As Americans cast an envious eye towards the universal healthcare programs employed in many European countries, they may not realize that those programs often only cover citizens of those countries. Furthermore, as you travel or live abroad, your existing insurance policy may offer limited coverage or no coverage at all during your travels. Therefore it’s essential that if you’re traveling abroad or living internationally, you first purchase an citizen secure international insurance policy that protects your ability to obtain medical coverage.
Even if the country you’re visiting has a superior nationalized healthcare program, you may not be able to participate in it as a visitor. For trips lasting less than a few months, be sure to educate yourself on what sort of international insurance coverage you’ll need to ensure that you’ll be secure in the event of an unforeseen medical event.
But if you’re planning to live internationally, you’ll want to look into a special policy. To ensure you can receive the best possible medical care during your residency abroad, you may want to purchase a plan like the Citizen Secure Insurance plan. With the backing of Lloyds of London, travelers can feel secure in the knowledge that no matter what may occur on their trip or short-term residency, they’ll have access to all the medical care they may need.
Every citizen secure international insurance policy has its own guidelines regarding eligibility, so it’s a good idea to have a conversation around that topic with your provider. For example, the Citizen Secure plan mentioned in the prior paragraph offers insurance coverage to people from ages– days to 74 years, and it also carries with it the stipulation that the bearer must reside abroad for a six month minimum.
Beyond traditional medical insurance, additional items covered by many of these plans include mental health and transplants. Other options include supplemental evacuation coverage, which depending on the nation you’ll be residing in may be the difference between getting top medical care and communication assistance during the time of national emergencies.
The Citizens Secure International policy and others like it offer additional features beyond medical assistance. These may include features like travelers assistance, which includes help with locating baggage lost during your travels, wiring funds electronically and contacting family, friends, and colleagues should communication be hindered by an emergency.
You can also tailor your plan to meet the nuances of your lifestyle. For example, supplemental sports coverage is offered through the Citizen Secure insurance plan, so that if your stay involves high-risk sports activities like mountain climbing, you can purchase additional superior coverage.
International health insurance is something short-term travelers should definitely consider, and for those living internationally for six months or more it’s simply something they absolutely need to have. Consider the area you’ll be residing in, how long you’ll be staying, what you’ll be doing during your stay, and you’ll be able to find the right plan for you.
Ray Sondeo often writes about international insurance.
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