International Medical Insurance Systems In Various Countries

It is a well-known fact that healthcare systems vary across the world. It's a good idea for a traveler going abroad to know how international health insurance works at the destination. This information is especially useful for short-term visitors who plan to reside at the destination for more than a month.

If you fall ill abroad, you will probably have to pay first, and then get reimbursed by your travel health insurance company. Check whether your company has cashless billing at the destination-it might. Most countries have a combined public-private system, although a few have a totally private system.

In the United States, healthcare is almost exclusively funded by the private sector, and the government is involved in two major health insurance plans: Medicaid and Medicare. The system has come under heavy fire for being inefficient in spite of 16% of the GDP spent on healthcare. Private international insurance must be purchased by those needing healthcare coverage in the United States.

In contrast, the U.K. healthcare system is almost entirely funded by public insurance, with a few people (11% of the population) opting for extra private insurance for better coverage. Most people receive medical treatment for free, barring a few conditions-eye and dental treatment, for instance. international health insurance is a must for all international visitors.

In France, a compulsory health insurance system is funded mainly by contributions by all residents, and the government agency manages most healthcare and public hospitals. Just as in the United Kingdom, some residents purchase extra private health insurance. International visitors to France must check Schengen visa requirements and attendant international travel health insurance criteria.

Singapore's healthcare system has come in for much praise. The country spends a mere 3.8% of its GDP on healthcare and has adopted a dual system, where government and private healthcare compete with each other. While primary healthcare is mostly taken care of by the private sector (80%) in-patient care is taken care of by public hospitals (80%). Travelers to Singapore must read the terms carefully before seeking care under international travel health insurance.

Many other countries may have systems similar to, or in-between, the systems mentioned above. International travel health insurance and knowledge of coverage are a must for international travel. In India, healthcare is free for everyone at public hospitals, but the quality of care is questionable.

For coverage abroad, there are a range of short-term and long-term international health insurance plans, underwritten by renowned companies such as Lloyd's, Nationwide, and AIG.

Ray Sondeo often writes about international insurance.

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