“Strong” & “weak” career international health plans

“Strongest” and “weakest” is relative because it depends what you are looking for. If you consider a “strong” plan one that will cover you long-term overseas as well as in the USA, one that has co-pays, one that is direct pay (no cash involved), one that has no maternity waiting period, good wellness check-ups, a worldwide PPO, that kind of plan is now available. Obviously, the plan will be more expensive than regular international plans, but not more expensive than some standard USA plans. A couple in their mid-twenties on this plan with a $1000 deductible outside the USA would have a monthly premium of $266.

A so-called “weak” plan might be one that capped coverage for a CAT Scan or MRI at $600, provided up to $600 a day for hospital room and board, provided limited maternity coverage even with a 12-month waiting period, and did not provide permanent coverage in the USA beyond the allotted furlough time. A plan like this for a couple in their mid-twenties with a $1000 deductible would have a premium of $138 per month.

Many international workers opt for “middle-of-the-road” plans. They don?t like to pay $266 a month, but they also don?t like having “capped” coverage for MRIs, etc. Such plans require a 12-month waiting period for maternity, allow furlough coverage in the USA, provide some wellness check-ups, etc. These plans may put ?riders? on pre-existing conditions. A plan like this with a $1000 deductible for a couple in their mid-twenties will have a monthly premium of around $245.

The rates on most of the “weak” and “middle-of-the-road” plans can be lowered by five percent to ten percent by paying annually instead of monthly.

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The information and advice on this website was deemed accurate when it was originally published. GNI cannot accept any responsibility or liability for any actions taken on the basis of the information provided, unless that information is subsequently confirmed in writing. For the latest up-to-date information please call us or check brochures and other published materials for latest revision/date.