International Health Insurance Systems Around The World

As an international traveler, you must know that health insurance systems vary by country. To make your international trip smooth, it’s a good idea to know about how international health insurance systems work, especially if you’re planning a trip longer than a month.

Usually, the international health insurance plan holder will pay the amount and later be reimbursed, but it also depends on the insurance company. While a combination of public and private funding is most common, some countries work on a 100% private insurance system.

In the United States, healthcare is almost exclusively funded by the private sector, and the government is involved in two major health insurance plans: Medicaid and Medicare. The system has come under heavy fire for being inefficient in spite of 16% of the GDP spent on healthcare. Private international insurance must be purchased by those needing healthcare coverage in the United States.

In the United Kingdom, however, 89% of the population depends entirely on public insurance, which usually excludes eye and dental treatment. Some purchase additional private coverage for expanded coverage. If you are an international visitor to the United Kingdom, you must purchase international health insurance prior to landing.

The system of health insurance followed by France is social health insurance, and covers all residents. The system derives its funds from compulsory contributions by residents. Many residents buy additional private insurance. If you are planning to visit France, check whether you need a Schengen visa, and also whether your international health insurance policy meets prescribed standards.

Singapore’s healthcare system has come in for much praise. The country spends a mere 3.8% of its GDP on healthcare and has adopted a dual system, where government and private healthcare compete with each other. While primary healthcare is mostly taken care of by the private sector (80%) in-patient care is taken care of by public hospitals (80%). Travelers to Singapore must read the terms carefully before seeking care under international travel health insurance.

Many other countries may have systems similar to, or in-between, the systems mentioned above. International travel health insurance and knowledge of coverage are a must for international travel. In India, healthcare is free for everyone at public hospitals, but the quality of care is questionable.

If you’re traveling abroad, be sure to purchase the short-term or long-term international health insurance plan that is right for you. These plans are underwritten by industry leaders like Nationwide, Lloyd’s, and AIG.

Ray Sondeo often writes about international insurance.