International Health Insurance: The private insurance alternative

Would it better serve your health insurance needs while living in Germany?

Now that you have decided for private insurance because you are self-employed or can opt out of the mandatory national health system, did you realize that there are also international health insurance companies who cater specifically to the Expat market available to you?

In certain circumstances, such an international policy may be the best alternative to meet your international life style.

Depending on your personal situation there can be many benefits of an international carrier over a German private insurer.

The benefits of an International carrier over a German private insurer:

  • Access to worldwide medical care, even in your home country.
  • Portability is a great benefit. International plans allow you to move to another country or region without any effect to your cover, premium or benefits. Others allow for portability, but depending on the region, premiums may be affected.
  • The primary language used is English! From completing the enrollment form to submitting claims and 24/7 medical emergency assistance worldwide.
  • Medical evacuation and repatriation of mortal remains benefit built right into the coverage, this is an option that is available worldwide and not just in Germany.
  • International health insurance plans have direct billing arrangements with English speaking, western style hospitals and clinics worldwide and offer direct payment to the doctor or facility.
  • East enrollment! Many international plans do not require a medical exam for enrollment. However as with German private plans, there may be waiting periods for pre-existing conditions, maternity and wellness benefits.

It is important to realize that international health cover is not for everyone. For some expats it could be better to have a German private insurance. Those factors depend on your personal situation and are best answered by a professional. But here are a few instances where an expat should consider a German carrier:

What international carriers may not cover and what you, the consumer need to be aware of:

  • Are you a "Lifer" and have settled here in Germany? Your international plan may not offer life long health insurance. Many end at age 70 years or at that age instill great limitations and very high premiums. Your age and length of stay in Germany are deciding factors.
  • Your employer requires a German compliant domestic or government insurer in order for you as the employee to receive the 50% health insurance premium reimbursement. Although an international plan is ideal as a supplemental health insurance.
  • You have a pre-existing condition and are already covered by a plan that does not exclude your medical condition-changing plans may not be advisable depending on your condition.

How do you decide if a German private insurance or an international plan fits your short and long term, living and working situation? Do a bit of research and work with a credible and knowledgeable agent. Measure how important is access to US/UK or home country medical care to your family situation? How important to you is portability of your insurance policy? How important is knowing that there is an English speaking nurse there to help you 24/7 when a medical emergency or critical/chronic illness is diagnosed and you need to decide on the next step? Will you be here in Germany for the length of your stay as an employee, free lancer, family member or student and then return to the US eventually?

If an international plan fits your situation, it is important to choose a high quality international cover which offers a good medical network in the home country (otherwise costs and problems could go through the roof), chronic conditions cover, 24hr travel assistance and evacuation. This is especially important for US and Canadian expats.

If an international plan does not completely meet the needs of your situation, such coverage is a great supplement to your current German mandatory or private insurance. If you are here for the long run or just 2-3 years, you can feel more secure knowing that you have access to US or home country medical care if you are hit with a sudden accident, chronic illness that you would rather be treated in where your can be near to your family an received the highest quality care. Or perhaps you prefer the comfort knowing that you can request a semi private room and the choice of your doctor? International plans offer an ideal option as your primary health insurance or as a supplementary plan to your basic German mandatory plan, depending on your personal situation.

Our thanks to Integra Global for contributing this article.

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