If you’ve spent any time researching expat health insurance, you’ve likely come across a mix of strong opinions—some skeptical, some frustrated, and some outright dismissive.
So, what’s the truth? Do you really need health insurance as an expat, or are you better off saving your money? Let’s dive into the biggest concerns, myths, and realities of expat health insurance.
1. Do You Really Need Expat Health Insurance?
“I Don’t Need Insurance – I’ll Just Pay Out of Pocket”
Many expats assume that because healthcare in some countries is cheap, they don’t need insurance. And for small expenses—like a $5 doctor’s visit or $20 antibiotics—that might be true.
But what happens when something major goes wrong?
Real Costs of Emergency Treatment:
- Heart Attack: $10,000 – $40,000+
- Cancer Treatment: $50,000+
- Emergency Surgery: $15,000 – $30,000+
- ICU Care: $3,000 – $5,000 per day
Even if you have $100,000 in savings, one serious illness or accident could wipe you out. The problem isn’t the small medical bills, it’s the unpredictable, life-changing ones.
🛑 The Risk: You’re betting on never having a medical emergency. If you lose that bet, you could be left bankrupt or unable to get treatment when you need it most.
2. “I’m Too Old—No Insurer Will Cover Me”
One of the biggest concerns among expats is age limits on insurance. It’s true—some insurers won’t accept new applicants over 65 or 70. But not all.
Yes, you can still get coverage if you’re in your 70s or even 80s, but:
- Your options will be more limited
- You may face higher premiums
- Some insurers exclude pre-existing conditions
Solution: Get in touch with us, we know insurers who still accept older expats and offer the best rates.
The Risk: Waiting too long means fewer options and higher prices. If you don’t get insured while you’re healthy, you may struggle to find coverage later.
3. “Insurance Companies Never Pay Out—It’s All a Scam”
It’s a valid fear—some people pay for years only to have a claim denied when they need it. But why does this happen?
The Real Reasons Claims Get Denied:
- Pre-existing conditions weren’t disclosed
If you had a health issue before signing up and didn’t declare it, insurers might reject related claims.
- You chose the wrong coverage
Some expats only get inpatient cover (hospitalization), but expect outpatient visits to be included.
- Treatment wasn’t covered under your plan
Some budget plans exclude certain treatments, so reading the fine print is key.
- Fine Print Games: Budget plans from unreliable insurers often hide gaps—like no coverage for critical treatments.
Solution:
✔ Be honest about your health history
✔ Understand exactly what’s covered
✔ Work with Expat Health Group to pick insurers with a proven payout track record, not the fly-by-night types.
The Risk: If you pick the wrong policy, your insurance might not work when you need it.
4. “Expat Insurance is Too Expensive”
Yes, some plans are expensive—but that’s because they offer comprehensive coverage, including:
✔ Worldwide protection
✔ Private hospital access
✔ Specialist care, maternity, dental, and vision
But if you’re looking for affordable options, there are ways to cut costs without sacrificing coverage:
✔ Choose a regional plan (e.g., Asia-only instead of worldwide)
✔ Increase your deductible (Higher deductible = lower monthly premiums)
✔ Get inpatient-only coverage (For major hospital treatments, skipping extras like dental)
An Example of How to Lower Costs:
| Plan Type | Worldwide (Excl. U.S.) | Asia-Only |
|---|---|---|
| Full Coverage (Inpatient & Outpatient) | $4,500/year | $3,950/year |
| Inpatient-Only | $3,500/year | $3,080/year |
| Inpatient + High Deductible | $2,500/year | $2,200/year |
5. “Will the Hospital Accept My Insurance?”
In some countries, hospitals demand upfront payment before treatment—cash or card, no exceptions. How your insurance fits in depends on the setup:
- Direct Billing: Some plans let hospitals bill the insurer directly, so you avoid upfront costs—convenient when available.
- Reimbursement: More common is paying out of pocket, then filing a claim to get your money back later.
What to Do: Check how your insurer handles claims and what local hospitals expect.
Final Verdict: Is Expat Health Insurance a Scam or a Lifesaver?
Truth: It depends on which insurer you choose and whether you understand your policy.
If you get the right plan: You’ll have peace of mind knowing you’re covered in case of emergencies.
If you don’t read the fine print: You might end up with a plan that doesn’t cover what you expect.
The Smart Approach:
✔ Do your research
✔ Work with Expat Health Group to find the best coverage for your needs
✔ Get a plan that balances cost and coverage
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