Going Global: The Value Of 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 not be covered, may be considered out-of-network, or may be denied without upfront payment.

Offering quality international coverage for your employees’ health and wellness can be a key differentiator for recruiting, improving the 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 insurance 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 that rely on their U.S. health plans to cover international healthcare needs could be putting their employees at risk. U.S. health plans often leave employees facing gaps in coverage, care, and support when employees need care abroad. 

Instead, companies can lean on established partners with the expertise to navigate each country’s individual legal and regulatory standards. For example, Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Solutions^SM (BCBS Global Solutions^SM) is the international health plan solution for Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and all Blue Cross® and Blue Shield® companies. Formerly known as GeoBlue, BCBS Global Solutions has specialized in international health insurance plans for employer groups, schools and universities, and individuals and families for more than 25 years.

It is essential that your plan meet compliance standards worldwide. A good plan should also:

• Offer comprehensive, flexible plan designs for expatriates and those working abroad.
• Cover emergency visits, hospitalizations, doctor visits, and prescriptions.
• Include global telehealth options.
• Offer a strong global provider network, including specialists.
• Provide access to global specialized care programs that help employees maintain ongoing support while abroad.
• Use a seamless billing process.
• Have customer support available 24/7/365.

Employers often benefit from a more coordinated approach to domestic and international health insurance coverage. When coverage options are aligned and backed by a trusted brand both inside and outside the U.S., employees and their dependents experience greater continuity, familiarity, and convenience when accessing care both at home and abroad.

Beyond The Basics

Businesses can benefit from an international plan that provides their employees with whole-health support and accommodates the unique needs of those living and working abroad. 

Coverage that includes behavioral health, wellness, and specialized care support is an important feature. Employees living and working far from home often face additional stress and disruption. Providing access to programs that help employees continue important health and well-being journeys while abroad can promote continuity of care and a more equitable benefits experience across a global workforce.

Global employees also often face a fragmented healthcare experience, with multiple care providers, resources, and support services involved in their care. A centralized support model can help simplify that experience by bringing care navigation, clinical expertise, member support, and emergency assistance together within a coordinated framework, helping ensure employees have access to connected, coordinated support throughout their care journey.

In unfamiliar healthcare environments, clarity is essential. Digital tools can help employees understand their care options, access available resources, and navigate next steps with greater confidence. When paired with coordinated support, they create a connected experience that helps employees make informed decisions and access care more easily while abroad.

Remember Domestic Coverage

As you make your choices regarding an international health insurance plan, 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 continues to grow, 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.

Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Solutions is the trade name of Worldwide Insurance Services, LLC (Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Solutions Insurance Services in California and BCBS Global Solutions Insurance Services in New York), an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Solutions is a Brand owned by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

Telemedicine services are provided by Teladoc Health, directly to members. Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Solutions assumes no liability and accepts no responsibility for information provided by Teladoc Health and the performance of the services by Teladoc Health. Support and information provided through this service does not confirm that any related treatment or additional support is covered under a member’s health plan. This service is not intended to be used for emergency or urgent treatment medical questions.