As Americans cast an envious eye towards the universal healthcare programs employed in many European countries, they may not realize that those programs often only cover citizens of those countries. Furthermore, as you travel or live abroad, your existing insurance policy may offer limited coverage or no coverage at all during your travels. Therefore it's essential that if you're traveling abroad or living internationally, you first purchase an citizen secure insurance policy that protects your ability to obtain medical coverage.

Even if the country you're visiting has a superior nationalized healthcare program, you may not be able to participate in it as a visitor. For trips lasting less than a few months, be sure to educate yourself on what sort of international insurance coverage you'll need to ensure that you'll be secure in the event of an unforeseen medical event.

If you're planning to live in a foreign country for six months or more, you'll definitely want to buy a special insurance policy like the Citizen Secure Insurance plan. A plan like this one, which is backed by Lloyds of London, ensures that your international medical care needs will be covered in most any situation.

Every international health insurance policy has its own guidelines regarding eligibility, so it's a good idea to have a conversation around that topic with your provider. For example, the Citizen Secure plan mentioned in the prior paragraph offers insurance coverage to people from ages– days to 74 years, and it also carries with it the stipulation that the bearer must reside abroad for a six month minimum.

Because these plans approach your coverage needs from a long term perspective, they tend to be more comprehensive, even offering coverage for items like transplants and mental healthcare. Another benefit you may want to include in your plan, depending on where you'll be residing, is supplemental evacuation care. If you're living in an area that is at risk for violence or natural disasters, then your investment in international health insurance may be the deciding factor in securing the best medical care.

Other considerations include travelers assistance features like locating lost luggage, establishing communication with family and colleagues in the event of a catastrophe, and obtaining emergency fund transfers. These are significant value-adds to these very comprehensive insurance policies.

The more actively-inclined policyholder will also be able to obtain sports coverage as a part of the program. Extreme sports activities like hang-gliding carry significant risk, but these insurance policies offer some degree of peace of mind when participating in them.

For short-term travelers, international health insurance should be a strong consideration. If you're going to live abroad for a period exceeding six months, it's a necessity. Think about where you?ll be staying, for how long, and what sort of activities you'll engage in, and you?ll be well-prepared to find the perfect plan.

Ray Sondeo often writes about international insurance.

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