The following is an overview of the most common questions asked regarding international private health insurance. If you find that there is a question missing or an explanation is not clear enough, please contact us as we are working on constantly improving this portal site.
Are there international health insurance plans for families?
Yes, there are also family-friendly plans on the market. Some of these allow any children born to already insured persons to be automatically fully insured without the need for underwriting with its attendant risk of exclusions or premium loadings.
Are pre-existing conditions covered?
Some plans provide full cover for chronic conditions if these are diagnosed after enrolment or are accepted by the insurance company. Some companies also offer coverage for pre-existing conditions after a two to five-year waiting period. However this also depends on the age of the applicant.
Is there an age limit for joining international health plans?
The maximum age for joining international health plans varies from company to company. Most international health insurers tend not to accept new applicants after the age of 60-65 years. However, there are also health insurance plans that accept applicants up to the age of 79 years.
Who do I pay the premiums to?
You normally pay your premiums directly to the insurance company.
What is a deductible/excess?
A deductible/excess is the amount of the claim that you agree to pay yourself. This amount is deducted from a claims payment. There are plans with deductibles on either an annual or per-claim basis. Plans may also be purchased without any deductibles. You may also reduce your premium by increasing the amount of your deductible.
What should I do in case of an emergency?
Your should carry your insurance card (which is also like an insurance ID) with you at all times. In case of emergency and immediate hospitalization, you simply show the hospital staff your insurance card: the hospital will continue their treatment once they know that you are fully insured. For medical advice, second opinions and in situations where you may immediately require a doctor or hospital visit, the emergency centers of the insurance companies will be available to assist and guide you.
Does the international medical plan cover pregnancy?
Most policies cover pregnancy and childbirth. However, there is usually a waiting period after the date of commencement (usually between 10-12 months).
Do I have a free choice of doctors worldwide?
This depends on the insurance plan. The best plans are worldwide plans what offer you a free choice of doctors, specialists, hospitals etc. anywhere in the world.
What happens when I return to my home country?
Most international health plans are specially designed for expatriates. These plans will be cancelled when you return to your home country or give you a limited period of coverage there. However, some of the better health insurance plans are also valid during residence in your home country.
Is dental treatment covered?
In most cases you have the option of including dental treatment as additional cover to the main plan.
What is the difference between a standard and a comprehensive medical plan?
A standard or basic scheme will usually cover in-patient or day-care treatment, post-hospital treatment, nursing at home, emergency dental treatment and complications of pregnancy. It will not cover outpatient, routine maternity or dental costs. A comprehensive scheme will cover all of these in addition to outpatient and specialist care, and in some cases also complementary care and routine dental treatment.
Can I choose between different areas?
Yes. There are health plans with both worldwide and regional coverage. However, unlike local private health plans, international plans are usually not restricted to a single country.
Does the insurance company require the applicant to undergo a medical examination?
With most insurance companies, each applicant has to fill in an application form. The insurance company will normally evaluate your application and may then ask for further information about medical checks etc.
Which conditions does an International Insurance Plan not cover?
This varies from plan to plan. As a rule, most international health insurers do not cover venereal diseases, AIDS/HIV, obesity surgery, cosmetic surgery, any kind of fertility treatments or any kind of care which is experimental. They also exclude treatment for the results of abuse of alcohol, drugs and medicines, nuclear reactions or radioactive fallout or injuries/sickness caused while actively engaging in war or due to invasion, acts of a foreign enemy, terrorist acts etc.
Is any sports activity covered?
As a rule, most insurance companies do not cover any kind of professional sports. However, there are special plans that cover leisure interests and sporting activities regardless of your job. It is also possible to insure professional sports people and sports teams.
What is the difference between in- and outpatient cover?
In-patient cover relates to treatment in a hospital or clinic involving the need to occupy a bed overnight on medical grounds. Outpatient treatment does not require an overnight stay.
Are drugs/medications insured?
Yes, as long as they are prescribed by a doctor.
Do health insurance brokers offer many different insurance products?
It depends on the broker. There are brokers who are effectively agents for only one or two insurers, and others who are independent. It is important to seek advice only from brokers who represent many large international health insurers and thus offer all relevant international health plans on the market.
Do health insurance brokers charge for their services?
No. By arranging your worldwide medical insurance through a broker, you pay no more in premiums than by going directly to the insurance company. Instead you save time and money because you benefit from comprehensive, independent advice and support services.
Why should I use the services of a broker or consultant?
Health insurance brokers and consultants constantly monitor products and prices as well as services, claims handling and other factors of importance to our clients. Not only can you be sure of selecting the insurance plan that really suits your needs, you also benefit from ongoing assistance and advice.