You might be well insured in your own country but your health insurance might not necessarily apply outside your country. For many international travelers and expatriates working abroad in far off destinations around the world, the best way to meet the medical bills in case of an unexpected emergency is by buying international health insurance. The greatest advantage of this insurance plan is its cross-border reach, allowing you to meet your medical expenses with ease whether you are hiking in the Himalayas or holidaying in the idyllic beaches of the Mediterranean.
The insurance plans often come for two segments in the market: short and extended stays. Short term coverage often involves being covered over a brief period of time while extended coverage is geared at those will stay in certain countries for a long period of time. While traveler insurance is often an attractive proposition, they often come with relatively high premium payments.
The need for this type of insurance is necessitated by two factors. The most important one is the fact that most domestic health insurance often has very limited scope. If you are already insured, this coverage might not necessarily extend to your visits or stays abroad. Additionally, as an expat in a foreign country, you might not be eligible to purchase the domestic health insurance of your host country thus leaving you dangerously exposed in case of an emergency. In many cases, the cost of treatment might skyrocket in the absence of coverage thus leaving you on the brink of bankruptcy or in utter financial ruin.
However, with international health insurance, you will have your back covered wherever you are in the world. Shopping for the scheme is relatively easy, and in many cases, you will find that your present insurer is already offering the package allowing you to seamlessly transition to global coverage. You can also compare packages online amongst the various reputable insurers to determine which is offering the best products and rates for the international market segment.