If you’re living abroad, figuring out how to get the right health insurance can feel overwhelming. Between unfamiliar healthcare systems, language barriers, and confusing policy terms, it’s not always clear where to begin. This guide will walk you through how to get health insurance while living overseas.
Step 1: Know What Type of Insurance You Need
As an expat, your options generally fall into two categories:
International Health Insurance
- Designed for people living or working abroad long-term
- Offers coverage across multiple countries
- Renewable annually and portable if you relocate again
Local Health Insurance
- Offers coverage only in your country of residence
- Often cheaper, but usually less comprehensive and less flexible if you move again
If you travel often, plan to return home, or want care in another country, international insurance is the better fit.
Step 2: Choose an Area of Cover
Most international plans offer a few options:
- Worldwide (including or excluding the USA)
- Regional (e.g. Asia only)
Including the USA increases the premium significantly, so if you don’t need treatment there, choose “Worldwide excluding USA” to keep costs lower.
Step 3: Decide What You Want Covered
Plans are typically modular. You can choose just hospitalization (inpatient) or add outpatient care, dental, vision, and maternity.
Think about:
- Do you want coverage for routine doctor visits?
- Planning a pregnancy?
- Want access to mental health support or dental care for example?
The more you add, the higher the cost—but also the more complete your coverage.
Step 4: Understand the Underwriting Process
Most international insurers require medical underwriting. This means you’ll answer health questions so the insurer can decide whether to:
- Cover you fully
- Exclude pre-existing conditions
- Charge a higher premium
Tip: Apply while you’re still healthy. Once a condition is diagnosed, coverage becomes harder to secure.
Step 5: Get Quotes and Compare Plans
This is where working with a broker like Expat Health Group makes a difference. We:
- Compare multiple insurers
- Explain differences in plain language
- Help you understand trade-offs between price and benefits
And if you have pre-existing conditions, we know which insurers are more flexible.
Step 6: Submit Your Application
Once you’ve selected a plan:
- Complete the application and medical questionnaire
- Await underwriting (usually 1–4 business days)
If approved, you’ll get a policy offer and payment instructions.
Step 7: Stay Covered as You Move
Once you’re on a good international plan, you can typically:
- Renew annually regardless of future health
- Take the plan with you when you move to a new country
This is key for long-term peace of mind, especially if you develop health conditions while living abroad.
Final Thoughts
Getting health insurance overseas doesn’t need to be complicated—but it does need to be done before a medical issue arises. The best time to apply is when you’re still healthy.
At Expat Health Group, we’ve helped thousands of expats secure affordable, flexible, and reliable insurance from top global providers.