How to Manage Your Expat Healthcare Costs
Healthcare is one of the most important and expensive aspects of living abroad. As an expat, you may face different challenges and opportunities when it comes to accessing and paying for healthcare in your host country. Here are eight things you should know about the global cost of healthcare and how to manage it.
The cost of healthcare varies widely across the world
Depending on where you live, you may pay more or less for the same medical service or treatment. For example, according to a study by International SOS, a standard GP consultation costs $15 in India, $35 in Thailand, $68 in China, $89 in the UK, and $176 in the US. Similarly, a routine dental filling costs $20 in India, $33 in Thailand, $126 in China, $157 in the UK, and $204 in the US. You should research the cost of healthcare in your destination country before you move and budget accordingly.The quality of healthcare also varies widely across the world
Not only the cost, but also the quality of healthcare can differ significantly from country to country. Factors such as the availability of qualified doctors and nurses, the infrastructure and equipment of hospitals and clinics, the standards and regulations of medical practice, and the prevalence and prevention of diseases can affect the quality of healthcare in a country. You should check the quality of healthcare in your destination country before you move and choose a provider that meets your expectations and needs.You may need to pay for healthcare upfront
In some countries, especially in the developing world, you may have to pay for healthcare services upfront, either in cash or by credit card, before you receive any treatment. This can be a problem if you do not have enough money or if you face a medical emergency. You should always carry some local currency and a credit card with you when you travel or live abroad, and be prepared to pay for healthcare upfront if needed.You may need to get a local health insurance
In some countries, especially in the developed world, you may need to get a local health insurance to access the public healthcare system or to avoid paying high fees for private healthcare. For example, in Germany, you are required to have a statutory health insurance or a private health insurance to be eligible for healthcare services. In France, you are required to have a social security number and a health insurance card to access the public healthcare system. You should check the health insurance requirements in your destination country before you move and get a local health insurance if needed.You may need to get an international health insurance
In some cases, a local health insurance may not be enough to cover your healthcare needs as an expat. For example, if you travel frequently between different countries, if you have a pre-existing medical condition, if you need a specialized or complex treatment, or if you want to have more choice and flexibility in your healthcare provider. In these cases, you may need to get an international health insurance, which is a type of health insurance that covers you globally, regardless of where you live or travel. An international health insurance can offer you benefits such as worldwide coverage, comprehensive coverage, direct billing, emergency evacuation, and repatriation. You should compare different international health insurance plans and choose the one that suits your budget and lifestyle.You may need to get a travel insurance
In addition to a local or an international health insurance, you may also need to get a travel insurance when you travel abroad. A travel insurance is a type of insurance that covers you for non-medical risks, such as trip cancellation, baggage loss, flight delay, or personal liability. A travel insurance can also cover you for some medical risks, such as emergency medical expenses, accidental death, or disability. However, a travel insurance is usually not as comprehensive or long-term as a health insurance, and it may have some exclusions or limitations. You should read the policy document carefully and understand what is covered and what is not before you buy a travel insurance.You may need to get a health check-up before you move
Before you move to a new country, you may need to get a health check-up to make sure you are fit and healthy to travel and live abroad. A health check-up can also help you identify any potential health issues or risks that may affect your health in your destination country. For example, you may need to get vaccinated for certain diseases, such as yellow fever, typhoid, or hepatitis A, that are prevalent in some countries. You may also need to get tested for certain conditions, such as tuberculosis, HIV, or malaria, that are required by some countries for visa or immigration purposes. You should consult your doctor and get a health check-up before you move to a new country.You may need to adapt to a new healthcare culture
Finally, you may need to adapt to a new healthcare culture when you move to a new country. Healthcare culture refers to the beliefs, values, norms, and practices that influence how people perceive and access healthcare in a country. For example, some countries may have a more holistic or alternative approach to healthcare, such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, or yoga, while others may have a more conventional or scientific approach, such as surgery, medication, or physiotherapy. Some countries may have a more patient-centered or individualistic approach to healthcare, while others may have a more doctor-centered or collectivistic approach. You should respect and appreciate the healthcare culture in your destination country and try to adapt to it as much as possible.Key takeaways
Healthcare is a vital and costly aspect of living abroad. As an expat, you should be aware of the global cost of healthcare and how to manage it. You should research the cost and quality of healthcare in your destination country, get the appropriate health insurance and travel insurance, get a health check-up before you move, and adapt to the new healthcare culture. By doing so, you can ensure your health and well-being while enjoying your expat life.
