International Insurance – Short Term vs Long Term

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 short term insurance plans offer coverage benefits for all age groups and are most beneficial for those travelers who are less than 70 years old. Dependent children and spouse are also eligible for coverage under the short term plans.

The short term plans cover the individuals against unforeseen illnesses or injuries which may result in hospitalization, doctor consultation, repatriation and surgeries. The individual would not be eligible for coverage for those medical conditions that already exist at the time of application of the plan. In addition, these policies do not cover routine check-ups, screening tests for preventive care, vaccination or dental treatments.

The short term international 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 designed for individuals planning an overseas trip for more than a year. Travelers can opt for a variety of services and coverage benefits based on which the premiums would be calculated. These plans are generally renewed every year depending on your stay overseas.

Long term insurance coverage is suited for travelers planning for an overseas trip for more than a year, professionals, executives, expatriates, marine crew workers and missionaries who are staying abroad for work purposes and make multiple trips to their home country every year.

The long term international health insurance plans offer worldwide coverage across all countries in the globe. These global health plans offer coverage for individuals even in their native country as against short term insurance policies which offer only limited coverage in the homeland.

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.