When planning a trip abroad, it’s difficult to anticipate unforeseen medical circumstances, especially those linked to serious or chronic illnesses. And yet, these situations can arise and require meticulous organization. Long-term health insurance, combined with appropriate international health insurance including repatriation cover, plays a key role in managing these challenges. It enables expatriates to concentrate on their health, while limiting financial and logistical stress.
In 2024, international health insurance offers are evolving to meet increasingly diversified needs. Increasingly, these contracts include additional services, such as multilingual teleconsultation platforms, remote psychological support and simplified management of complex treatments.
To begin with, it’s essential to take a close look at the healthcare system and medical infrastructure in your country of expatriation. Several factors come into play, including the language barrier, cultural differences, your current state of health, and the medical treatments available. As an expatriate, the distance separating you from your loved ones may also weigh in your decision about where to seek treatment.
Returning to France for medical treatment: a strategic decision
For expatriates suffering from serious illnesses, such as cancer, returning to France can be a strategic solution. The French healthcare system remains one of the most efficient in the world, offering exceptional quality of care and access to advanced medical technologies. In 2024, the proximity of family and specialized medical infrastructures continues to play a decisive role for expatriates facing these situations.
However, the decision to return to France must be carefully prepared. Check that your international health insurance contract covers the cost of repatriation and treatment in your home country. Regularly updating your coverage is essential to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
Please note that illnesses of this kind often require long-term treatment. It is imperative to ensure that your international health insurance contract not only covers your medical care outside your expatriate country, but also includes repatriation. For a full assessment of your health insurance cover, we recommend that you make an appointment with one of our international health experts. It’s essential to review your health and repatriation insurance contract before you leave, to ensure adequate coverage for any medical contingencies that may unfortunately arise on the other side of the world.
From teleconsultation to repatriation: A Santexpat.fr customer’s story
When one of our customers was diagnosed with a long-term illness, we put in place comprehensive support to ensure her well-being. It all began with a teleconsultation from abroad in the language of her choice, where a doctor explained her pathology and treatment options in detail, all in her mother tongue. Subsequently, the international health experts at santexpat.fr stayed by her side, providing constant support in her medical decisions.
As our client required regular outpatient medical care, it was essential that she was able to move around easily to follow her treatment while receiving support. Faced with the anxiety associated with her illness, she chose to return to France, where she would be close to her family and in an environment conducive to her recovery.
Santexpat.fr intervened with her insurer to organize her repatriation to France in business class. Thanks to this action, our customer was able to receive quality care in France, in her mother tongue, while remaining close to her loved ones, in an environment conducive to her recovery.
New international health insurance services for expatriates
International health insurers are innovating to meet the growing needs of expatriates, particularly in the case of long-term illnesses. These new offerings often incorporate digital tools to facilitate care management, such as mobile applications for tracking reimbursements, consulting specialist doctors online or translating medical records.
What’s more, some insurers now offer a dedicated support service, with a single point of contact to manage administrative and medical procedures. These services are particularly useful in complex situations, such as coordinating care in several countries or finding specialists for specific pathologies. By integrating these solutions, health insurance policies enable expatriates to remain serene, even in the face of unforeseen medical circumstances.
Control the costs of chronic illnesses abroad with health and repatriation insurance
Chronic or long-term illnesses can generate considerable medical costs abroad. As an expatriate, your French social security rights are often suspended, unless you are affiliated to an organization such as the Caisse des Français de l’Étranger (CFE). Many international health insurers offer comprehensive solutions, including global coverage for major treatments or partial reimbursements for major expenses.
It’s important to compare the different insurance packages to choose the one that best suits your situation. Some plans include specific options for long-term illnesses, such as coverage for expensive drugs or travel related to medical treatment.
If you have any questions about long-term illness abroad and your health and repatriation insurance, we encourage you to contact one of our international health advisors. They will be there to guide you and answer all your concerns.
