When choosing insurance for your time abroad, expats with eczema should pay attention to key features such as pre-existing condition coverage, the insurer’s plan formulary, and specialist visit benefits to ensure seamless coverage for their specific healthcare needs.

While eczema is a common condition that may not pose serious health risks, it is considered a chronic condition and must be disclosed for the insurer’s review upon application.

In this Pacific Prime article, we explain how expats with eczema can navigate their international health insurance coverage while living abroad—from understanding underwriting practices and coverage for eczema management to exploring available plan options.

Understanding Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)

Atopic dermatitis, commonly known as eczema, is a skin condition that weakens the skin barrier, reducing its ability to retain moisture and protect the body from external irritants and environmental factors. 

The condition can occur anywhere on the skin but is commonly found on your hands, neck, elbows, ankles, knees, feet, face, ears, and lips.  

Common symptoms of eczema include:

• Dry skin
• Itchy skin
• Skin rash
• Bumps on your skin
• Thick, leathery patches of skin
• Flaky, scaly or crusty skin
• Swelling

Different Types of Eczema

There are seven main types of eczema, each with slightly different symptoms and unique triggers: 

• Atopic dermatitis: The most common type; often linked to allergies and asthma, causing itchy, dry patches.

• Contact dermatitis: Triggered by direct skin contact with irritants or allergens.

• Dyshidrotic dermatitis: Causes small, itchy blisters on hands and feet.

• Nummular dermatitis: Round, coin-shaped spots of irritated skin.

• Seborrheic dermatitis: Red, scaly patches, often on the scalp, face, or chest (dandruff is a mild form).

• Stasis dermatitis: Develops on the lower legs due to poor circulation and fluid buildup.

• Neurodermatitis: Intense itching and thickened skin caused by repeated scratching.

Why Managing Eczema is Important 

If left untreated, long-term inflammation and skin cracking from eczema can increase the risk of bacterial or viral infections. Moreover, its symptoms extend to impact your sleep, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life. 

In rare cases, individuals with herpes simplex virus may develop eczema herpeticum, a serious condition that causes painful, itchy blisters and can be life-threatening.

 Other complications include: 

• Eye disorders
• Growth issues
• Systemic inflammation, leading to health concerns related to heart health, autoimmunity, and mental health

While there is no permanent cure for eczema, as symptoms may flare up when triggered, medications and regular consultations with a dermatologist can help manage symptoms and reduce the risk of complications.

How Eczema Affects Expat Health Insurance

Eczema can affect your health insurance coverage and premiums, depending on the underwriting process and the insurer’s policy. Some may consider skin conditions, like eczema, as chronic conditions that can be covered by health insurance, while some may consider them pre-exisitng conditions. 

Definition of Pre-existing Condition in International Health Insurance

In international health insurance, a pre-existing condition is any illness, injury, or medical issue that showed symptoms before your policy began—even if it wasn’t treated. 

Insurers require applicants to disclose conditions like eczema when applying because these conditions increase financial risk. An insurer may exclude coverage, apply waiting periods, or charge higher premiums to balance this risk, depending on your severity and treatment history. 

The Importance of Eczema Disclosure

Disclosing eczema—even in mild cases—to your insurer is essential for securing the right plan and ensuring eligible coverage. Failing to disclose it, on the other hand, can result in denied claims or even policy cancellation if the condition is discovered later.

Being transparent about all pre-existing conditions and understanding your policy coverage clearly also gives you peace of mind. 

Underwriting Approaches

Underwriting process is when your insurer assesses your health, age, lifestyle, and other factors to evaluate the risk of insuring the applicant. There are two main approaches to underwriting: full medical underwriting and moratorium writing. 

• Full Medical Underwriting: 

This is the most common and requires applicants to fully disclose their medical history when applying. After the insurer reviews your eligibility for coverage, including pre-existing conditions such as eczema, they may:

• Accept the application as standard
• Exclude eczema from coverage
• Accept with premium loading or surcharges to cover potential eczema-related costs
• Deny the application if the risk is deemed too high

• Moratorium Underwriting: 

Moratorium underwriting skips the need for a full medical history at application. However, pre-existing conditions are excluded for a set waiting period (usually 24 months). If you remain symptom- and treatment-free during this time, the condition may later be covered.

Since underwriting happens at the time of claim, processing can take longer as insurers review whether the condition existed before your policy began.

Coverage for Eczema Management on Expat Insurance

Depending on your policy and insurer, your eczema coverage will differ. However, a comprehensive international health insurance plan should commonly provide coverage for required medical procedures, from diagnosis to different kinds of treatment and therapy, if medically indicated. 

Eczema coverage may include: 

• Dermatologist consultations and diagnostic testing to assess the condition.
• Prescription topical treatments including emollients (moisturizers), steroid creams, tacrolimus ointments, and other medicated skin products.
• Systemic medications for severe cases, such as oral immunosuppressants and biologics.
• Phototherapy (light therapy) for cases that do not respond to topical treatments.
• Hospitalization or intensive therapy setups in rare severe cases.

Best International Health Insurance for Expats with Eczema

Some of the best international health insurance for expats with eczema are plans from IMG, Cigna Global, Allianz, Bupa Global, and GeoBlue. Each plan provides a different range and level of coverage, allowing expats to choose one that best suits their budget and needs. 

IMG Insurance for Expats with Eczema

IMG makes it easier for expats managing eczema to secure coverage for pre-existing conditions through its pre-existing condition waiver. If you’ve maintained continuous health insurance with no gaps longer than 63 days, eczema-related costs can be covered immediately, with no waiting period.

Their core plan, Global Medical, has multiple tiers, but only the Silver, Gold, and Platinum levels provide coverage for pre-existing conditions such as eczema.

Plan summary: 

• Global Medical Silver: USD $5,000,000, with comprehensive coverage for inpatient and outpatient treatment and medical evacuation. 
• Global Medical Gold: USD $5,000,000, with greater coverage for room fees, specialist visits, diagnostic tests, dental treatment, and more. 
• Global Medical Platinum: USD $8,000,000, offering maternity and newborn care, preventative care, mental health services, and more. 

Pre-Existing Conditions	Silver	Gold	Platinum
Known disclosed conditions	Covered the same as any illness or injury unless excluded by a rider	Covered the same as any illness or injury unless excluded by a rider	Covered if disclosed and not excluded by rider
Nondisclosed conditions	N/A	N/A	Covered if disclosed and not excluded by rider
Unknown conditions  (After 24 months of continuous coverage)	Period of Coverage: $5,000 Lifetime Maximum: $50,000	Period of Coverage: $5,000 Lifetime Maximum: $50,000	Covered if disclosed and not excluded by rider

Cigna Global Insurance for Expats with Eczema

Although Cigna’s international health plans require full underwriting for pre-existing conditions, they excel in chronic condition management through their Chronic Condition Program, which offers personalized, holistic support at no additional cost.

Their core plans are flexible, offering multiple coverage levels and optional add-ons, which allow expats to tailor their insurance to best meet their individual needs.

Plan summary: 

• Cigna Silver: USD $1,000,000, covering essential inpatient and day-patient care. 
• Cigna Gold: USD $2,000,000, with a wider range of maternity and newborn benefits 
• Cigna Platinum: Unlimited, covering most inpatient services in full.

Expats can further enhance their plans with add-ons such as outpatient care, medical evacuation and repatriation, dental and vision coverage, and health & wellbeing riders. These extras can help manage eczema and related effects, including specialist visits and mental health support.

Allianz Insurance for Expats with Eczema

Allianz takes a flexible approach to pre-existing conditions by reviewing each case individually during the underwriting process. Expats can also tailor their coverage through tiered benefit levels—Allianz Care, Care Plus, and Care Pro—and optional riders.

This model ensures their plan aligns with every expat’s specific healthcare needs.

Plan summary: 

• Care: USD $2,500,000, covering the essential inpatient and expat-specific benefits. 
• Care Plus: USD $4,000,000, with additional benefits of emergency outpatient treatment and outpatient dental treatment. 
• Care Pro: USD $5,000,000, including basic benefits and preventive surgery, laser eye treatment, and accidental death. 

Available add-ons include outpatient, repatriation, dental, and maternity plans. Expats with eczema are recommended to obtain outpatient benefits to cover dermatologist consultations and checkups. 

Bupa Global Insurance for Expats with Eczema

Bupa Global provides coverage for pre-existing conditions through a full medical underwriting approach. With four distinct benefit levels tailored to different healthcare needs and lifestyles, expats can select the option that best balances their coverage requirements with their budget.

Plan summary: 

• Select: USD ~$1,587,100, covering essential outpatient and inpatient care, including day-to-day care and surgery costs. 
• Premier: USD ~$2,380,600, including regular check-ups, dental treatment, and a wider range of outpatient benefits. 
• Elite: USD ~$4,761,300, catering to families with assisted fertility and maternity cover after 18 months.
• Major Medical: USD ~$3,174,200, focusing on covering sudden unexpected emergencies and major medical expenses and excluding wellness and routine appointments. 

Bupa Global also stands out for its extensive network of top-tier medical facilities. For expats with eczema, this means access to leading specialists and treatments, often without the burden of high out-of-pocket costs.

GeoBlue Insurance for Expats with Eczema

GeoBlue’s international health insurance is ideal for American expats with eczema, offering unlimited benefit limits and immediate coverage for pre-existing conditions with proof of continuous prior insurance and no coverage gaps.

Additionally, they provide one of the strongest U.S. coverage options: 

• Xplorer Premier offers worldwide coverage, including the U.S., where 80% coinsurance applies for in-network treatment. It also allows policyholders to travel to the U.S. specifically for medical care.
• Xplorer Essential covers care received outside the U.S. only, with the option to add limited U.S. coverage for short-term illness, accidents, and emergencies.

Outside the U.S., both plans cover primary and preventive care, inpatient services, surgery, diagnostic tests, ambulance service, mental health care, prescription drugs, medical evacuation, and management of pre-existing conditions, including eczema.

However, note that to get immediate coverage for pre-existing conditions, you must show proof of prior continuous health insurance with no gaps longer than 63 days. Otherwise, a waiting period of up to six months will apply, which can be reduced by the number of months of prior coverage.

Tips for Choosing Expat Insurance with Eczema

For expats managing eczema, it’s essential to secure a plan that ensures uninterrupted access to treatments, prescriptions, and specialist consultations while relocating or living abroad. Here are a few tips to help expats with eczema select the right international health insurance coverage. 

1. Be Honest and Transparent

It is highly important to disclose your eczema conditions—from diagnosis to severity level and current medications to manage your symptoms—to avoid future claim denials and potential policy cancellations. 

2. Compare Underwriting Philosophies

When selecting a plan, check how insurers handle pre-existing conditions. Some, like IMG and GeoBlue, may provide immediate coverage with premium adjustments, while others impose waiting periods or exclude eczema-related claims.

It’s also worth considering insurers that assess eczema based on current management and control rather than past severity.

3. Review Policy Wordings Carefully

Examine policy details closely, including pre-existing condition clauses, exclusions, waiting periods, and drug formularies. Make sure routine dermatologist visits and common procedures, like patch testing, are covered—not just emergencies. 

Some plans may cover prescription treatments but exclude ‘cosmetic’ moisturizers, even when they’re medically necessary for eczema care.

4. Check Network and Direct Billing

Because eczema requires ongoing care, it’s important to choose an insurer with a large network of dermatologists and specialists. Plans that offer direct access to these providers and direct billing can help you receive regular treatments and medications without the hassle of upfront payments.

5. Seek Expert Advice

Work with an insurance broker who is experienced in handling chronic health conditions and pre-existing condition coverage for expats. Knowledgeable brokers, such as Pacific Prime, can help you compare plans from multiple providers and identify the option that best fits your healthcare needs.

Secure Peace of Mind with Pacific Prime

Eczema, as a chronic skin condition with potential for flare-ups, infections, and the need for specialized treatments, is often classified as a pre-existing condition by international insurers, making finding coverage a challenge.

With 25 years of experience, Pacific Prime helps expats worldwide find international health insurance, family insurance, short-term insurance, and more to ensure they have access to high-quality healthcare regardless of where they live. 

With the right plan in place, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your health needs are fully protected, no matter where life takes you.

Contact us today for a free plan comparison and expert, impartial advice.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Does eczema count as a medical condition for travel insurance?

Coverage varies by plan and provider, but travel insurance generally excludes pre-existing conditions like eczema. Always review your policy to understand any limitations or exclusions and avoid unexpected gaps in coverage.

Can I travel with eczema?

You can travel with eczema, but it requires preparation. Bring all medications, moisturizers, and any needed treatments; avoid known triggers; and plan for flare-ups, since most travel insurance won’t cover pre-existing conditions.

Can I get immediate coverage for eczema? 

Eczema is usually treated as a chronic or pre-existing condition, so coverage may not start immediately. Some insurers, however, can provide instant coverage if you can show continuous prior insurance with no coverage gaps longer than 63 days.

What is considered mild eczema?

Mild eczema typically involves occasional itching, redness, or small patches of dry skin. It usually affects limited areas, doesn’t frequently flare, and can often be managed with moisturizers and basic topical treatments.

What treatments for eczema are typically covered?

Insurance typically covers dermatologist visits, prescription medications, phototherapy, allergy testing, and treatment for severe flare-ups, including hospitalization. Coverage may vary by plan, so always check for included treatments and exclusions.