Going Global: Adding International Health Insurance Plans

Added flexibility comes with its own set of challenges, such as healthcare. Does your company’s healthcare plan do enough to cover employees whose work takes them abroad? When employees go global, many businesses are realizing their health coverage should, too. Finding the right international carrier is essential for your workers’ health and wellness and for your bottom line. 

The Value Of Getting It Right

Global assignments can be a major driver of growth — for your company and your employees. With the average expatriate assignment costing between $300,000 and $650,000, the stakes of choosing the right international carrier are high. Without a specialized plan, overseas care may be considered out-of-network or even denied without upfront payment.

Offering quality international coverage for your employees’ health and wellness can be a key differentiator in recruiting, improving employee experience, and boosting employee productivity. Keep in mind:

• Making smart employee benefit choices is not just thoughtful — it is strategic.
• When employees feel confident in their health coverage, they are more likely to stay focused and engaged and perform at a higher level.
• Choosing the right plan can lead to fewer disruptions, higher retention, and more successful assignments.

Here are some things to consider when choosing the right international plan for your business and your employee benefits package.

What Sets International Health Plans Apart?

American businesses have traditionally relied on their U.S. health plans to cover international healthcare needs. Those plans often leave employees facing gaps in coverage, care, and customer support. 

Instead, companies can lean on established partners with the expertise to navigate each country’s individual legal and regulatory standards. For example, GeoBlue^® is the international health plan solution for Anthem and all Blue Cross^® and Blue Shield^® companies. GeoBlue has specialized in international health insurance plans for more than 25 years.

It is essential that your plan meets compliance standards on a worldwide basis. A good plan should have a proven track record of compliance and should also:

• Offer comprehensive and flexible plan designs for expatriates and those who are working abroad.
• Cover emergency visits, hospitalizations, doctor visits, and prescriptions.
• Include telehealth options.
• Offer a strong global provider network, including specialists.
• Use a seamless billing process.
• Have customer support available 24/7/365.

Purchasing domestic and international coverage from the same carrier can be advantageous for employers. Well-designed plans from the same company often complement each other, creating a convenient and seamless experience. 

Beyond The Basics

Businesses should look for an international plan that offers their employees whole health support. Employers should also take into account the special needs of those living outside the U.S. 

Coverage that includes mental health and wellness services is an important feature. Employees living in other countries often feel isolated or bear additional stress. A health insurance plan that covers a variety of needs can be especially important for those far from home, including expatriates.

The need for quality customer service is heightened with international health insurance plans. Support should be capable of handling everything from common questions to complex cases and aid employees in navigating unfamiliar healthcare systems. Customer support should also be able to coordinate evacuation or repatriation services due to various causes, including medical, political, and natural emergencies.

Employees should also have tools to make informed decisions about their care. Features such as in-depth provider profiles can locate the doctors that best suit their needs.

Remember Domestic Coverage

As you make your choices regarding an international healthcare plan, you will want to make sure your carrier also offers robust coverage in the United States. Why? Because even when your employee is in another country, many of their claims may be filed here.

That fact can be surprising and easy to overlook. However, remember that:

• Expats often return home for healthcare.
• Their dependents often remain stateside.

As globalization becomes an increasingly integral part of business, employers must consider the challenges that accompany the resulting advantages. Making sure your company offers quality international health coverage benefits both you and your employees.

GeoBlue is the trade name of Worldwide Insurance Services, LLC (Worldwide Services Insurance Agency, LLC in California and New York), an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association and is made available in cooperation with Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies.