International health insurance in the EEA: what it covers and who it is for

International health insurance can help people access eligible private medical treatment when their lives, work or healthcare needs involve more than one country. This guide explains how it works, who it may suit and what to consider when looking at cover within the EEA.

What is international health insurance?

International health insurance, sometimes called international private medical insurance, is designed for people whose lives or work involve more than one country. It can provide cover for eligible private medical treatment across a defined geographical area, rather than being limited to a single national healthcare system.

Who might benefit from international health insurance?

International health insurance may be relevant for several types of internationally mobile people, including:

●      Expatriates living outside their country of origin.

●      Families who have relocated internationally.

●      Employees working abroad and their eligible dependants.

●      People who divide their time between different countries.

Unlike travel insurance, international health insurance is designed to provide ongoing cover for eligible medical treatment during the policy year, rather than focusing mainly on short-term emergencies while travelling.

What does international health insurance cover?

International health insurance may cover private treatment for eligible medical conditions, depending on the policy and level of cover selected. Common areas of cover may include:

●      Inpatient and day-patient treatment, including hospital accommodation and surgery.

●      Eligible cancer diagnosis and treatment.

●      Outpatient care, including specialist consultations and diagnostic tests.

●      Repatriation or medical evacuation, where included in the selected level of cover and

medically necessary.

●      Maternity and dental benefits on certain levels of cover, subject to waiting periods and

limits.

Some benefits are only available on higher levels of cover. Some treatments may require a medical referral or approval in advance. Policyholders should check the Table of Benefits and full policy terms before arranging treatment.

Local versus international health insurance: what is the difference?

The main difference is the geographical area the policy is designed to cover.

Local health insurance is usually arranged for healthcare within one country and may be linked to that country’s healthcare system or legal requirements. International health insurance is designed to provide eligible private medical cover across a wider geographical area, subject to the policy terms.

●      Local insurance may be more suitable for someone who lives and receives treatment

in one country.

●      International insurance may suit people whose work, family or healthcare needs

involve more than one country.

Is international health insurance a substitute for compulsory cover?

Generally, no. Some EEA countries require residents to have a particular type of health insurance under local law. International health insurance may sit alongside compulsory or statutory health insurance, depending on local requirements.

This is especially important in Germany. Freedom Worldwide is not a substitute for mandatory German health insurance, and people who are subject to that requirement are not eligible to use the policy in its place.

Freedom Health GmbH international cover for EEA residents

Freedom Health GmbH offers Freedom Worldwide, an international private medical insurance product available to eligible individuals and their dependants whose main home is in an EEA country. For policy purposes, this means they live there for more than six months of the year. If you move country or your circumstances change, you should tell Freedom Health GmbH so we can confirm whether your cover can continue. Cover may also be arranged for eligible employees through business or group policies.

Freedom Worldwide has five levels of cover: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum and Diamond. Annual benefit limits range from €500,000 to €2 million. A health insurance broker can help applicants understand the differences between each level of cover and identify an option that suits their circumstances and budget.

Freedom Health GmbH is a licensed insurance agent based in Hamburg. It arranges and administers the policy, while the insurance is provided by the underwriter named in the policy documents.

Key takeaways

 

●      International health insurance provides ongoing private medical cover across a

defined geographical area.

●      It may suit people who live or work internationally, including expatriates, cross-

border workers and relocating families.

●      Depending on the level of cover selected, benefits may include hospital treatment,

cancer care, outpatient treatment and repatriation or medical evacuation.

●      It usually complements, rather than replaces, any compulsory or statutory cover.

● Freedom Worldwide offers five levels of cover for eligible people whose main

home is in an EEA country.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not constitute insurance advice. Cover, benefits, limits and eligibility are subject to the current policy terms, Table of Benefits and underwriting. Freedom Worldwide is available to eligible residents of the European Economic Area and does not replace any compulsory or statutory health insurance required under local law. Freedom Health GmbH is a licensed insurance agent, and the policy is provided by the underwriter named in the policy documents.