Certain countries make expatriate health insurance mandatory while others have a public health care system that provides free low cost care to nationals and expatriates.
Check what the scenario is in your new country before you leave.For instance, many Middle Eastern nations like Kuwait have a public health care system that provides free or low cost health care to its nationals and extends the same to expatriates. Tourists must ensure they have adequate expatriate medical insurance but they have access to state emergency services irrespective of whether they are insured.
Other countries like Belgium make health insurance mandatory. As part of the process of national social security enrolment, the employed as well as self-employed must contribute to a health insurance fund (mutualité/ziekenfonds). Expatriates can seek information about various fund options available from their employers, friends and colleagues. All funds charge the same basic contribution (7.35%), pay similar benefits and provide automatic cover for dependent family (including a spouse who does not have cover and children up to 18 years of age); the only difference being the period for reimbursement. Employers also provide supplementary health cover in the form of an employee benefit.
On the other hand, Japan guarantees health care to its citizens under the NHI (National Insurance Scheme, kokminkenkohoken).Foreigners may join the NHI or their employers may automatically enroll them for it. The scheme is funded by contributions from employees, employers and government contributions and covers most medical expenses except cosmetic procedures including orthodontic treatment.
Foreigners opting for the NHI first and later opting private health insurance over the NHI are appreciated by Japanese officials. It is best to decide whether you want to join the NHI or take private insurance before moving to the country. Students and dependents are heavily discounted under the scheme.
Documents required to enroll under the public health care system differ from one nation to another but usually include:
• Residence permit;
• Passport or any other official identity document, such as driving licence;
• A family status certificate should you want to claim benefits for your spouse or children;
• Fiscal code card
• A letter from your employer stating the date on which your employment began and a statement from the concerned authority stating that you’re regularly employed or proof of admission from an approved educational establishment.
• Reciprocal Health Care Agreements
Some countries, like Australia, have “Reciprocal Health Care Agreements” with other countries, like New Zealand. If such an arrangement exists then check to see if you would be entitled to any subsidized medical benefits during your stay. However, private expatriate healthcare is the best bet to deal with any eventuality.
Health Insurance Cards
The availability of health insurance cards like the European Health Insurance Card simplifies access to health care services during temporary visits abroad for people from the European Union’s 27 Member States plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
Card holders get the following benefits:
• Access to public sector health care (e.g. a doctor, a pharmacy, a hospital or a health care centre) as nationals of the country you are visiting
• If you need to receive medical attention in a country that charges for health care, you will be reimbursed either immediately, or after you return to your home country.
More Expat Resources
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