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Living abroad requires finding medical coverage for your new country of residence. International health insurance best serves individuals living abroad, but they can also consider local or regional carriers that cover expats in a selected area.
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Are you living abroad or considering it? Are you looking for health insurance plans that can cover your medical bills in another country? Keep reading to see health insurance tips for expats around the world!
This article by Pacific Prime will offer helpful information on getting health insurance while living abroad in ten popular destinations for expats. We’ll also provide additional resources to aid you in your research about expat health insurance!
Health Insurance for Living Abroad
Securing health insurance for your time abroad is important to protecting your finances from unexpected medical expenses. Public medical insurance coverage is available in some countries for permanent residents, but the coverage may be limited, and expats may not qualify right away.
Since the ins and outs of international health insurance can vary from country to country, this blog post will offer insights into health insurance in ten popular destinations for expats living abroad:
- Thailand
- Japan
- Singapore
- Dubai
- Spain
- France
- Italy
- Sweden
- United States
- Mexico
Are you looking for more detailed information on international health insurance? We’ve still got you covered. See our complete guide to health insurance for living abroad.
International Health Insurance for Expats in Thailand
Expats living abroad in Thailand can have access to one of the most affordable yet technologically advanced private healthcare systems with Thailand Health Insurance for Expats. Thailand’s quality private healthcare system attracts millions of medical tourists annually.
Don’t let the word “affordable” fool you. Healthcare expenses can add up quickly, even in Thailand. The affordability of medical care in Thailand is reflected in lower private insurance premiums for expats.
Expats in Thailand may be eligible to enroll in public health insurance but be aware that coverage is limited, and wait times are very long in Thailand’s public clinics and hospitals.
Learn more about health insurance options for expats in Thailand in this handy guide.
Are you interested in living in the “Land of Smiles”? Check out our list of the 17 best places for expats to live in Thailand.
Living Abroad: International Health Insurance in Japan
Health insurance is available through Japan’s universal health insurance for expats living abroad long term. Expats and Japanese citizens must pay 30% of their medical costs with this program. Private international health insurance can cover these expenses while living in Japan.
30% may not sound like much, but Japan has some of the most expensive healthcare in the world. Supplemental health insurance plans in Japan may be worth it, especially when you consider the additional benefits.
Most healthcare providers in Japan do not speak English. However, many international insurance companies offer language services and connect policyholders with medical providers who speak their language while living abroad.
For more information on international health insurance and Japan’s healthcare system, keep reading about expat health insurance in Japan here.
Are you thinking about relocating to Japan? Check out the Best Places for Expats to Live in Japan!
International Health Insurance Living Abroad in Singapore
Living abroad in Singapore means having access to one of the best healthcare systems in the world, but it’s also one of the most expensive without health insurance. Singapore’s subsidized health insurance plans are not accessible to expats, so expats will need a private plan for medical coverage.
Check out Pacific Prime’s guide to health insurance for expats in Singapore.
Want to find the best place to live in Singapore? Consider reading this blog post on places for expats to live in Singapore.
Living Abroad in Dubai: Health Insurance for Expats
Expats are required to obtain health insurance while living in Dubai in order to qualify for visas. Insurance may be provided by an employer for expats to access the public healthcare system, but dependents of working expats in Dubai will need a private international health insurance plan.
Dubai has public and private healthcare systems, and both have some of the highest quality in the world. Dubai is well-known for its medical tourism industry. Its private hospitals offer hotel-like accommodations and services.
Learn more about requirements, Dubai’s health card, and health insurance options in this Pacific Prime blog post.
Also, don’t let the heat of Dubai get you down. Explore these fantastic places to live in Dubai for expats.
International Health Insurance for Expats in Spain
Expats living abroad in Spain will need international health insurance in Spain for expats to have any dental benefits at all because these benefits are not offered by public insurance. Expats should also note that the public health insurance scheme in Spain only partially covers prescriptions.
Private health insurance companies for expats typically provide language services in addition to covering medical expenses from networked private hospitals and clinics. Discover more information about securing health insurance to live abroad in Spain in this blog post.
It’s important to note that Spain’s healthcare system is decentralized into 17 regions, each with different policies and available facilities. Check out our list of hospitals for expats in Spain across different regions and ways to contact them.
Spain is a destination that expats and digital nomads won’t forget, so explore this list of the best places for expats to live in Spain.
Expats in France: International Health Insurance
Expats living abroad in France should be aware that health insurance is mandatory. International health insurance plans in France offer expats the most comprehensive health insurance with maternity, dental, and vision coverage.
Even if you choose to enroll in public health insurance in France as an expat, you can still choose to get supplemental health insurance privately for additional benefits. Keep reading to learn more about health insurance for living abroad in France.
Also, don’t miss Pacific Prime’s guide to the best places for expats to live in France!
Health Insurance While Living Abroad in Italy
International health insurance is recommended for those living in Italy to grant them access to comprehensive medical coverage and shorter wait times. Public health insurance in Italy is available through its National Health Service (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale, SSN).
EU citizens have access to short-term coverage through their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). EU citizens staying in Italy for three months or longer will need to register with the SSN for coverage. Learn more about health insurance in Italy in this guide.
Don’t forget to explore the best places to live in Italy for expats.
Sweden: International Health Insurance for Living Abroad
Expats living abroad in Sweden will need to have private insurance while waiting to receive permanent residency status to be covered by Sweden’s publicly funded system. Once expats qualify for public health coverage, private health insurance allows access to private hospitals.
Access to private hospitals can ensure expats shorter wait times, especially for non-urgent medical issues in Sweden. Sweden’s public hospitals and clinics are understaffed. Many residents of Sweden report difficulty seeing the same general practitioner consistently.
Find out more of the ins and outs of Sweden’s insurance options while living abroad here.
Are you researching places to live in Sweden? Read Pacific Prime’s top picks of locations for expats to live in Sweden.
Living Abroad in the United States: International Health Insurance
You will want international health insurance in the United States when living abroad there. Healthcare costs in the United States are among the highest in the world, and expats are responsible for any and all incurred medical expenses.
Be aware that the subsidized social healthcare programs in the United States (Medicaid and Medicare) are not available to expats. Find out more in this guide to the cost of health insurance in America while living abroad.
International Health Insurance Options in Mexico for Expats
Expats living abroad in Mexico should be aware of the disparities between the public and private healthcare systems. For the best medical care, you will want to secure international health insurance in Mexico.
Learn more about the three-tiered approach to medical coverage in Mexico and why expats should select an expat health insurance plan or international health insurance plan to live there. Find out more about medical coverage in Mexico for expats here.
Plan your adventure living abroad in Mexico by consulting this guide to the best places for expats to live in Mexico!
Using a Broker to Shop for Health Insurance Abroad
Using an international health insurance broker like Pacific Prime can help you shop and compare medical coverage for living abroad. Brokers give policyholders free, unbiased advice without charging them a dime. Making expats happy is at the heart of our business.
Contact Pacific Prime online today or call 1-800-868-1451 to start finding the right plan for you and your family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use US health insurance abroad?
Domestic US health insurance plans do not cover policyholders abroad, and Medicare only covers you in the United States and its territories. When traveling or moving abroad, make sure that you have medical insurance coverage.
What is the best expat health insurance?
The best expat health insurance companies include GeoBlue, VUMI, Cigna Global, MSH International, and AXA. For more information, see our complete list of top ten international health insurance companies.
How do expats get health care abroad?
Expats can get healthcare abroad using the hospitals and providers in their country of residence. Without proper insurance, expats will pay out of pocket for health care abroad. International health insurance plans provide coverage for these medical expenses.
Serena earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of British Columbia, Canada. As such, she is an avid advocate of mental health and is fascinated by all things psychology (especially if it’s cognitive psychology!).
Her previous work experience includes teaching toddlers to read, writing for a travel/wellness online magazine, and then a business news blog. These combined experiences give her the skills and insights she needs to explain complex ideas in a succinct way. Being the daughter of an immigrant and a traveler herself, she is passionate about educating expats and digital nomads on travel and international health insurance.
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