Our advice to choose your health insurance

To find out what kind of coverage suits you, it’s about defining your past or future medical habits. Take the time to analyze your expectations. Examples of questions to ask to yourself:
– Do I want to cover myself only in case of emergency or do I want to be free to consult my doctor when I want to?
– Do I have specific medical conditions that require special medical monitoring?
– What are the needs that I must absolutely cover when I am abroad?

– What are the medical fees charged in my host country?
– What is the quality and level of care to expect from the new host country?
Depending on the characteristics of your country of expatriation, opt for an insurance policy adapted to these elements.

– CFE Complement (Caisse des Français de l’Etranger), 1st EURO or Dollar cover, or choice of a local provider?
– Hospitalization expenses only or all type of health costs?
– Health coverage in the host country or global coverage?
– Am I insured in France when I come back?

Do you know the insurance company that the broker or the website provides?

The more flexible the contract is, the more insurance coverage options there are and the easiest it is for the expat to find the most suitable solution.

– What are the different insurance coverages provided by the insurer?
What is the territoriality of the contract?
– How are reimbursements calculated and on what basis?
– Presence of a maximum ceiling of reimbursement per year. If so, what is it?
– Are there any optional coverages such as repatriation assistance, liability insurance, provident insurance (payment of capital in the event of death, incapacity, or payment of daily benefits)?

– How do your health care expenses are managed?
– What is your abroad health expenses reimbursement’s deadline?
– Do you have to apply for an agreement with your insurer before to initiate some of your health expenses?
– How can requests for reimbursement be made?
– What steps can be taken online?

Third-party payment, direct payment of hospitalization expenses, repatriation, … Your insurance contract must facilitate your reimbursements.

Some claims may not be covered by your health insurance.

Finally, compare the costs:

– Do you benefit from a discount on the insurance premium for an annual rather than split payment?
– What are the means of payment?
– Is there a membership fee?
– Can you choose the payment currency of your contract?