Ex-Pat health insurance guide
What is Ex-Pat International Health Insurance?
The Short Story: Ex-pat health insurance (or international health insurance) can be used as primary insurance for ex-pats or someone relocating to another country for 6 months or longer. These plans are comprehensive and include added features such as preventative services, acupuncture, chiropractic, maternity benefits and more.
Who is Ex-pat health insurance for?: People relocating or traveling from the U.S. to another country for a period of 6 months or more.
The Longer Story:
- Ideal for those seeking medical coverage abroad for 6 or more months.
- Covers pre-existing conditions (usually), preventative care, and other standard health benefits.
- You can purchase a plan that includes or excludes coverage in the U.S.
- Includes medical evacuation to the United States.
- U.S. citizens living in a foreign country for at least 330 days of a 12-month period are not required to get U.S.-based health coverage for that 12-month period. You won't have to pay the uninsured penalty.
What is the approximate cost of ex-pat insurance?
- Excluding U.S. coverage -- $217/month (33-year-old, $1000 deductible, including Rx drugs)
- Including U.S. coverage -- $470/month (33-year-old, $1000 deductible, including Rx drugs)
What are some of my options for ex-pat insurance?
Before you start shopping, familiarize yourself with this chart, which highlights some of the common differences between the big insurers. Once you've read that, you can compare quotes/benefits from: GeoBlue, Aetna, Cigna, International Medical Group.
