Expat insurance is not ordinary travel insurance
Travel insurance is usually short-term and emergency-focused. Expat or international health insurance is designed for people living abroad longer term, but underwriting, exclusions, networks, and waiting periods matter.
Compare inpatient limits, outpatient benefits, chronic condition rules, maternity, mental health, evacuation, direct billing, and whether the US is included or excluded.
Local vs international coverage
Some expats use local private insurance, international insurance, or a combination. Local plans may be cheaper but less portable. International plans may be broader but more expensive.
Questions to ask
- Is this coverage category available for my location, age, residency status, and enrollment window?
- Which doctors, hospitals, pharmacies, labs, and imaging centers are in network?
- What deductible, copays, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket maximum could apply?
- Are prescriptions, referrals, prior authorization, or medical records required?
- What should I get in writing before I enroll, travel, or schedule care?
Red flags
- A salesperson avoids written plan documents or official carrier links.
- The pitch focuses only on monthly premium and skips deductible, network, exclusions, and maximum exposure.
- Someone says a doctor, hospital, country, or procedure is covered without written verification.
- A limited-benefit, short-term, travel, or discount product is described like full major medical insurance.
Official sources to verify
Next step
Use the navigator to organize your situation, then verify plan-specific details with official sources, insurers, employer benefits teams, or licensed professionals.