Insurance of any sort is a subject that few people enjoy discussing, as it invariably comes down to spending money on something that may never be needed, so it's seems like throwing money away. But most sensible people, and travellers especially, realise that it's wiser to have insurance and not need it, than to need it but not have it! And without wishing to seem morbid, that includes life insurance, so your family can cope financially in the event of your inability to provide for them, or worse...

Costs and payment for medical services abroad

If you do require urgent medical treatment and/or hospitalization, apart from the payment issues, you are likely to spend far less on an annual insurance premium than the cost of hospitals, operations, evacuation or other expenses, even at relatively low Asian prices. It is especially important to have cover for medical contingencies while traveling or if you decide to take up residence in another country including the ability to pay for it then and there, which will almost certainly be required.

Expatriate Health Insurance (for residence or retirement)

Most people who travel overseas have some sort of cover already. Those that don't often feel the need to get insurance online while they are already travelling, or living in another country already. Many will purchase insurance when they book their air tickets. This is usually valid only for a particular trip period, or possibly until the ticket expires. Extended periods away from your home country will not be covered by your national or private health and medical insurance plans if you spend more than a certain number of days per year overseas. You should check exactly what your current health insurance policy covers, and where it is valid. You will almost certainly need separate ongoing cover for longer term or permanent overseas residence.

Read a Canadian senior's saga posted (while he was able to use his laptop) to an expat forum topic "Dead Man Walking". He has no resources except a kind local family and some public donations, and died on June 30 in a Thailand rural hospital. If it doesn't upset you, it should at least make you think about what can happen if you need medical treatment or hospitalization overseas and don't have adequate cover.

eHealthInsurance.com is a well-known global travel insurer, with some 2 million clients worldwide. They specialise in providing international medical cover to suit expatriate residents' medical needs, in terms of both requirements and budget. For the average person who has no serious pre-conditions, the cost is extremely reasonable. Plans can be tailored to suit personal as well as dependants' needs. Benefits will usually include immediate local treatment including surgical procedures and operations, and recuperation at the nearest and best available facilities. Alternatively evacuation or repatriation, with payment of all expenses fully paid for.

You can purchase these policies through brokers, but you will pay less if you apply direct online and receive an instant quotation and coverage within minutes.

If your needs are limited to covering medical and other contingencies for limited specific periods of travel, then there are companies that can take of this too.

Travel Insurance

Compare Travel Insurance – over 100 plans from every major company

If you're travelling regularly, retired or living overseas, you should think seriously about a comprehensive health and medical insurance plan, for your own peace of mind, and that of your family and loved ones too. Why not get an instant quote from eHealthInsurance.com now?

Home