US Citizens Living Overseas: Insurance For US Expats (2024)

What Should Americans Look for in an International Plan for US Expats?

Cheap Health Insurance Is Not Always the Best Option

Moving to a new country can sound very exciting. You will be tempted to start packing your bags after listening to an expatriate's stories of an international lifestyle. The cost of living is so low they can afford to eat out daily; they can hire cleaning staff or a private gardener. And, best of all, a trip to the local doctor is very affordable.

The lower cost of living is a significant factor in the decision for U.S. citizens to become expats. Additionally, minor maladies are often treated for just a modest cost, unlike in the U.S. or other countries with expensive healthcare services.

But don’t be fooled into thinking you will receive the same level of care, access, and expense for more severe medical problems. The cost of specialist treatments, comprehensive diagnostics like an MRI, support systems from translators, and home care nurses can add up to an astronomical cost - and at an astronomical speed. And that doesn’t take into account transportation to and from hospitals or appointments.

The quiet lifestyle in a remote area that attracts you to live overseas, whether on a beloved island, secluded reef or mountain village, can work against you when you need to hire an air ambulance for a medical evacuation.

When Choice Equals Comfort

Being sick must not prevent you from exercising your right to choose the quality of healthcare service you receive. Feeling that you have lost control over the situation can affect your well-being and worsen your condition. Finding yourself in a situation where medical service is absent when you need it the most can be infuriating and frustrating.

Health plans for U.S. citizens living overseas ensure these annoying circ*mstances do not happen to you. The right international insurance plan gives you the power to choose a hospital or doctor to receive better healthcare service.

Insurance for U.S. expats gives you the control to make the following decisions:

• Would you prefer to be under the care of a male or a female specialist?
• From which hospital in your new town or city do you want to receive healthcare services?
• Do you prefer a private or semi-private room when you get admitted?

The freedom to choose between these options means that you are looking at the right insurance package to apply for. Having the power to make these decisions will also help you regain some control over the process, which can benefit your health.

Don't Skip Preventative Care When You Move Abroad

Even if you’re in good health, your body needs protection throughout your life, especially while adapting to a new environment. Without preventative care, an accident or illness can quickly turn into a crisis. Insurance covers you when life’s unexpected issues arise.

Getting health benefits for U.S. expats is a must to maintain your health. These policies can cover regular check-ups with the dentist or optometrist, scheduled annual physical health care examinations, and preventive care. Wellness visits are the best way to ensure you continue living a healthy life. A healthy lifestyle can reduce the chance of medical problems getting out of hand.

When securing health coverage for living abroad, ensure that it also covers preventive and wellness care for your peace of mind.

Avoid a Gap in Coverage

It is common for many internationals and executives to stay abroad for an extra month or even an additional year. Volunteering in an organization, honing photography skills, or perfecting a new language — the purpose for extending their stay varies.

After being covered by your employer or a school policy, you will often feel healthy and confident to the point that you do not extend your coverage. However, there are no guarantees when it comes to health.

Do not gamble with a coverage gap, thinking that you don’t need protection just because you have never encountered a medical problem before. Make sure the policy you have remains in effect during your extended stay overseas.

The best thing about expatriate life for Americans abroad is living life to the fullest without worrying much about money. But to do this, you must take care of your health no matter where you are in the world.

Expatriate Health Insurance for Americans Living Abroad

We would suggest the following three plans for U.S. citizens living abroad. The most popular plan is the Cigna Global Medical plan, as it offers a wide range of plans and a modular plan design allowing U.S. expats to design a policy that meets their needs and budget. Probably our most comprehensive plan for Americans abroad is the GeoBlue Xplorer plan. The benefits are comprehensive, it offers the most coverage in the USA through the Blue Cross Blue Shield network, and the service is excellent. A more affordable option is the IMG Global Medical Insurance plan. The plan has affordable options for younger, more budget-conscious U.S. expats living abroad.

Related: Or You Can Compare: Compare and Review Global Medical Plans

Also Read:

• Health Insurance When Working Abroad
• Overseas Medical Plans
• US Health Insurance for Foreigners Living in America

Travel Health Plans for US Expats Visiting the USA

Life as a U.S. expatriate is more flexible than ever. Freelancers with fluid schedules can take advantage of free time to travel worldwide; overseas teachers can enjoy extended summer holidays. Come the holiday season, retirees rent out their apartments to tourists and take up temporary residency elsewhere.

For American expats, the temptation to travel back home to the United States for a short visit to catch up with friends and family, renew connections with colleagues, celebrate the holidays, or even travel to a new part of the country is always present. And with travel connections becoming easier to arrange than ever before, the same goes for a travel health policy.

Here are a few pointers on what American expats need to know before visiting the United States, especially if your international health policy does not include coverage in the USA.

Insurance Coverage for US Citizens Returning to America

If you have a comprehensive global insurance plan, it is likely also to include coverage in the USA. Check your existing coverage to confirm this. If you have a local plan in your new country that does not cover you during your travels, then you will need cover when you visit the USA. For this, we have a couple of options for you.

All forms of coverage have restrictions and limitations. American expatriates returning to visit the United States are not exempt from these constraints.

But before you check out the restrictions, make sure you first meet the insurer's definition of being an expat. In many cases, that may include proof that you have resided outside of the United States for a certain period. Other providers may require you to have pre-existing coverage established in your new residence before they extend coverage for your trip to the United States. They may also limit the length of time you are covered while in the United States before you are considered a permanent resident once more.

Travel Medical Plans for US Expats Traveling to the USA

Patriot America Plan

The Patriot America Travel Insurance plan provides coverage for people traveling outside their residence country whose destination includes the U.S. or its territories. A U.S. citizen residing in a foreign country can purchase a Patriot America plan to visit the USA.

It’s important to note that while travel medical plans like Patriot offer a complete package of international benefits for medical emergencies, they won’t cover you if you want to get a checkup from your old primary care doctor.

Travel Medical Plans for all Situations and Nationalities

We offer a variety of travel medical insurance plans for all nationalities traveling anywhere in the world. Take a look at our dedicated page where we Compare Travel Medical Insurance plans offered by trusted providers. We also offer Visitors Insurance Coverage for anyone traveling from one country to visit another country.

Budget Like an American

One of the best things about the life of an American expat is the affordable quality of life. But if you have been away from your home country for too long, you might forget the real health care coverage costs in the United States.

Ensure you are updated on your facts and figures and compare packages with a realistic eye. A payout of $150 a night for unexpected hospital stay costs might sound very generous if you live in Guatemala or Thailand. However, it may not be sufficient coverage if you visit New York or Los Angeles.

It is time to budget your finances like an American once again! Review the insurance for U.S. expats we have listed here to get the best one suited to your needs.

Pro Tip: Start by Requesting a Quote for your cover. We will provide two or more options from the leading insurance providers and can customize coverage to your needs and budget.

Related:

• Travel Insurance for Visitors to the USA
• Health Plans in Mexico for US Citizens
• Insurance for US Citizens in Canada
• Health Insurance for Canadians Living in the USA

Author: Joe Cronin, Founder and President of International Citizens Insurance. Mr. Cronin, a former expat, is an authority in the areas of international travel, and global health, life, and travel insurance, with expertise in advising individuals and groups on benefits for today's global workforce. Follow him on LinkedIn or Twitter.