How Does Global Health Insurance Differ From Regular Health Insurance Plans?

Medical emergencies can happen anywhere. Picture this; you are on a dream vacation to some European city when suddenly you’re stuck by a severe bout of food poisoning. A quick visit to a hospital emergency room, in a foreign land, pushes you into healthcare costs that you were not prepared for. Or imagine you’re an NRI visiting family in India, and you need urgent medical care, would your existing health insurance from another country have you covered? These are scenarios where the choice between regular and global health insurance can make a world of difference.

Typically, a regular health insurance plan would provide you a comprehensive coverage within the borders of your home country. However, global health insurance steps in as saviour when you are traveling or living abroad. But how exactly are these two different? Let’s find out.

This Is What Global Health Insurance Offers

So unlike a regular health insurance policy, which primarily provides you coverage for domestic medical neds, a global plan is tailored specifically to meet the requirements of international travelers, expatriates, and NRIs. This is why it stands out;

1) Global Medical Facilities

A global health insurance typically allows policyholders to seek treatment at select or network medical institutions abroad. This may not be limited to emergencies, many plans also cover planned medical treatments - meaning you can undergo a scheduled surgery or treatment at a renowned network hospital overseas. A regular plan, on the other hand, restricts coverage to hospitals within the country only.

2) Medical Evacuation and Repatriation

Imagine you are traveling to a foreign land that is remote and has limited healthcare options. Unfortunately, you are met with an urgent medical need and must come back to India for treatment. A global health insurance plan often includes medical evacuation which can transport you back to the nearest high-quality healthcare facility, even if it’s in a different country than India. For expatriates or frequent travelers, this feature can be a lifesaver.

3) Tailored for Frequent Fliers and NRIs

Global health insurance plans are designed with flexibility in mind and come with features that are exclusively tailored for frequent travelers and NRIs. It typically involves the following features that you may not find in a regular plan;

- Coverage for specific travel-related health risks such as adventure sports.

- A multilingual support when you are in a foreign land and dealing with language barriers.

- Some plans may even provide you travel and accommodation expenses for a companion in certain cases.

Key considerations to keep in mind when buying a global health insurance plan;

If you are thinking about getting a global health plan there are some key factors to understand that can help you choose the right policy;

Network Hospitals: The most important thing to check is whether your plan provides a comprehensive network of internationally reputed hospitals. The wider the network, the better your access to quality healthcare.

Scope of Coverage: Not all plans cover every country or medical condition. Make sure your policy includes the countries you frequently visit and offers coverage for a wide range of illnesses and emergencies.

Cost and Premiums: Compare premiums and coverage benefits. While global health insurance tends to be pricier than regular plans, discounts are often available for NRIs or frequent travelers, making it more affordable.

Inclusions and Exclusions: Read the fine print carefully to understand what’s covered and what's not.

As the world gets increasingly interconnected, the need for financial security, particularly in terms of healthcare knows no border. It’s best to evaluate for yourself if you need a global health insurance plan. It can bridge many gaps and offer peace of mind to anyone who may find themselves needing medical care far from home.