Are you covered by international medical insurance?

Working, travelling or relaxing, whatever you may do, wherever you may be in the world, expat medical insurance can no longer be viewed as a luxury; it is an absolute necessity. Some countries have some form of public healthcare which may or may not meet the high standards of the NHS. Some countries will require expats living within their borders to have private healthcare insurance.

The last thing you will want to do is to take a chance on experiencing ill health abroad without having international medical insurance. We all value our health and it makes sense for us to take care of it. Falling ill while living abroad can be a crippling experience mentally, physically and financially.

So why risk it?

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Working and living abroad brings a range of financial and lifestyle issues which could be exacerbated by failing to purchase international medical insurance cover. Different countries have different levels of healthcare and different risks from disease, chronic illness and even injury as a result of violence.

Despite this, many companies still need British workers stationed abroad to oversee operations in a variety of countries and many British families choose to relocate whether for economic reasons or just to enjoy a warmer climate. Every country has different rules pertaining to foreigners receiving healthcare and it is vital to ensure that wherever you are in the world, whether an individual looking for personal international medical insurance or a company looking for group international medical insurance for oversees employees, you and/or your staff have access to the highest level of medical treatment possible. You must be sure to take out an international healthcare insurance policy before you relocate, even for a limited time.

Falling ill while overseas can lead to a variety of issues from dealing with consultants who speak a different language to poorly funded facilities with outdated equipment lacking access to the most recent treatments. If you do not follow the correct procedure for registering for local healthcare services you may find that you will have to pay for any medical treatment you require and, in some instances, even if you do follow the correct procedures you will still have to pay. In some European countries, such as France and Spain, the influx of UK citizens taking early retirement has led to the withdrawal of free healthcare from foreign nationals under pension age who do not contribute financially to the national healthcare system. At the same time, expat UK citizens may not automatically qualify for free healthcare under the NHS if they return home for treatment .

If you are relocating abroad for work or a lifestyle change, you should compare international medical insurance policies and ask for advice about which medical insurance policy will ensure you can receive the medical treatment you may need while abroad at a price you can afford.

Preferred Medical can provide you with free, impartial advice about choosing the best expat medical insurance policy. Give us a call on 0800 018 3633 or get an online international medical insurance quote today.