Archive for the ‘International Expatriate Health Insurance’ Category
Tuesday, January 4th, 2011
Turkey embraced health care reform back in 2003 placing a greater importance on having both private and public facilities. This reform was intended to improve the quality of service and increase access for the general population. Successfully, this reform led the way to a growth in private facilities, which in effect, created a competitive environment forcing public facilities to improve the quality of care.
Now, Turkey has a complex health system with both governmentally-run and private clinics, doctor’s offices, and hospitals. However, many would agree that care among privately run facilities is superior although more expensive. In fact, many Turkish residents have opted to purchase private insurance in addition to contributing to the state insurance system so that they can receive better quality health services at affordable rates.
Comparative to other developed countries, medical costs in Turkey are less expensive fueling the medical tourism industry. Even though more and more people are traveling to Turkey for care, it is important to look into the facilities as some may not have the resources to treat all serious medical conditions. To underscore this point, the US State Department recommends that pregnant employees leave the country prior to giving birth.
For many expatriates living in Turkey, purchasing a private health insurance policy is highly recommended by both the UK and US consulates. An expatriate health insurance policy in Turkey will allow you to choose a private facility so that you can avoid long lines, overcrowding and the lack of funds that public facilities frequently face. Recently modern facilities and equipment are available in major cities like Ankara, Antalya, and Istanbul, which also include US trained specialist. In other cases, certain treatments are not available and may require medical evacuation to get the medical treatment needed.
According to the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) which allows free medical treatment in the European Union countries is not valid in Turkey. Instead, they recommend purchasing a comprehensive expatriate health insurance plan that is valid in Turkey, preferably one that includes medical evacuation/repatriation.
Our Global Medical Health Insurance is a popular option for those expatriates looking for health insurance in Turkey. This comprehensive health insurance provides coverage internationally, including in Turkey, and will allow individuals to seek treatment in private facilities. Additionally, this expatriate health insurance in Turkey provides comprehensive coverage includes doctor office visit, prescriptions, hospitalization, emergency evacuation, and repatriation. Contact one of our licensed agents for further information on this plan or to help select the right plan for you.
Tags: Expatriate Health Insurance in Turkey, Health Insurance in Turkey, international expatriate insurance in Turkey, International health insurance in Turkey, international medical insurance in Turkey, Medical Insurance in Turkey, Travel Insurance in Turkey
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Wednesday, December 15th, 2010
If you plan to relocate overseas, you will want to consider a long-term expatriate health insurance. Whether you are relocating for a job, retiring, or simply looking for a change of pace, long-term expatriate health insurance is an important consideration especially since the health care system may differ dramatically from what you may be accustomed to.
Some health care systems may have limited resources; others may allow you to go to public facilities requiring an insurance plan to cover private facilities. Knowing about the country you are traveling to and the health care they provide is crucial. Questions to ask yourself, include:
- What will I do if I have an emergency situation in my host country?
- Will I be able to seek treatment in a non-emergency situation?
- What type of doctors and hospitals will I be able to go to?
- Are there doctors and hospitals that I want to go to – will I be able to seek treatment there?
- What happens if I return home and have developed a condition that requires continuous treatment?
You should investigate your options so that you are properly covered at home and abroad. For many, individuals who are relocating overseas choose a long-term expatriate health insurance plan since it will give you flexibility in choosing your doctor or hospital – including at private facilities. Some insurance plans will even cover you when you return home for short or long-term visits, including if you need continuous care at home.
If you would like specific assistance, contact our licensed agents who would be able to recommend the best-suited long-term expatriate health insurance plan.
Tags: expatriate health insurance, international health care, international relocation health insurance, Long-Term Expatriate Health Insurance
Posted in International Expatriate Health Insurance, International Health Insurance | 2 Comments »
Tuesday, November 30th, 2010
Every year, more and more US citizens are establishing permanent residency in Mexico. In fact, Mexico is now ranked #1 for the country with the most US Citizens living abroad. If you are an expatriate in Mexico or are thinking about relocating, one of the most important considerations is proper health and medical insurance.
Health and medical insurance in Mexico is considered a “pluralistic” health care system meaning that there are both private and public health insurance options. The public option is called the Instituto Mexicano de Seguro Social (IMSS) which covers public facilities only. In order to be eligible for the national health care system as a non-Mexican citizen, you will need to be employed. The health care system withholds a portion of your salary and your employers pay a large contribution to cover the insurance premiums each year. The coverage includes doctor visits, hospitalization, prescriptions, labs, x-rays, etc. However, some pre-existing conditions are not covered and the public system has longer wait periods to obtain care than in private facilities.
Because of this, many expatriates living in Mexico prefer to have a private international health and medical insurance plan in place. In many cases this allows individuals to choose either a public or private facility. An additional advantage is that expatriates have the option to receive treatment in the country of choice – whether in Mexico or their home country.
Many expatriates find that the Citizen Secure plan is well designed as a health and medical insurance for Mexico. The plan features worldwide coverage and you have the option to include the US and Canada as well. Securing a private insurance plan will allow you to choose your doctor or hospital – including private facilities – and can be annually renewed to give you the protection you need year after year.
Furthermore, you will have the option to seek treatment either in Mexico or at home. Many international health and medical insurance plans also provide translation services which may be helpful in Mexico if you are not as familiar with Spanish. Contact one of our licensed agent for more information on health and medical insurance plans in Mexico.
Tags: Expatriate insurance for Mexico, Health and Medical Insurance for Mexico, health insurance for mexico, medical insurance for mexico, travel insurance for mexico
Posted in International Expatriate Health Insurance, International Health Insurance, Major Medical Insurance for Expatriates | 2 Comments »
Thursday, September 30th, 2010
Are you planning to relocate to Spain? You are not alone – in fact, Spain is ranked # 1 in the world for the number of immigrants. In 2008, Spain had an influx immigration population of 800,000 – this accounted for 11.4% of the population. As you become one of the many individuals relocating to Spain, one of the most important considerations is proper health and medical insurance as an expatriate in Spain.
The healthcare system in Spain is universal and is called Instituto Nacional de la Salud (or in English, National Health Institution). In order to be eligible for the national healthcare system you will need a social security number. The easiest way to do this is to either be employed or self employed. Another way to be covered under the health and medical system is if your home country has a reciprocity agreement that will allow you to be insured under the universal system. Tourists from the European Union can receive free treatment up to three months, however if you need additional coverage beyond this period you will need a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). For non-residents and tourists from other countries, while you can never be denied treatment you should be prepared to pay for any costs.
Because of this, you will want to secure a health insurance policy that will cover you as an expatriate in Spain. In many cases, Spanish citizens have a private health insurance policy even though they can seek treatment under the public system. Many opt to do this in order to avoid long waiting periods patients are often faced with.
Many expatriates find that the Global Medical plan is well designed as a health and medical insurance for Spain. The plan features worldwide coverage and is available in 4 levels to provide you with the type of coverage you are looking for. Securing a private insurance plan will allow you to choose your doctor or hospital – including private facilities – and can be annually renewed to give you the protection you need year after year.
Tags: expatriate insurance for spain, Health and Medical Insurance for Spain, health insurance spain, medical insurance spain, spain expatriate insurance, travel insurance spain
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Tuesday, February 23rd, 2010
In 1996, the Health and Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) was passed in the United States instituting a new standard of industry practices. For a US traveler, this can be of great importance especially after returning back to the US with an international policy.
With most international insurance plans, a certificate of credible coverage is issued when your policy terminates. If you will be transitioning to a US group insurance plan, your certificate of coverage will be reviewed and may reduce your waiting period for pre-existing conditions. If the plan is HIPAA complaint, your new domestic group insurance will apply this coverage toward waiting periods on pre-existing conditions. Non-HIPAA complaints may or may not be accepted by your new group insurance.
As the United States Department of Labor explains, HIPAA regulations state “that a preexisting condition exclusion can be imposed on a condition only if medical advice, diagnosis, care, or treatment was recommended or received during the 6 months prior to your enrollment date in the plan.” The maximum waiting period on a pre-existing condition plan that is HIPAA compliant is 12 months – or 18 months for a late enrollee.
If this is a concern, you may want to consider the Global Citizen plan- the only international insurance that is HIPAA compliant. You can purchase between 6 and 12 months of coverage, with the option to renew annually. Once you return to the US, you have the option to continue with your plan or switch to a domestic carrier – presenting your HIPAA compliant certificate of credible coverage. For further details on the Global Citizen plan, you can view our HIPAA compliant international health insurance here.
Tags: HIPAA Compliant insurance, HIPAA Compliant international, HIPAA Compliant international health insurance, HIPAA Insurance travel, HIPAA International insurance, HIPAA International insurance plan, HIPAA Travel plan
Posted in International Expatriate Health Insurance, International Health Insurance, International Travel Insurance | Comments Off
Friday, January 15th, 2010
Malta, a country right off the coast of Sicily, has become a popular retirement destination because of its warm climate, English-speaking locals, and favorable tax incentives. Although seemingly secluded, this island has become one of the top international destinations in the world with a net migration of 2.02 for a population of 1,000 according to the CIA World Factbook (2009). This means that for every 1,000 people, roughly 2 people have immigrated to Malta in one year.
As it becomes increasingly common to retire abroad, more and more individuals are now calling Malta their new home. One of the many attractions is their high-quality health care system. Malta offers both public and private health care depending on your needs.
- Public Health Care- If you receive treatment from a health centre or emergency treatment in a hospital, treatment is free of charge. It is important to note that you will only be able to receive treatment in your designated local health centre (determined by your residential area). Also, private hospital rooms are unavailable. The public health care option is funded by taxation and financed through the Ministry of Health.
- Private Health Care- You also have the option to visit a private practitioner or hospital while in Malta. These providers will charge a fee for service rendered and are unaffiliated with the government health care system. All private care facilities, except General Practioners and specialist consulting offices, are licensed by the Public Health Authorities.
If you will be traveling to Malta for a short-term trip, you may want to look into whether there is a reciprocity agreement for free health care. In recent years, Malta has established a reciprocity agreement with the European Union and Australia allowing individuals to receive free medical and hospital care if their stay is less than one month. If you plan to stay longer, you may want to look into a Malta travel insurance plan like the single trip insurance.
If you are planning to stay for a year or longer, you may want to consider a Malta expatriate insurance plan that will cover you internationally including in Malta. In deciding between a local or international insurance plan, you may want to consider the following:
- If I get sick, would I want to receive treatment in Malta or do I want the option to choose which country I’d like to receive my treatment?
- Do I anticipate staying in Malta long-term? If not, would it be difficult to get insurance coverage if I decide to return to my home country?
In particular, the United States can be difficult to find affordable coverage should you later decide to return to the US. In many cases, you may need to show proof of insurance in order to receive coverage for any pre-existing conditions. Individuals have found Malta expatriate insurance plans better suited for them since they can continue with the same plan regardless of their country of residence. For example, the Global Citizen plan is designed specifically for US citizens and provides international coverage- even if you decide to return to the US. In addition, this is the only HIPAA compliant plan – meaning that should you decide to switch to a domestic plan, you’ll have a certificate of credible accepted by all US plans. If you’d like to find out more information about Malta expatriate insurance, please visit our website for further information.
Tags: Malta Expat Insurance, Malta Expatriate Insurance, Malta Health Care, Malta International Insurance, Malta Travel Insurance
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