300x85.png)
Hong Kong
Singapore
China
Dubai
Thailand
United Kingdom
Mexico
Expats moving abroad should secure an international health insurance plan. It is required for some visas, and it is the best way to ensure you and your family have comprehensive, flexible coverage to protect your health and budget overseas.
Discover the world’s top
health insurers.
Compare quotes with
a click of the button.
Are you an expat preparing for a move abroad who is looking for insurance that will meet your visa requirements? Are you concerned that you find coverage abroad that will fit your health needs without breaking the budget?
In this Pacific Prime article, we elaborate on the importance of purchasing international health insurance for your time overseas, explain how getting insured helps when relocating to a new country, and guide you through the difference between international health insurance and travel insurance.
Why Expats Should Purchase International Health Insurance
International health insurance is essential for your relocation abroad because it ensures that you do not have expensive, unexpected medical costs in a new country. Some expats also need it for visa requirements and to comply with local laws.
Here are some reasons why international health insurance is important when you’re overseas:
Reason 1: International Health Insurance May be Required by Law in the Country You’re Moving To
It is very common for your country of residence to require all residents, including expats, to have health insurance. To enter the country and remain a resident there, you may need to show proof of health insurance through a local or international insurer.
It’s important to do your research on the country you’re moving to and check if they require you to have health insurance secured. Most countries will require an insurance policy to cover the duration of your stay, and many plans must meet certain coverage standards.
Dubai, UAE, for example, requires all residents to meet their minimum requirements for medical insurance. There are consequences if you don’t follow Dubai’s law, and similar consequences exist in other countries.
Reason 2: International Health Insurance Provides Financial Coverage for Quality Healthcare Services
Having financial coverage for healthcare services overseas can save expats a lot of money. The financial burden of paying for every medical expense can add up, which is why securing at minimum a basic health insurance plan can keep your budget afloat.
This is perhaps the most important reason for individuals and families abroad to have international health insurance. Not only does it protect you from unexpected medical expenses, but you can also have top-quality medical services when you need it.
Reason 3: International Health Insurance Can Cover Critical Illness or Serious Medical Problems
Out-of-pocket fees for a medical problem or illness can be staggering, which is why it’s important to have health insurance when you’re overseas. While some insurance may not cover pre-existing conditions, most international health insurance plans do, with plans covering benefits such as:
- Specialist visits
- Lab tests
- Prescription medications
- Emergency medical evacuation
- Physical therapy
- Chiropractor sessions
- Surgeries
- And more!
Check with your insurance provider on what plans can cover your medical needs and what additional benefits you can have to ensure you are well protected while living abroad.
Reason 4: International Health Insurers Offer Extra Security For Expats
Having health insurance established before moving overseas can grant expats extra security. Your provider can be part of the community that you turn to in heightened moments of duress when medical services are needed. Without this support, it can be difficult to manage the local healthcare system.
Foreigners may not:
- Be able to speak to local providers in their native language
- Know the emergency contact numbers for doctors and hospitals
- Be given the same care or services offered to locals
- Understand the local process for paying medical bills
Having a health insurance provider who can hold your hand in each of these situations can be a lifesaver as they teach you how to navigate your country-specific protocols and expectations.
Reason 5: International Health Insurance Can Cover Your Needs
International health insurance plans are designed for your lifestyle, whether you’re moving abroad to study, work, volunteer, tour, or retire. Select an insurance plan that caters to the reason you are moving abroad and how long you will be there.
Finding the right policy for your needs can make sure you are covered for the activities you will be exposed to without needing to pay for more than you need. A broker like Pacific Prime can assist you in finding the right policy for you.
Reason 6: U.S. Health Insurance Doesn’t Cover Overseas
Because U.S. health insurance typically does not provide any coverage overseas, it is important for expats to secure a health plan designed for international living. In fact, the U.S. government highly recommends it. Medicare also does not work overseas.
U.S. citizens moving overseas could choose from global health insurance, international health insurance, or expat health insurance.
You can read more about the specific limitations of U.S. Medicare insurance abroad in this blog post.
Reason 7: Expats Need Coverage for Preventive Care
Health insurance covers both medical emergencies and preventive care, with the latter covering check ups and treatments. Having insurance coverage for these medical expenses can save you money from paying out-of-pocket for all your annual doctor visits.
Outpatient services that can be covered by health insurance overseas include:
- Doctor and specialist consultations
- Prescription medications
- Labs and testing
- Maternity care
- Outpatient treatments
- Routine check-ups
- Dental and vision care
- Therapies
Reason 8: Some Visas Require Proof of Health Insurance
Some countries will not issue long-term visas to expats who don’t have proof of local health insurance. If this is the case for the country you will be moving to, you will need to secure a health insurance policy that lasts for the duration you will be living there.
Once you secure an insurance plan, you will have to submit a copy of your policy with your visa application. In some countries, expats are required by law to have health insurance before they apply for the visas.
One such country that has this rule is Thailand, and you can read this blog post to learn more about the mandatory health insurance for expats in Thailand.
Reason 9: It’s Best to Purchase Insurance While You’re Still Healthy
It is wise to secure medical insurance before you have a serious health condition because then the condition is much more likely to be covered by your insurance. Oftentimes, chronic health conditions that exist before your policy begins will either not be covered or have many exclusions.
As a result of this, it is in expats’ best interests to set up an international health insurance plan while they are still healthy.
Reason 10: Long Waiting Periods For Maternity Coverage
Maternity insurance for expats living overseas has an average waiting period of 10 to 24 months. This means that your pregnancy expenses will not have coverage until after you have been paying premiums for an insurance plan for the full duration of the waiting period.
It is important for expats and travelers who think they may like to have a child in the future to secure a health insurance plan one to two years prior to trying to get pregnant. If you become pregnant before the waiting period has ended, you will not have coverage until it has passed.
International Health Insurance vs. Travel Insurance
International health insurance is designed to cover inpatient and outpatient fees long-term, typically for a year or longer. Travel insurance is designed to cover travel expenses and emergency medical fees only for short trips or trips less than a year in length.
If you do not want to pay for benefits such as annual doctor visits and inpatient treatments not considered emergencies, you are probably looking for short-term medical insurance or travel insurance.
Travel insurance is designed to cover unexpected travel complications such as delayed transportation; lost, stolen, or damaged luggage; canceled or interrupted trips; medical emergencies; and medical evacuation and repatriation. Having travel insurance can save you a lot of money.
If you want to see a deep dive into the travel insurance plans offered by the 5 best travel insurance companies, check these out:
- April International: They insure travelers and expats in 180 different companies.
- Vumi Travel VIP: They insure travelers from across the globe, including the Americas, Europe, Middle East/Asia, Africa, and Oceania.
- IMG GlobeHopper: They insure travelers all across Europe and worldwide with options to include or exclude the U.S. and Canada.
- GeoBlue: They offer coverage across the globe and have the largest direct billing network of any travel insurance provider.
- MSH International: They offer travelers coverage worldwide with an option to include or exclude the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is international health insurance?
International health insurance refers to health insurance policies designed to provide medical coverage for those living outside their native country. These plans have partnerships with local health providers in your country of residence who agree to let the insurer cover your expenses.
Should I get international health insurance?
International health insurance could save you thousands of dollars if a serious medical condition arises while abroad. Without insurance, you would pay out of pocket. If you are not sure about whether you need international health insurance, ask an insurance broker, like Pacific Prime.
How does medical insurance work when you’re overseas?
Individuals and families living overseas need to get a medical insurance plan designed to cover them outside their country of origin. This means getting an international health insurance plan that offers inpatient and outpatient benefits for expats. U.S. health insurance plans don’t work overseas.
Relocating? Secure Your International Health Insurance Today!
International health insurance is crucial for expats who are relocating to a new country. Not only does it ensure medical protection, but it could also be required for your visa application.
Ready to start your next chapter? Let our team at Pacific Prime take care of your insurance needs!
Pacific Prime has 20+ years of experience in the insurance industry, and our expert team can provide you with advice on which insurance plans would best suit your needs and budget.
Feel free to reach out to our team and our insurance experts will get back to you shortly.
Further reading: Living Abroad? Here’s What You Need to Know About Health Insurance
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.
- How to Compare Travel Insurance Plans the Smart Way – October 21, 2025
- Best Hospitals in the UAE: Top Picks in Dubai and Abu Dhabi – October 21, 2025
- How Much is a Doctor Visit in Dubai Without Insurance? – October 21, 2025
