Relocating to a foreign country is an exhilarating experience that opens the door to a world of new opportunities. You can embrace a new culture, learn a new language, try unique dishes, and meet people from across the globe.
However, moving abroad carries several risks, particularly concerning health and well-being. Purchasing and regularly renewing international health insurance is essential to keep you safe while you’re living in another country.
Why Do You Need Health Insurance When You Relocate Abroad?
Health insurance might not be the most glamorous and exciting aspect of relocating abroad, but it’s necessary, nonetheless.
You should always arrange health insurance before you move to a new country so that it’s active from your relocation date. This ensures that you have coverage from the moment you leave your current home.
Below, we’ve covered some of the top reasons why health insurance is so important when you move to a foreign country, regardless of your destination country orrour age.
You can’t predict when you’re going to get injured or ill
It would be great if you could predict exactly when you will injure yourself or acquire an illness. However, this isn’t realistic, and accidents can happen at any time.
Medical emergencies are a constant risk no matter where you’re traveling to. Accidents, illnesses, and unexpected flare-ups of pre-existing health issues can arise without warning. If you don’t have adequate health insurance, you may not be able to access treatment for your need injuries or illnesses.
The cost of medical bills abroad can be extortionate, and even with a large sum of savings, it’s best to have coverage from a reliable health insurance provider. With insurance coverage, you can reduce your overall expenses and rest assured knowing that you can access local healthcare facilities if required.
You can access better treatments and therapies
Many health insurance policies enable you to access top-quality healthcare services within your local area. Insurance also grants you access to more specialized treatments, therapies, and medications that would not otherwise be available to you.
Without insurance coverage, you might not be legally allowed to get treatment in certain hospitals or healthcare practices. In some cases, you might even need to travel back to your home country to access specialized medical care if you don’t have insurance.
You can get coverage for pre-existing medical conditions
If you’re moving abroad with pre-existing medical conditions or chronic illnesses, your medical bills may end up being very expensive if you don’t have insurance coverage.
Having a health insurance policy that covers your specific medical needs will ensure that you can continue to receive treatment for your health conditions as an ex-pat. You’ll also be able to access ongoing support for mental health illnesses or trauma recovery under many health insurance policies.
You’ll need to make sure that your chosen policy covers your conditions and required treatments, as some insurance plans have restrictions. You can find out more about the plans offered by a health insurance provider by looking at their website or contacting them directly.
You can enjoy your time abroad with peace of mind
Another significant benefit of getting health insurance before moving abroad is the peace of mind that it provides. You won’t need to worry about accumulating hefty medical bills when you’re covered under an extensive health insurance policy.
You can have peace of mind knowing that you’re well-protected in the case of a medical emergency. As such, you’ll be able to enjoy your time exploring your new home country, going on adventures, and making new friends.
Travel insurance policies don’t always include healthcare coverage
Even if you have arranged travel insurance for your move, your healthcare and medical requirements might not be covered. Not all travel insurance policies cover healthcare-associated expenses, which you should always check before traveling or relocating to a foreign country.
If your current travel insurance plan doesn’t offer healthcare coverage as part of the package, you must purchase this separately. Although this may cost you more upfront, you will save significant money if and when you need medical treatments or therapies while living abroad.
You may gain access to healthcare in multiple locations
Depending on the healthcare policy that you have purchased, you may be granted access to healthcare facilities and medical treatments in multiple areas of your destination country. Some policies even offer coverage across multiple countries, such as international health insurance plans.
With reliable health insurance coverage across multiple regions or countries, you’ll have more freedom to explore new areas of the world and challenge yourself to exciting adventures without the worry of being unable to access emergency medical treatment if required.