Having taken the decision to take up residence in another country, one major factor towards your financial peace of mind is the undertaking of international health insurance coverage. For some expatriates, qualification for a local government health plan may be possible. However, bear in mind that in many smaller and less-stable countries, any government plan coverage is going to be minimal or completely unsuitable to your needs. You may also find that a government health insurance plan is not going to be available to you once you leave that country.

Fortunately, many companies are able to offer international health insurance coverage for expatriates with the most basic of these plans including cover for hospital stays, which may also include fees for physician and consultants, surgeons and anesthesiologists. Even some prescription medication is covered by these basic plans.

Some comprehensive international health insurance plans can be compared favorably to domestic health plans. Consultant sessions, visits to the outpatient department, therapists, and even emergency dentistry are included. It is also not uncommon to find the use of specialists such as radiologists, pathologists, and oncologists being covered, as well as any charges incurred by the use of ambulances.

There are even more extensive coverage options for international health insurance. Whilst the premiums will be higher, the covered benefits are more extensive. Some of the benefits that can be taken include chiropractor consultations, organ transplants, rehabilitation, and psychiatry. As well, diagnostic services such as x-rays, magnetic resonance imaging scans, and other lab work can be included.

Many international health insurance plans will include basic emergency travel medical coverage and evacuation coverage. For an additional fee, most international health plans can provide the costs of use of a top of the range medical facility anywhere in the world, including the transport costs, and then a discounted fare to return to your home country after you've recovered from illness.

Not everyone, however, can be covered by an international health insurance plan. Some companies will refuse to cover you if your job is considered as hazardous or dangerous or involves you working in hazardous areas, while others will cover you at a very high premium. Pre-existing conditions aren't usually covered either, whether the condition was known or not. However, some companies might cover a pre-existing condition for an additional premium. A lot of international health insurance plans don't provide cover for childbirth or pregnancy, while others will cover it for an added premium.

The cost of a comprehensive international health insurance plan is usually about twice the price of a basic plan. You can either choose to have the full 100% of your expenses covered, but to save money on premiums, you could choose to have the international health insurance plan cover up to 80% of the expenses while you cover the rest. You can also save money on the premium by paying a deductible. Before making a final decision on any international health insurance plan, be aware that age, and even gender will have a bearing on the insurance plan premiums.