Going abroad? Some travelers and expats choose to self-insure to avoid the cost of international travel and expat insurance. But is this a reasonable decision?
Pay for medical care yourself?
At first glance, self-insurance may seem like a good solution for travellers, and it can save you money when you book. And while self-insurance may seem like a good idea, you have to take into account the medical problems that can arise in an emergency, and which can quickly become costly. Emergency medical operations may be necessary during your stay abroad. Wisdom teeth extraction (average: 600 euros), for example, or appendicitis surgery (average: 6200 euros).
A common misconception about the cost of medical treatment in emerging countries is that medical expenses are not expensive. In reality, there is thephenomenon of medical cost inflation in emerging countries, especially in Asia. The increase in medical costs is between 10 and 15% per year. This is due to the sophistication of treatment methods and the development of high technology in medicine, which requires considerable investment. We have encountered the following costs in emerging countries: treatment of a tibial plateau fracture with 3 days’ hospitalization will cost you close to 10,000 euros. 2 days in hospital for treatment of gastroenteritis will cost at least 900 euros. These are colossal sums that you have to pay for yourself.
The problems of self-insurance
Secondly, some exotic countries lack the technology and doctors to diagnose diseases. Such is the case of Papua New Guinea. Hospitals only offer basic treatment. For diagnosis and more advanced treatment, you need to travel to Australia. The cost of medical repatriation to Australia varies from 15,000 euros to 50,000 euros. And then there’s the return trip. With quality Mondassur international insurance, you’ll be covered for 100% of actual costs for hospitalization and repatriation.
In some countries, the medical cost of a simple consultation is not very high, but emergency hospitalization can be. Please note that you need to have a good command of the local language, as doctors are unlikely to speak French. If, on the other hand, your medical Mandarin is far from perfect, it’s best to turn to a private clinic for a consultation with a more specialized doctor. These consultations can cost you a fortune. It’s best to take out international travel or expat insurance to protect yourself against all risks.
In short, international insurance lets you enjoy your stay abroad with peace of mind. Make your choice of travel or expat insurance easier with our immediate online advice and free quotes.
Compare ourtravel insurance andexpatriate insurance offers for trips abroad and take out the travel insurance offer best suited to your situation!
