How to choose the right expatriation insurance?

How to choose the right expatriation insurance?
expatriation-insurance-choiceFor those new to expatriation insurance, it is often difficult to navigate among the multitude of offers that brokers offer. Here are the questions our customers ask us, maybe these can help you choose the best deal!

The rates ?

This is of course one of the first questions you ask yourself before purchasing expatriation insurance, how much will it cost? Unlike travel insurance, expatriation insurance offers variable rates, which are determined by three criteria.

The first important point is the age of the insured, because depending on the age group to which he belongs, the contribution will be higher or lower. The younger the insured, the lower the rate.

Second criterion, the country of expatriation. Depending on the geographical area, the price goes from single to double. Moving to a country where the cost of medicine is low (such as Mali for example) will certainly not cost you the same as moving to the United States, one of the most expensive countries. in the world.

Finally, the last price criterion is, of course, the chosen formula. Depending on whether you choose the minimum guarantee which only covers hospitalization or the most complete formula which will cover your glasses and physiotherapy sessions, the price of the insurance fluctuates.

Exactly, which contract to choose?

To be able to answer this question, your advisor will need as much information as possible about your health needs in your country of expatriation, in order to offer you the most suitable contract.

Before even talking about benefits, the currency used is an important data. Often, insurance brokers can offer you solutions in euros or dollars. It is up to you to choose the formula which will be the most advantageous for you according to the price of the currency, but also the currency in which you are paid as well as the one in which you will pay your health costs.

Then, the destination is once again a criterion that should not be overlooked, since you may be offered a contract specifically designed for your region of expatriation. For example, did you know that if you move to the United States, you may be fined if your expatriate insurance does not comply with the new Obama Care rules? And that expatriation insurance dedicated to Southeast Asia allows you to benefit from lower rates? So many advantages that you can benefit from by subscribing to a contract dedicated to a country or a geographical area.

What do guarantees actually contain?

It is often tempting for you and your wallet to choose the first deal offered by your insurance broker - the most economical one that covers only hospitalization. But do you really know what is behind the word “hospitalization”?

For example, if you go to the emergency room for half a day in the hospital, it is not considered hospitalization, and you are responsible for the care. Hospitalization corresponds to admission to a hospital for a minimum of 24 hours, and the notion of emergencies has no influence here on care. This makes you think twice ...

It is quite possible to change the chosen formula, but only at the beginning of each calendar year, in January. It is not possible to modify your guarantees during the year. All the more reason to seriously consider the question before making your choice.

What is the duration of the contract ?

Another question that comes up very often. The duration of an expatriate insurance contract is at least 12 months with tacit renewal on January 1 of each year. If you do not express your desire to terminate your contract, it will therefore be renewed each year for a period of 12 months. If, on the contrary, you no longer wish to benefit from your expatriate insurance, you must give two months' notice. However, this period may be reduced in certain cases of force majeure such as the final return to the country of origin, the loss of employment or the subscription to compulsory insurance imposed by the employer.

How long will it take for medical expenses to be reimbursed?

When a refund request is sent, it takes 7 days from receipt of the file, if all the documents are complete. If, on the contrary, the information provided is not complete and does not allow the medical service to reimburse you, it will take a few more days to send you a request for additional information.

In the event of hospitalization for more than 24 hours, you will not need to advance the costs since the coverage is directly managed