Health insurance is important for your protection, but navigating the options can be complex.
Understanding the key principals, researching your options and understanding your plan is key to making informed decisions and getting the most out of your coverage. This article explores key considerations for choosing your health insurance provider.
Local or International Health Insurance?
Choosing between local or international health insurance depends on your individual needs and circumstances. Here are some factors to consider when making a decision:
Geographic location:
If you live in your home country, a local health insurance plan may be a better option, as it is designed to provide coverage for medical services and treatments within your country of residence. If you live abroad or frequently travel internationally, an international health insurance plan may be a better fit, as it can provide coverage for medical services and treatments in multiple countries.
Language and cultural barriers: Local health insurance plans may provide better support and assistance in your native language and may be better equipped to navigate local healthcare systems. International health insurance plans may provide more extensive support for language and cultural barriers when seeking medical care in foreign countries.
Cost:
Local health insurance plans may be more affordable than international health insurance plans, especially if you have a lower income or if you live in a country with lower healthcare costs. International health insurance plans may be more expensive, but they may provide more comprehensive coverage and benefits.
Coverage and benefits:
Local health insurance plans may provide more tailored coverage and benefits for the specific healthcare needs of your country of residence. International health insurance plans may provide more comprehensive coverage and benefits that are designed to meet the needs of expatriates and international travelers.
When choosing between local or international health insurance, it’s important to carefully review the policy documents and consider your individual needs and circumstances. You may also want to consult with an insurance professional or healthcare provider to help you make an informed decision.
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Group Health insurance a good idea?
Group medical cover can be a good idea for many individuals and organizations, as it offers a number of benefits compared to individual health insurance policies.
One of the main advantages of group medical cover is that it can provide more comprehensive coverage at a lower cost. This is because the cost of the policy is spread across a larger group of individuals, which can result in lower premiums and better benefits.
CNX Insure have created the only non-business Group insurance health insurance in Chiang Mai.
Contact for more details
Group medical cover can also be easier to manage than individual policies, as it typically involves a single policyholder, such as an employer or other organization, who is responsible for administering the policy and handling claims. This can help streamline the process and reduce administrative burdens for both the policyholder and the insured individuals.
In addition, group medical cover can provide greater flexibility and choice when it comes to healthcare providers and services. Many group plans offer a variety of coverage options and allow individuals to choose their preferred healthcare providers, including doctors, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities.
However, it’s important to note that group medical cover may not be the best option for everyone. Depending on the size and nature of the group, there may be limitations on the types of coverage available or the level of customization that is possible. In addition, some individuals may prefer the flexibility and control of an individual health insurance policy.
When considering group medical cover, it’s important to carefully review the terms and conditions of the policy and consider your individual needs and circumstances to determine whether it is the right choice for you.
Note: CNX Insure have created the only non-business Group insurance health insurance in Chiang Mai.
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What is Medical History Disregarded, and is it a good thing?
Medical history disregarded (MHD) is a term used in the context of health insurance underwriting. It refers to a type of underwriting approach where the insurer does not consider an applicant’s medical history or pre-existing conditions when setting the premium or terms of the insurance policy.
With MHD, an applicant’s medical history is essentially “disregarded” by the insurer, and they are offered coverage at the same premium rate as someone with no pre-existing conditions. This approach is often used in group health insurance plans, where the risk is spread across a larger pool of insured individuals.
MHD can be beneficial for individuals with pre-existing conditions, as they can obtain health insurance coverage without being subject to higher premiums or exclusions based on their medical history. However, it’s important to note that not all health insurance plans offer MHD underwriting, and the availability of MHD may depend on factors such as the size of the group or the type of policy being offered.
Note: MHD can be a fallacy. Whilst the health provider may ‘disregard’ at the time of setting the premium, they will not disregard it when it comes to treatment. Unless you are in a group policy you are unlikely to get cover for pre-existing treatment unless you have declared this prior to the policy being taken.
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Understand deductibles, copays, and coinsurance
These terms refer to the amount you pay out of pocket for healthcare services. Be sure to understand how they work and how much you will be responsible for paying.
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Utilize preventative care
Many health insurance plans offer preventative care services, such as wellness visits and screenings, at no cost to you. Take advantage of these services to stay healthy and catch any potential health issues early on.
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Keep records and receipts
Keep track of your medical expenses, including receipts and bills. This can be helpful when filing claims or disputing charges.
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International travel
Note that one of most popular health insurance providers does provide cover for all international holidays including the USA. Contact us for more details.
Expat health insurance may cover international travel, but it depends on the specific policy and the terms and conditions of the plan you choose.
Some expat health insurance policies may include coverage for emergency medical treatment while traveling internationally, such as coverage for medical expenses incurred due to accidents or sudden illnesses. However, the extent of coverage for international travel may vary depending on the specific policy and the insurance company.
It’s important to carefully review the policy documents to understand what types of medical services and treatments are covered while traveling internationally, as well as any limits or exclusions that may apply. Some policies may require you to purchase additional travel insurance or may have limits on the duration of coverage while traveling outside of your home country.
If you plan to travel internationally while covered by an expat health insurance plan, you should also review any travel advisories or restrictions that may affect your coverage. If you have any questions about the coverage for international travel or any other aspect of the policy, you can contact the insurance company or a licensed insurance agent or broker for clarification.
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Is the cheapest plan usually the best one to get?
The lowest health insurance plan may not always be the best one to pick, as it may not offer the level of coverage and benefits that you need. While it’s understandable to want to find a plan that fits your budget, it’s important to also consider the level of coverage and benefits the plan provides.
When choosing a health insurance plan, it’s important to consider your individual needs, such as your health history, family medical history, and any ongoing health conditions. You should look for a plan that covers the services and treatments you need most, while also providing a balance of cost, coverage, and benefits that meet your needs.
In some cases, lower-cost plans may have limited coverage or come with high out-of-pocket costs, which could end up being more expensive in the long run if you require medical care. On the other hand, a more expensive plan may offer better coverage and benefits, which could ultimately save you money if you require extensive medical treatment.
When choosing a health insurance plan, it’s important to carefully review the terms and conditions of the policy and consider the cost, coverage, and benefits in relation to your individual needs. You may also want to compare multiple plans and providers to find the best value for your money.
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Dentistry
Whether or not expat health cover includes dentistry will depend on the specific policy and the terms and conditions of the plan you choose.
In general, many health insurance policies, including some expat health insurance plans, do offer coverage for dental care. However, the extent of coverage for dental care may vary depending on the specific policy and the insurance company.
Some health insurance plans may offer comprehensive dental coverage that includes routine exams, cleanings, and other preventative services, as well as coverage for restorative and cosmetic procedures. Other plans may only offer limited coverage for dental care, such as coverage for emergency dental treatment or coverage for certain dental procedures.
When considering an expat health insurance plan, it’s important to carefully review the policy documents to understand what types of dental services and treatments are covered, as well as any limits or exclusions that may apply. If you have any questions about the coverage for dental care or any other aspect of the policy, you can contact the insurance company or a licensed insurance agent or broker for clarification.
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Out-patient cover
Whether or not your expat health insurance covers outpatient treatment will depend on the specific policy and the terms and conditions of the plan you choose.
In general, many health insurance policies, including expat health insurance plans, do offer coverage for outpatient treatment. Outpatient treatment typically refers to medical care that does not require an overnight stay in a hospital or other healthcare facility, such as doctor visits, diagnostic tests, and outpatient surgeries.
However, the extent of coverage for outpatient treatment may vary depending on the specific policy and the insurance company. Some policies may have specific limits or exclusions for outpatient treatment, while others may offer more comprehensive coverage.
When considering an expat health insurance plan, it’s important to carefully review the policy documents to understand what types of medical services and treatments are covered, including outpatient treatment. If you have any questions about the coverage for outpatient treatment or any other aspect of the policy, you can contact the insurance company or a licensed insurance agent or broker for clarification.
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Should I shop around and change every year
Whether or not you should change your expat health cover every year depends on your individual circumstances and the type of plan you have. In general, it’s a good idea to review your health insurance coverage annually to make sure it still meets your needs.
But note there are significant benefit with staying with your existing provider. So our advise is to select your health service provider very carefully and where possible plan to stick with them for the long term.
Note that in general health cover will not cover you for pre-existing conditions. And that ‘condition’ refers to a condition prior to your policy with that provider. This means that if you chop & change provider every year, you may effectively be reducing your health cover.
If your health or lifestyle has changed significantly over the past year, you may want to consider switching to a plan that better fits your current situation. For example, if you’ve been diagnosed with a new medical condition, you may need a plan with more comprehensive coverage for that condition.
Similarly, if you’re planning to travel to a different country or region, you may need to adjust your coverage to ensure you have access to medical care in your destination.
On the other hand, if your health and circumstances haven’t changed much, you may be able to renew your current policy without making any changes.
When considering whether to change your expat health cover, it’s important to carefully review the coverage and benefits of any new plans you’re considering, as well as any costs or out-of-pocket expenses. And please note our important point with regards to pre-existing conditions above (contact us for a more details). You should consult with your health insurance agent to help you make an informed decision.
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Future proof your health cover
See the information on “Not all health insurance is renewable”.
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Not all health insurance is renewable
In our experience all international health providers offer renewable insurance cover. This means if you make a claim it will not affect your ability to continue with your health cover plan the following year.
Note this is not necessarily the same for local Thai health providers. We are aware that on some occasions Thai health providers have refused to offer future health insurance. Which may require you to move providers, and the new provider is unlikely to cover you for your previous medical conditions.
When you purchase a health insurance policy, the terms and conditions of the policy will specify how long the policy is in effect and how it can be renewed. Some policies may have limits on the number of times they can be renewed or may require underwriting or medical underwriting if you want to renew your coverage.
It’s important to review the terms and conditions of your policy carefully to understand how long your coverage will last and what your renewal options are. If you have any questions about the renewal process, you can contact the insurance company or a licensed insurance agent or broker for assistance.
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Will my insurance cover my spouse and children
Whether or not your insurance will cover your spouse and children depends on the specific policy and the terms and conditions of the plan you choose. In general, many health insurance policies offer coverage for spouses and dependents, but the specifics of the coverage may vary.
If you are considering purchasing health insurance, you should carefully review the policy documents and contact the insurance company or a licensed insurance agent or broker to determine whether coverage is available for your spouse and children, and what the terms and conditions of the coverage are.
If you already have health insurance and are adding a spouse or child to your coverage, you will need to contact your insurance company to add them to your policy. In most cases, you will need to provide their personal information, such as their name, date of birth, and social security number.
It’s important to note that adding dependents to your health insurance policy may affect your premiums or out-of-pocket costs, so it’s a good idea to review your policy documents carefully and understand any changes in coverage or costs that may result from adding family members to your plan.
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Customise your plan
Customizing your expat health insurance plan may be a good option if you have specific healthcare needs or if the standard plan options do not provide the level of coverage and benefits you require.
When customizing your expat health insurance plan, you can choose the specific benefits and coverage options that best suit your individual needs. For example, you may want to add coverage for specific medical conditions or treatments, or you may want to include coverage for dental or vision care.
Customizing your expat health insurance plan can also help you save money by allowing you to tailor the coverage to your needs, rather than paying for benefits that you don’t need or won’t use.
However, customizing your expat health insurance plan may also result in higher premiums or out-of-pocket costs, depending on the specific benefits and coverage options you select.
When considering customizing your expat health insurance plan, it’s important to carefully review the terms and conditions of the policy and consider the cost, coverage, and benefits in relation to your individual needs. You may also want to consult with an insurance professional or healthcare provider to help you make an informed decision.
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If I buy today, when will my health cover start?
The start date of your health cover will depend on the specific terms and conditions of the insurance policy you choose. Typically, health insurance policies have a waiting period before coverage begins, which can range from a few days to a few months.
Once you purchase your health insurance policy, the insurance company will provide you with information about the effective date of coverage. This is the date when your insurance policy begins and you can start using your coverage for eligible medical expenses.
In some cases, insurance companies may offer immediate coverage for certain services or conditions, such as emergency medical treatment. However, it’s important to review the terms and conditions of your policy carefully to understand when your coverage will begin and any limitations or exclusions that may apply.
If you have any questions about the start date of your health cover, you can contact the insurance company or a licensed insurance agent or broker for clarification.
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Insurance Cost
The cost of expat health cover is an important factor to consider when choosing a health insurance plan, but it should not be the only factor. While it’s understandable to want to find a plan that fits your budget, it’s important to also consider the level of coverage and benefits the plan provides.
Expatriates often face unique healthcare challenges, such as navigating healthcare systems in a foreign country, language barriers, and differences in medical practices. As a result, having comprehensive health insurance coverage can be crucial to ensuring you receive the care you need.
In some cases, lower-cost plans may have limited coverage or come with high out-of-pocket costs, which could end up being more expensive in the long run if you require medical care. On the other hand, a more expensive plan may offer better coverage and benefits, which could ultimately save you money if you require extensive medical treatment.
When choosing an expat health insurance plan, it’s important to consider both the cost and the coverage. Look for a plan that offers a balance between affordability and comprehensive coverage that meets your needs as an expatriate. It’s also a good idea to compare multiple plans and providers to find the best value for your money.
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What makes a good health insurance broker?
A good health insurance broker is someone who can help you navigate the complex world of health insurance, understand your options, and make informed decisions about your coverage. Here are some qualities to look for in a good health insurance broker:
Knowledge and expertise:
A good health insurance broker should have extensive knowledge of the health insurance industry, including the different types of policies and plans available, as well as the regulations and laws that govern the industry.
Transparency and honesty:
A good health insurance broker should be transparent about their services and fees, and should always act in the best interests of their clients. They should be honest about the strengths and limitations of different plans and policies, and should provide clear and unbiased information to help their clients make informed decisions.
Communication skills:
A good health insurance broker should be an effective communicator to both yourself, and the health care provider. That may mean they need to speak the local language to a high level to be able to effectively work with local health services such as hospitals and doctors, as well as insurance service providers. They should have the ability to explain complex information in a clear and concise manner.
Customer service:
A good health insurance broker should provide excellent customer service, including responsiveness, accessibility, and a commitment to resolving issues and concerns quickly and efficiently.
Problem-solving skills:
A good health insurance broker should be a skilled problem solver, with the ability to help their clients navigate complex issues and find creative solutions to their healthcare needs.
When choosing a health insurance broker, it’s important to look for someone who embodies these qualities and who is committed to providing high-quality service and support. Contact CNX Insure for more information.
