Why Every Expat Needs Health Insurance

A Guide for Expats

As we enter into 2025, we thought it would be worth going back to basics. As medical insurance brokers, we help people find the right medical insurance for them — but why do expats need health insurance? And what does it do?

Moving abroad means potentially being in many countries where access to quality medical care is not guaranteed without proper health insurance. Public healthcare systems can be limited, especially for non-citizens, and private healthcare can be prohibitively expensive. With international health insurance, expats can ensure they receive timely and high-quality medical attention when needed. Whether it's a routine checkup or emergency surgery, having reliable health coverage provides peace of mind and ensures uninterrupted access to essential healthcare services.

Financial Protection Against High Medical Costs

Healthcare costs can vary significantly from country to country, and without insurance, even a minor medical procedure could result in a hefty bill. In regions with predominantly private healthcare systems, costs for consultations, treatments, and hospital stays can quickly escalate. Expats are particularly vulnerable to these expenses if they don’t have coverage. A comprehensive health insurance policy acts as a financial safety net, covering everything from doctor visits to major surgeries, thereby protecting expats from financial strain. Investing in health insurance is a wise move to safeguard both health and finances while living abroad.

Emergency Medical Evacuation Coverage

One often overlooked but crucial benefit of expat health insurance is coverage for emergency medical evacuation. In case of a serious health condition or injury that local facilities are not equipped to handle, insurance can cover the cost of transportation to the nearest qualified medical center—or even back to your home country. Such evacuations can be extremely costly without insurance. This provision ensures that expats can receive the best possible care without worrying about the logistical or financial burden of getting to an appropriate medical facility.

Pre-existing Conditions Coverage

For expats with pre-existing medical conditions, ensuring continued access to necessary treatments is vital. Many international health insurance plans offer coverage for pre-existing conditions, provided they are disclosed during the application process. This feature is invaluable, as untreated chronic conditions can lead to severe health issues and higher long-term medical costs. Coverage for pre-existing conditions enables expats to maintain their health regimen and receive the care they need without interruption, making it easier to manage their overall well-being while living abroad.

Compliance with Local Legal Requirements

In several countries, obtaining health insurance is not just a recommendation—it’s a legal requirement for expatriates. Some nations mandate proof of health insurance as a condition for residency or visa approval. Failing to meet these requirements can lead to visa denials, fines, or even deportation. By securing the appropriate health insurance plan, expats can ensure compliance with local laws and avoid potential legal complications. Additionally, sticking to these regulations can expedite administrative processes and improve overall living conditions in the host country.

International Health Insurance vs. Other Options

There are many similiar concepts: travel insurance, EHICs (and GHICs), domestic medical insurance. However, all of these have their downsides when compared to international health insurance.

Firstly, the medical component of travel insurance and European (or Global) Health Insurance Cards do offer some degree of protection against medical bills. However, they only work in emergency situations — they are intended to fix you up enough so you can go back to your home country and continue treatment there. They do not cover routine check-ups or anything beyond the bare minimum.

Domestic medical insurance does cover all services, but is limited to a single country. International plans can allow you the flexibility of being insured in multiple countries/a geographic region, allowing you the flexibility to move around without sacrificing your coverage.

Peace of Mind for You and Your Family

Relocating to a new country involves numerous adjustments, from learning a new language to adapting to a different culture. The last thing expats need is to worry about unforeseen medical expenses. Health insurance provides peace of mind by offering coverage for both routine and emergency medical needs. Knowing that you and your family are protected allows you to focus on settling into your new life, building a career, and enjoying the expat experience. Comprehensive health insurance ensures that one major aspect of life abroad—your health—is well taken care of.

For anyone planning to live and work abroad, health insurance is more than just a formality; it’s a necessity. From ensuring access to quality healthcare and protecting against high medical costs to complying with local laws and offering peace of mind, the benefits of health insurance are undeniable. Expats who invest in a reliable health insurance plan can enjoy their time abroad with greater confidence, knowing that their health and finances are safeguarded. Make securing comprehensive health insurance a priority before embarking on your expat journey.