News dedicated to Expatriates and people living and travelling abroad

Our news is updated daily on-line. For the most recent news articles please visit us at www.expatriatehealthcare.com

Monday 13 December 2010

Buy the best expat health insurance


International healthcare can be an expensive business, though prices do vary considerably from area to area. There are not only different costs associated with where you need cover but also the level of cover required, as you would expect.

However, not having adequate cover is risky and, in many countries, can prove to be catastrophic. Indeed, with each country having varying degrees of access to healthcare, availability of medical services and waiting times, having inadequate cover would be reckless.

As a minimum therefore, it is only sensible that a minimum level of expatriate insurance cover be sought prior to any move overseas. Our Primary Plan policy will provide you with in-patient and day patient care; including your pre-admission and post-admission costs. As such, charges could be avoided for costly of incidents that you would expect to accompany any admission to hospital.

A better option for you may to go for an improved level of cover, such as the Primary PLUS Plan, which provides full out-patient care and consultations with your GP. Essentially, this level of cover is intended to deliver a similar service to non-elective benefits such as those afforded under the NHS (but without any waiting times).

There is also a level of cover (Select Plan) which includes elective benefits, such as dentistry, maternity, preventative health screening and optical care. These ‘routine’ treatments can prove to be very expensive and many will look to such a level of cover to provide a total solution to their private healthcare needs.

Fees can be kept down considerably by buying policies that are appropriate to your specific needs, which is where we at Expatriate Healthcare can help. We understand that each country is different and can tailor our packages to suit most needs – saving you money without compromising on cover. Making a new life abroad is complicated enough; but with Expatriate Healthcare at your disposal we can help to make it that little bit easier.

Use international healthcare to ensure problem-free living


Recent reports suggest that many expats are not satisfied with the healthcare provided in their new country of residence compared to what they were used to in their home country. Despite this, those living abroad are happier in general.

It is surprising that as many as 45% of expats felt that their general health had deteriorated significantly since heading abroad. Further than this, many also suggested they would prefer to be treated elsewhere rather than in their new country in the event of illness.

However, many of the concerns seemed to stem from worry, a lack of understanding, and cultural differences. For example, many expats will have a problem with the local language, thus leading to a feeling of unease.

International healthcare standards and practices vary from place to place too, so something new may be deemed to be of lesser quality or value as to what the patient was used to. Most often this is not true, but comfort does often come from familiarity, so the problem exists.

How far care extends away from hospital is problematic too. Latin countries expect the generational family to provide a large amount of the nursing attention needed. Expats do not have this, so have to move back to their homeland or ask family members to travel abroad.

Ensuring the appropriate expatriate medical insurance is in place can help keep fears down too. Whilst many of the issues are nothing more than living in a new place, ensuring financial difficulties do not present themselves is something that we at Expatriate Healthcare are experts in.

Research key to finding work abroad


Expatriate health insurance policy holders have been urged to do their research before attempting to find work overseas.

An article for Shelter Offshore points out that there are many options for expats looking for jobs in their new country of residence.

The report advised those making a move overseas to determine ...


For the full story click here.

Expats urged not to scrap insurance


Expatriates are being urged not to "take a gamble" and scrap their expat health insurance in a bid to save money.

In an article for the Telegraph newspaper, journalist Peter Pallot said it can be tempting to reduce levels of cover for illness or injury in tough economic times.

However, he said doing so could ...

For the full story click here.

Sun safety messages 'getting through'


Messages about sun safety may be getting through to younger expatriate health insurance policy holders.

Dr Elizabeth Rapley, a spokesperson for the Institute of Cancer Research, said more recent generations are taking more care of their skin.

However, older people still need to be...

For the full story click here.

Half of Europeans overweight


Many expatriate medical insurance policyholders may be struggling with their weight, as a new survey shows obesity rates in most European Union (EU) countries have more than doubled in the last 20 years.

According to a report by the European Commission and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, over half of adults living in the EU are now overweight or obese.

One in seven children...

For the full story click here.