Finding The Right International Health Insurance Company For You
This article was written exclusively for Expat Network by International Citizens Insurance
Finding the right international health insurance company and plan should be at the top of your list of priorities when planning your move abroad. You want to be sure that you continue to take care of yourself with the right coverage. Just because you may be moving for an exciting new adventure, this doesn’t mean you should put your health on hold. You will still need medical care.
Thankfully there are some excellent options to choose from and many health insurance plans are very affordable. But which international health insurance companies are the best?
Researching Medical Insurance Companies
First, you should understand the difference between international health insurance and travel medical insurance. After you understand which type of plan you need, there are many resources to help you make your decision on which plan is the best for you.
International health insurance provides comprehensive coverage for an extended length of stay, typically over one year. What is the difference between this and your home health insurance? Read more: international health insurance.
Travel medical insurance provides protection for your international travel with additional medical coverage for those who are traveling for one year or less. Click here to learn about your options for travel medical coverage.
You will find a side by side comparison of the top three insurance companies along with the benefits included. You can make an informed decision about what is right for your needs.
Even though you can do the research, you are notalone! A dedicated broker like International Citizens Insurance can provide guidance on choosing the best health insurance company and the right plan for your individual or group insurance needs.
What are the Leading Insurance Companies?
Below is a comprehensive list of international insurance companies that offer the best in service, benefits, coverage, and rates. As always, review the terms of the policy carefully and discuss with an international insurance broker who can help guide you through the process.
Top International Insurance Companies
Cigna Global was one of the first companies to offer expatriate or global insurance plans and they remain a leading international provider. Cigna Global is an excellent option for most internationals living abroad with comprehensive coverage in almost any country. They offer flexibility to tailor a plan to suit your individual needs. Your access to Cigna Global’s network of trusted hospitals, clinics, and doctors is very extensive. Finally, they offer the convenience and confidence of 24/7/365 customer service.
Learn More about Cigna Global | Request a Quote from Cigna
GeoBlue Global is designed for US citizens abroad or internationals residing in the USA. GeoBlue is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association and offers both short-term travel medical plans as well as long-term international plans. Blue Cross Blue Shield is a federation of 50 independent health insurance providers in the United States. The GeoBlue Xplorer Global Medical Insurance plan offers premium benefits, coverage and service. As a member you are able to define your deductible and prescription benefits.
Learn More About GeoBlue Global Medical | Request a Quote from GeoBlue
Additional International Health Insurance Companies
Now Health International
Now Health offers quality medical insurance for internationals living abroad throughout the world. The Now Health WorldCare Plan offers comprehensive benefits, including cover in the USA. The SimpleCare Plan is a more affordable option, however US coverage is excluded.
Learn More About Now Health International | Request a Quote from Now Health International
International Medical Group
IMG offers the widest range of products, from trip cancellation to long-term international medical plans (IMG Global Medical). For more than 20 years, IMG has provided international medical insurance, travel insurance, and affordable coverage to the international community insuring clients in more than 170 countries worldwide.
Learn More About International Medical Group | Request a Quote from International Medical Group
IntegraGlobal, a U.K. company, specializes in providing health plans to organizations and individuals with unique protection needs, such as expatriates, marine professionals, and specialized risks. IntegraGlobal’s goal is to develop unique international health plans that offer you outstanding protection, excellent value, and hands-on unbeatable personal service.
Learn More About IntegraGlobal | Request a Quote from IntegraGlobal
What to Look for When Selecting an Insurance Provider?
Customer Service How can you communicate with them? Do they have 24/7 availability? Do they offer a live chat over a phone call? Do they offer translation services?
Do They Direct Bill? Direct bill is an excellent option for those living abroad when you are met with the unfortunate situation of needing medical treatment. Direct Bill means where possible, the insurance company will arrange to pay the hospital, clinic or doctor you wish to see directly.
Claims Processing Read reviews. Find out how long it takes for them to pay a claim. Some companies have a strict policy of getting you paid quickly while others may take up to a few months.
Financial Stability and Health Insurance Rating How do you know which plans are more financially stable than others? Review the rating scale from Standard and Poor and AM Best. These rates have an alphabetical standard. For example an A++ is excellent.
Ask a Broker An expert international insurance agent can help you to find the right international insurance comapny for you. Through many years of working with insurance companies and helping their customers an agent is able to identify a match for you. International insurance agents do not charge for their services. Contact International Citizens Insurance today.
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