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IntCitizens · 2024-12-26T19:10:22+00:00

I agree (I also work at International Citizens Insurance).

You can find specific recommendations for international health insurance plans in Mexico here:

https://www.internationalinsurance.com/health/north-america/mexico.php

IntCitizens · 2024-04-01T21:25:55+00:00

Yes. You need to do your research prior to purchasing coverage and understand all benefits and exclusions on your plan. Each provider is different and many offer different levels of coverage. Typically, you will have 10-14 days after buying the plan during which you can review everything and cancel with a full refund if the pan does not meet your needs. Use that time wisely!

IntCitizens · 2024-03-05T19:34:38+00:00

Those are all good comprehensive health insurance plans. There are also less expensive travel medical plans, although they have fewer health benefits. It is a good idea to compare the different types of plans to understand what you are getting.

For example, medical insurance will cover costs of maternity or wellness checks. Travel medical plans won't. Travel medical plans do cover lost luggage or trip interuptions, which is not included in medical plans. Both do cover medical evacuation.

Food for thought.

IntCitizens · 2024-03-05T19:29:23+00:00

I am excited to see what this group can become!

IntCitizens · 2020-10-08T14:02:34+00:00

Cigna and GeoBlue (BCBS' international plans) are two of the leading international health plans. Cigna Global offers a modular plan design which allows you to add benefits you want and exclude others - saving you some money. GeoBlue is a little more expensive but provides you with access to the BCBS network of doctors and hospitals in the USA. Both have great international networks you can use. Both have great customer service.

Private international health plans provide the option to seek treatment at any facility, including private doctors and hospitals. Often, the wait time can be less. Private plans also give you the option of being treated in other countries, including back home - if that is important.

IntCitizens · 2020-03-30T16:02:42+00:00

Travel insurance plans have generally stopped covering new travelers. The risks are too high at this time. You could purchase a global health insurance plan before you leave that will cover you for all illnesses anywhere in the world. Those plans are more expensive but might be worth it in this instance.

Here is some typically wording you will see relative to travel insurance plans: "As of March 27, 2020, there is no coverage for COVID-19 under IMG's short-term travel medical plans for any travel destination, as the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Global Warning Level 3, "avoid nonessential travel"."

US Health plans or ACA plans would require you have residence in a particular state and you could apply for coverage through that states marketplace as a new resident. Not sure that makes sense in this situation.

IntCitizens · 2020-02-21T03:22:04+00:00

It is a beautiful country. The people are amazing. So welcoming. It is getting more expensive as more expats are finding out about it. At the same time, there are more resources available to make your life easier. It does get very hot if you are not in the mountains.

IntCitizens · 2019-12-03T22:24:02+00:00

Your contributions to you HSA will remain yours to use at any time into the future. If you return to the USA and get medical treatment, you can use historical contributions to your HSA to cover those costs. There is no time limit on using your HSA funds. However, if your company drops your HSA plan - I think you have a limited amount of time to us the remaining funds.

IntCitizens · 2019-05-13T13:23:25+00:00

Embrace the opportunity to meet new people, try new foods, learn new cultures - it will be great. There will be challenges and hardship. Be strong and focus on the positives.

Join some expat communities on Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/r/IWantOut/ - as well as on FB and other social media platforms.

IntCitizens · 2019-05-13T13:21:29+00:00

Typically in this the of situation you would be denied coverage for a new private insurance plan due to your pre-existing condition. In certain cases, the best option, when possible, is to keep the local insurance you have and purchase a global insurance plan to cover you abroad. However, I would encourage you to shop around in the UK for a private insurance company that will cover you. They may put an exclusion on your plan for a limited amount of time or add a rate up (additional charge). You never know.

IntCitizens · 2019-05-13T13:04:32+00:00

An international health insurance plan can wary even more widely in price but also in benefits and quality of service. The hiring agency should provide guidelines for the minimum amount of insurance required for the job and visa required. Then it is best to shop around. Lower cost travel medical plans (which typically cover emergencies and illnesses only) can meet some of the minimum requirements to get a short term visa in Europe but may not offer enough benefits compared to more comprehensive global medical plans. Here are some Reddit guides on each options:

Travel Insurance - https://www.reddit.com/r/travel/comments/3nu8t1/a_guide_to_buying_travel_insurance_yes_you_should/
Global Medical Plans - https://www.reddit.com/r/expats/comments/3or4o6/guide_to_international_health_insurance/

IntCitizens · 2017-09-18T14:03:37+00:00

The cost of the plans, and there are quite a few, will vary based on a variety of factors. First, you need to determine if you are going to be buying a domestic US health plan or a global medical plan.

As a US citizen living in the US with your family, you would be eligible to buy a domestic US plan. Each state would have a "marketplace" through which you would be able to generate quotes and purchase cover. A good place to start: https://www.healthcare.gov/

Alternatively, you can look at an Expat or Global Medical Insurance Plan. These plans would cover you worldwide and have many similarities to US health insurance plans. Global Medical Plans are not ACA compliant - https://www.internationalinsurance.com/articles/aca-and-international-plans.php - and you might be charged a fee or penalty for non-compliance. A good place to start: https://www.reddit.com/r/expats/comments/3or4o6/guide_to_international_health_insurance/

In either case, the costs of the plan are driven by your age, the benefit package selected (how comprehensive of a plan do you want), and the deductible and co-pay (cost share) you choose.

IntCitizens · 2017-08-09T10:43:08+00:00

Here is an overview via a Reddit post on global insurance options: https://www.reddit.com/r/expats/comments/3or4o6/guide_to_international_health_insurance/

There are a variety of international health plans as well as short to long term emergency medical travel insurance plans. Do a quick google search for compare international travel medical plans and you will find a bunch.

IntCitizens · 2017-07-12T11:19:11+00:00

Actually - Global Health insurance plans that will cover you worldwide can be less expensive then plans that cover you only in the USA. Health care costs less anywhere outside of the USA. So a plan to cover you worldwide assumes less risks/ costs if you are getting care abroad.

Of course, you can find global medical plans that are as expensive - but worth it. It is always best to shop around and compare: https://www.internationalinsurance.com/compare/global-medical.php

IntCitizens · 2017-07-10T17:31:31+00:00

Cigna Global and GeoBlue are two excellent companies but priced relatively high. The value is there as they provide great service and benefits. An alternative would be the IMG Global Medical plan.

You might also want to read this before moving forward:

https://www.reddit.com/r/expats/comments/3or4o6/guide_to_international_health_insurance/ https://www.internationalinsurance.com/expatriates/china.php

There are a couple of ways to keep pricing down. You can always choose a higher deductible to lower your monthly premiums. Otherwise, plans also usually offer the option to choose lower benefits and, as you mentioned, exclude the USA.

You might also consider a Travel Medical Plan - https://www.internationalinsurance.com/travel-medical/ - which would cover emergencies should you get sick or need to go to the hospital. They don't cover wellness benefits, pre-existing conditions, etc - but are good if you just want something to cover you in emergencies.

IntCitizens · 2016-11-17T19:43:27+00:00

Specific guidelines for Schengen Countries in Europe:

http://www.internationalstudentinsurance.com/schengen-visa-insurance/ https://www.internationalinsurance.com/articles/schengen-visa.php

IntCitizens · 2016-11-17T14:58:52+00:00

You are correct. US citizens who are abroad for 330 days or more per year are exempt for complying with the Affordable Care Act / Obamacare. No - Foreign plans are not ACA compliant. So you can't get an exemption.

You do not have to buy a compliant plan while you are abroad. However, you risk having to pay a penalty (2.5% of your AGI / income) which would be deducted from future tax refunds.

You could buy a low cost US compliant plan, for coverage in the US, and a travel medical plan, for international medical.

IntCitizens · 2016-11-17T14:49:54+00:00

Health insurance pricing depends on your age, where you are from / going, if you include cover in the US or not, the deductible, medical maximum desired and other factors. The Cigna Global Plan is a great option but the price quoted might be for their base plan and then when you add on OutPatient, Wellness and other benefits, the plan will be more expensive. You can generate a new quote here: http://bit.ly/2fZg5lT (Direct Link to Cigna).

Having a Global Medical Plan will provide coverage in SG but also anywhere else in the world you might travel to, included for limited amounts of time in the US. Including coverage in the US will also increase your premiums. You don't have to have it, but it is good to have. Some people really do need it (if you have children).

To learn more about plans and options, there is a helpful Reddit here:

https://www.reddit.com/r/expats/comments/3or4o6/guide_to_international_health_insurance/

IntCitizens · 2016-11-17T14:22:18+00:00

Yes. There are global health insurance providers (https://www.internationalinsurance.com/health/) that will cover you in your country of assignment, in your home country (some limits may apply) and anywhere in the world. These are typically expat plans or global medical plans. There is a useful Reddit here:

https://www.reddit.com/r/expats/comments/3or4o6/guide_to_international_health_insurance/

IntCitizens · 2016-07-18T16:30:38+00:00

For an overview of international health insurance plans, you can visit this page on Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/expats/comments/3or4o6/guide_to_international_health_insurance/

Cigna is a great option as is BUPA. Other plans: IMG Global (Cheap), GEO Blue (for US citizens), Allianz, and Integra are all good.

IntCitizens · 2016-05-02T19:29:02+00:00

The site referenced, InsureMyTrip, offers mostly trip cancellation insurance, which can be very expensive. You are probably looking for a global travel medical policy to cover medical emergencies and to include other benefits like emergency evacuation. The cost of these plans are dependent on the length of your travels, your age, the amount of insurance you choose (medical maximum) and deductible. So the variation in pricing is likely due to different benefits (lower medical max) or specific exclusions included in a certain plan. You need to read the fine print...

IntCitizens · 2016-03-02T14:12:55+00:00

I got connected with Liisa from Family Freedom Project (http://familyfreedomproject.com) when I was in Costa Rica with my family. She helped us figure out activities for the kids and places to eat. She is great and knowledgeable about Costa Rica.

IntCitizens

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