International Insurance Policy Types

Short Term international health insurance plans are designed for people who are traveling outside their home country for a period of less than 1 year. These international health insurance plans are generally preferred by executives and missionaries who travel abroad for work or vacationers who are planning a trip overseas for a couple of months.

The international health insurance coverage benefit of the short term plans is available for people of all age groups though maximum medical coverage benefits can be enjoyed by people who are typically less than 70 years old. Individuals can also cover their spouse and dependent children.

These plans cover various medical exigencies that may result in surgeries, doctor consultation, hospitalization or emergency repatriation. The individuals are not eligible for coverage of pre-existing medical conditions that exist at the time of enrollment. In addition, these insurance plans do not reimburse for routine check-ups, dental treatments preventive care tests and vaccination.

The short term international travel health insurance plan is valid right from 5 days up to a period of 1 year. You can renew these plans for a consecutive period of 36 months. For individuals seeking coverage for more than a year, long term insurance plans are more suitable.

Long term international medical insurance plans are suited for coverage of more than one year and the premium rates vary depending on the services for which you seek coverage. These plans can be renewed on an annual basis.

Long term plan is designed for overseas travelers, marine crew workers, missionaries, professionals, expatriates and other executives who are planning a trip abroad for more than a year for personal or professional purposes and may come back to their homeland multiple times in a year.

The long term international travel health insurance plans offer coverage benefits worldwide across all countries around the globe. Coverage is available for individuals even in the homeland unlike short term medical insurance plans which provide limited coverage in the country of citizenship.

Individuals can choose between two types of coverage benefits while purchasing these international travel insurance plans – Fixed and comprehensive benefits. Depending on the type of coverage, a variety of medical expenses are covered which include surgeries, hospitalization, maternity coverage, preventive care (after a waiting period), doctor consultation, emergency evacuation and Repatriation and medical assistance during any other exigencies.

Ray Sondeo often writes about international insurance.