International health insurance: expatriate guide

When you’re moving abroad, taking out international health insurance is an essential step for your security and peace of mind. French Social Security isn’t enough once you’re settled elsewhere – you need health cover that truly matches the healthcare system in your new country. This guide is here to help you find the coverage that’s right for you.

Why is it so important to have an international mutual?

Healthcare costs abroad can quickly become astronomical. A good international health insurance plan protects you in several essential respects:

• Medical expenses: whether for hospitalization, consultations or specialized care, you’re covered. Depending on the plan you choose, reimbursement ceilings can be very high, or even unlimited.
• Medical repatriation: if you have a serious accident or fall seriously ill, your insurance organizes and finances your return to France or to a country where you can receive proper treatment.
• Round-the-clock assistance: you can call at any time for medical advice, often in French, and to help you find your way around the local healthcare system.
• An international healthcare network: access to partner hospitals and clinics all over the world, making the process easier and often saving on out-of-pocket expenses, especially in the case of hospitalization.
• Some insurances also include third-party liability coverage and a death benefit, to protect you and your loved ones in the event of the unexpected.

To give you an idea of the costs: according to April International, a simple appendicitis in Singapore can cost you in the region of S$10,000, or around €7,160. That gives you an idea of why good coverage is so necessary.

How to choose the right international health insurance?

Choosing your insurance should not be done lightly. There are two main options for international health cover:

1. 1st Euro Insurance: The insurer covers your healthcare costs from the very first euro you spend, without the prior involvement of a local scheme or the CFE. This solution is often preferred for its simplicity and high levels of coverage.
2. Complementing CFE (Caisse des Français de l’Étranger): You join the CFE (which ensures the continuity of your French Social Security rights), and your international mutuelle supplements its reimbursements, which are often insufficient for healthcare costs abroad.

Assess your needs

Identify the following criteria to define the required level of protection:

• Length of stay: short term (less than a year) or long term (expatriation).
• Country of residence: healthcare costs vary enormously (e.g. very high in the U.S., Singapore, Switzerland).
• Personal and family profile: single, family (with children), senior, student.
• Desired level of coverage: from basic coverage (hospitalization only) to premium coverage (including routine medical care, dental care, optical care, etc.).

Compare health insurance abroad

Use specialized comparators like carexpat.com to evaluate the different options available.
Comparison criteria: don’t just look at the price. Compare reimbursement ceilings, deductibles, coverage (100% hospitalization with no deductible is essential) and associated services (teleconsultation, reimbursement management via app, third-party payment). Then request several personalized quotes before signing up for your international health insurance.

Check the warranties offered

Make sure the contract covers the care items that are important to you:

• Medical care and routine medicine: consultations, medicines, tests, hospitalization (often the most expensive item).
• Dental and optical care: depending on your needs, these options can be well worth your while.
• Maternity: if you’re planning to have a baby, take a close look at the waiting periods and reimbursement amounts.
• Preventive care: vaccinations, check-ups, screening.
• Third-party liability and lump-sum death benefit: often included in comprehensive packages, these components provide additional protection for you and your family.

Consider the cost

Rates vary widely. For example, Malakoff Humanis offers plans from €48/month for a single 30-year-old expatriate in the UK. However, for a couple with children in the USA, the cost can be well over €250/month, or even more, depending on the cover chosen.

Influential factors: age, state of health (medical questionnaire), country of destination, level of cover, deductibles, and options such as third-party liability or death benefit.

Top 5 international health insurers

Here is a selection of reputable international health insurers, often highlighted by comparators:

Expatriate testimonials and key services

The opinions of other expatriates are invaluable in determining whether an insurer is reliable, particularly in terms of the speed of reimbursements or the quality of assistance. Brokers like carexpat.com have an excellent reputation for their responsiveness and personalized advice. For example, they score 4.9/5 on Trustpilot.

Expatriates particularly appreciate :

• medical teleconsultation (often included and available 24/7),
• mobile applications for tracking reimbursements,
• international third-party payment, which eliminates the need to pay hospital fees in advance.

Now you can choose your international health insurance

Taking out international health insurance is crucial to living abroad with peace of mind. By accurately assessing your needs (profile, destination), comparing offers from specialist insurers and checking essential cover – hospitalization, routine medical care, civil liability, death benefit – you’ll find the health cover best suited to your situation. Don’t hesitate to consult specialized brokers and comparators for customized quotes and personalized assistance.