International health insurance offers you comprehensive protection for your health, no matter where you are in the world. It is specially designed to meet the needs of people who spend a long time or permanently outside their home country. International health insurance can also be taken out without a place of residence or even if you are already abroad. This protection goes far beyond what conventional health or travel insurance policies offer.
At its core, international health insurance is insurance that covers medical treatment worldwide. The closest comparison could be made between international health insurance and private health insurance, except that international health insurance offers a free choice of hospitals and doctors worldwide. Despite the higher benefits, it is also cheaper than many local health insurances. International health insurance offers you security, no matter where your travels take you.
International health insurance is aimed in particular at emigrants, perpetual travelers, digital nomads and expats. The prerequisite is that you have de-registered/moved away from your home country and/or spend at least 6 months a year outside your country of citizenship.
International health insurance is a lifeline for anyone embarking on the adventure of living abroad. But what exactly does this insurance cover? The answer is as varied as the countries you can travel to. Depending on the provider and the plan, the benefits can vary considerably. This is very positive, as it allows everyone to tailor their insurance coverage to their individual needs. From emergency coverage to premium protection, everything is possible. However, this also carries risks, as it makes the rates more complex, so you should carefully consider which benefits are important to you. Here are some of the most common benefits you can expect from international health insurance:
- Outpatient and Inpatient Treatment: These benefits cover everything from a simple doctor's visit to a longer hospital stay. Imagine you are in Thailand and suddenly need to see a doctor – your international health insurance is there to cover the costs.
- Emergency Care and Medical Repatriation: Sometimes plans go wrong, and when they do, it's reassuring to know that repatriation home is covered in an emergency. In this respect, insurance is like a good friend who always has a plane ticket ready.
- Medication Supply: Whether it's antibiotics in Mexico or painkillers in India, the right insurance ensures that you don't have to wander through the pharmacy jungle.
- Preventive Medical Checkups: Prevention is better than cure, which is why regular checkups are part of many international health insurance plans.
- Mother and Child Care: Pregnancy and childbirth are significant events that require special consideration in your international health insurance. Many policies offer coverage for prenatal care, childbirth, and postnatal care. However, it is essential to clarify the details in advance, such as possible waiting periods for pregnancy coverage and whether additional costs may arise for childbirth abroad. Planning ahead can help you avoid unexpected expenses.
- Dental Treatment: Dental care is an important aspect of international health insurance, as dental treatment abroad can often be unexpectedly expensive. Your international health insurance may cover services such as regular dental check-ups, emergency dental treatment, and even more complex procedures such as dental implants. It is important to check the details of your policy to understand what dental services are included and whether there are any restrictions or waiting periods.
International health insurance is essential for digital nomads, expats, and perpetual travelers. This applies to anyone who wants to leave their home country for an extended period or permanently and does not have health insurance in their new place of residence. It not only protects your health in countries with potentially high treatment costs, but also gives you the peace of mind of knowing that you have access to high-quality medical care anytime, anywhere.
The main difference between traditional health insurance and travel insurance lies in the scope and depth of coverage. While health insurance in your home country is often only valid in that country, and travel insurance usually only applies to short stays and limited scenarios, international health insurance offers comprehensive coverage for longer periods and a wider range of healthcare services worldwide.
Choosing international health insurance gives our customers comprehensive insurance coverage no matter where they are. For the insured person, this means peace of mind when traveling and during longer stays abroad. Such protection is essential to safeguard against unexpected medical costs and to have access to high-quality medical care worldwide.
Find out about the different insurance models and decide which benefits are essential for you. grenzenlos sicher will be happy to assist you throughout the entire process – click here for a free consultation.
In general, you should consider the following points when taking out international health insurance:
Scope of Coverage and Benefits: Make sure that the policy offers comprehensive coverage, including emergency care, hospital stays, and routine check-ups. Some insurers also offer coverage for dental care or maternity. It is therefore essential to take a detailed look at the insurance benefits.
Costs and Premiums: Compare the costs of different policies and consider whether the price reflects the benefits offered. Remember that a cheaper policy may offer less cover, which could prove more expensive in an emergency.
Policy Flexibility: Check whether the policy offers customizable options that can be tailored to your specific needs.
Experiences of Other Policyholders: Read reviews from other policyholders. These can provide valuable insights into customer satisfaction and the insurance company's performance in an emergency.
Availability of Services Abroad: Find out whether the insurer is able to provide worldwide support. For example, 24/7 customer service can be crucial in a medical crisis.
How much does international health insurance cost? The cost of international health insurance can vary greatly. To avoid disrupting your financial planning, it is important to know the factors that influence the price. Essentially, the cost depends on the following variables:
- Age: Like a good cheese, international health insurance becomes more expensive with age. The older you get, the higher the premiums can be, as the risk of health problems increases.
- Health Status: Pre-existing conditions or existing health problems can increase the cost.
- Desired Type of Coverage: Do you want only the bare minimum or would you prefer absolute premium protection? The type of coverage you choose has a major impact on the price.
- Country of Residence: Do you live in a country with high healthcare costs, such as the US, or in a country with more affordable medical services? This also affects the premium amount. That's why it's important to check the zone models of the individual insurers.
Important note: Take advantage of our special conditions, including our best price guarantee, to ensure you never pay too much for your international health insurance. In some cases, it is cheaper than buying directly from the provider. Simply use the links on the page or speak to our insurance partner grenzenlos sicher.
It is important to understand that international health insurance is not just financial protection, but also gives you the peace of mind you deserve while exploring the world.
The application process for international health insurance varies from provider to provider. As a rule, you will need your passport and must complete a health questionnaire in advance. Prepare these documents well in advance to speed up the process.
Write us an email at insurance@staatenlos.ch or schedule a free consultation with us.
The main destination country is only used for international health insurance to classify you into the appropriate insurance zone. You do not have to stay in this country permanently or for the majority of your stay. Choose the country with the zone that also covers most of the other countries you want to visit or that provides sufficient temporary emergency coverage. Feel free to contact grenzenlos sicher if you need help choosing the right insurance zone.
The deductible and co-payment are key elements that directly influence the cost of your international health insurance. A higher deductible can lower the premium, but it also means that you will have to pay a larger portion of the costs yourself in the event of a claim. It is important to find a balance that suits your financial situation and your healthcare needs.
In cases where pre-existing conditions play a role, the coverage policies of international health insurers vary considerably. Some insurers exclude pre-existing conditions entirely, while others cover them under certain conditions. It is crucial to be honest about existing health conditions when taking out insurance and to choose a provider that offers appropriate solutions in such cases.
The integration of global healthcare services and telemedicine into your insurance policy gives you access to medical advice and treatment, regardless of your location. This is particularly useful for inpatient treatment, which can be difficult to arrange in some regions.
A 24/7 hotline in multiple languages is an indispensable service that is available around the clock to provide support in emergencies or answer questions about your insurance policy. These hotlines not only offer immediate assistance in urgent medical situations, but also facilitate communication between you and the medical staff on site.
For digital nomads and expats planning a longer stay abroad, choosing a suitable doctor or hospital is crucial. Depending on where you are, the search may vary. Many insurers offer access to preferred providers via their websites or apps. It is advisable to research in advance and consider recommendations from your insurer or other expats in the region.
Knowing the processes involved in handling treatment costs and reimbursement claims can save you time and effort. It is important to know your insurance company's guidelines and act accordingly. As a rule, outpatient treatment or dental services must be paid for in advance and can then be claimed back via an app or customer portal.
In the case of inpatient treatment or particularly expensive treatments, the insurer can be notified 24/7. The insurer will then contact the hospital directly and issue a confirmation of coverage. This means that you do not have to pay upfront and you will be treated quickly.
We fulfill these requirements depending on the residency in question. Simply contact the team (insurance@staatenlos.ch) or arrange a free consultation.
We work very quickly here and the insurance can start one day later. We also only need one day for confirmation. In this case, however, please contact us (insurance@staatenlos.ch) so that we can prioritize your request.
No problem, and it's usually worth it for groups of five or more. However, these group contracts are always subject to request, so please send us an email (insurance@staatenlos.ch) or schedule a consultation.
In our opinion, international health insurance and international personal liability insurance are the most important types of insurance. However, if you are also interested in disability, legal protection, or accident insurance, please feel free to contact us. We also offer these types of insurance.
Send us an email (insurance@staatenlos.ch) or schedule a consultation with us.