How to Purchase International Health Insurance
International health insurance helps individuals living abroad get access to high-quality healthcare services no matter where they are in the world. With international health insurance, expats get access to a worldwide network of doctors, hospitals, and care facilities in addition to several other important benefits.
Whatever your reasons for moving overseas are, it’s important to know how to find and purchase a comprehensive international health insurance policy to ensure your medical needs are met while outside of your home country.
Here’s everything you need to know about how to purchase international health insurance.
What is International Health Insurance?
Like traditional health insurance policies, international health insurance policies grant medical coverage to policyholders which allows them to get high-quality healthcare without having to pay for everything out-of-pocket.
Unlike traditional health insurance, which offers coverage limited to your home country, international health insurance offers worldwide coverage to ensure you have access to comprehensive medical services from nearly anywhere in the world.
For individuals that plan to live abroad for longer than six months, international health insurance offers essential health coverage at affordable rates.
How to Purchase International Health Insurance
Purchasing international health insurance is as simple as finding the right insurance provider, requesting a quote, and applying for an insurance plan. Though, the application process may work differently than applying for traditional health insurance policies.
To be eligible to apply for international health insurance, you need to already have a plan in place to move and live outside of your home country on or before the effective date of your policy. Most insurance providers will also require you to submit your application 30 to 45 days before your departure. This gives the insurer enough time to process your application, complete a medical evaluation, and request additional information if necessary before approving your application.
Keep in mind that if your plans change and you have to alter your move date, you may need to update or resubmit your application.
Choose an Insurance Provider
Before submitting your application, you first need to choose the insurance provider that best meets your needs.
When comparing insurance providers, it’s important to consider several factors, including what countries they provide coverage in, what coverages they offer, how much your premiums would be, and whether you have any special needs that need to be accommodated.
Cigna Global is a leading provider of international health insurance as it provides a variety of useful benefits at affordable rates. Cigna Global health policies are flexible and customizable, giving members the opportunity to modify their plans to meet their unique needs.
Select Your Coverage
International health insurance policies often offer several levels of coverage that members can choose from. Each level of coverage will offer varying coverage limits and benefits. Higher tiers of coverage will have higher premiums, but will typically offer higher coverage limits and more benefits.
You can also often choose from a variety of optional add-ons to create a more comprehensive health insurance policy. Cigna Global, for example, gives members the option to add additional coverages like vision and dental, health and wellbeing coverage, and more.
Choose Your Deductible
Depending on your financial needs, you may be able to adjust your deductible and coinsurance rates to raise or lower your premium.
Higher deductibles will lower your premium; however, you’ll likely have higher out-of-pocket expenses if you have to take a trip to the hospital for treatment. This can be a good option for individuals that want to keep costs low, are in relatively good health, and don’t expect to need frequent medical care.
Lower deductibles will increase your premium while lowering your out-of-pocket expenses. This is generally better for individuals that expect to utilize their plan benefits frequently. For example, individuals with chronic conditions that require ongoing treatment will likely benefit more from a plan with a lower deductible.
How Much Does International Health Insurance Cost
International health insurance costs vary depending on several key factors, including:
- Age
- Location
- Area of coverage
- Coverage level
- Optional add-ons
- Deductible
Cigna Global health insurance policies can start at as little as $100 per month, and the average plan cost ranges from $4,000 to $6,000 per year. For individuals that need to keep costs low, you can lower your premiums by adjusting your deductible, limiting your optional add-ons, and choosing a lower coverage tier.
Request a Quote
If you’re planning on moving outside of your home country, you need international health insurance to ensure you have access to high-quality medical care. Understanding how to find and purchase an international health insurance policy can make your move easier and ensure you’re ready for this next stage in your life.
At KSA Insurance, we work with individuals in South Carolina and across the southeastern United States to help them find affordable international health insurance plans that meet their coverage needs.
Contact us today to get a quote and learn more about Cigna international health insurance.
