Whether you are heading out on an exciting family holiday in order to enjoy a much needed break or simply making a more permanent change and moving your family abroad to a foreign country, you will need to make preparations for how you will be looked after if you require medical attention. This is especially important if you have children with you as well.
As parents, we know all too well how stressful traveling or moving with kids can be, so making sure you have the correct insurance in the event of an emergency will allow you to focus on other things knowing that the most important thing, your family, is covered. But, what exactly is the difference between international health insurance and international travel insurance, and which one do you need? And now some companies like SafetyWing are offering Nomad Insurance! What’s that and does my family need that too?
Which insurance do I need?
The difference between international health insurance and travel insurance is a source of confusion for many. Although both are intended for people spending time abroad, the level of coverage and intended purpose of each plan is significantly different. Not understanding the difference may leave you in a difficult situation overseas.
Travel insurance is geared towards providing cover for emergency treatment or unexpected circumstances while you are in another country for a short period of time, whereas international health insurance is designed to offer a comprehensive level of healthcare cover to those relocating from their home country for a longer period of time.
What is travel insurance?
Travel insurance is designed to cover you for trips of limited duration. It is intended for holidaymakers and short term trips abroad, and offers protection against travel related issues such as:
- Cancellations
- Loss of luggage
- Loss of personal belongings
- Emergency medical treatment
Many people believe that standard travel insurance will provide adequate cover in a foreign country, but are not aware of its limitations.
Does travel insurance offer any medical coverage?
Travel insurance covers short-term emergency medical treatment. It provides this coverage within your specified area of travel. The aim of which is to get you well enough to return home.
Travel insurance does not cover long-term medical treatment when necessary. In such cases, insurers usually expect you to return to your home country to continue treatment once you become medically fit to travel. Cover ceases once you are back in your country of residence
What is international health insurance?
International health insurance covers people who live or work overseas for long periods. It covers treatment for both emergency and routine healthcare, and provides expats with flexibility in terms of choice of doctor and treatment facility, with the ability to receive treatment anywhere within their region of cover.
International health insurance covers you in your home country and other countries where you regularly spend time. You need this type of insurance if you’re relocating or have a home abroad and want comprehensive medical coverage.
When experiencing a medical emergency, or even routine medical care, in a country where you are not familiar with the health system, and where you do not speak the language, international health insurance cover will ensure you get the medical attention you need.
What does international health insurance cover?
International health insurance coverage varies depending on selected plans, but often includes:
- Hospital stay
- Routine check-ups
- Cover for pre-existing conditions
- Cover for chronic conditions
- Choice of medical providers
As living abroad can already be an expensive experience, it can be tempting to try to keep costs down by opting to rely on local healthcare when you are abroad. However, should you fall ill, you may find that the local healthcare options do not meet your needs. And depending on where you are moving to and your individual circumstances, free or subsidized healthcare may not be available. Without an expatriate health plan, you may incur expensive medical costs.
Before venturing abroad, it is important to weigh up your options and ensure that you have adequate health insurance you can rely on. The correct coverage gives you peace of mind that the medical needs of you and your family are taken care of.
What options are there for families?
Any emergency is scary, but an emergency with your children can be terrifying. Thankfully, SafetyWing covers one child per adult policy for free. And they cover both the health insurance part and the travel insurance part! While we hope you’ll never have to use your travel medical insurance for your kids, it’s a fantastic safety net we’re grateful to have.
As always, be sure to check the fine print for your individual insurance plan.
Be sure to check out these other articles on how to prepare when traveling or moving abroad!
Taking the Leap: A Parent’s Guide to Long-Term Travel with Kids
