Do I Need to Get US Travel Insurance?

Technically, no. If you are traveling to the US for a short period of time, you are not required by law to have health insurance. However, the price of healthcare in the US is very high, so while medical insurance for visitors to the US is not mandatory, it is highly advisable.

Only a consultation with a doctor in the US can reach hundreds of dollars. If you have an accident and call an ambulance, the ambulance ride to the ER on its own can set you back thousands of dollars, not to mention the cost of medical treatment and hospitalization. If you do not have health insurance, you will have to cover all of the expenses yourself. And we are talking about bills that can reach tens of thousands of dollars, if not hundreds.

If you will stay in the United States for longer periods of time, i.e. more than six months, you can look for US health insurance options.

What Does US Travel Health Insurance for Visitors Cover?

Usually, all health insurance plans for visitors to the US cover the following:

• Doctor’s visit
• Hospitalization (the cost of the hospital room)
• The cost of prescription drugs and medicine
• Surgical procedures
• Emergency services, such as the ambulance and ER
• The cost of lab tests and X-rays
• Physical therapy

The following medical procedures, however, are not included in all plans:

• Dental
• Maternity
• Pre-existing conditions
• AD&D (accidental death and dismemberment)

Where to Find the Best Travel Health Insurance for Visitors to the United States?

One of the first things all tourists to the US have to prepare for when planning their trip is travel health insurance. The easiest way to buy travel health insurance for the US is online.

What Is the Best Health Insurance Plan for Visitors to USA?

Here are the best health insurance plans for visitors to the United States:

• Safe Travels for Visitors to the USA.
• Visitor Secure.
• Visitors Care.
• Safe Travel USA Comprehensive.
• Atlas America.
• Safe Travel USA Cost Saver.
• Atlas Essential America.
• Safe Travels USA.
• Atlas Premium America.
• Patriot America Plus.
• Patriot America.
• Patriot Platinum America.
• Beacon America.

How to Purchase Visitor Medical Insurance for The US?

Before you purchase a health insurance plan for visitors to the US, you have to do your research and find one that suits your needs. This means looking through different plans and carefully reading what they have to offer.

When deciding which medical insurance plan to buy, you should carefully read the policy, learn how much coverage they offer and for what. See below for the things you have to keep in mind when buying visitor’s health insurance in the USA.

Things to Keep in Mind When Buying Travel Health Insurance for USA

Purchasing health insurance in the US can be tricky and confusing even for residents, let alone visitors. So, before deciding on which plan to purchase, make sure you have considered the following:

• There are health insurance policies with different amounts of coverage. They can range from $25,000 to millions of dollars in coverage. This is the maximum amount of money the insurance company will cover for your medical expenses. Naturally, policies with a higher amount of coverage will cost more.
• You have to choose a plan with a policy maximum in concurrence with the time you intend to stay in the US. So, if you are only staying for a week, the policy maximum can be smaller than if you were staying for a month or longer.
• Even if you are healthy, do not choose the cheapest visitors health insurance plan you find and call it a day. That’s because if you do need medical care during your trip to the US, a cheap health insurance policy will likely only cover a small portion of your medical bill, leaving you to shoulder the majority.

The coverage: What types of travel health insurance plans are there for visitors?

Coverage-wise, there are two types of travel health insurance plans:

• Plans with a fixed coverage
• Plans with comprehensive coverage

*The deductible is the amount of money you have to pay out of your own pocket for a medical procedure before the health insurance company begins covering you. For example, if you have a $2,000 deductible, you have to pay $2,000 first, then the company will begin paying.

**The policy maximum is the maximum amount that the travel health insurance policy will pay for any covered medical services or expenses. The policy maximum changes from plan to plan, and the higher it is, the higher the cost of the plan.

The price

The price of a travel health insurance plan depends on three main factors:

• The type and amount of coverage you want. As mentioned above, comprehensive coverage plans cost more than fixed coverage. Additionally, there are plans which cover more medical procedures and/or emergencies, some can start from the day you land in the US, while others also cover you while you are travelling – so, the more coverage you want, the travel insurance plan will naturally cost more.
• The duration. The price of health insurance changes depending on the duration that you need coverage for. A one-week coverage period will be cheaper than if you were purchasing insurance for one month, for example.
• Your age. The price of all travel health insurance plans increases along with your age. Senior citizens generally have to pay more for the same amount of coverage than a younger person would. However, most health insurance companies do not offer plans with coverage for elderly visitors over the age of 69 at all. So, if your parents are coming to visit you in the US, it is necessary to find an adequate health insurance plan for elderly parents or visitors to the US. You can also find health insurance for travelers over the age of 80.

Remember:

Do not get the cheapest plan you can find! Since cheaper plans equal much less coverage, in case there’s a medical emergency, you will just end up paying a lot more from your own pocket later on.

The prices of travel health insurance are regulated in the US, so it’s not like you can find a plan for a cheaper price elsewhere.

Pre-existing conditions coverage

Not all health insurance companies in the US offer coverage for pre-existing conditions. For example, if you have diabetes, they will not cover the price of your diabetes medication while you are abroad. That’s because travel insurance is supposed to cover you only for any emergencies or incidents that happen while travelling.

Pregnancy coverage

Travel health insurance plans will also not offer coverage for any conditions related to pregnancy – at least, not to what would be considered a “normal pregnancy”. So, if you give birth, go for a check-up, or get assistance for things such as morning sickness while you are in the US, you will have to cover the cost of your medical bill yourself.

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Getting visitors insurance for parents from will help with any unforeseen incident that may occur during their visit.

What Are the Best Travel Insurance Plans for Parents Visiting the USA?

Here are the top 5 health insurance plans for parents visiting the USA:

• Beacon America.
• Patriot America Plus Insurance.
• Patriot Platinum Insurance.
• Safe Travels USA – Cost Saver Insurance.
• Visitors Care Insurance.

Beacon America

Specifications of Beacon America plan:

• Comprehensive coverage
• Available for people up to 79 years of age
• After the deductible, it covers 100% up to the policy maximum
• Includes coverage for an acute onset of pre-existing conditions for people up to 79 years of age.
• Includes dental coverage
• Includes AD&D coverage

Patriot America Plus Insurance

The Patriot America Plus offers the following benefits:

• Comprehensive coverage
• Within PPO Network: The plan covers 100% up to the policy maximum.
• Outside PPO Network: The plan covers 80% of the first $5,000, then 100% up to the policy maximum.
• Includes dental coverage
• Includes coverage for an acute onset of pre-existing conditions for people up to 69 years of age.

Patriot Platinum Insurance

Here’s the list of the benefits included in the Patriot Platinum plan:

• Comprehensive coverage
• Within PPO Network: The plan covers 100% up to the policy maximum.
• Outside PPO Network: The plan covers 90% of the first $5,000, then 100% up to the policy maximum
• Includes coverage for acute onset of a pre-existing condition for people under the age of 70
• Includes dental coverage
• Includes AD&D coverage
• Includes terrorism coverage

Safe Travels USA – Cost Saver Insurance

The Safe Travels Cost Saver offers the following benefits:

• Comprehensive coverage
• Within PPO Network: The plan covers 100% up to the policy maximum.
• Outside PPO Network: The plan covers 80% of the first $5,000, then 100% up to the policy maximum
• Includes coverage for people up to 89 years old
• Includes coverage for the acute onset of a pre-existing condition (up to $1,000 of eligible medical expenses)
• Includes dental coverage
• Includes AD&D coverage

Visitors Care Insurance

• Limited coverage
• Coverage for people aged up to 79 years of age
• Varying amounts of coverage depending on the policy maximum and medical procedure.
• Policy maximums of  $25,000, $50,000 and $100,000.
• Coverage for people 80-99: Policy maximum of $10,000
• Offers coverage for the acute onset of a pre-existing condition (depending on the policy maximum)
• Does not offer dental coverage
• Does not offer AD&D coverage

How to Buy US Travel Insurance for My Parents?

You have to buy health insurance from a private company in the United States. There are countless plans, with different types and amounts of coverage, so you have to really do your research before you choose one. You can compare and buy health insurance plans for your parents through comparison marketplaces such as Insubuy.

Should I Get Visitors Insurance for My Parents Visiting Me in the USA?

Although it is not obligatory by law, due to the high cost of healthcare, it is strongly advisable to get health insurance for parents visiting you in the United States. This is especially important for elderly parents, who are more prone to sickness.

If your parents were to fall ill during their visit, and they are uninsured, the medical bills will quickly add up to tens or maybe hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on the type of medical care they need.

If your parents are joining you in America permanently, then you have to get them health insurance for Green Card holders.

What Are the Types of Health Insurance for Visiting Parents?

There are two main types of health insurance that your parents can look for:

• Fixed-coverage health insurance. This will only cover a fixed amount of your medical bills, and you will have to cover the rest of it. If this “fixed amount” is low while the medical bill is high, then you will have to pay a pretty substantial amount from your own pocket.
• Comprehensive-coverage health insurance. This type of health insurance plan will pay a percentage of your medical bill up to a certain amount, then it will cover 100% up until the policy maximum. For example, it will pay 80% of the bill for the first $2,000 then 100% until the policy maximum ($50,000; $70,000; $100,000 etc. depending on what policy maximum you purchased.)

What is Included in the Visitor Health Insurance Plan for my Parents?

There is a set of medical procedures that all insurance companies will cover, although at varying degrees depending on the plan. When choosing a visitors health insurance plan for your parents, make sure to compare different plans to see which one will suit the needs of your parents the best. Usually, all health insurance plans cover the following medical procedures:

• Consultation with a doctor
• The cost of the hospital room
• The cost of prescription drugs and medicine
• Surgical procedures
• Emergency services, such as the ambulance and ER
• The cost of lab tests and X-rays
• Physical therapy

Some, but not all, also cover the following:

• Dental
• Maternity/pregnancy
• Pre-existing conditions
• AD&D (accidental death and dismemberment)

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Whether you require expat health insurance largely depends on which country you’ve moved to. Still, almost all expats agree that having expat insurance provides an extra layer of security, and everyone should purchase a policy that suits their situation.

Who Needs Expat Health Insurance?

You need health insurance if you’re planning on moving to a new country and living there for more than three or six months. Some countries have made health insurance obligatory for every resident, so you must check out your host country’s laws regarding health insurance.

What Does Expat Health Insurance Cover?

Expat health insurance covers a wide range of areas which differ on what type of plan you have and from which insurance company you purchase your policy— a basic plan will usually cover the following:

• Hospital visitations (in-patient and out-patient care).
• Doctor consultations.
• Cancer screenings.
• Medical equipment and tools.
• Child and adolescent well-being.

For more extensive coverage, including dental, vision, and maternity care, you may be required to purchase a more expensive insurance plan.

Are Pre-Existing Conditions Included?

With a basic plan, pre-existing conditions are usually not covered by expat health insurance. However, one benefit of global coverage is that you can tailor your plan according to your needs, and you may purchase additional coverage that includes pre-existing conditions.

Some companies will also offer coverage for acute pre-existing conditions, i.e., medical problems that appeared suddenly due to pre-existing medical issues.

Expat Health Insurance: Is It Worth It?

Expat health insurance can be costly and you may not even need it during your stay abroad, so many people question whether it’s actually worth it or not. However, the benefits outweigh the cons, so, expat health insurance in long-term aspects is worth it because:

• It offers a sense of security. Even if you may not use your health insurance while living as an expat in another country, having it will offer you a peace of mind just in case. This way you know that no matter what may happen with your health you have solid coverage.
• It allows you to receive healthcare in English. One of the biggest challenges of living as an expatriate is receiving healthcare in English, or in another language you understand, which makes it difficult to communicate with your primary care provider. With expat health insurance you can get access to doctors who can speak more than one language.
• It’s flexible. You can usually tailor your policy according to your needs, you can choose to include more coverage, or opt out of coverage for things you may not need such as maternity. This way you can save money and purchase an affordable plan which you need.

Expat Health Insurance Cost

Expat health insurance does not have a fixed cost; you can find expat health insurance starting from $200 a month to over $2,000. The price will change based on several important factors: your age, length of stay in another country, your previous medical issues, which insurance company you purchase your plan from, and how much coverage you want with your policy.

Another important factor that affects the price of your expat health insurance is your location. For example, in some countries, healthcare tends to be more expensive; as a result, your insurance will also be more expensive if you’re moving there. But, you can tailor your policy for worldwide coverage or exclude those countries with expensive healthcare if you’re not planning on visiting them.

How to Purchase Expat Health Insurance?

You can purchase expat health insurance online before you travel:

1. You simply have to enter your personal information (age, family members, where you wish to be covered).
2. You will see a list of plans which you can browse through. Always make sure to read the policies carefully to learn what they include.
3. Select the plans you think are most befitting to your needs.
4. Click on the “Compare” button. You can see the plans featured side-by-side, and you can read through them on a more detailed manner.
5. You can select which way you want to pay and whether you wish to pay on a yearly, monthly, quarterly, or six-month basis.

Purchasing a health insurance plan locally

You can also wait to get to your destination country and purchase a plan with a local company. In that case, you have to approach a company directly and go through the options. Make sure to read the policy before purchasing.

However, before you buy an expat health insurance plan, double-check these:

• Do you have national health insurance? If you are eligible for national health insurance mandated by the government, you will likely want private health insurance which fills in any gaps that national insurance leaves, such as treatment in private hospitals.
• Does your employer offer health insurance? If your employer offers a health insurance plan, be well acquainted with the policy before signing up for it. As an expat, you will want a health insurance plan which covers you abroad as well. A pre-selected plan could have less coverage than you want or need (or more). If the plan your employer offers does not suit your needs, learn if you can opt-out and choose your own insurers.

Types of Expat Health Insurance

Here are some of the most common types of expat health insurance you can choose from:

• Individual plan. This type of insurance policy is designed to cover you only as a solo traveler.
• Group/family plan. You can opt for group coverage if you’re moving with your family members; this can be cheaper long-term.
• Short-term plan. A short-term policy is for you if you don’t plan on living abroad long-term.
• Long-term plan. You will need this policy if you plan on making your move longer than six months or permanent.
• Worldwide coverage. This type of policy will come in handy if you’re planning on traveling, or living in multiple countries.

For How Long Is Expat Health Insurance Valid?

You can purchase expat health insurance for as long as needed, but it’s usually required for long-term purposes. If you stay in a country for less than three to six months, you may consider purchasing either short-term health insurance or travel insurance with extensive medical coverage.

How to Pick the Best Expat Health Insurance Plan?

The best expat health insurance plan for you depends on what your budget is, what your situation is, and where you plan on moving to, but below are a few tips to keep in mind when you shop for an expat insurance plan:

• Compare plans. There are hundreds of insurance policies for expats out there and picking one can be overwhelming. To make this process easier, find a comparative insurance website and compare several plans side-by-side to see which one actually meets your criteria. You can even ask your insurance broker to help you select the best plan for you.
• Find valid insurance companies. Find an insurance company that deals with expats and has plans specific for them. When you select your insurance company you need to check out their claim records, how many insurance claims were filed and how many were approved. This way you can get an idea of whether your insurance claim can be rejected and the reasons for the rejection.
• Set a deductible that fits your budget. In simple words, a deductible is an amount pay out of pocket before you can claim reimbursement from your insurance. The higher you set your deductible the lower your premium price. This does not mean you have to set the highest possible deductible just to lower your insurance cost. Consult with your budget plan and set an amount that works for you.
• Find a customizable plan. Look for an insurance plan you can customize to your needs. For example, you can opt out of unnecesseray coverage and choose to include coverage for pre-existing conditions if you have any. Having the option to fix your plan according to your needs will make it easier for you to choose the best expat health insurance plan.

Do US Expats Need Health Insurance?

Yes, US expats also need health insurance when moving to a new country. Insurance from the US won’t cover you outside of the country; even if it does, your company may offer a plan only for emergencies.

Best Health Insurance Companies for Expats

Some of the best companies that offer international health insurance for expats include the following:

• Allianz.
• AXA.
• Cigna Global.
• William Russell.
• Aetna.

Expat Health Insurance by Country

If you’re planning on making a new country your home, read on how to get health insurance for expats by country:

• Expat health insurance in Costa Rica.
• Expat health insurance in Spain. 
• Expat health insurance in Mexico. 
• Expat health insurance in Thailand. 

Can Expats Qualify for Universal Healthcare?

Some countries offer universal healthcare for their citizens and residents, and expats may also benefit from their universal healthcare coverage— provided they meet some eligibility requirements such as the residency requirement. But, even if you are covered by universal healthcare in your host country, not every medical procedure is included so you may still purchase an expat health insurance plan for additional coverage.

If you are planning a move abroad, one of the most important things you have to think about is your expat health insurance. As the name suggests, expat health insurance is designed to cover your medical expenses as you are living or travelling abroad.

In essence, health insurance for expatriates works in the same way as health insurance in your country: you purchase a plan, decide on the coverage, and pay monthly or yearly premiums. Then, in case you get sick or into an accident, your health insurance company will cover the cost of your medical treatment, hospitalization and medication to the amount you have agreed on.

Health Insurance Options for Expats

Depending on where you are moving, you will have the following options for obtaining health insurance:

• Pay into a national (public) health insurance scheme. If you are employed abroad, then you pay into a government health insurance scheme, and then you benefit from free or relatively inexpensive public healthcare. This type of healthcare scheme is not available in all countries.
• Purchase private health insurance from a local company. Once you arrive in your destination country, you can purchase a health insurance policy from a local company. Coverage is usually limited within the borders of that country.
• Purchase international health insurance. This type of health insurance offers coverage across several destinations (or worldwide). It is the most common type of expat health insurance, especially for people who travel or move around a lot. They offer a comprehensive range of plans for expats that suit the needs of both families and individuals.

National Health Insurance for Expats

If the country you are moving to has a public insurance scheme, then as a working resident, you will likely be able to use it.  National health insurance only pays for treatment in public hospitals, so if you want to get treated elsewhere, you have to pay from your pocket or purchase a private health insurance scheme.

Example: Expats who are employed in Thailand automatically pay into a public health insurance scheme through social security contributions (taxes). This allows them to go to certain public hospitals and clinics in Thailand and receive free treatment and care. But if they want treatment in one of the higher-quality private hospitals, they either have to pay out-of-pocket or invest in a private or international expat health insurance scheme.

Remember: Not all countries offer public healthcare, so before you move, you should do your research and learn what to expect.

Private Health Insurance for Expats

Expats can purchase a health insurance plan from a local company anytime after they move. Private health insurance plans cover treatment in private and public hospitals, medication, hospitalization, surgeries, etc.

However, they are limited in the fact that they do not cover emergency evacuation or repatriation to your home country, or medical treatment abroad.

International Health Insurance for Expats

International health insurance is the same as any other type of medical insurance, with one addition: you are covered for medical treatment in a wider geographical area, even worldwide. This is why it is a popular option for expats who travel around a lot, or who move back and forth between countries.

Additionally, suppose you are working abroad in a country with a less-sophisticated medical infrastructure than the US. In that case, in a severe emergency, you may want to be flown back home for treatment. For this, you would need evacuation coverage, which most local insurance companies do not offer. That’s why US citizens moving abroad must obtain health insurance. Canadian citizens need to purchase additional health insurance coverage abroad as well, since the existing Canadian insurance won’t offer coverage when immigrating to another country, with the expetions of emergencies.

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Do Expats Need Travel Insurance?

Yes, everyone traveling abroad should have travel insurance, expats included. Although you’re not legally required to have insurance (unless a visa application requires one), travel insurance for expats has several benefits, such as: 

• Being able to get medical coverage for any emergencies during the trip. 
• Coverage for any lost, stolen, or damaged luggage or personal items. 
• Coverage in case the trip gets canceled or delayed.  

Types of Travel Insurance for Expats 

Depending on the nature of your travel, you have the option to purchase one of the following types of insurance for expats:

• If you are traveling abroad as a tourist— you can purchase travel insurance that covers you.
• If you plan to live abroad, you have to buy international expat health insurance if you plan to move overseas long-term. 

Expat Travel Insurance If Abroad as a Tourist 

You need to buy travel insurance if you plan on going on a trip as a tourist to visit and explore other countries. Depending on how long you stay, you can choose to purchase one of the following: 

• Short-term insurance. This will cover you for your trip, usually only up to 180 days. 
• Long-term travel insurance. You can purchase this type of insurance if you travel for more than 30 days, e.g., 12 months. 

Expat Insurance if Living Abroad 

If you plan to live abroad instead of simply traveling as a tourist, consider purchasing expat health insurance. When you move abroad, you’ll find that most countries have universal healthcare coverage. So even if you are an expat, you are still covered by the public health system, and you don’t technically require private health insurance. However, most expats prefer to have their health insurance because of the extra benefits. 

How Can Expats Buy Travel Insurance?

There are a few ways that expats can buy travel insurance:

• Go through an insurance company that specializes in travel insurance for expats.
• Get a policy from your current health insurance provider— provided it offers coverage for travels outside of your home country.

How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost for Expats?

Travel insurance for expats can cost anywhere from several hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars— usually between 4% and 9% of the overall trip— depending on the level of coverage you choose and your destination. Additionally, travel health insurance tends to get more expensive the longer you plan on traveling, so keep in mind that several factors affect the price of your travel insurance. 

Can I Buy Travel Insurance If I’m Already Abroad?

You can still buy expat travel insurance even after moving or traveling abroad. However, you have to keep in mind that your insurance will only cover you for the accidents after you buy your policy. So, you won’t get coverage for anything that happened during your trip before you purchased your travel insurance policy. 

What Is the Best Travel Insurance for Expats?

The best travel insurance for expats is the type that covers you everywhere you go and includes medical cover for emergencies. You can find this type of travel insurance if you are planning to live abroad or just traveling as a tourist. It’s important to have travel insurance in case of any accidents or medical emergencies while you are away from home.

What are the Best Companies Offering travel Insurance for Expats?

Some of the best companies offering travel Insurance for expats include:

• TravelGuard.
• IMG.
• AIG Travel Guard.
• Allianz Global Assistance.

Whichever way you choose, make sure you read the terms and conditions carefully to ensure that you are covered in any medical emergencies or accidents. Also, make sure that you ask your provider about how you can file an insurance claim to be prepared.

Does Expat Travel Insurance Cover Me Everywhere?

You can choose travel insurance based on your destination: 

• Worldwide. Worldwide travel insurance covers you everywhere you travel. But, it can be more expensive, so if you are not planning to travel around the world, it’s unnecessary. 
• Worldwide excluding the US. If you won’t be visiting the US but will travel worldwide, you can purchase travel insurance that excludes the US. Because medical care in the US is expensive, you can lower your premium price significantly if you exclude the US. 
• Europe. If you plan on visiting any country in Europe, you can purchase travel insurance that covers you while you are there. 

What Are the Benefits of Travel Insurance for Expats?

There are a few reasons why expats should purchase travel insurance:

• Firstly, travel insurance can cover you in any medical emergencies or accidents while you are away from home.
• Secondly, most expat health travel insurance policies offer additional benefits that standard health insurance policies do not, such as coverage for trip cancellation, lost or damaged items, or repatriation services.
• Finally, purchasing travel insurance is often much cheaper than paying for medical care out of pocket if something happens while on vacation.

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What is International Health Insurance?

International health insurance— as the name suggests— is designed to cover your medical needs while you are in a foreign country. So, this type of insurance is the same as traditional health insurance, except it covers your medical cost when you are living abroad.

What Does International Health Insurance Cover?

Most international health insurance plans offer coverage for the following, but you can choose what you wish to cover and to what extent:

• In-patient medical treatment: hospitalization, surgery, intensive care unit, anaesthesia, lab tests and X-rays.*
• Out-patient medical treatment: physician visit, specialist visit, psychiatrist visit, urgent care, emergency room, etc.*
• Emergency services*
• Prescription medication*
• Dental coverage.
• Vision coverage.
• Maternity.
• Mental health care.
• Physiotherapy.
• Rehabilitation.
• Pre-existing health conditions.
• Evacuation or repatriation.
• Travel health insurance.

*These items are usually included on the “basic coverage” plans. This means most insurance companies will cover them, whereas the rest of the items may or may not be included on an insurance policy, but you may be able to purchase them as add-ons.

Is International Health Insurance Mandatory?

International health insurance is not mandatory, but most expats prefer global insurance because it offers peace of mind. So, if you have international health insurance, you won’t have to worry about medical issues while in a foreign country.

International Health Insurance vs Travel Health Insurance

When going on a trip abroad, you have likely bought travel health insurance. You know it covers medical emergencies abroad – same as international health insurance. However, if you want to move overseas long-term, travel insurance is not a viable option.

For one, travel insurance is short-term and only covers medical emergencies. Pre-existing conditions, maternity, dental, etc. are rarely included in travel insurance. Travel insurance is meant to protect you against any unexpected losses during a holiday or business trip, not for settled health coverage. But, if you are already an expat and want to travel abroad for a short time, then return to your country of residence, you may want to check out travel insurance options for expats.

• US Health Insurance
• Germany health insurance
• Mexico health insurance
• Thailand health insurance
• Costa Rica Health Insurance
• Spain Health Insurance
  • Health insurance in Spain for American expats
• Health Insurance for Digital Nomads
• Expat health insurance with worldwide coverage.

Pros of Having International Health Insurance

One of the most significant advantages of having international health insurance is that it covers you globally, i.e., wherever you are. In addition, international health insurance allows you access to English-speaking doctors in countries where English is not spoken, private healthcare— including private health facilities—and immediate care without waiting times. Plus, with international health insurance, you lower the costs of any medical expenses you would otherwise be required to pay out of pocket.

How Much Does International Health Insurance Cost?

International health insurance can cost you anywhere from $200 to $900 per month— with an average of $500.However, your international health insurance can vary depending on the following factors:

• International or local. International plans cost more simply because they have a wider range of coverage – both in terms of geographical scope as well as covered items – than local plans.
• Your age. Most companies have different prices for different age ranges. The prices increase along with the client’s age, and many companies stop offering coverage after a certain point (usually 75-85 years).
• The amount of coverage. If you purchase a plan with a $500,000 maximum, it will cost less than a plan with a $2,000,000 maximum. This is the amount you will be covered for on a yearly basis or per claim, depending on the policy.
• Covered items. If you subscribe to a basic plan, with just medical treatment, hospitalization, emergency services, etc. it will be less expensive than adding coverage for the “optional” items, such as maternity, dental, or mental health.
• The people included in the plan. Naturally, you would pay less for an individual medical insurance plan than for a plan which also covers your family members.

Remember: Do not choose the cheapest plan available. These types of plans are usually extremely limited, and will not give you the coverage you need. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is, especially when it comes to health insurance.

How to Purchase International Health Insurance?

Here is a brief summary of how you can purchase international health insurance:

1. Find an international insurance provider. You can look for such a provider in your home country or refer to online companies that offer insurance policies specifically for global coverage.
2. Check the insurance policies. Most providers will provide a basic insurance policy and a more comprehensive policy. The basic plan usually covers only emergency cases, while the comprehensive policy covers anything, from emergencies to dental and eyewear expenses.
3. Buy your insurance plan. There are a few different ways how you can buy international insurance— the most common being:
   • Directly— you can buy the insurance plan directly via the insurance company.
   • Via an insurance agent— licensed insurance agent may be working for a specific company or several insurance companies and offer you the plans their clients have available.
   • Via an insurance broker— the insurance broker will cater to your needs as a client and provide you with several options for your international health insurance policy.
4. Retrieve your ID card.  After you buy your international health insurance, your provider will equip you with an ID card containing your information and insurance details. You will need to present this card while visiting a healthcare center in a foreign country.

How Does International Health Insurance Work?

Here is an overview of how international health insurance works:

1. You move abroad. 
2. You purchase international health insurance.
3. You require medical attention while abroad. 
4. You collect the required documents.
5. You pay for the medical costs in a foreign country.  

You Plan to Move Abroad

Before buying your international insurance policy, make sure that you actually need one. For example, if you stay in a foreign country only temporarily, i.e., less than a month, you might consider buying only travel insurance that will cover any medical emergencies during your stay. On the other hand, if you plan to live in a foreign country long-term, i.e., for work or family purposes, you should buy international health insurance.

So, usually, the following categories require international health insurance:

• Expats. 
• Retired expats.
• Digital nomads. 
• Foreign employees. 

You Purchase International Health Insurance

Even though you are not legally obligated to buy international health insurance, you are highly advised to do this before moving abroad. This way, you will know that whatever injuries, illnesses, or emergency interventions you have are covered by your provider, no matter where you are.

You Require Medical Attention While Abroad

Let’s say, while you are abroad, you suffer an injury, get sick, or need a medical procedure. Whatever the reason, you can seek medical attention at your local health center. However, at these public health centers, you may experience longer waiting times and difficulty accessing an English-speaking doctor. With your international health insurance, on the other hand, you can access private healthcare facilities thus eliminating waiting times.

In cases where your condition may not be treatable abroad, you will be evacuated to your home country. Either way, your international health insurance will cover these expenses if you purchase a reparation and evacuation coverage plan.

You Collect the Required Documents

After you get treated at the medical center abroad, you must collect a set of documents so you can make an insurance claim. This includes the bills and receipts from the hospital, prescription notes (including your info, your doctor’s name, the pharmacy details, etc.), the medical procedures you undertook, and any other information required by your insurance provider.

Please save a copy of every document if you need to re-send them to your insurance provider. If you’re not sure what documents your insurance company needs, contact your provider since they offer a 24/7 help hotline and will be able to assist you.

You Use Your International Health Insurance to Cover Medical Costs

There are two ways in which your international insurance provider will pay for your medical costs while abroad:

• Directly. Your insurance provider will pay the bill directly to the hospital if you are in the same provider network. You still need to fill out the insurance claim form. The hospital or medical center where you received treatment can bill the insurance company directly based on your insurance ID.
• Via an insurance claim. If your bill is not paid directly, you must pay the expenses yourself and file an insurance claim. You need every detailed invoice and receipt issued by the hospital, your doctor, and your pharmacy to make an insurance claim. You will need to attach these documents to your insurance claim form and send them to your provider. Most providers will reimburse 80% of expenses, depending on your insurance plan.

Note: When filing an insurance claim, you need to fill out an insurance claim form for every medical condition treated.

How to Choose the Best International Health Insurance Plan?

The best health insurance plan is different for everyone, depending on specific needs. So, when choosing an expat health insurance plan, pay attention to the following:

• Is the coverage fixed or comprehensive? Fixed coverage plans are less expensive, but only pay a fixed amount per claim (which in some cases can be too low). Comprehensive coverage plans are more expensive, but the insurance company pays based on a percentage, which can be up to 100%.
• Does the insurance plan cover everything you need? Does it cover you at least for all basic medical emergencies and treatment?
• Will it cover you if you are abroad? If you intend to travel back to the US or to another country, do you have health insurance there? Does the plan have evacuation or repatriation coverage?
• What are the “optional” coverage options? Does it have dental coverage, or do you need to get that elsewhere? What about maternity?
• How much is the policy maximum? Is it on a yearly basis, lifetime, per claim, or unlimited?
• Is it renewable?
• How much is the deductible? How much do you have to pay yourself before the insurance company steps in and covers the rest?
• Does the plan cover pre-existing conditions? If yes, to what extent?
• Does the expat insurance company have a direct-claim procedure? Some insurance companies have agreements with certain hospitals, where the hospital can send the bill directly to the insurers, and you do not need to pay anything yourself. These are usually called “in-network” hospitals.

When Should You Get Health Insurance?

Some insurance plans have a waiting period during which they may not offer the full scope of coverage. So, the sooner you purchase, the more you can rest assured that you will be well taken care of in the event of an emergency.

Naturally, if you intend to subscribe to a local insurance plan, you will have to wait until you settle in.

In contrast, rules for national (public) insurance plans change depending on the country. But, you can purchase international health insurance at any point.

How to Make a Claim With International Health Insurance?

All health insurance companies have an emergency hotline, which you can call to ask for assistance. They also have their own determined procedures for processing a claim, which you will learn before you purchase the policy.

Some international insurance companies have a network of hospitals where you can receive treatment and the hospital sends the bill directly to the company – you don’t need to pay anything.

In other cases, you have to pay the bill and then make a claim to be reimbursed.

Does International Health Insurance Cover Coronavirus?

Whether a health insurance company covers claims related to coronavirus will depend on the specific company, but it will likely be specified on the policy description. If not, check for a clause which relates to pandemics, viral outbreaks, or the exclusions section.

Some insurance companies have already re-adjusted their policies to exclude the novel coronavirus, as of March 13, 2020.

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What is International Travel Health Insurance?

Travel insurance is a type of insurance (or protection) that is meant to cover all or part of the cost of any medical expenses that you incur while abroad, trip cancellation, lost or stolen items, travel delays, etc.

Travel insurance is intended to cover expenses for things that are unexpected and that occur after the travel insurance policy comes into effect. For this reason, it usually does not include medical coverage for any pre-existing conditions, such as diabetes or pregnancy. On the same note, if you purchase travel insurance after an incident has happened, it goes without saying that the insurance company will not cover it.

Keep in mind, that travel insurance is not the same as international health insurance, which is intended for expats and students who are not technically just visiting. However, expats may also purchase travel insurance if they want to travel abroad from their country of residence.

Also, digital nomads should know the difference between the two, as they are required to purchase a medical health insurance plan, instead of a travel insurance coverage.

Here is a detailed explanation of the differences between travel insurance and expat health insurance.

What Does Travel Insurance Cover?

Most travel insurance plans cover the following, although the coverage changes from one company to the other, as well as from one specific plan to the other:

• Medical treatment. If you get into an accident or get sick during your trip, your travel insurance will cover for doctor consultations, emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgery, prescription drugs and medicine, etc.
• Trip cancellation, interruption, or curtailment. If your trip is cut short or cancelled for some reason, you will be covered for any lost travel and or accommodation costs. The reasons deemed acceptable for reimbursement change based on the policy. You can also choose to purchase a Cancel For Any Reason add-on to your existing policy.
• Repatriation of remains. In the case of death. It can also include overseas funeral expenses.
• Lost, stolen, or damaged possessions, but not is it is due to recklessness.
• Missed flight. If the flight you missed was through no fault of your own (ie. the airline rescheduled or had a delay) the insurance company will cover any expenses related to it.
• Return of a minor.
• Hijacking.

Additional travel insurance coverage

There are some travel insurance plans which will cover things that are outside of the “standard” coverage, but you will have to pay additionally. This can include:

• AD&D (accidental death and dismemberment)
• Acute onset of pre-existing conditions
• Dental coverage
• Rental car coverage
• Dangerous sports medical coverage
• Natural disaster coverage
• Terrorism coverage
• Cancel for any reason travel insurance

What is Not included in Travel Health Insurance?

Most travel insurance companies usually refuse coverage for the following scenarios:

• Pre-existing conditions. If you have a disease such as diabetes, the insurance company will usually not cover any costs related to the disease, such as medications or doctor check-ups. Some companies may, however, cover the acute onset of a pre-existing condition.
• If you are traveling while pregnant, travel insurance companies will usually not cover any expenses related to the pregnancy, such as giving birth, general check-ups, or morning sickness. There are some plans which offer travel insurance for complications of pregnancy.
• Medical treatment as a result of drug or alcohol consumption.
• Medical treatment as a result of reckless behavior and/or engaging in dangerous sports activities.
• Travel insurance for cancellation during an ongoing event (eg. extreme weather conditions).
• Traveling ravel against government advice.

Does Travel Insurance Have Disability Coverage?

Yes, some travel insurance companies do have coverage for disabilities and pre-existing conditions, but not all. Disability travel insurance is not included in policies by default and in the majority of cases, disabled people will have to pay more to get the additional coverage they need.

You can find coverage for the following instances (on top of the standard travel insurance coverage):

• Medical treatment related to your disability/pre-existing condition.
• Loss or damage of disability and mobility equipment.
• Replacement of essential medication.
• Replacement of an essential carer.

In the end, it really comes down on a case-by-case basis and you have to contact a travel insurance company to discuss how your disability fits into their policies.

The coverage for physical disability changes depending on the type of disability it is and whether it is “stable”.

What Activities Are Covered by Travel Insurance?

Every travel company has its own policy rules regarding what they will offer coverage for. However, in most cases, travel insurers will offer coverage if you get into an accident doing one of the following activities:

• Swimming
• Kayaking
• Trekking
• Surfing
• Cycling
• Recreational sports

Even the following activities may be covered by some insurers under certain circumstances:

• Skiing (if it is done during skiing season)
• Scuba diving (if it is done under the supervision of licensed instructors and only up to a certain depth, usually 10-30 meters)
• Abseiling and rock climbing (if you have to use special equipment, you will likely not be covered)
• Sailing (only within a short distance from the shore)
• White water rafting (only for rapids 1, 2, and 3)
• Bungee jumping (depending on the specific policy)

Also read: Travel insurance for backpackers

What Activities Are Not Covered by Travel Insurance?

There are certain holiday activities that travel insurance companies do not offer any sort of coverage for, such as:

• Base jumping
• Off-the-season skiing
• Motorbiking and motor racing
• Hunting
• Partaking in professional sports
• Running with bulls

If by any chance, your travel insurance company does offer coverage for any of the aforementioned activities, the cost of the overall policy will be higher.

How to Choose the Best Travel Insurance Plan?

There is no single answer to this type of question since it depends on your specific needs and the type of trip you are taking. However, when looking for the best travel insurance policy for your needs, you have to look for the following features:

• The actual travel insurance company. Make sure that you’re purchasing your policy from a reputable company.
• The coverage that the policy offers:
  • Is everything you consider important covered? For example, do you have coverage for medical expenses? How much will you have to pay from your own pocket before the insurance company steps in?
  • What holiday activities are covered by your insurance? If you’re going skiing, you will likely want a policy which will cover skiing-related accidents, and so on.
  • Is repatriation covered?
  • Is there reimbursement for trip interruption or cancellation, and if yes, what’s the nature of it?
  • Will you be covered if someone steals your belongings? 
• The cost of the policy. See whether the cost of the policy is within your price range but at the same time, keep in mind that inexpensive policies have limited coverage. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t use some handy money-saving tricks (see below).

Also read: How to avoid travel insurance scam?

How to Get Insurance for International Travel?

You can get travel insurance online, through brokers who are sort of middle-men that work directly with travel insurance companies. This is usually the best way because they only work with reputable companies and can offer travel insurance plans customized to your needs, meaning you don’t have to go hunt down insurance companies yourself.

Moreover, when deciding on what travel insurance plan to purchase, it is important to really read through and compare different policies, so you know what you are paying for.

Here are the steps you need to go through when purchasing travel insurance for international travel:

1. Decide how much coverage you need.
2. Research online.
3. Find out if the policy offers coverage for where you are going.
4. Read the fine print carefully.
5. Buy the travel insurance policy early.

Decide How Much Coverage You Need

When deciding how much coverage you need, you have to think of where you are going, what activities you will do, how long you are staying, and what you’re taking with you. So, you should always choose a policy which covers at least medical assistance, cancellation, and lost/stolen luggage.

• When it comes to medical travel insurance, don’t go for the cheapest option because those usually have very limited coverage. If you do have a medical emergency while abroad, you may be left with a large medical bill which you have to pay mostly yourself.
• If you intend to take valuable items with you, you may want to insure them in case they are stolen or lost.
• If the trip is very expensive, you can consider higher premiums and more covered reasons for cancellation.
• If you are going skiing (or some other holiday activity) make sure it is included in your policy as well.

Research Online

There are a ton of travel insurance comparison websites, such as TravelersCoverage, which make it extremely easy to compare between different insurance policies. Once you know what type of coverage you need, it is easy to compare between plans and choose the one that’s best for you.

Find out If There Is Coverage for Where You Are Going

Before you purchase your travel insurance policy, you have to make sure that it covers your country of destination.

• Travel insurance for US Visa
• Travel insurance for Schengen Visa
• Travel insurance for France Visa
• Travel insurance for Germany Visa

Not all policies are valid for all destinations, and it is rare that a company will offer coverage for a country for which there is a travel warning in place.

Here is a list of countries where travel insurance is a mandatory requirement.

Read the Fine Print Carefully

It is very important that you read the fine print before you actually buy the policy. There can be a lot of confusing or misleading claims, which make you think you have more coverage than you actually do.

Likewise, you may not know you’re entitled to make a claim unless you carefully read the fine print, tiresome as it may be.

Buy the Travel Insurance Policy Early

It is also important to buy the travel insurance policy as soon as you can, so that in case you need to cancel, you will be covered for any financial losses. You will never receive 100% of your money back, but depending on the policy, you may be able to receive a good percentage of it back.

When is the Best Time to Get Insurance?

The recommended time to purchase travel insurance is within 15 days from the day you booked your trip or started paying for it/made your first deposit. As the departure date nears, and you make more deposits, you can include them on your coverage as well.

If you purchase your insurance last minute or after 15 days have passed from the day you booked the trip, you may not be able to get full coverage.

Additionally, if a natural disaster such as a hurricane happens or is expected to happen on your intended destination, and you buy insurance after it has been warned, trip cancellation will not be covered in this case.

How Does International Travel Insurance Work?

Once you purchase a travel insurance plan, if any of the unfortunate incidents covered under the plan happen, you can file a claim with the insurance company and they will reimburse part or all of the costs, depending on the policy rules.

For example, if you fall ill while you are abroad, you can get the doctor’s note and medical bill and submit them to the insurance company to file a claim for re-reimbursement.

Although most people believe travel insurance only covers travel health insurance, there’s so much more to it. It also covers any expenses that you may suffer if you have to abruptly cancel your trip, if your luggage or any other personal belongings are stolen or lost, as well as repatriation of remains in case of loss of life.

How to File a Travel Insurance Claim?

You have to file the claim with your travel insurance company as soon as possible. For this, you need all the supporting documents you can get, if you want the company to actually consider your claim legitimate and cover it. Examples include:

• If you need medical assistance. If you get into an accident or become ill during your trip abroad, you have to save the medical bills, doctor notes, and any other documents that prove you require medical assistance. Once you submit your claim, the insurance company will reimburse the costs of your treatment. In countries like the US, if you have travel health insurance with a reputable health insurance company, the hospital may be able to bill the costs directly to the insurance company.
• Stolen possessions or a car accident. If your personal belongings are stolen or you get into a car accident while you are on your trip, you have to contact your travel insurance provider as soon as possible to learn how to proceed. You must also file a police report, and save the proof for when you make the insurance claim.
• Trip cancellation. If you have to cancel your trip, you must give a reason for it to the insurance company. For example, if the reason was work-related, include a letter from your employer. If the reason was health-related, include a doctor’s note, etc.

Remember:

• Make sure to contact your travel insurance providers before you depart the country you are visiting so you know what documents you need when making the claim.
• In some cases, travel insurance providers require that you contact them immediately in case something happens.
• Most importantly, read the insurance policy carefully to find out the exact steps your travel insurance company requires you to take to make a claim.
• Make copies of any documents that prove you are eligible for reimbursement.

How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost?

As a general rule, the cost of your travel insurance plan is between 4% to 12% of the overall cost of your trip. More expensive trips will usually cost more to insure simply because if the trip is canceled for some reason, the amount of money that the travel insurance company will have to reimburse is higher. However, the cost also changes depending on the following factors:

• The coverage you need. Plans with just basic health coverage will cost less than plans that include other factors as well, such as trip cancellation, theft of possessions, etc. Even on just basic health insurance, there are different levels of coverage, which can affect the cost of the insurance plan.
• The duration of your trip. The same plan, with the same amount of coverage, will cost more for a trip of 30 days than it will if you are only traveling for only one week or a couple of days.
• How many people are included in your plan. Similarly, if you only need to cover yourself in the plan, it will be less expensive than if you are purchasing health insurance for your entire family.
• Your age. Prices of travel insurance plans increase along with the age of the traveler. People over the age of 65 usually pay more for plans because they are more likely to make a claim, whereas if you have young children, you may be able to add them to your plan with no extra costs.
• Your destination. Some travel insurance companies also look at where you are traveling to when pricing your plan since some destinations have a higher level of risk than others.

Is Medical Insurance for Traveling Worth It?

Whether or not travel insurance is worth it comes down to how much you stand to lose if the trip is canceled. If you have prepaid your hotel room, flight ticket, and other activities which add up to a hefty amount, then getting travel insurance which is a fraction of that price may be worth it.

However, if you are traveling to stay with family, and have purchased a cheap round-trip ticket, you do not risk losing that much, so travel insurance, in this case, may just be a waste of money.

Another instance when travel insurance is necessary is if you are traveling to a country with high costs of health care, such as the US. If you get sick or in an accident in a country with high costs of health care, the medical bill can easily shoot up to tens if not hundreds of thousands of dollars, so the insurance cost is just a fraction of it.

Ultimately, it is up to you to judge the odds and decide whether your trip requires insurance or not.

How to Save Money on Travel Insurance?

Although it is a known fact that travel insurance policies with lower prices have less coverage and may end up costing more if you need to make a claim, you can still make smart purchases and save money on your travel insurance:

• Do not buy from your travel agency or airline. If you book a trip or flight, the tour agencies or airlines will sometimes offer complimentary travel insurance as a package deal. Although it is convenient, in many cases, they have additional fees, and you will end up paying more for travel insurance than you need or what you are actually getting.
• See if you can get it online. This is not only better because it allows you to compare more policies through comparison websites, but a lot of travel insurers offer discounts for online purchases.
• Buy it early. Try to buy travel insurance as soon as you book a trip because it will cover for any costs that happen between then and the time the trip actually takes place.
• Know what you are insuring. The term “better safe than sorry” may be true, but there is also such a thing as too safe. For example, if you have a refundable trip, don’t get reimbursement coverage, since travel insurance companies will only cover non-refundable trips either way.
• Don’t get high premiums on baggage loss/theft if you’re not taking valuable items with you.
• Get group insurance. If you are travelling as a family, getting group travel insurance is cheaper than getting it for each member individually.
• If you travel frequently, get an annual, multi-trip policy rather than a new policy each time you travel. Usually, with an annual policy, there is a limited period of time you are covered for each time you leave the country.
• Check if you already have travel insurance via your credit card.

Note: You shouldn’t try to save money on travel insurance by getting a policy with inadequate coverage or high deductible/excess (the amount you have to pay from your own pocket before the insurance company covers the rest). If you choose a travel insurance plan with a high deductible, the plan itself will be less costly, but if you have to make a claim, you’ll be losing more money in the end.

Credit Card Travel Insurance. What Is It?

Many credit cards have their own “build-in” travel insurance if you use the card to make purchases. It will offer coverage for the usual things, like medical emergencies, cancellation, and loss/theft of personal belongings.

Things to know about credit card travel insurance:

• You have to pay an annual fee for it, which is about $100 to $400 per year, depending on the bank.
• The card offers coverage for trip cancellation, interruption, or delay, lost or delayed baggage, rental car insurance, travel accident insurance, and insurance for emergency evacuation.
• Medical travel insurance is secondary, which means it usually only covers the part that your regular travel insurance policy doesn’t.
• It will activate after you buy a flight ticket or, in some cases, book a hotel.
• There is usually a minimum amount you have to pay for the ticket (say, $400) in order for you to be eligible for travel insurance. If you pay less, your card travel insurance won’t activate.
• Credit card travel insurance has a higher deductible/excess than regular travel insurance. That means you have to pay more from your pocket before the insurance takes over.
• There is usually no age or location limit.
• You may have to notify the bank beforehand if you want to use travel insurance from your credit card.
• You have to pay for your expenses with your card. If you pay by any other means, you won’t be covered.

How to Complain About an Insurer?

If you encounter problems with your travel insurance provider and believe you’re being treated unjustly, then you have the right to file a complaint. Normally, all travel insurance companies have their own internal complaint procedures. If you cannot reach a solution with your travel insurance provider, then you have the option of turning to an external dispute resolution scheme.

But first, make sure that you have a right to complain in the first place.

• Read over the policy rules carefully. Check for any small print that will explain or put into perspective your situation. Check the “exclusions” list – the activities the insurance policy does not provide coverage for.
• Think of your situation. Are you making the claim because you had an accident due to “recklessness”, or did you leave your luggage unattended, so it was stolen? Most insurance policies do not cover injuries related to extreme sports and reckless behaviour. Even skiing is sometimes off limits if it happens during the off season.
• Do you have all the documents which prove your right to a claim? For example, hospital bills, police reports in case of stolen luggage, receipts and unused tickets for trip cancellation, etc.

However, if you have read over all the fine print, have all the supporting documentation, and you strongly believe you have been wronged, the first thing you can do is make a written complaint to the travel insurance company directly. There should be a section of the company which deals with customer complaints, with the right procedure.

You should give it a few weeks for them to respond to your complaint.

If a resolution is not reached with the company directly, then you can turn to a financial dispute resolution authority. Depending on your country, there are different organizations or institutions you can turn to when you have to reach a resolution to a financial dispute, such as the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK or the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) in Australia.

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And for those who wish to avoid waiting times, and have access to a more seamless healthcare experience, the private sector of Thai medical insurance is always an option. This type of health insurance is different from the Thailand travel insurance which covers tourists and visitors only for travel-related events.

Expat Health Insurance in Thailand

Expats in Thailand have the following options for health insurance, depending on their residential status:

• 
  Public Thailand health insurance for working expats. Expats who are employed in Thailand are enrolled in the Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS), which provides free healthcare through contributions that are deducted from the employee’s salary.
• Private health insurance. Expats who are not employed or those who want health coverage in private hospitals can purchase a private medical insurance scheme, either local or international. Expats who retire in Thailand will have to subscribe to a private insurance plan or pay the costs from their own pocket.

Public Health Insurance in Thailand

Working expats in Thailand have access to free public healthcare through contributions to the Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS). All workers in Thailand (expat or citizen) contribute 5% of their salaries into the Thai social security scheme, which then covers the public Thailand health insurance network.

As an expat, once you are enrolled in the public healthcare system, you will be assigned to a hospital, in which you will receive free treatment. If you go to another hospital or decide to receive private healthcare, you will have to pay out-of-pocket.

Benefits of public health insurance in Thailand

• If you receive treatment into your assigned hospital, you do not have to pay anything. You can just show your Social Security Number and ID.
• Medical services are of good quality since the doctors in public hospitals are highly skilled.
• You do not need to pay anything extra, as it is covered by your contributions to social security.

Drawbacks of public health insurance in Thailand

• Like in all public hospitals, the waiting times can be long and the hospitals crowded, so that means a short visit.
• Treatment is limited only into the hospital you are assigned to. If a preferred doctor does now work at your assigned hospital, you do not have coverage for a medical examination with them.
• If you lose your job, you will no longer have free healthcare.

Private Health Insurance in Thailand

Expats in Thailand who are not eligible for public health insurance or who want a wider range of coverage can purchase private health insurance. If you get a private insurance plan for Thailand, you can receive treatment in any public or private hospitals. You will usually have to pay the cost of treatment upfront and then apply for reimbursement.

There are two main options when it comes to purchasing medical insurance for Thailand:

• Purchasing a domestic plan. In this case, the coverage is limited only within Thai borders, and you will not be covered for any medical emergencies abroad.
• Purchasing an international health insurance plan. You will have health coverage not only in Thailand but in other countries within the scope of your policy as well, for example, if you are travelling back to your home country or going on a vacation.

Private healthcare in Thailand is of excellent quality. In fact, Thailand is considered a top destination for medical tourism due to its private hospitals, which can sometimes resemble a five-star hotel more than a medical facility.

Additionally, despite the high quality of care, treatment in a Thai private hospital does not cost as much as in certain Western countries such as the US, hence, the rise of medical tourism in Thailand. Still, private medical treatment is considerably higher than public healthcare.

Private hospitals also have shorter waiting times, are generally better equipped, and have a higher number of English speaking doctors and staff.

What Does Health Insurance in Thailand Cover?

The coverage of your medical insurance plan in Thailand depends on whether it is private or public. Under the public (social security) scheme, you will have comprehensive coverage for most medical procedures and prescription medication. With a private insurance plan, you can choose and customize the amount of coverage you need.

Thai Public Health Insurance Coverage

Thailand’s public medical insurance covers for:

• Medical examination and treatment
• Hospitalization
• Prescription medicine
• Ambulance fees
• Rehabilitation
• Health promotion
• Nursing care
• Lab work and X-rays

It is entirely free of charge if undertaken on the assigned public hospital. In cases of emergencies, you can receive treatment in another public hospital, pay upfront, and then you will be reimbursed by Social Security.

Additionally, you will be covered for maternity and sickness leave:

• For maternity, you will receive 50% of your salary for up to 90 days after birth. Only extends to your second pregnancy.
• For sickness leave, you will receive 50% of your salary for up to 180 days total per year beyond the “sick days” your employer provides. For more serious illness, such as cancer, this can be extended to 356 days.

Dental coverage

The public medical insurance scheme is Thailand only covers a certain amount for dental expenses, which is usually only enough to cover checkups and minor procedures. For any more serious dental interventions, you will either have to pay yourself or purchase a private health insurance plan with dental coverage.

Thai Private Health Insurance Coverage

Private health insurance plans (domestic and international) offer also coverage for medical treatment, prescription medication, ambulance fees, maternity, and hospitalization, among others. The upgrade is that you can seek treatment in either public or private hospitals in Thailand, as well as have the opportunity to choose your own medical professionals.

In addition, international health insurance companies also cover emergency evacuation or repatriation. Let’s say you are an American expat, living in Thailand, and you wish to receive medical treatment in a hospital back in the US. An international health insurance plan will cover the cost of evacuation, whereas a domestic insurance company will not.

Another matter of importance which concerns expat retirees in Thailand is that many domestic insurance companies will exclude coverage or not sell their policies to senior citizens.

So, What’s the Best Health Insurance for Thailand?

The best type of health insurance for Thailand will depend on your needs and preferences. A combination of both your public social security insurance and an additional private insurance scheme should cover you for any emergencies that can happen, and ensure you are comfortable and well taken care of.

• Public insurance: If you do not want the extra cost added, have no problem waiting for a doctor appointment, and are generally healthy, then you can easily carry on with your public insurance scheme. Public healthcare in Thailand is not bad by any means. The doctors are skilled and trained, and its public healthcare system is considered as one of the best in the world, featured on the 2019 list of countries with the best healthcare systems, according to Thai media.
• Domestic private insurance: If you want more convenience, the freedom to choose your own doctors and hospitals, a better experience if you need to receive medical treatment, and you do not mind the extra cost, then you should opt for Thai private health insurance. However, this may not be useful for retirees, as many companies exclude coverage for persons over the age of 65.
• International health insurance: If you want a wider range of health insurance, not only in Thailand but abroad as well, then you can choose a comprehensive international health insurance plan, which is often the best insurance plan for expats who tend to travel between their country of residence and their home country.

Cost of Health Insurance in Thailand

There are several factors which affect the cost of a health insurance policy, including:

• Your age. Senior citizens usually have to pay more for medical insurance than the younger generations.
• The amount of coverage you want. The good thing about private insurance is that you can customize and choose how much coverage you want or need. The more coverage, the pricier the policy.
• How many people are included in your plan. If you add your family members, then the monthly premiums will be higher.
• Whether you choose a domestic or international plan.

Public health insurance, on the other hand, depends on your income. You do not need to pay anything additionally, since the money is taken directly from your salary in the form of social security contributions (5% of the salary).

Am I Eligible for Public Insurance in Thailand If I Am Self-Employed?

Self-employed individuals are also eligible for coverage under the social security scheme if they enroll voluntarily and pay their premium.

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For longer stays in Thailand and more extensive coverage, you are advised to purchase Thailand health insurance for expats.

Do I Need to Get Travel Insurance for Thailand?

Yes, as of March 2020, anyone travelling to Thailand will have to purchase travel health insurance.

For years, the Thai government has been planning on issuing a law that requires foreigners to purchase travel insurance before entering Thailand. They brought up the idea of compulsory travel insurance in 2019, as a result of a number of accidents involving tourists which had happened the year before. However, the mandatory travel insurance requirement was not really implemented until the pandemic.

Thailand Travel Insurance Requirements

Thailand travel insurance must fulfill the following requirements:

• Cover at least 1.75 million Thai Baht ($50,000) for accidents or sudden illness, including COVID-19.
• Cover in-patient and out-patient treatment, medication, hospitalization, and emergency transportation (ambulance).
• Be valid for the entire duration of your trip.

If the travel insurance does not fulfil these requirements, the Embassy will not accept it and you will not receive a visa or be allowed into the country.Therefore, when purchasing travel insurance for Thailand, make sure to always read the policy rules very carefully. Even read the fine print and sub-clauses so that you know just how much coverage you have and are not surprised by unexpected bills down the road.

Where Can I Get Travel Insurance for Thailand With COVID-19 Coverage?

You can get travel insurance for Thailand from most local travel insurance companies as well as online, which is one of the most convenient methods.

If you are travelling as part of an organized tour, your tour agency may offer you travel insurance as part of the package deal as well. In these cases, although convenient, it is not always recommended to purchase the travel insurance you’re being offered. It is usually at a higher price than normal, and it may not offer all the coverage you are comfortable with when travelling. If you can, it’s always a good idea to read the policy very carefully, and if you think it is a good deal, and you have all the coverage you need, then go ahead and purchase it. If not, then opt-out and get an alternate insurance policy that will be most suitable for your needs.

Regardless of the method, you choose to get travel insurance for Thailand, make sure to always read the policy rules very carefully. Even read the fine print and sub-clauses so that you know just how much coverage you have, and are not surprised by unexpected bills down the road.

How Much Does COVID-19 Insurance for Thailand Cost?

The cost of Thai travel insurance with COVID coverage depends on a few factors such as your age and the number of days you will be staying in Thailand. However, it is not expensive. A policy covering 30-day stays could come as cheap as 4,000 Thai Baht, which is around $121. For tourist visa applications, with a validity of 90 days, travel insurance policies may range from 8,000 Thai Baht to 14,000 Thai Baht (approximately $240 to $425).

How to Purchase Travel Insurance for Thailand?

To purchase a travel insurance plan for Thailand, you have to visit the website of an insurance company:

1. Browse through the available travel insurance policies. If you are on the website of a specific company, there should be a couple available options, whereas websites like Insubuy have a lot more options from different companies.
2. Select the policy you want to purchase. You can even compare two or more policies side-by-side so it is easier to decide.
3. Read the details of the policy. Once you choose a plan, read the policy and make sure that you understand what items are covered, whether you have to co-pay anything, how much the deductible is, etc.
4. Complete the travel insurance form. You have to enter the dates of travel, desired coverage, and your personal details.
5. Pay the fee. The cost of your plan will depend on the time you will be in Thailand, how much coverage you want, and how many people are included in the policy.
6. Download the insurance certificate. After you complete the payment, you will receive the insurance certificate on your email, which you can use to travel to Thailand or apply for a Thai visa.

When Should I Get Travel Insurance for Thailand?

You should get travel insurance once you start making the first deposits on your trip to Thailand or buy a flight ticket. It is recommended to purchase travel insurance at least two weeks before you are set to travel so that you can have full coverage for trip cancellation or delayed flight.

Some insurance companies do not accept claims for cancellation if you have purchased travel insurance less than two weeks in advance.

Technically, you can buy travel insurance as late as a couple of days before you travel, but you will not have the same level of coverage as you would if you purchased earlier.

Can You Buy Travel Insurance For Thailand After Booking a Flight?

Yes, you can buy travel insurance even after booking your flight to Thailand, but make sure it is very soon after making the payment to get as many benefits as possible.

Travel health insurance coverage does not start until you enter Thailand, but if you want to have coverage for trip and flight-related disturbances (such as trip cancellation), then you will have to purchase a travel insurance policy as soon as you make the first payment for your trip (hotel reservation, flight, or bookings for other tourist activities).

If you get insured too late, then something comes up and you have to cancel your trip, then all the down payments you have made by that point may be lost.

How Do I File a Travel Insurance Thailand Claim?

To file a travel insurance claim, you have to contact your insurance company to learn exactly what documents they will need from you. Remember to file your claim as soon as possible upon your return, because if you wait too long it may be denied. When submitting a claim, your insurance company will ask for proof that your claim is legitimate so you have to save all receipts and evidentiary documentation. This includes:

• Medical receipts and hospital bills, in case of an accident or illness.
• Police reports with the dates stated, in case of stolen belongings.
• Receipts of your belongings in case your baggage is lost. You need the original receipts – maybe even pictures – of the contents of your luggage.
• The receipts for food, transport, and accommodation in case your flight is delayed.
• Receipts for your non-refundable payments (hotel, flight, tours, etc.), in case of trip cancellation.

Group Travel Insurance for Thailand

If you are traveling as part of an organized tour, your tour agency may also offer you travel insurance as part of the package deal. In these cases, although convenient, it is not always recommended to purchase the travel insurance you’re being offered. It is usually at a higher price than normal, and it may not offer all the coverage you are comfortable with when travelling.

If you can, it’s always a good idea to read the policy very carefully, and if you think it is a good deal, and you have all the coverage you need, then go ahead and purchase it. If not, then opt-out and get an alternate insurance policy that will be most suitable for your needs.

Are All My Activities Included in Thailand Travel Insurance?

No, not all activities are included in travel insurance coverage. Most Thailand travel insurance plans will cover medical emergencies related to a sudden illness or an accident. However, if the accident was a result of recklessness (such as drunk driving) or from an activity which is considered “high risk” (e.g. bungee jumping), then you will have to cover the medical treatment costs yourself.

Travel insurance companies usually have a list of activities they cover as well as exclusions. This will depend on the specific plan, but things like swimming, kayaking, trekking, and surfing are usually always covered. On the other hand, scuba diving, rock climbing, sailing, white water rafting or bungee jumping, which have a higher degree of risk, are usually only covered under certain circumstances and will cost more to be covered.

Again, the best way to know what activities are covered in your insurance policy for Thailand is to carefully read it. In most cases, you will be able to purchase extra coverage for some activities, but it will naturally cost more.

What Should Travel Insurance for Thailand Include?

Any good travel insurance plan for Thailand should include at least basic coverage for the following:

• Medical emergencies. If you get into an accident or get sick while in Thailand, travel health insurance will cover the cost of medical treatment you receive.
• Trip cancellation or interruption. If your trip is interrupted for some reason, or you have to cancel, then travel insurance will reimburse you for any losses due to non-refundable reservations.
• Theft, loss, damage of possessions. If your possessions are lost, stolen or damaged during your trip, your insurance will reimburse you (up to a certain amount) for the loss.
• Emergency evacuation or repatriation. This type of coverage will cover the costs of any expenses incurred if you have to be flown back to your country in an emergency (e.g. air ambulance).

Optional travel insurance coverage (i.e. things that are not always included in a standard plan, but which you can add by paying extra) includes:

• “High-risk” or adventurous activities
• Personal liability
• Terrorism coverage

What Activities Does a Thailand Travel Insurance Policy Usually Cover?

Travel insurance companies usually have a list of activities they cover as well as exclusions. The table below lists a few examples of what is usually covered and what is not:

Again, the best way to know what activities are covered in your insurance policy for Thailand is to carefully read it. In most cases, you will be able to purchase extra coverage for some activities, but it will naturally cost more.

Is Travel Insurance for Thailand Expensive?

The cost of travel insurance depends on several factors, such as your age, length of trip, where you have purchased it, and just how much coverage you want. In most cases, you can expect to pay about 4% to 10% of your overall trip costs in travel insurance.

Healthcare in Thailand for Tourists

Healthcare in Thailand is of excellent quality, so if you do happen to find yourself in a medical emergency, you should rest assured you will be well taken care of. Thailand has both a private and public healthcare system and provides universal healthcare to all Thai nationals. Tourists will have to pay the cost of treatment themselves or through travel health insurance.

The public healthcare system in Thailand has qualified doctors, but the hospitals are known for long waiting times and lower quality medical equipment as opposed to the private sector. Private healthcare, on the other hand, is of equally excellent quality and better equipped. They are expensive, however, and will often require you to show proof of funding or travel insurance before you receive treatment.

Is Thailand Safe to Visit?

Yes, Thailand is a generally safe place to visit. Naturally, you have to be careful of the usual travel risks, such as pickpocketing, scams, and food poisoning, but there is no greater risk in visiting Thailand as opposed to other countries. In fact, Thailand is considered one of the safest countries in Southeast Asia for tourists.

Note: The US and UK travel advisories urge against travelling to the Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat, and Songkhla regions of Thailand due to civil unrest.

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