Health insurance abroad is essential for any expat. In addition to expat healthcare insurance rates, insurance providers or online insurance comparison sites can provide life assurance quotes and auto insurance rates to provide you with overseas coverage. However, remember that cheap insurance may not represent the best value for money if you need to make a claim - as an expat you may require specialist expatriate insurance cover abroad.

To request free, no-obligation quotes from leading insurers, please visit our expat insurance page

Insurance is a major expense that expats need to factor into their budgets when planning a move to Florida. There are several different types of insurance, but the types of insurance that most Florida residents own are health insurance, automobile insurance and homeowners' insurance.

Health Insurance

Although it is not required for US citizens and residents to carry health insurance, the cost of US health care pretty much necessitates some type of health insurance.

Health insurance plans have a variety of offerings and coverage, ranging from basic doctor visits to every health care interaction, prescription coverage, dental and vision services. Insurance plans all have a deductible and will involve co-pay.

Most people in the USA receive health insurance through their employers. For those purchasing health insurance on their own, instead of through an employer, there are a number of health insurance companies to choose from, including American National Insurance Company, Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, Health Net, and Kaiser Permanente, just to name a few. Expats may want to consider purchasing international health insurance from a company like BUPA. International health insurance premiums tend to be cheaper than most local insurance companies (although be aware that the US has the most expensive medical care in the world, so premiums are adjusted for this). International health insurance is particularly useful if you will be spending a long time away from your home country or if you will be traveling to many different countries, as the coverage follows you wherever you go. For expats who will be spending a short amount of time in the US, general travel insurance should cover most medical needs.

For more information about US health insurance, please refer to the Insurance section of the USA Country Guide.

Automobile Insurance

If you purchase an automobile in Florida, you must purchase auto insurance. Auto insurance covers the vehicle, not the driver, and there a number of different types of coverage available, ranging in cost. Allstate, GEICO, Nationwide, Progressive, and State Farm Insurance are a few of the major national auto insurance companies, and most communities in Florida will have a branch with an independent agent. There are also several smaller agencies located throughout the state, which can be found in the local telephone directory or by searching online for agents within your county of residence.

Homeowners' Insurance

Homeowners insurance is not required by Florida law, but some cities and counties require liability coverage if you own certain pets or a swimming pool.

If you have a mortgage on your home, your mortgage lender will require you to have full coverage, including flood (if located in a special zone), fire, liability, windstorm, etc. Some developments and subdivisions may also require insurance.

Types of residential insurance include homeowner, condominium, renters and mobile home. All of these types provide property and liability coverage. Property coverage insures against perils such as fire, wind, hail, vandalism, and theft. A basic homeowners' insurance plan does not cover flood damage. Coverage for flood damage must be purchased separately through the Federal Government's National Flood Insurance Program. Information can be found at the official web site for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Some private insurance companies may be unwilling to insure homeowners in high risk areas. The Citizens Property Insurance Corporation was created in 2002 to act as a safety net for Floridians without private insurance options.

The Office of Insurance Regulation and the Florida Insurance Council offers more detailed information about the types of insurance coverage available and how to make a claim.