International Insurance Guide
Are you working, studying, or living abroad? With the right kind of insurance, you can get access to a wide range of services to protect yourself and your family in your host country. Our comprehensive guide will help you understand the differences between various international insurance programs.
What Is International Insurance?
International insurance refers to health insurance and travel insurance that covers people outside of their home country, whether you are just traveling, living or working abroad
Friendly Global makes it easy for you to understand the options available for international insurance and select the most suitable one for your needs. We support international health and travel coverage options.
International health insurance covers emergency and routine healthcare for persons working, studying, or living abroad. It is specifically designed to provide access to healthcare if you spend a long period overseas or have moved abroad semi-permanently.
This type of coverage is usually applicable if you are planning to live in another country for 6 months, one year, or longer. Generally, it comes in handy because during your time abroad, you will not have any coverage from the private or public health plans in your home country.
With this type of coverage, you have the flexibility to choose treatment facilities or doctors anywhere within the region it covers. It therefore becomes easier to get comprehensive, medical care wherever you happen to be.
Although the benefits of international health insurance vary by plan, here are some of the most common options:
- Inpatient and outpatient care
- Telemedicine
- Prescription drugs
- Routine checkups and wellness screenings
- Vaccinations
- Maternity care
- Chronic condition management
- Rehabilitation after surgery or injury
- Vision and dental care
- Mental health care
With a comprehensive plan, you can access healthcare coverage worldwide with 24-hour assistance.
International travel insurance is designed to provide coverage when you are taking an international trip for a short duration. It is ideal for overseas trips and holidays, providing protection for travel related events such as:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Trip cancellation
- Loss of luggage or personal belongings
- Risky vacation activities such as scuba diving or paragliding
A travel policy protects your investment in case travel plans change and you need to cancel. It can also come in handy in case of a disaster or in the event a travel or airline company goes bankrupt.
Here are the main differences between international health insurance and international travel insurance:
- International Health Insurance is suitable when working, living, or studying abroad for an extended period whereas Travel Insurance is ideal for short-term overseas trips. Because coverage benefits are different, these plans are often bundled for optimal protection.
- International health insurance is primarily focused on medical care while international travel insurance covers travel-related issues like trip cancellations and luggage loss, as well as emergency medical care.
- In certain countries, international health insurance is a legal requirement but international travel insurance is optional.
International Health and Travel Insurance for Different Types of Travelers
Global insurance coverage caters to diverse groups of people under various plans. Consider some of the most common here: :
This is international health insurance that is designed for older travelers. It takes into account pre-existing medical conditions as well as potential healthcare emergencies. Depending on the plan or extras you include, it can also cover missed flights, trip cancellations or delays, lost luggage or personal belongings, and repatriation.
International student insurance or study abroad insurance caters to individuals studying overseas. It often covers costs associated with unexpected problems such as injury, illness, an emergency back home, lost or stolen luggage, trip delays or cancellations, and medical evacuations.
Some options also include travel assistance services that include translation services across diverse languages and hospital and doctor recommendations.
Living abroad comes with a unique set of challenges and expatriate insurance is designed to protect professionals and their families spending a prolonged period overseas. In addition to healthcare, coverage options for expats often includes evacuation and repatriation benefits, and travel policies.
Insurance for digital nomads, or remote workers who travel and work from various locations, primarily focuses on health and travel coverage tailored to their unique needs and generally includes short and long term stays in multiple countries abroad.
Why Choose Friendly Global for Your Global Insurance Needs
Knowing which policy to select, what is included, and who the best provider is for your unique circumstances can feel overwhelming. Friendly Global takes the learning curve out of this process by streamlining global insurance coverage purchases.
To get suitable coverage options, all you need to do is provide answers to some questions. Based on your responses, we can recommend and connect you to the best provider for your requirements and preferences or send you viable options to choose from. Our team has 25 years of experience in this field and no matter what your needs are, we have the knowledge and experience to find you the right coverage.
Planning your next trip abroad? Whether it is a permanent or semi-permanent move or just a short vacation, we have you covered with reliable international insurance options. Get Your Quote for international insurance that’s right for you.