MedEvac for Expats, International Students and Extended Stay Travelers
Posted on August 09, 2024
MedEvac for Expats, International Students and Extended Stay Travelers
Going abroad for extended periods is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in another culture,
learn another language or just satisfy a need to explore the world. From senior travelers to
college students abroad – people are not viewing national borders as barriers anymore. The
world is truly their oyster! 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, extend-stay visitors are covered by their national health system for
emergencies only. * Ongoing care for routine healthcare or specialized treatments are 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 prepayment before
treatment. Since foreign insurance plans for Americans usually reimburse, and don’t pay up-
front, the initial cost of treatment lies with the patient. Other countries have no national
healthcare system, and the level of care may seem austere compared to the healthcare
available in the Unites States. Medicare also offers no medical coverage 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 with your insurance company before planning to study abroad. None of these options
come without costs, however, especially if there is an ongoing need for care – like people with
chronic medical conditions such as Diabetes, Autoimmune disorders or any condition requiring
ongoing care or medications.
International insurance plans are available for students studying abroad, but many do not cover
medical transport home in case of emergency or serious exacerbation of chronic medical
conditions. There are many options for international medical insurance, but the majority will not
pay for the costs of medevac home if the patient needs or prefers healthcare in the United
States- closer to friends and family.
MedEvac Membership with AirMed International
For these reasons, pre-purchasing an AirMed International membership is an added layer of
security for those living internationally. AirMed International offers membership, which ensures
no out-of-pocket costs for medical repatriation. There are several plans for the casual
international traveler as well as the international student or partial expat. AirMed can repatriate
the seriously sick or injured to a hospital at home with a single call, handling the complicated
matters of international medical treatment and transportation seamlessly. For over 20 years,
AirMed has coordinated care for even the most complicated medical conditions requiring timely
medical repatriation. If you are preparing for a stay abroad – prepare with AirMed International.
Learn more about the medevac services for travelers, international students and expats online at -
https://airmed.com/Membership/All-Plans.aspx
* The Guide to United Kingdom Health Care for US Expats