It is a well-known fact that healthcare systems vary across the world. It’s a good idea for a traveler going abroad to know how international health insurance works at the destination. This information is especially useful for short-term visitors who plan to reside at the destination for more than a month.
Usually, the international health insurance plan holder will pay the amount and later be reimbursed, but it also depends on the insurance company. While a combination of public and private funding is most common, some countries work on a 100% private insurance system.
The U.S. healthcare system is mostly private-apart from two programs-Medicare and Medicaid. If you are visiting the United States, you must purchase international health insurance. The country’s healthcare system is a matter of passionate debate, because 16% of the GDP is spent on healthcare, and people feel the system is inadequate.
In contrast, the U.K. healthcare system is almost entirely funded by public insurance, with a few people (11% of the population) opting for extra private insurance for better coverage. Most people receive medical treatment for free, barring a few conditions-eye and dental treatment, for instance. international health insurance is a must for all international visitors.
In France, a compulsory health insurance system is funded mainly by contributions by all residents, and the government agency manages most healthcare and public hospitals. Just as in the United Kingdom, some residents purchase extra private health insurance. International visitors to France must check Schengen visa requirements and attendant international travel health insurance criteria.
One healthcare system that seems to have worked well is Singapore’s-a system where public and private healthcare compete on all levels. Singapore’s GDP spend on healthcare-a mere 3.8%–is one of the lowest in the world, and its healthcare indicators are one of the best. In Singapore, private primary healthcare and public hospital care are most common. Travelers to Singapore must check their international health insurance coverage and method of payment and reimbursement.
Keep in mind that other countries might have their own systems that are different from, or a combination of, these. If you’re traveling to India, you’ll notice that public healthcare is free or heavily subsidized. However, the quality may not be adequate. Remember to understand the destination, and what your international health insurance policy covers and does not before departure.
For coverage abroad, there are a range of short-term and long-term international health insurance plans, underwritten by renowned companies such as Lloyd’s, Nationwide, and AIG.
Ray Sondeo often writes about international insurance.