International Expat Health Insurance Plans

Your Location – Your location matters because some plans offer better networks or rates in certain areas of the world. Local networks and direct pay agreements can become important elements in your choice of local care, as well as saving on the cost of treatment. Some plans and carriers have direct-pay agreements in various parts of the world. This means you will not need to pay out-of-pocket and then get reimbursed, but instead the carrier will work directly with the hospital or care provider to pay their portion of any bills. 

How Much Time You Will Spend in the U.S. Each Year – Some carriers can save you money by “excluding the USA and Canada.” But, on other plans, “Excluding the USA and Canada” also excludes some countries in Southeast Asia. Depending on your location, that may or may not be an option. Also, if you plan to return “home” to the USA for two to three weeks or two to three months per year, you will want a long-term plan that allows for up to two or three months in the U.S. per policy year, so you are covered during your stay.

Your Health, Age and Family Size – Some carriers may offer plans that are a better fit for your health condition, age, or family size. For example, there are plans that cover pre-existing conditions, special plans for seniors, and plans that are either a better fit for small families or large families.

Health insurance for living overseas requires medical underwriting, but the coverage is more comprehensive than travel plans. They will take into consideration your current health and medications, past medical history, age, and other factors. They may accept or decline your application, or ask you to consider an exclusionary rider for a particular condition. People who know they may have trouble with underwriting can let us know, since some carriers are known to be a little more lenient in underwriting. You also could consider a short-term renewable travel insurance plan that does not have underwriting and is guaranteed issue.

Who Will be on the Plan – Are you covering a spouse and/or children? Some plans will not allow a “significant other” on your same plan without being married. Others offer up to two children free if both parents are on the plan. Certain international expat health insurance plans allow family deductibles of two or more times the individual deductible. Then they will pay all claims that year, while others require each member to reach their own deductible before covering claims.

If You Need Maternity or International Adoption Benefits – Some plans offer better maternity or adoption benefits than others. We have separate pages for those wanting recommendations on the best international health insurance with maternity coverage. We offer short-term travel insurance plans for people considering overseas adoption, including plans that automatically accept newborns (without going through underwriting). 

Other Coverages Needed – If you need other types of benefits, such as life insurance or crisis response, certain carriers may be a better fit for you.

Your Best Plan Comes from Good Neighbor

Good Neighbor Insurance works with many carriers so you can find the right health insurance plan for you, whatever your reason for living overseas. Because everyone’s situation is different, we offer a wide variety of plans to fit every family or individual need.

“They’ve been invaluable over the past three years of travel and finally repatriation. Took time to advise me even when I needed gap insurance rather than travel insurance, making sure I understood exactly what I needed and what the legal protocols were regarding my unique situation. Personalized experience, thoroughly informative, hold your hand through every step of the way. I continually go out of my way to recommend this group.”

–   Kight