COBRA is not for overseas health insurance

COBRA stands for the “Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act” of 1986. It was put in place to protect a group member's right for domestic, but not international, medical insurance coverage in the event of termination, retirement, or a reduction in working hours.

The COBRA premium is much greater than a regular insurance plan. This is because the employee must also cover what used to be employer's premium after termination. COBRA usually allows the continuation of benefits for a maximum of 18 months past termination, and only applies to groups with 20 or more members.

Medical care is very expensive in United States and American insurance companies can be very strict and encompass many conditions. Because of this, many US citizens who had no problem taking out an international medical insurance plan find that they cannot use their policy once they return home. Many Insurance brokers will not cover healthcare in the USA, but our insurance experts can advise you on International Medical Insurance plans that can follow you back to the US once you repatriate.

Contact our expert insurance advisers for more information or to receive a range of free International Medical Insurance quotes.