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One of the most challenging decisions a person can take is to move base and stay in a foreign country. There are many issues that have to be contemplated during the planning process. Health can be considered as one of the most important concerns and hence, it is highly essential for all expatriates to buy an international health insurance plan.

Medical expenses can prove to be very high abroad and purchasing a reliable health insurance plan is a good option for all expatriates. There are many factors that have to be evaluated before purchasing an international health insurance plan.

The effective date of coverage, the coverage period, the coverage offered, the benefits offered, the clauses and claims and the conditions of the international health insurance plan should be carefully studied and reviewed.

Insurance companies have websites of their own on which all details regarding international health insurance plans are available along with the forms. Expatriates can also use a comparison tool to compare and contrast between different international medical insurance plans and then choose the most suitable one.

It is necessary to verify if the international health insurance plan covers factors such as maternity expenses, pre-existing conditions, emergency medical care, hospitalization, medication bills, emergency evacuation, chronic conditions, dental expenses, in patient charges that include X-rays, ambulance transportation charges, scans and even transplants and out-patient charges that require treatment outside the hospital. A waiting period may be incurred for some of the benefits.

The total benefit that is being offered should be checked and the deductible should also be studied because more the deductible, lower the premium and lower the premium, higher the deductible.

It is also essential to consider the time period of stay and also the date of commencement of the insurance before purchasing it. The international travel health insurance plan should also be able to offer coverage throughout the country of residence.

There are several payment methods offered by different international health insurance companies. Expatriates can select a good international health insurance plan and then pay using the most convenient medium. At times, an upfront annual payment of the premium can prove to be cheaper than monthly investments.

US and UK teaching professionals typically travel abroad for teaching the English language to other country citizens. Typically, these assignments range from a period of few months up to a year or slightly more. During their stay abroad, they need to protect themselves from exigencies by purchasing an appropriate international travel health insurance policy.

Depending on the duration of overseas stay, the teachers can purchase short term or long term international health insurance plans. Accordingly, the coverage benefits and validity varies depending on the insurance company as well as the international insurance policy purchased by the individual.

If the required coverage duration is less than a year, international short term medical insurance plans are beneficial. These flexible plans cover individuals for as less as 5 days. After this period, the same policy can renewed continuously for a period of 36 months. Spouse, children and other dependents are also eligible to be covered under the short term international insurance plan.

Medical emergencies like emergency repatriation, surgeries, doctor consultation and hospitalization are covered by short term international medical insurance plans. Pre-existing medical conditions coverage is generally excluded from these short duration travel medical insurance plans. In addition, routine check-ups, dental treatments, preventive care tests and vaccinations are also not covered. Generally, short term international plans come with a lot of restrictions during temporary stay at homeland during the valid period of coverage.

Teacher can purchase long term international medical insurance plans if the planned overseas stay extends more than one year. Teachers can choose from two broad categories of coverage benefits – Fixed benefit and Comprehensive benefit.

The coverage amounts and benefits offered by fixed benefit plans are very limited as compared to comprehensive plans which work out more beneficial in the long run.

Long term international insurance plans cover the insured during the stay at homeland also. In addition to submitting an enrolment form, applicants are also required to fill up medical questionnaires

Some Long term international travel health insurance plans offer additional services like maternity coverage, preventive care, emergency medical assistance, evacuation and repatriation as well as coverage for pre-existing conditions. Based on the services chosen by the insured, the premium costs are calculated.