Are you currently searching for international health insurance cover to protect your health when you’re abroad?
An important point to consider is that, beyond the core features of your plan, your cover can provide access to a range of services aimed at helping you manage your health with ease and confidence.
Join us as we explore these in more detail so you can find the best health insurance for your needs and budget.
Consultations with a doctor via phone and video have grown significantly in popularity in recent years and are now commonly included as an additional benefit in health insurance plans.
It’s an ideal solution for globally mobile individuals who want easy-to-use digital tools, providing support for a range of concerns such as occupational illnesses, common health problems (i.e. stomach aches, headaches) and seasonal health issues. As part of this service, you might also be able to get a digital prescription or a referral to a specialist if it’s deemed necessary.
Consultations can often be utilised anytime, anywhere and in multiple languages, offering a fast and convenient means of seeking medical treatment that saves you the hassle of travelling for an in-person medical appointment.
Expert second medical opinion (SMO) services are sometimes offered with international health insurance plans, aimed at giving you peace of mind if you’re unsure about a proposed treatment plan or diagnosis.
Intended for critical illnesses or complex cases like cancer, major trauma or severe burns, you can receive an unbiased SMO from a leading specialist whose expertise is aligned with your diagnosis or condition. The process usually starts with them taking a look at your medical history and producing a detailed report, helping you make an informed decision about your medical treatment.
Like remote medical consultations, SMO services can be supplied digitally from anywhere in the world and requested at any time, giving convenient support during what can be a stressful time.
Your provider could allow you to choose an area of coverage when purchasing a plan, a measure designed to keep health insurance costs lower for individuals living in areas where healthcare isn’t as expensive. A common option is to exclude locations from coverage that have traditionally high healthcare costs, such as the USA or the Caribbean.
If you select a plan for a specific region, out-of-area cover may be available as an option. This can offer protection for a limited range of medical treatment when you’re outside your chosen area for a fixed amount of time.
This means you might only be covered for certain situations, such as emergencies or acute episodes of medical conditions. The amount you’re covered for can also vary between plans, so be sure to carefully read through all documentation before purchasing.
The out-of-area benefit might only provide cover for a set period of time that’s stipulated by your insurance provider, or that the intended purpose of travel should not be to seek medical treatment.
Digital solutions have become an important part of international health insurance plans, and are simple and straightforward.
Tools such as apps and online member portals are widely incorporated into cover so you’re able to manage your healthcare needs with ease and confidence. They can offer a wide range of features, including the ability to submit and track reimbursement claims, talk to a doctor remotely, find nearby local medical facilities, or access important policy information.
With your coverage, you may also have access to solutions such as digital payment cards, allowing you to pay medical facilities directly for eligible treatments. While the way this works can vary between insurance providers, one of the main benefits is that it eliminates the need to file a reimbursement claim for your medical care.
Security assistance services could also be included in cover as standard, which are aimed at helping you manage and mitigate risks as a result of a sudden or unexpected adverse events like a natural disaster, or political or civil unrest.
They can give you access to accurate and trusted intelligence about the event to support you during this challenging time, such as up-to-date country-specific risk information and travel safety tips. This support is available digitally for added convenience and ease, so you can seek the information you need at your fingertips whenever you need it.
Emergency non-medical evacuation cover can be included and utilised if your life is at risk, where arrangements would be made to transport you to a place of safety.
Find out more about how global health insurance cover can support you in emergency situations by clicking here.
