Author Topic: International health insurance (for expats) - how to find the best?  (Read 1855 times)

asianmoustache

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 3
Hi Moustachians, wondering whether someone has experience with this.
Basically, looking for the most cost effective health insurance solution (not being covered by any employer etc). How would you go about this?

Been looking at getting a policy with a fairly high excess and outpatient not being covered but with an increasing number of procedures being done as outpatient procedures now I am worried that there is quite a risk.
Any idea?

Thank you

PS: We are outside the US so won't have to deal with the horrendous US costs.....
« Last Edit: January 05, 2017, 08:01:06 PM by asianmoustache »

NewbieFrugalUK

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 55
Re: International helath insurance (for expats) - how to find the best?
« Reply #1 on: January 05, 2017, 07:51:22 AM »
I don't know where you are but there is often a big price difference between cover just for one country and 'expat' insurance which covers lots of countries. Do check that! Obvs if your main country is an expensive one then it won't make that much difference but it might be worth investigating local insurance packages that are open to expats. Good luck! Oh,and from previous hard won experience, if you want it to cover pregnancy and delivery, it's expensive and difficult to get! ;)

asianmoustache

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 3
Re: International helath insurance (for expats) - how to find the best?
« Reply #2 on: January 05, 2017, 08:00:43 PM »
Thanks a lot. That's useful. We are in Singapore now so probably not the cheapest.
From your experience, how much would I need to budget. I feel paying over 1000 USD/month for a family of 4 is outrageous.....

NewbieFrugalUK

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 55
Re: International health insurance (for expats) - how to find the best?
« Reply #3 on: January 06, 2017, 01:07:07 PM »
Wow that does sound outrageous! I was paying 2.5k USD for annual cover (in Sg) for one including expensive pregnancy insurance. That was 2 years ago but still. Definitely check local - have you looked at ntuc? It's all very complicated with co-pays etc so maybe get a broker? Good luck!

NewbieFrugalUK

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 55
Re: International health insurance (for expats) - how to find the best?
« Reply #4 on: January 06, 2017, 01:09:50 PM »
Or move over the causeway? We pay 700 ringitts per month for a family of 4 (hospitalisation only) but still... :)

asianmoustache

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 3
Re: International health insurance (for expats) - how to find the best?
« Reply #5 on: January 08, 2017, 09:30:45 PM »
thanks, will check NTUC. Good tip.

windypig

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 159
  • Age: 38
  • Location: Vermont, Boston, Cape Cod
  • You are what you hate.
Re: International health insurance (for expats) - how to find the best?
« Reply #6 on: January 08, 2017, 09:33:41 PM »
We are planning to expatriate to Honduras in the next few years - commenting to follow this thread.