Access to healthcare should be a priority when moving abroad, especially in the current COVID-19 pandemic environment. Without proper planning, expats may face high medical bills or may not even have access to good healthcare facilities and services. Since the quality of healthcare services and applicable rules vary between countries, expats should understand the systems in their host countries and ensure they can get access to good medical care, hopefully for a competitive price.
The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the importance of healthcare services in general, and hospitals and facilities in many countries are stretched with the ongoing health situation.
Formerly, understanding the details about a host country's healthcare system may not have been a priority for some expats, unless having insurance was a requirement. In the current environment, however, expats should prioritize healthcare when relocating, regardless of whether it's mandatory or not.
Remember to research the following regarding healthcare in your host country.
The public healthcare system
Some expats will have access to public healthcare in host countries, depending on their visas and the rules of the respective countries.
Here are a few things you should check:
- If you have access to public healthcare
- If you should register for it and the process
- What services are free and what is not. For example, will you have to pay a portion of the cost of certain services?
- Should you expect to wait in line for any services such as non-urgent surgeries?
Private health insurance options
Having private health insurance for any medical matters you may not be fully covered by the public healthcare system or for better services, depending on the destination, is generally a good idea.
Shop around for quotes to make sure you get the most suitable option at a competitive price. Expats who travel frequently, like digital nomads, could get travel health insurance policies that cover them across many countries. If you're relocating for employment or are in the process of securing a job, check if your employer will provide any healthcare coverage. Additionally, see if your current insurance policy in your home country can cover you overseas.
Here are some factors to note when selecting a private health insurance policy:
- Understand your requirements
- Coverage for COVID-19
- Waiting periods for existing conditions and any exclusions
- What hospitals you'll have access to?
- What services or portions you must pay for out-of-pocket?
- The claiming process. Can you easily make claims online?
- The cost
Other costs of healthcare
Unless you are fully covered for all medical-related matters, you'll still have some expenses to bear beyond the cost of insurance. For example, if not included in your insurance policy, dental services can be expensive in some places. Similarly, if you're someone who takes regular medication, that's another medical cost if not covered by insurance. However, once you understand the general costs of healthcare services in your host country, you can decide what extras you want to add to your insurance policy, depending on your requirements.
Insurance may seem like an unnecessary cost in certain low-cost destinations. However, healthcare bills even in affordable countries can add up, especially in an emergency, and hence expats should prioritize healthcare when relocating abroad.
The standard of healthcare facilities
The quality of facilities can vary between countries and even within a country. For example, public hospitals in some places may have basic facilities and can be overcrowded. While the pandemic has caused chaos in hospitals in many destinations, understanding what you can expect from the healthcare services available to you will help avoid surprises.
Why expats should prioritize healthcare when relocating
The COVID-19 pandemic has shown how uncertain situations and life, in general, can be. For example, discovering a sudden health condition and not having access to good healthcare can result in a lot of stress, regret, and a possible financial burden. Additionally, returning home for medical treatment might be challenging in the current environment due to mobility restrictions and other issues such as the COVID-19 situation in your home country.
Hence expats should prioritize healthcare when relocating and do their best to have access to good medical facilities – as we wait for the ongoing pandemic to ease.
