by Leslie Smith of Medibroker International

Since the explosive growth of the past decade in global telecommunications and the Internet, more expatriates are working on contract overseas, than ever before. More families and couples are retiring abroad at an earlier age, being very familiar over the years with foreign holidays to such as Spain and Portugal, or Florida. Private Medical Insurance, Income Protection and Critical Illness cover are becoming vital pre-requisites of the expatriate, particularly if one has a young family. Overseas tours are well paid, but few companies offer the benefits of a decade or so ago. Expat tours are often only a 1-3 years. Thus, keeping fit AND having Healthcare Insurance is often essential for peace of mind.

There are two matters, apart from premium costs, where potential expats often have little information. The first are the costs of medical services. For example, the cost of a fully supported emergency evacuation to Europe from Saudi Arabia can be at least GBP25,000. A simple hernia operation costs about GBP1,500 in the UK today, probably 2-3 times more in the USA, with a hip replacement costing anywhere from GBP5,000 to GBP50,000 depending on the complications of such surgery. A major operation such as heart surgery or multiple pinning of bones following accidents can be many thousands of pounds in surgery and aftercare. Claims totalling GBP100,000 are no longer unusual. Thus, the costs of even a minor operation is often a big shock in itself. The second matter is definitions regarding Insurance Company Plans and Policies. What does it mean in benefit terms, to have a SpecialCare Plan or a Deluxe Plan, an UltraPlan, Standard or Budget Plan?