Health insurance for Expats

You may already be living overseas, or you could be planning a move abroad. Whatever your situation, it’s wise to consider taking out health insurance. The expat health insurance market is a growing one, and you need to be sure that you’re getting the right policy at the right price.

Expat health insurance – things to consider

Health insurance for people living outside the UK is different from that for UK residents. You will need the think about the following:

• Where you live – different countries across the world have different healthcare offerings. You need to look at the type of healthcare available in the country you have chosen to live in. Whilst some countries operate an element of welfare health service, where treatment is free at the point of contact, many others rely on private health systems and you will need to know this before you decide on your health insurance product. The country you choose to live in may also have an impact on your premium level.
• Range of products – don’t be tempted to go with the first expat health insurance product that’s offered to you. If you’re buying a property through a developer, or using a relocation agency, they may try to sell you health insurance. The problem with this approach is that you have no idea if this particular product is right for you, and you have no chance to compare it with others in the market. It’s always a good idea to get some independent advice, just as you would with a mortgage or your car insurance.
• Type of cover – you need to know what type of cover you’re looking for. The more cover you want, the higher your premiums are likely to be. Some expat health insurance providers like you to pay up-front for your annual coverage, rather than monthly, so you need to be sure you can afford the cover you want. Some health insurance policies will cover you for returning to the UK if the procedure you need isn’t available in the country you live in – but not all policies do this, so you must make sure the cover is right before you commit yourself.
• Existing conditions – although health insurance has become a more understanding market, there may still be areas where existing conditions mean that you can’t find the right health insurance, or that some things in particular are not covered. It’s worth talking to an adviser at this stage, because they may have access to specialist products that can help.

Right to Health is a leading UK health insurance intermediary, helping individuals and corporations find the best private health insurance cover. With access to the UK’s top health insurance companies, Right to Health has advised thousands of clients and can help you to get great health coverage for a competitive premium. Right to Health is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority, which means that you can be confident that the recommendations you are given really are in your best interests. To find out more or to get a review of your current health insurance, call 08000 753 999 or click the Free Online Quote button at the top of the page.

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