International Health Insurance: Coverage Abroad

Every year, thousands of people fulfill their dream of moving to another country. This includes executives starting new ventures, retirees eager to pick up a new language, or students taking a gap year to gain work experience.

But living abroad has its challenges. Adapting to a new culture and unfamiliar situations can sometimes be stressful.

As you navigate the challenges of your new environment, you shouldn't have to worry about your health.

We offer free health plan quotes, so if you're planning to move abroad, let us assist you. Our free international insurance quotes will help you choose the best policy.

International Health Insurance Plans

The best international health insurance plans are customizable. This means you can choose and tailor the plans to suit your own and your loved ones' unique health needs.

Our Recommended International Health Insurance Plans

l Al Hilal- Al Hilal Hospital is a well-established healthcare provider in Bahrain, offering comprehensive medical services with a focus on patient-centered care. The hospital is known for its state-of-the-art facilities, advanced diagnostic equipment, and a team of highly skilled healthcare professionals. They provide a wide range of specialties, including internal medicine, pediatrics, and surgery, ensuring quality care for all patients.

• Extensive Network of Providers
• Direct Billing Options
• 24/7 Medical Help via Global Virtual Care
• Lifetime Renewal Options
• 4 Plan Options

l Royal Bahrain- Royal Bahrain Hospital is a leading private healthcare facility in Bahrain, recognized for its commitment to excellence in patient care. With modern infrastructure and a multidisciplinary team of experts, the hospital offers a broad spectrum of medical services, including specialized departments for cardiology, orthopedics, and gynecology. Their focus on patient comfort and satisfaction makes it a preferred choice for many.

• Worldwide Coverage (excluding the US)
• Access to Cigna’s trusted network of hospitals and doctors
• Numerous Deductible Options
• 24/7 Customer Support
• 4 Core Insurance Plans

l Middle East Hospital- Middle East Hospital is a prominent healthcare institution in Bahrain, dedicated to providing high-quality medical services. Equipped with advanced medical technology, the hospital offers a wide range of services, including emergency care, outpatient clinics, and specialized treatments. The hospital's experienced medical team ensures that patients receive personalized and compassionate care.

• Worldwide Coverage (excluding the US)
• Access to Cigna’s trusted network of hospitals and doctors
• Numerous Deductible Options
• 24/7 Customer Support
• 5 Core Insurance Plans

l Bahrain Specialist- Bahrain Specialist Hospital is a renowned healthcare facility known for its specialized medical services and expert medical team. The hospital provides comprehensive care in areas such as cardiology, neurology, and oncology. With a patient-first approach, Bahrain Specialist Hospital combines cutting-edge technology with a commitment to delivering the highest standard of care.

• Worldwide Coverage (excluding the US)
• Access to Cigna’s trusted network of hospitals and doctors
• Numerous Deductible Options
• 24/7 Customer Support
• 1 Core Insurance Plans

l Al Maliki Specialist- Al Maliki Specialist Hospital is a reputable healthcare provider in Bahrain, offering specialized medical services across various fields, including orthopedics, gastroenterology, and dermatology. The hospital is equipped with modern facilities and staffed by experienced specialists, ensuring that patients receive precise diagnoses and effective treatments tailored to their needs.

• Worldwide Coverage (excluding the US)
• Access to Cigna’s trusted network of hospitals and doctors
• Numerous Deductible Options
• 24/7 Customer Support
• 2 Core Insurance Plans

How Much Does International Medical Insurance Cost?

International health insurance costs vary according to the plan, insurance company, and where you live.

Different factors like age, health status, coverage limits, added benefits, deductible amount, and the geographical scope of coverage determine international insurance costs. 

You will likely have a higher premium if you have a low deductible plan.

What Benefits Does International Health Insurance Offer? 

International health insurance provides various benefits, including inpatient, outpatient, medical emergency and evacuation coverage, and more. Here is a list of benefits available:

• Inpatient and outpatient coverage
• Medical emergency coverage
• Medical evacuation and repatriation coverage
• Direct billing
• Worldwide coverage (can include your home country)
• 24-hour emergency assistance
• Renewable policies
• Flexibility in choosing providers

Other Optional Benefits and Coverage

Vision, dental, maternity, and preventative care are available in additional benefits for most plans. You can customize your plan to suit your needs, such as purchasing maternity coverage if you plan to try for children soon.

Depending on the provider, you may be able to customize your plan with these additional benefits. Take the time to consider what your health needs are and where you will need more coverage.

Who Does International Health Insurance Cover?

International health insurance can cover individuals, families, and groups. Different policies with ranging benefits and premiums are available for these specific categories.

Who Does International Health Insurance Cover?

Individuals

Individual expats and global travelers alike can purchase international health insurance policies for themselves as they journey abroad. These plans can vary in coverage from basic inpatient coverage to more premium plans with benefits like dental and vision.

Specific individuals benefit greatly from these plans, like students or business professionals who travel frequently for work.

Families

Families living abroad can purchase a policy to cover all their loved ones. Plans are available to cover all family members, from the elderly to the young. Compare different family plans to fit your unique family situation best.

Groups

International Health Insurance is designed for organizations looking to provide insurance benefits to a group of individuals, whether they be employees or members. Coverage for these plans ranges across providers.

Group insurance policies often use cost-sharing arrangements between employers and employees, which helps distribute the financial burden of health insurance premiums.

Coverage Across Different Countries

With an international health insurance plan, you can have coverage as you travel to different countries. You will be covered almost anywhere in the world in case of medical emergency or sickness. You will also have your choice of medical providers wherever you go.

Some providers allow their members to exclude certain countries in order to lessen their costs. These exclusions are usually done for countries with high healthcare costs, like the USA.

Some plans have networks of healthcare providers worldwide. In these cases, you may be able to receive medical care with direct billing, where the insurance company pays the healthcare provider directly. This can greatly simplify the process for you during a possibly stressful time of emergency medical care.

Buying Health Insurance in Another Country

There is the option to purchase a local health insurance plan in another country and apply for any public health insurance you may be eligible for. Usually, you can only purchase or enroll in a local plan after living in the country for a specific amount of time.

The disadvantage of buying a local health insurance policy is that you will be unprotected if you travel anywhere else, and likely in your home country. Your policy will only protect you within the boundaries of the country you are in.

International health insurance protects you from medical emergencies wherever you go, including your home country. You can choose where you receive care and have the freedom to select your own provider.

Is International Health Insurance Necessary as an Expat?

While an international health insurance plan may not be required for expats as they travel, it is strongly recommended due to its protection from staggering medical bills and emergency medical expenses. Domestic plans from your home country will not cover you during your time in a foreign country.

Without international health insurance coverage, you must completely cover any medical expenses on your own. You should consider your risk tolerance and ability to pay for unexpected medical emergencies. If you cannot, you should not go without an international plan.

International health plans also allow expats access to private doctors and hospitals. Your global insurance provider should have a close relationship with the best hospitals globally and connect you with the best medical facilities during your time abroad.

Another important thing to note is that some countries may require adequate health insurance coverage as an entry or visa requirement. International health insurance plans can grant you coverage for these requirements, preventing you from having to search for coverage from a local provider. This can be especially helpful for expats who may not be familiar with the country’s language yet.

Comparing International Health Insurance Providers

You can compare international health insurance providers to find the best plan for you. International Health Insurance is partnered with the top international medical insurance providers, and our experts are ready to help you compare their plans and benefits to find a policy that works best for you.

Al Hilal Hospital

Al Hilal- Al Hilal Hospital is a well-established healthcare provider in Bahrain, offering comprehensive medical services with a focus on patient-centered care. The hospital is known for its state-of-the-art facilities, advanced diagnostic equipment, and a team of highly skilled healthcare professionals. They provide a wide range of specialties, including internal medicine, pediatrics, and surgery, ensuring quality care for all patients.