Want to Move Abroad? How to Choose the Perfect Healthcare System for You and Your Family

Understanding what your health insurance options are, along with the overall level of healthcare in your new country, is important. And the reality is healthcare and healthcare insurance differs dramatically across the globe.

If you are healthy with few issues and concerns you may not put as high of a premium on moving to a country that has top notch healthcare and insurance. However, if you have underlying medical issues, are planning to expand your family or just want more developed medicine and healthcare you may choose to move to a country that has more advanced and established medical care.

So determining your healthcare needs, comfort level and ideal situation as it relates to the healthcare for you and your family is critical when choosing where to move abroad. So let’s take a look at the options and situations available….

HEALTH INSURANCE…

You will almost always be required to obtain third-party health insurance for a year as part of getting a visa in every country across the globe. The good news is that compared to health insurance costs in places like the United States, it is usually quite affordable and there are a lot of option out there!

We pay $3,000 USD a year for a family of 5 in Spain with great coverage and an extensive network. This is significantly less than what we paid in the United States for our family of five. And while you may not use the insurance or need a doctor, you will have peace of mind that your healthcare costs will be largely covered.

We have friends who live in Thailand and they pay $1500 a year for their family of four with access to great doctors, hospitals and even dental coverage! Additionally, we have worked with other expats who had medical needs requiring monthly access to doctors and specialists which prompted them to move to Switzerland which had some of the best medicine in the world. Everyone’s needs are different so understanding your own is critical.

TYPES OF INSURANCE

International health insurance: This option is often used while in transition, and most often covers your country of residence as well as any country to which you travel. The cost can sometimes be higher, but it is a great option as you are sorting out health insurance in your new country. Check out sites like www.cignaglobal.com or www.genki.world for a quote.

Private health insurance: This is the most cost-effective and popular option for expats and people moving abroad. Every country has private insurance companies that will insure incoming residents. The benefits are comprehensive and the agents are used to working with foreigners and knowing what is required for the visa and beyond. Every country will have local options.

Free public health insurance: This is often not an option until you are considered a permanent resident of the country, which in some cases can typically take 3 to 5 years. It often also requires you to contribute to the social security system, which can be costly and can make the private route even more attractive. If getting access to free healthcare is a priority for you, you’ll want to make sure you are working in that direction with respect to the visa you are pursuing, the path to permanent residency, and an understanding of contribution requirements.

Travel Insurance: This is something many people moving abroad purchase, which combines not only travel insurance for unforeseen loss and theft but often comes with health insurance as well. This is a popular option if you are moving from place to place as a digital nomad. It not only covers all the regular medical expenses, but things like evacuations and flight cancellations.

STATE OF HEALTHCARE

Not all countries have the same level, standard, or state of healthcare. There are some countries with far better training, infrastructure, resources, and administration. These countries have rigorous expectations for physicians, state-of-the art equipment, good web services, and well governed national medical care. These standards can make a big difference when interfacing with the healthcare system in a foreign country.

The Commonwealth Fund published a review in 2021 comparing other healthcare systems to the U.S. which is a helpful, broad view across countries. But everyone has different expectations, level of need, and degrees of comfort when it comes to healthcare. Even if you’re healthy and don’t usually think much about it, you never know what the future holds and it’s worth taking the time to explore this important piece of the puzzle.

STEPS TO TAKE…

1. Research what the health insurance requirements are for the particular country and visa for which you are applying. The type and level of coverage required will typically be listed as one of the visa requirements on the embassy website.
2. Research the healthcare system in your potential new country and determine things like it ́s ranking in the world with respect to care standards, physician requirements, level of care, and patient satisfaction.
3. Reach out to other expats or peruse the forums to get first-hand accounts of their experience with both insurance companies and the healthcare system.
4. Reach out to at least three insurance providers to receive quotes. Compare and contrast the cost and what they provide.
5. Consider the healthcare needs of you and your family, not only present-day but down the line. Consider things like dental, maternity, well-baby checkups, and vision. Consider whether you want a policy that is guaranteed for life or an annual policy that may be cheaper but can be canceled by the insurer at the end of the term.
6. Fill out the worksheet below to compare and contrast information relating to healthcare and costs.

Choosing Your Perfect Country to Move Abroad

Whether you want to move abroad for a career, to study, for love, retirement, or to raise your family, this engaging, easy to follow roadmap will help you find the perfect location to start your new life.

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