside abroad with fewer worries, knowing you’re medically covered.
Chronic conditions. Management and treatment of ongoing health conditions.
Maternity care possibility. For those planning to start or expand a family while abroad.
Diverse medical systems. Navigating different healthcare systems can be complex. Global health insurance often offers assistance in guiding you to the right care.
How to Choose the Best Global Health Insurance for Expats, Digital Nomads & Freelancers
- Scope of coverage. Make sure the insurance plan covers the countries or regions you plan to travel to or reside in. Some plans might exclude certain countries or offer limited coverage in specific areas.
- Global & flexible reach. Some places, like the USA or Singapore, have higher medical costs. If you’re not staying there, consider opting for a plan excluding these countries to save money.
- Duration of coverage. Look for renewable policies that can be extended as needed.
- Medical benefits. Review the medical benefits thoroughly. Look for comprehensive coverage that includes hospitalization, outpatient care, prescription medications, and preventive care.
- Exclusions. Make sure that specific exclusions are acceptable in your individual situation. It’s vital to understand what’s not covered, especially concerning pre-existing conditions.
- Cost. Compare premium costs against the benefits provided. Cheaper isn’t always better. It might be worth paying a bit more for comprehensive coverage, especially if you have specific health needs, such as when you’re expecting a baby, you need dental coverage, or if you have pre-existing conditions.
- Your home country. Check if your plan covers short visits back.
- Customer support. Make sure the insurer offers robust customer support with 24/7 helplines.
- Additional benefits. Some insurers offer extra benefits like telemedicine services, mental health support, or coverage for adventure sports.
- Flexibility. Can you upgrade or downgrade your coverage as needed?
- Claims process. It’s crucial to have an easy and transparent claims process. Ensure the insurer has a straightforward procedure for filing and processing claims.
- Local network. Make sure the insurer has partnerships with local hospitals or medical facilities in your destination countries. This can ease direct billing processes.
What Is the Difference Between Travel Insurance and International Health Insurance?
Both travel insurance and international health insurance are designed to provide coverage for individuals when they are away from their home country, but the nature and scope of the coverage vary significantly. Here’s a comparison of the two:
| Feature | Travel Insurance | International Health Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | For short-term trips, vacations, or business travels | For those living, working, and/or studying abroad for extended periods |
| Coverage Duration | Short durations: days to a few months, sometimes up to a year | Longer durations: typically a year or more, renewable |
| Medical Coverage | Focus on emergency medical care (accidents, sudden illnesses). As a rule, not comprehensive | More comprehensive: routine check-ups, surgeries, prescriptions, sometimes dental or vision |
| Trip-related Coverages | Includes trip cancellation, trip interruption, baggage loss/theft, and travel delays | Typically doesn’t cover trip-related issues as the main focus is on health coverage |
| Emergency Evacuation | Covers the cost of emergency medical evacuation or repatriation | Also covers emergency medical evacuation or repatriation |
| Coverage Areas | Often worldwide but may exclude specific high-risk areas | Can be tailored: include/exclude specific countries or regions based on your needs |
| Cost | Generally less expensive due to shorter duration and narrower scope | More expensive due to its more comprehensive nature and longer coverage duration |
| Chronic/Pre-existing Conditions | Might offer limited coverage or exclude pre-existing conditions | Often covers or offers options for coverage for chronic or pre-existing conditions |
| Routine Health Needs | Typically doesn’t cover routine check-ups or non-emergency medical needs | Covers routine check-ups, preventive care, and other standard medical services |
Are you a digital nomad or a freelancer who short-term travels frequently? Travel insurance is key for folks like you who face more travel risks than the average jet-setter. Dive into our travel insurance overview for digital nomads and freelancers to find the perfect fit for your adventures!
Are you planning a short-term stay? Sign up to SafetyWing for access to affordable and reliable travel medical insurance.
Always choose health or travel insurance that fits your needs, travel plans, and budget. Make sure to check the details to know what’s covered. Travel with peace of mind and stay safe!
Keep in mind that the details of coverage can differ from one provider to another. Always check the fine print before making your choice!
FAQ – International Health Insurance for Digital Nomads
No, travel insurance isn’t the same as health insurance. Travel insurance primarily covers trip-related issues such as trip cancellations, lost baggage, and some emergency medical situations during your travels. Health insurance focuses on covering medical costs, both routine and emergency, and might not cover issues related to travel. Some travel insurance plans do have health provisions, but they’re usually limited compared to full health insurance plans. Find out about the differences between travel insurance and international health insurance.
This depends on your circumstances:
• Local health insurance: Ideal if you’re staying primarily in one country. It’s tailored to that country’s healthcare system but might not cover you abroad at all or might offer limited coverage outside the country.
• International health insurance: Best for those who travel frequently and for longer periods, or those who live in multiple countries. It offers more comprehensive global coverage.
Evaluate your travel, living, and working plans, consider the healthcare system of the country you’re in, and then decide whether local or global health insurance is more suited for your needs.
Yes, many insurance providers offer worldwide travel insurance policies. These policies typically cover you for a range of situations across multiple countries. However, some might exclude specific high-risk areas or countries. It’s essential to read the policy details to ensure it matches your travel plans and provides coverage in the countries you intend to visit.
