UK and US teachers are sent for overseas assignments for teaching English to people from other countries. Typically, these assignments range from a period of few months up to a year or slightly more. During their stay abroad, they need to protect themselves from exigencies by purchasing an appropriate international travel health insurance policy.

Long term or short term international health insurance plans can be purchased by these teachers based on the duration of the assignment abroad. The coverage benefits, policy maximum limit and duration of coverage varies according to the chosen international insurance plan and the insurance company.

International short term medical insurance plans are flexible in their coverage. Teachers can secure their travel for a minimum of five days up to a maximum period of one year. After this period, the same policy can renewed continuously for a period of 36 months. Children, spouse and dependents can also benefit by enrolling under the same short term international insurance plan.

Medical expenses incurred due to surgeries, emergency repatriation, hospitalization and doctor consultation are covered by short term international health Insurance plans. However, coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, dental treatments, vaccinations, preventive care tests and routine check-ups are generally excluded by these short duration travel medical insurance plans. Generally, short term international plans come with a lot of restrictions during temporary stay at homeland during the valid period of coverage.

In case the overseas stay extends to more than a year, long term international medical insurance plans are recommended. Teachers can choose from two broad categories of coverage benefits - Fixed benefit and Comprehensive benefit.

The coverage amounts and benefits offered by fixed benefit plans are very limited as compared to comprehensive plans which work out more beneficial in the long run.

Long term international insurance plans cover the insured during the stay at homeland also. In order to apply for the long term plans, teachers need to fill in a lengthy questionnaire with the enrollment form.

Certain long term international travel health insurance plans offer additional coverage benefits like emergency medical assistance, maternity coverage, medical evacuation and repatriation, preventive care and pre-existing conditions. Based on the chosen services, the premiums rates are calculated.

Dan Miller often writes about international insurance.