Last year, the world was faced with a major pandemic. It’s still with us today. It has had a direct impact on healthcare systems, as well as on the economies of every country affected, whether in the USA, Europe or Asia.
In France, our healthcare system provides free access to PCR tests and Coronavirus vaccines, which are reimbursed at 100% (on medical prescription) by the French social security system. Abroad, this is not necessarily the case, and prices can be exorbitant. In view of this epidemic, here are a few points to watch out for in your health insurance contracts.
Covid-19 and healthcare costs
PCR tests have become systematic in this health crisis. The nasal test is virtually compulsory for travel (whether or not you’ve been vaccinated, depending on the country). It’s an absolute must for expatriates, whether on business trips or returning to their country of expatriation from time to time. Reimbursement of COVID tests by insurers is more an exception than a rule. We therefore recommend that you check your health insurance coverage to ensure that COVID-19-related expenses are covered. Your policy may not include pandemic-related healthcare costs, as this is unfortunately an exceptional situation.
As you can see from the infographic above, the cost of a PCR test varies widely from country to country. You’ll need to pay up to 190 euros for a PCR test in Germany, and up to 250 euros in the UK. In these countries, PCR tests are not reimbursed. Tests and vaccines can therefore cost you extra.
For a family or someone who travels a lot, these unforeseen costs represent a significant budget. To give their policyholders peace of mind and avoid disappointment, some insurers have decided to reimburse the costs associated with the COVID-19 epidemic by refunding some or all of the costs of PCR tests and vaccinations.
Covid-19 and health insurance
When it comes to the coronavirus, each insurer has different reimbursement conditions. Some international health insurers do not cover any Covid-19-related reimbursements, whether for PCR tests, vaccines or medical expenses. On the other hand, some only reimburse PCR tests in the event of symptoms. Only in the best of cases will you be reimbursed for all pandemic-related healthcare costs.
We invite you to ask your insurer about the coverage of your expenses related to this exceptional situation. You can also contact one of our international health experts so that they can advise you on the status of your policy and whether care related to this health crisis will be covered.
If they are not covered and you want them to be, you can change your contract at any time by cancelling your policy within one year*. To make the administrative steps involved in a potential change of insurer easier, we offer you our support. Our experts can work with you to review your current contract and find a new one more suited to your profile and needs. Our experts will draw up the cancellation letter for you, with electronic signature, and will also take care of sending the letter and setting up your new contract.
It’s important to note that with the evolution of the coronavirus crisis, countries have developed their own health protocols. Some governments have decided to close their borders, others to open them only to travelers with a complete vaccination schedule. So it’s important to find out beforehand. Others have taken measures to impose quarantines in government hotels, and it is quite rare for the cost of this hotel to be reimbursed by your insurer. For example, Malta has imposed a quarantine on travelers who do not have a complete vaccination schedule (2 doses of mandatory vaccines). If this applies to you, you’ll have to pay 100 euros per night, i.e. a total of 1,400 euros.
Many countries, such as Costa Rica, have decided to restrict entry to travellers with proof of international health insurance coverage for Covid-19. Depending on your plans, short- or long-term health insurance can protect you in the event of a minor accident or hospitalization, but it can also cover the full cost of your care.
With vaccination on the rise worldwide, many countries are reopening their borders, enabling them to boost their economies while protecting their populations. This is the case, for example, in Thailand and Cambodia, which rely heavily on tourism-related economic revenues for their livelihood.
When you travel, it’s important to respect barrier gestures. They protect both you and the local population, who may not have had access to vaccinations.
In the event of hospitalization due to Covid-19
It’s important to mention the case of hospitalization due to Covid-19. Indeed, it is important that your insurance should be able to cover the costs of illnesses related to the pandemic. In some countries, medical expenses can rise very quickly, reaching thousands of euros.
You have two options: you can be repatriated to France for treatment, if your condition allows. For example, if you’re traveling, it may be wise to repatriate so that your social security system can reimburse your medical expenses. You can also seek treatment in the country where you are, which may be an interesting option for expatriates. As illnesses caused by Covid-19 can require extensive and costly medical intervention, it’s important to factor this new risk factor into your policies.
At santexpat.fr, we combine technology and people to bring you innovative and practical solutions. The world is changing, and we’re changing with it to keep pace with our customers’ healthcare needs. That’s why we’re able to provide you with information and advise you on short- or long-term contracts that can cover your healthcare costs related to the pandemic.
* Infra-annual termination, effective since December 1, 2020, allows you to terminate your complementary health insurance contract free of charge, without reason or penalty.
