For a long trip or a transfer abroad, it is better to plan everything carefully and think seriously about taking out good medical insurance with repatriation, even if you are already covered by the local health system of your destination.
Thus, international private insurance will be your great ally.
We will explain it to you in detail below.
Why take out medical insurance with repatriation?
Healthcare abroad: a cost that must not be neglected
It’s no myth: healthcare is expensive abroad.
In some countries, such as the United States, a simple consultation with a GP already involves a significant cost, not to mention the more specialized medical procedures whose prices can skyrocket.
And even in countries where fees are reasonable, the slightest unforeseen event can quickly turn out to be very expensive, especially hospitalization.
Without insurance, you will have to pay the entire bill and often even post a bond in order to be seen.
Regarding repatriation, keep in mind that it is not something that happens only to others, and its cost rises very quickly: about 40,000 euros for a repatriation by medical plane, not counting the time used to carry out the previous administrative procedures.
And it is not a question of resorting to Social Security, which only exceptionally and partially reimburses healthcare expenses incurred abroad.
Local health insurance is too limited
Citizens who live abroad and are affiliated with a local health insurance, or travelers with insurance linked to their bank card, may think that these solutions are enough to be covered in case of unforeseen events.
But in any case, this is usually not true.
Credit card insurance has franchises and limits that may not be enough to cover the expenses incurred, and its guarantees do not apply in all cases (duration of the trip, coverage exclusions, etc.).
Regarding local insurance, their main drawback is that they do not cover repatriation assistance and do not protect the insured beyond the borders of their country of expatriation: treatments received in their country of origin or during stays abroad do not they are covered.
How to choose adequate repatriation health insurance?
What you should not overlook
Good repatriation health insurance can include many additional coverages, such as luggage protection or legal assistance, but above all it must offer optimal coverage for hospitalization and repatriation, which are the most expensive and urgent procedures, and those that require more paperwork.
Therefore, it is necessary to check the level of coverage provided for these two risks and, in the best of cases, to be able to benefit from the waiver of advance payment of hospitalization costs.
International insurance companies: a guarantee of safety
To contract health and repatriation insurance, it is strongly recommended to contact a company specialized in international insurance.
It is the guarantee of a contract protected by the legislation of most countries, but also due to the fact that it is designed by professionals so that it is easily understandable and manageable, in order to better satisfy the needs of travelers and expatriates.
The experience of these companies allows them to offer their affiliates partnerships with local professionals and support networks. They offer an online platform or application that allows easy access to Spanish-speaking advisers from anywhere in the world and at any time, and they are able to implement the necessary logistics in case of emergency.
The best private health insurance depends on each person
The best repatriation health insurance for you will depend largely on your personal situation (place of residence, particular needs, number of insured people and professional situation).
You will need to examine additional premiums and coverage exclusions, which is essential for people with pre-existing conditions.
It is also important to check that the reimbursements are not low, that the contracts are flexible and have a good value for money.