From expats and international students to frequent travellers and digital nomads, international health insurance solutions can cater to a wide range of lifestyles and needs.
The specific type of plan that is needed will vary based on factors such as your healthcare requirements, location, and duration of stay abroad. In this blog, we will explore which groups international health insurance is suitable for in more detail as well as some of the key benefits of this type of cover.
International health insurance cover can protect the healthcare needs of individuals and families who are going to be living or working overseas for extended periods.
Navigating healthcare systems in another country can be a daunting prospect, where expats might not necessarily be eligible for state healthcare, or could face a waiting period before they can access this.
An IPMI plan can give expats and their loved ones prompt access to leading private medical facilities and healthcare services in different countries within their area of cover, giving them peace of mind in case they fall ill unexpectedly. The portability of IPMI can extend to providing cover in the members’ home country, too, meaning they can seek private medical care when they’re back to visit their family and friends. But it’s worth noting that some types of services, such as pre-planned or routine treatment, are often excluded from this.
Businesses of all sizes can protect the health and wellbeing of their globally mobile workforce with international health insurance cover, whether employees are local nationals or on a temporary work assignment abroad.
The demand for private healthcare has been on the rise in recent years, and is now the most sought-after employee benefit by nearly a third of UK workers, according to Zest.[1] By including this in their workplace compensation package, companies can help to attract and retain top international talent.
Businesses could experience a reduced rate of absenteeism with health insurance cover in place, with options such as telehealth and employee assistance programmes (EAPs) helping workers get the health and wellbeing support they need.
This can lead to a healthier and more satisfied workforce due to employees having fewer days off ill, and help to improve the workplace’s overall productivity.
Digital nomadism has seen a huge increase in popularity over the past few years, and it’s predicted that approximately 60 million people will be enjoying this lifestyle by the year 2030.[2]
Having international health insurance in place can be useful for digital nomads who travel between different countries a lot, offering protection wherever they go. Their cover stays in place whenever they visit a new country within their coverage area, so they can focus on their work and travels.
Everything is fully digital, from initial subscription to claims processes, meaning that digital nomads can manage their plan and claims conveniently while on the go.
Digital services like telehealth can be beneficial for this group, particularly when living in more remote regions of the world. It allows them to speak to a qualified physician 24/7 via the telephone from any location about a variety of health concerns, without needing to have an in-person medical appointment.
Studying in another country can be the adventure of a lifetime, enabling individuals to experience new cultures and make new friends from across the world.
Investing in IPMI can be beneficial to international students if they’re studying abroad for a semester, year or for their whole university or college course. It’s worth noting that the education provider might ask for proof of health insurance cover when students apply, or it could be a requirement when taking out a visa.
With access to a broad range of medical services, students can spend less time worrying about their health and enjoy everything that life abroad has to offer. It also means their families back home can feel secure knowing their loved one is protected if they become ill.
IPMI could also be an ideal solution for those who travel abroad frequently, whether for business or leisure.
While travel insurance enables policyholders to seek emergency medical treatment and other features like cover for flight delays or lost baggage, IPMI could be a preferable option for those who want access to a wider variety of medical cover than what a traditional travel insurance policy offers.
The flexibility and convenience of IPMI can add to its appeal for frequent travellers who only need short-term health insurance. This type of cover usually lasts between 1-12 months, meaning that they wouldn’t have to purchase a traditional, renewable health plan that they don’t need.
You can learn more about the differences between travel insurance and international medical insurance by clicking here.
Here’s a few of the main benefits associated with purchasing an international medical insurance plan.
Contact us here to learn how we can find you an international medical insurance plan that is suitable for your individual needs and budget.
