When you go abroad, whether permanently or for a short stay, don’t forget to protect your health. In terms of insurance, expatriate travel insurance is designed for people living and working abroad on a long-term basis. Travel insurance is designed for people on vacation or on short-term trips.
These two types of insurance meet different needs. The choice between these types of insurance will depend on your personal situation and the length of time you wish to protect yourself. Get a free quote for your international health insurance, and discover the coverage that best suits your situation!
What is expatriate insurance?
Expatriate health insurance is medical cover for expatriates living abroad for long periods. It is aimed at people who have left their country of origin to settle abroad. With this insurance, you can protect yourself in the event of health problems during your stay abroad. This is an annual contract, unlike the short-term nature of travel insurance. In some countries, it is a legal requirement. Even in countries where this is not compulsory, it can be more advantageous than using local health services. Expatriate health insurance focuses mainly on medical care. In fact, it offers coverage for pre-existing conditions, hospitalization and other health costs and problems.
GoldExpat expatriate health insurance offers comprehensive coverage. It includes care for pre-existing conditions and hospitalization, guaranteeing expatriates optimum protection. Get a free quote for your expatriate medical cover today.
What is travel insurance?
Travel insurance is short-term medical cover for people visiting another country for a vacation or short trip. Unlike expatriate health insurance, travel insurance covers emergency treatment. However, you will need to return to your country of permanent residence for long-term care and support. In addition to medical care, it covers travel-related problems such as flight cancellations and protection against loss of personal belongings.
Travel insurance is mainly for vacationers and backpackers traveling to another country. This allows them to use the cover during their stay. This insurance reassures travelers that, should anything happen, they’re covered.
If you’re a tourist, find out more about our travel insurance. They cover everywhere, offer excellent coverage and offer the best value for money. Many policyholders travel to Asia, often to Thailand or Hong Kong. Take the opportunity to purchase your travel insurance for Hong Kong today!
What’s the difference between expatriate and travel insurance?
So which type of insurance best suits your needs? The first question to ask is the duration of your insurance. If you’re going away for a short stay of a few months or less, you may want to consider travel insurance. Long-term cover is best suited to international expatriate insurance. The following table summarizes the main differences between the two types of insurance:
| Guarantee | Expatriate Insurance | Travel Insurance |
| Duration of coverage | More than 12 months | Less than 90 days |
| Choice of care location | Yes, access to a worldwide network | Treatment in the nearest medical facility |
| Covers long-term care needs | Yes, maternity, pre-existing conditions, convalescence | No |
| Requires repatriation for long-term care | Yes, with recommendations on choice of suitable country of care | Yes, but home country only |
| Focus on medical care | Yes and advice on recommended care pathways | No |
| Covers non-medical aspects | No | Yes |
| Hospital stays | Yes | No |
| Routine consultations | Yes | No |
| Coverage of pre-existing conditions | Yes | No |
| Chronic disease coverage | Yes | No |
| Maternity care | Yes | No |
| Dental care | Yes | No |
| Mental health care | Yes | No |
| Cancellations | No | Yes |
| Lost luggage | No | Yes |
| Delays | No | Yes |
| Loss of personal belongings | No | Yes |
| Flight abroad | No | Yes |
| Emergency medical treatment | Yes | Yes |
| Repatriation to your country of origin | Yes | Yes |
Which insurance should I choose for a long-term trip?
You can take out expatriate insurance for a long trip. Mondassur offers several international health insurance options, tailored to the needs of expatriates, long-term travelers and digital nomads. For example, the “Gold Start” plan offers comprehensive coverage with three formulas to suit different needs and budgets.
- GoldStart Backup is the most economical formula. It is suitable for those seeking basic coverage for emergencies and accidents. This option is ideal for limited budgets and countries where medical costs are not excessively high.
- GoldStart Basic offers a balance between cost and coverage. It is ideal for stays in countries with moderate medical costs.
- The GoldStart Nomad formula is the most complete. In fact, it offers extensive coverage for those seeking maximum security. It includes worldwide coverage with a ceiling of €300,000 per year (€500,000 for the USA), covering emergencies, accidents, routine medical care up to 100%, and hospitalization at 100%. It also covers maternity, pre-existing conditions and pharmaceutical expenses.
For a long-term trip or a WHV (Working Holiday Program), choose an insurance policy that suits your medical needs and budget. Contact us for more information and get ready to explore the world!
