A key consideration when you move abroad is knowing you have access to healthcare, whether its state-funded, private or a combination of both. The last thing you want is to become ill when abroad and have to pay large sums of money unnecessarily to receive treatment.

Whilst it is not common for people in the UK to have private health insurance, many Brits moving abroad decide to take out a policy as the costs are not as expensive and also many foreign insurance policies cover treatment back in the UK. Many also decide to take it out when they move abroad because many other countries do not have free medical services (equivalent to the UK’s NHS), and therefore any treatment will have to be paid for.

If you do decide to take out health insurance when you move abroad, there are certain things you should look into before agreeing to the policy.
 
Firstly, is there an age factor?  Many insurers will not insure people over a certain age threshold, usually 65 years. Those that do are likely to charge higher subscriptions, which either rise annually or on a 5 year basis e.g. 65, 70, 75 etc.

What is not covered in your policy? This is a vital part of your contract and it is so important that you understand not only what is covered but also what is not. If you have an ongoing illness then this will affect the cost of your insurance, and some policies may not cover existing conditions or any treatment related to those conditions.

Can you afford the policy? It is well known that health insurance doesn’t come cheap, especially if you are prone to sickness. All good health insurers will be able to offer plans whereby you can choose to pay an excess that suits your budget.

The EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) is not a long term health insurance. It is designed to entitle you to medical treatment if you become ill abroad when travelling, but cannot be used as a long term solution if you are moving abroad. You should note however that the EHIC does not cover treatment of medical issues if you are going abroad for the sole purpose of receiving treatment.

They say, if you don’t have your health, you don’t have anything, therefore be sure to pay plenty of attention to what you need to do to qualify for healthcare in the country which you are moving to; don’t leave it to the last minute either, make sure it is one of the first things you set up when you arrive in your new country or you could face hefty bills if you or a family member becomes ill or has an accident.