The tsunami and subsequent nuclear disaster in Japan, floods in the American Midwest and earthquakes in Haiti have all thrown into harsh light the reality that despite the advanced state of modern emergency response, the care and attention paid to individual victims has gone heavily unnoticed by the global media.
What many outsiders may fail to consider is that many of those people most heavily affected by natural disasters such as those listed above may not have the employer-provided healthcare plans that so many take for granted. Typically, those most deeply impacted by the aftermath of a disaster are those with fewer resources and a lower income. These people can face seemingly insurmountable obstacles that can include medical bills, lost housing and jobs, relocation expense or even funeral costs associated with lost loved ones.
One group of people that may not consider their vulnerability in the event a disaster are expatriates – those individuals that have left their native homes to settle in a foreign land for any number of reasons. Expats can be particularly vulnerable, as they might be unfamiliar with local customs or resources, and can face difficulties with anything from communication to transportation and security. One option available to people under these circumstances is private medical insurance.
For those working overseas, PMI is a wise choice for a number of reasons. Since a large percentage of international work is done on a contract basis, overseas employers may not offer employer-provided insurance, particularly for employees working in what could be considered a third-world country. Although policies can vary widely based on provider, they offer an impressive array of benefits including:
-Inpatient and outpatient medical services
-International private medical insurers will often provide medical evacuation or repatriation benefits, either as a standard offering or as an extra service.
-Emergency evacuations can be arranged through organizations which partner with international private medical insurers.
People should be aware, however, that despite these benefits, exclusions may apply when traveling or working in a country that is considered unstable or high-risk. This can be due to a high recurrence of natural disasters or political or military instability.
The option of medical evacuation can be particularly important if someone is operating in a country that offers sub-standard medical care. The possibility of being transported to a more advanced or well-prepared area with a safer or more reliable healthcare provider can make the difference between life and death. Take into consideration as well a country with a strong medical reputation may still be rendered incapable by the same disaster that caused the need for medical attention. For instance, a local hospital in New Orleans which might be well-known for good medical care could have been destroyed in the devastation following Hurricane Katrina.
When faced with choosing an international private medical insurance provider, pay careful attention to the benefits offered in such circumstances. If your relocation is voluntary, it is advisable to avoid those nations where quality coverage might not be offered.
More Expat Resources
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