Choose a reliable health insurance provider

Finding a reliable health insurance provider is critical for planning life abroad. Taking out the right insurance will make your life easier and choosing the wrong policy could easily end up making things worse and impacting you and your family.

• Knowing the details. Knowledge is most important in the case. You should definitely know exactly what you’re signing up for. So rather than skipping over the terms and conditions, read every last word of any policy you are thinking of buying. If you are taking your family with you then it is even more important to know what care they’d be entitled to.
• Making a claim and applying. All providers have different conditions for making a claim. Applying for health insurance is very important as some countries insist on having valid health insurance in place before they will allow you entry. The process of applying for health insurance can take longer than you think, especially if you are asked to provide extra or original documentation. Digital copies of some documents aren’t always accepted. When it comes to making a claim it is essential to know what documents your health provider will need and in which formats and languages.
• Customer service. It is important to know exactly where your health provider’s customer service team is based and how and when you can make contact with them. Any serious provider should give you a dedicated number to call anytime. Many insurers have international offices, which means their customer service might be more accessible and responsive.
• Reputation. Ask your colleagues, friends, family and independent brokers for their opinion of a provider before you take out health insurance. Make sure to check reviews about the company in the social media. It is also worth finding out if a provider has won or been nominated for any industry or consumer awards.