International Healthcare Insurance
by Rebecca Falkoff
Summary
| Many countries require health coverage for extended stays. |
| For shorter visits, travelers insurance may be sufficient. |
Imagine this scenario: You're volunteering in a remote western Angola town. While helping to build water-cleaning systems, you have a heart attack and are airlifted to Luanda for treatment. Without international emergency medical coverage, your suffering may continue after the pain subsides; that sort of care can easily cost more than $10,000.
Most standard US healthcare policies cover routine hospital expenses abroad but not the costs of being repatriated or airlifted to the nearest hospital for medical treatment. If a medical emergency occurs, you could be left with an awe-inspiring bill. And while US embassies can provide you with medical services information and help with transferring funds, as the Web site says, "Payment of hospitalization and other expenses is the responsibility of the traveler."
Therefore, health insurance is critical for international sojourners. But select your plan carefully. Your main decision is whether you want travelers insurance or an international policy that covers routine checkups, prescriptions and other nonemergency care.
Travelers Insurance
A variety of insurance policies are available for travelers and students, but they often cover only medical expenses for accidents, illness and repatriation of remains. These policies will cover you in case of an emergency but do little to curb the costs of general health issues.
Travelers insurance may be the best option for a short stay overseas and can cost you less. If you're booking a gig at Palais Garnier in Paris, for example, "the French opera will ask you for a certificate of coverage," says one US Embassy agent. In fact, most countries require proof of medical coverage from anyone seeking a visa or work permit.
More Comprehensive Plans
If you plan to live in another country for an extended period of time, you may need more substantial coverage. Many insurance companies offer international plans, though these are generally expensive and may be less thorough than your plan from home.
Depending on personal concerns or where you'll be living, the expense may be worth it. A one-year policy at International Health Insurance.com costs $1,940 with a $500 deductible for a 30-year-old woman, or $1,080 for a 30-year-old man. The policy includes coverage for mental health and maternity care but only for policyholders who are on the plan more than a year.
Given the high deductible, less expensive travelers insurance might make sense if you expect your checkups and prescription drugs to cost less than $500 a year.
Be in the Know Before You Go
If you can maintain your health insurance policy from home while abroad, it may cover all bases. "Before going abroad, learn what medical services your health insurance will cover overseas," advises the US Department of State's site. In addition, study a country's health risks before visiting. Many countries could put your health at greater risk or require you to have certain inoculations before entering.
To learn about these requirements, contact the foreign embassy. The Centers for Disease Control and US Department of State also detail medical precautions for travelers throughout the world.
Get Help in English, American Style
If you don't speak the language well, you may feel more comfortable with English-speaking doctors. Even if you are fluent in the language, notions about maladies and remedies vary greatly throughout the world, and a doctor who understands your medical ideology can put you at ease. If you want American-style medical attention, contact the US embassy for a list of American and English-speaking physicians in the area.
Preexisting Medical Conditions
If you have a preexisting medical condition and take prescription drugs, bring a hefty supply. But beware of crossing customs with a suitcase full of pills. Carry a note from your physician explaining your medical condition and listing the drugs you take. Also, keep all medications in their original containers.
HIV-infected expatriates should be particularly careful in countries with contaminated water and inadequate sanitation. The Centers for Disease Control offers information about international precautions for HIV-infected travelers.
Pharmacies
In most European countries, pharmacists are highly trained and can sometimes eliminate the need to see a doctor. Learn the pharmacy's role in your destination country and avoid unnecessary medical expenses.
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