When moving abroad, expats have to take care of many details in order to make sure everything goes smoothly. This includes a lot of paperwork, such as residence permits or visas, passports and, of course, understanding a different healthcare system and taking out an insurance policy.
Introduction to Health Insurance for Expats
Choosing the right insurance coverage for each individual and their needs can be challenging, and it can be even more complicated when it comes to another country.
The Importance of Health Insurance Abroad
Gathering all the relevant data is key to making the informed decisions that are essential when it comes to healthcare. Making the right decisions leads to peace of mind, knowing that everything is under control and feeling safe.
Understanding Your Insurance Options
Although Spain has a very strong public healthcare system that offers universal assistance in case of an emergency, most foreigners have their own private health insurance. In fact, this is even mandatory, in some cases, to enter the country.
Your insurance options start when choosing between travel insurance, international health insurance and local health insurance, depending on your specific needs and the length of your stay in the country.
After that, you can choose between two types of coverage, with comprehensive insurance or outpatient insurance plans.
What is Comprehensive Insurance?
Comprehensive insurance offers extensive coverage, including inpatient and outpatient care, emergency services, specialist consultations, surgery, hospitalization and, in some cases, dental care.
Coverage for Medical Emergencies
You have all medical emergencies covered, including hospitalization, ambulance services and follow-up appointments with your doctor. Please note that waiting periods may apply to some medical services (e.g. hospitalization) when taking out first private insurance in Spain.
Hospitalization and Surgery
Comprehensive insurance covers hospitalization and surgery needs, including all those associated with the operation, from check-ups to anaesthesia, hospital stay, aftercare and treatments. You can choose your clinic from the medical directory of the insurance company.
Copayments and Deductibles
When choosing comprehensive healthcare insurance, understanding the concepts of copayments and deductibles is crucial.
Copayments or copays are a fixed amount you pay out-of-pocket for a specific healthcare service, while the insurance covers the remaining cost. For example, depending on the terms of your insurance a visit to a specialist might require a 10 €, 20 € of 50 € copay.
What is Outpatient Insurance?
Outpatient insurance, however, consists of a more basic health coverage that has several limitations but also a lower cost.
What is Outpatient Insurance?
Outpatient insurance specifically covers medical services that do not require hospitalization, nor emergency assistance.
Limitations of Outpatient Insurance
This type of coverage includes general practitioner visits, specialist consultations, diagnostic tests, and prescribed medications. Usually, such policies imply copayments for the provided medical services.
Benefits: No Medical Questionnaire
If you choose this type of coverage in your health insurance plan, you are not required to fill a medical questionnaire, which means you will not be rejected.
Coverage for Pre-existing Conditions
Even if you have pre-existing conditions when you take this insurance, you will be covered according to the main terms in your policy which, again, always exclude hospitalization expenses.
Comparing Comprehensive and Outpatient Insurance
Once we know what comprehensive insurance and outpatient insurance are, it is time to compare them to see which option is more convenient.
Coverage Differences
Comprehensive insurance offers a wide range of services, including both inpatient and outpatient care, making it suitable for those who require complete health protection with such major risks as hospitalization and surgery covered.
Outpatient insurance, on the other hand, focuses on non-hospital care, so it is more convenient for individuals who primarily need coverage for regular medical visits and minor treatments.
Cost Comparison
A more complete coverage always comes with higher premiums, so outpatient insurance is always a cheaper option
Flexibility and Accessibility
Comprehensive insurance plans are flexible and offer many personalization options, as well as access to a wide range of services, while outpatient insurance is limited to non-hospital care.
Recommendations for Choosing the Right Insurance
The best health insurance for expats is the one that suits each individual’s needs best. This includes considering age, health conditions, budget and lifestyle, as well as a deep knowledge of the market.
When in doubt, remember that you can always contact your trusted local insurance broker in Spain to get the best assessment attending to your specific situation and needs.
