MedEvac for Expats, International Students and Extended Stay Travelers
August 09, 2024
Going abroad for extended periods is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in another culture, learn a new language, or just satisfy a need to explore the world. From semester rotations to college students abroad – people are often not viewing national borders as barriers anymore. This is truly an exciting time! When living abroad, however, there are certain considerations that must be taken into account to ensure that, while you are a resident of a foreign country, you can still access what you need when you need it – most importantly medical care.
Medical Care for Extended Stay Travelers and Expats
For certain extended stays, it is possible to purchase medical insurance or utilize the medical care of the country you are residing in. For many countries with socialized medicine systems, like the United Kingdom, extended-stay visitors are covered by their national health system or “charged only 6%.” Ongoing care for routine healthcare or specialized treatment is either paid out of pocket or must be covered by an international medical insurance plan purchased in advance. Some countries, like Mexico, Canada and others, require government programs or cash pre-payment. In many cases, care for Americans may require up-front payment from the initial cost of treatment with the patient. Other countries have no national healthcare system, and the level of care can seem austere compared to the typical care available in the United States. Medical care is often not as readily available for people living abroad and retirees living as expats might have limited funds to pay for more than routine healthcare. Most people, when given the choice, prefer to return home for medical care as quickly as possible in these situations.
International Students Medical Care
International students from the United States are generally offered health care of the country in which they attend school – particularly from countries in the European Union which offer universal health care. The sponsoring university may also offer insurance for foreign students as well. U.S.-based insurance plans sometimes offer coverage internationally. But not all. Be sure to check medical costs, doctor availability, prescription pricing in a study abroad locale. The decision to obtain international coverage is always a planning need to consider – and many people with chronic medical conditions, such as Diabetes, Autoimmune disorders or any condition requiring ongoing medication, should have a plan in ongoing medical care.
MedEvac Membership with AirMed International
For these reasons, pre-purchasing an AirMed International membership is an added layer of protection for travelers living internationally. AirMed International offers membership which covers internationally scoped medical repatriation. There are several plans for differing needs that cover the return to your chosen hospital in the national system or a private hospital. AirMed can repatriate seriously ill patients by medically equipped air ambulance.
Members of AirMed International avoid the stress and transportation seamlessly, even for complex matters such as international intensive care and transport for specialized conditions requiring timely medical attention. Avoid care far from the most complicated medical systems by enabling complicated transfer logistics at a high level – and always be a step ahead – prepared with AirMed International. Learn more about medical memberships for travelers, international students and expats online at – airmed.com/memberships.