Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who can buy Expat Medical Insurance Plans?
Any individual residing outside of their home country can purchase an Expat Medical Insurance Plan. There are even plans that allow you to be covered inside your country of residence. Expat Medical Insurance plans are designed to allow flexibility and transportability. However, citizens of the United States do have some limitations on plans. Call our dedicated team today for further information any International Medical Insurance policy.

Q: What is an Expat Medical Insurance Plan?
An Expat Medical Insurance plan provides health and medical cover for expatriates around the world. Typically a plan will guarantee the policyholder exceptional service, reliable treatment and universal support for any and all medical related difficulties.

Q: How long does an Expat Medical Insurance Plan last?
An Expat Medical Insurance plan can last for life with the option to renew each year. Renewing is easy and Expat Medical Insurance can help facilitate the process. If you are happy with a plan there is no reason that you cannot keep it indefinitely.

Q: Should I buy an Expat Medical Insurance Plan or Travel Insurance plan?
Travel Plans are a good idea if you are planning on being abroad for less than 12 months as they offer flexible cover at reduced. If you are planning to stay away from your home country longer than 12 months it would be advisable to purchase an Individual Expat Medical Insurance Plan.

Q: Can we buy Expat Medical Insurance Plan for our company?
Yes, in fact here at Expat Medical Insurance we currently work with a number of international corporations to provide them comprehensive and flexible coverage. Our International Group Medical Policies can be tailored to suit your exact needs and you can be assured that any policy purchased will work for your organization.

Q: What does an 'in-patient' plan cover? What does an 'in and out patient' plan cover?
In-patient plans cover any treatment where an overnight stay in a medical facility is required. In patient plans provide benefits that include; post hospitalization treatment, emergency evacuation, organ transplants, emergency dental and hospital accommodation. Out-patient plans cover any treatment that does not require an overnight stay in a medical facility and provide such benefits as; specialist consultations, psychiatric treatment, maternity and routine dental.

Q: What is the maximum age for an Expat Medical Insurance Plan?
Most Expat Medical Insurance plans are guaranteed renewable for life. You are usually able to join a plan until the age of 75, but this is can change from company to company

Q: If I am a resident in the USA will an Expat Medical Insurance Plan provide coverage?
If you live in the United States you can be covered by an Expat Medical Insurance Plan. However there are federal insurance regulations that necessitate the use of a licensed domestic insurance provider. These regulations can be overcome if you have been refused coverage.

Q: Can USA citizens buy Expat Medical Insurance Plans?
Yes, if you are resident outside the USA for more than 6 months a year then you are eligible for an Expat Medical Insurance plan. If you are living in Canada then some plans will allow you to hold a policy although this is not always the case. Please contact us for more information.

Q: Can I go anywhere in the World for Treatment?
There are usually two options for Area of Coverage in an Expat Medical Insurance Plan; World Wide, and World Wide Excluding North America. If you are hold a World Wide policy then you may have elective treatment anywhere in the world. If you have coverage excluding North America then you are limited to having elective treatment outside the USA and Canada (you will still be covered for emergencies in this region).

Q: What is a Deductible on an Expat Medical Insurance Plan?
A deductible is the amount that you agree to pay towards the cost medical treatment. Your deductible options can help you to keep your premiums low and increase the flexibility of a plan. Please refer to our Deductibles page for more information.

Q: How can I claim for medical treatment?
In the case of an in-patient claim you would notify the Insurance Company that you will be receiving treatment ahead of time and they will then liaise with the medical institution to ensure that you are covered. For out-patient claims the policyholder would pay the cost upfront and be reimbursed by the insurance company after a claims form has been submitted. At Expat Medical Insurance we have a dedicated claims team to help make the process as easy and efficient as possible. Please contact us if you have any questions.

Q: How is my claim processed?
Once a claims form and the original receipts have been submitted to an Insurance Company, their claims department will start making the necessary arrangements for reimbursement. This usually takes 10 working days. The most common reason for Claims being delayed is incomplete paperwork.

Q: Can I get dental coverage?
Yes, under even the most basic of policies there is coverage for emergency dental in the case of an accident. It is also possible, under most plans, to add routine dental, although this comes with increased premiums.

Q: Can I choose my own doctor and hospital?
Most Expat Medical Insurance Plans allow you to choose where and how you receive treatment. If you are new to a country Expat Medical Insurance can help provide information on the best places to receive treatment for almost any condition, it is just a matter of contacting one of our expert advisers. Please note that if you are going to hospital for elective treatment you should notify your insurance company as soon as possible so that the claims process can be expedited.

Q: What conditions are not covered by Expat Medical Insurance Plans?
General exclusions change with each insurance company. However, some of the most common exclusions are: Cosmetic Surgery (unless pre approved), HIV/AIDS, Obesity surgery, Self inflicted injuries, war or military service related injuries, injuries related to professional sport, and treatment of sexual dysfunction. Most pre-existing conditions have a waiting period attached to their coverage unless otherwise stipulated.

Q: Will pre-existing conditions be covered?
Pre-existing conditions will usually have a waiting period before they are covered, in the case of most Expat Medical Insurance Companies this is generally 24 months. Some Insurance companies will cover a pre-existing condition from the start of a policy but this happens on a case by case basis and is usually at the sacrifice of low premiums. When purchasing an International Medical Insurance Policy you will be asked to complete a medical history declaration, it is imperative that this be filled in accurately so as to lessen the chance of disputes on future claims.

Q: If I return to live in my home country will I still be covered?
A majority of Medical Insurance Plans will continue coverage on return to your home county for a specified time period. Some plans will continue coverage indefinitely.

Q: Am I covered while playing sports or doing my hobbies?
Most non professional activities are covered by Expat Medical Insurance Plans. Some hazardous sports and hobbies are excluded, these exclusions commonly include; Rock Climbing, Hand Gliding/Parachuting, Bungee Jumping/Base Jumping, Racing other than on foot, and Diving other that recreational. You should read policy details carefully; if you want coverage for an activity then it should be declared to the insurer. Sports and Hobbies can be included on a case by case basis.

Q: How will my premium increase over time?
Your Expat Medical Insurance premiums will increase with age and inflation of medical expenses. Your premiums will never change because of claims; this means that even if you are ill or require treatment at high costs for an extended period of time, your premiums will not change. You will still be paying the same rate as the rest of your age group.

Q: When do I have to pay for the plan?
After a plan is finalized Insurance companies generally allow you 21 days to pay. Payment can be made by credit card or bank transfer. We advise our clients to make payments directly to the Insurance Company so you are sure that payments are made on time. Most insurers will allow you to cancel a plan within a 30 day period without penalty.