While there are many perks to being a global citizen whether alone or with family, there is always the risk of a health emergency which cannot be wished away. Whether you are a traveler, digital nomad or in the process of moving abroad for an extended period of time to live and work there, it is always good to be prepared for any health concern that may require medical attention. 

What is Global Health Insurance?

Global Health Insurance means long term-coverage and access to health care and medical assistance for those who live and work abroad or spend a lot of time traveling for an extended period of time. They include expats and their families, individuals holding dual passports, multinational employers and employees.

Hence, while choosing a global health insurance cover with the help of an insurance broker, make sure to choose a plan that suits your needs and covers all eventualities in terms of life and income protection cover. It should come with comprehensive and premium medical assistance and high value add-on services that you can consider at the time of renewal each year.

 

Inclusions in Global Health Insurance

A decent policy comes with comprehensive and transparent plans for individuals,families and businesses. Besides knowing the source providing coverage which could be your employer, the marketplace or an individual plan from a particular company, you must also know if it includes the following,

  • Area of Geographical cover including the home country
  • Annual or short term cover
  • Choice of currency for payment
  • Includes pre-existing medical conditions
  • Personalized tele- support
  • Ready and immediate Access to 24/7 medical providers and assistance including second opinions
  • Outpatient coverage of daily health costs like health check-ups, day care procedures, doctor visits and ER visits
  • Inpatient coverage of unforeseen medical expenses like ambulance costs, pre- and post hospitalization inpatient care
  • Pre-natal and post-natal/ newborn/maternity care
  • Mental health services and rehab services
  • Pediatric services, vaccinations and Inoculations
  • Preventive services
  • Diagnostic tests and post medical care procedures
  • Donor expenses in the event of organ transplantation
  • Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation

Exclusions in Global Health Insurance

No health insurance policy covers every single medical condition/expense, there will be some standard set of exclusions. It is worthwhile to ask your insurance broker to do the due diligence to review the fine print and double-check with the insurers to get the best policy and coverage possible. Typically, the following are excluded,

  • Terminal Illness
  • Bariatric surgery
  • Dental and Optical care
  • Cosmetic surgery, sex change and hormonal replacement treatment
  • AIDS/HIV related diseases unless the policy holder contracts it accidentally during a blood transfusion
  • Fertility testing or treatment and Illegal abortion
  • Sexual dysfunction treatment
  • Alternate therapies and experimental treatment which is not medical or surgical by nature
  • Epidemics
  • Military/War/Terrorism/nuclear activity/self-harm inflicted injury, disease or condition

Add-ons in Global Health Insurance

A few standard add-ons in most Global Health Insurance policies and plans are

  • Prescription drug coverage
  • Covid 19 costs
  • Vision Coverage
  • Dental coverage
  • Wellness

Documents Required to get Global Health Insurance Policy

Once you shop your best options and choose the right plan and coverage, your policy provider will check your eligibility by asking you to furnish the following,

  • Age and Occupation, children mostly come in as dependents
  • A legal work permit or ID number of the country you reside or work in
  • Passport of your home country
  • Residence visa
  • Banking details
  • Passport photos as applicable
  • Copy of your tenancy/lease agreement
  • Fees/premium as applicable to adults and children
  • BMI and Medical history of chronic conditions
  • Doctor’s referral letter
  • Tobacco Usage

Keep the Policy details handy

Always remember to keep the following handy,

  • Policy and Plan Name
  • Type of Plan : annual or short term
  • Unique Policy Number
  • Benefits of the coverage
  • Policy Tenure and Validity
  • Claims Handling Process/ Point of Contact/ Customer Service

Depending on the rules of your policy provider, your policy coverage will mostly have standard inclusions, exclusions and add-ons. It is always advisable to contact your nearest health insurance broker to get to the details of what’s included and what’s not. Also, an insurance broker can help you tailor a flexible plan for the desired coverage you are looking for.