Living or working abroad is a unique experience, but it also entails risks, particularly when it comes to health. Unexpected hospitalization in another country can cost tens of thousands of euros, jeopardizing your savings and your expatriation plans. To avoid this situation, it’s essential to take out international hospitalization insurance.
In this article, we explain what hospitalization insurance is, what it covers, when it’s a good idea to take it out, and how much it costs. You’ll also find our advice on how to choose the best cover for your profile and destination.
What is international hospitalization insurance?
In France, l’Assurance Maladie covers part of the cost of hospitalization, and complementary health insurance rounds out the reimbursement. Abroad, this system no longer exists: as soon as you reside outside France for more than three months, you lose your affiliation to Social Security, unless you are seconded. This means that, in the event of hospitalization, you are responsible for the entire cost, which can be very high.
International hospitalization insurance is a specific type of coverage that covers expenses incurred during a hospital stay abroad. It’s the vital minimum to avoid exorbitant bills in the event of accident or serious illness. Unlike comprehensive health insurance, which includes day-to-day care, consultations and sometimes maternity, this insurance focuses solely on the heavy costs associated with hospitalization.
Why is it essential?
Hospitalization abroad can quickly become prohibitively expensive. A simple appendectomy costs around €40,000 in the USA, €7,000 in Singapore and €11,000 in China, while in France it’s between €500 and €1,500. This is due to the high cost of medical infrastructure and fees in private clinics, which are often the only reliable options for expatriates.
Hospitalization abroad can be very expensive, and varies enormously from country to country. To illustrate:
| Country | Routine medical procedures | Approximate cost |
| United States | Appendectomy | 40 000 € |
| Singapore | Appendectomy | 7 000 € |
| China | Appendectomy | 11 000 € |
| France | Appendectomy | 500 à 1 500 € |
| Vietnam | Consultation + minor care | 15 à 50 € |
| Brazil | Consultation + minor care | 20 à 60 € |
These examples show that a simple operation can cost up to 80 times more than in France. Without appropriate insurance, you risk paying these costs out of your own pocket, or having to forego certain treatments.
Without appropriate insurance, you could be forced to pay these sums out of pocket, take out a loan, or even forego quality care. Hospitalization insurance guarantees rapid access to reliable healthcare facilities, without compromising your budget or your safety.
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What exactly does hospitalization insurance cover?
Coverage varies from insurer to insurer, but hospitalization insurance generally covers all costs associated with medical, surgical or outpatient hospitalization. It covers the hospital room (single or shared, depending on the plan), medical fees, drugs administered in hospital, as well as pre- and post-hospital care such as rehabilitation or physiotherapy.
Some policies also include prescription hospitalization at home, treatment for serious illnesses such as cancer or Parkinson’s disease, and organ transplants. On the other hand, routine care outside hospitalization (consultations, analyses, pharmacy medicines), dental and optical care and experimental treatments are excluded.
| Warranties included | Excluded warranties |
| Hospitalization costs (medical, surgical, outpatient) | Routine outpatient care (consultations, tests, pharmacy medicines) |
| Hospital room (depending on formula: single or shared) | Dental and optical care (except in the event of accident) |
| Medical and surgical fees | Experimental or unapproved treatments |
| Pre-hospital care (30 to 60 days prior to hospitalization) | Stays in retirement homes, geriatric or medico-social establishments |
| Post-hospital care (rehabilitation, physiotherapy, palliative care) | Long-stay hospitalizations not related to a medical emergency |
| Home hospitalization on prescription | Non-medical transport costs (excluding ambulance to nearest hospital) |
| Treatment of serious illnesses (cancer, Parkinson’s, HIV/AIDS, etc.) | |
| Organ transplants |
When should you only take out hospitalization insurance?
Not everyone needs comprehensive health cover. Hospitalization insurance alone can be sufficient in many situations. If you’re going to a country where consultations and basic care are inexpensive, but hospitalization in private clinics is very expensive, this solution is particularly suitable. This is the case in many Southeast Asian and Latin American countries.
Similarly, if you already have a local insurance scheme that covers routine care, but offers insufficient cover for hospitalization or serious illness, supplementing this cover with a hospitalization-only contract is a sensible option.
Hospitalization-only insurance: for whom?
This formula is particularly well suited to certain expatriate profiles, including :
- Young working people in good health, who want to reduce their expenses while remaining protected in the event of hospitalization.
- Single people or couples without children, for whom comprehensive coverage including maternity and pediatrics is unnecessary.
- Retirees affiliated to the French Social Security system, who prefer to supplement their coverage with hospitalization cover rather than an expensive mutual insurance plan.
“Thanks to Santexpat, I took out hospitalization-only insurance for my expatriation to Vietnam. When I had to be hospitalized for unexpected surgery, I was fully covered and had no financial worries.” – Julien, expatriate in Hanoi
How much does international hospitalization insurance cost?
The price depends on several factors: your age, the destination, the level of coverage chosen and the deductible applied. The more expensive the country (such as the USA, Canada or Singapore), the higher the premium. Similarly, a premium plan with no deductible will cost more than a basic plan with limited ceilings and a double room.
Generally speaking, hospitalization insurance alone is much more affordable than comprehensive health insurance. It’s a cost-effective way of protecting yourself against the biggest unexpected expenses.
How do I find the best hospitalization insurance abroad?
Comparing offers is the key to finding the coverage best suited to your situation. Rates and cover can vary considerably from one insurer to another. At Santexpat, we can help you :
- Identify your real needs according to your destination and profile.
- Quickly compare the best offers on the market.
- Helping you to purchase the solution that protects you effectively without paying for unnecessary options.
Our service is free, fast and without obligation. You also benefit from the expertise of an advisor specialized in international health insurance for expatriates.
Protect your health and your finances
Hospitalization insurance abroad is not an option, it’s a necessity for every expatriate. It enables you to deal with unforeseen medical circumstances without jeopardizing your life plans. With Santexpat, you can be sure of finding the most suitable cover, at the best price, so you can leave with peace of mind.
