All you need to know about
health insurance in North America

Understanding expatriate mutual insurance in North America

Moving to North America, whether the United States or Canada, is a rewarding experience. It’s also an experience that requires careful preparation. One of the most important things to think about before you leave isexpatriate health insurance. As an expatriate, it’s important to understand how North American healthcare systems work, as they differ considerably from those in France. Differences in organization and costs can have a major impact on access to healthcare. To avoid unpleasant surprises and benefit from appropriate coverage, choosing an appropriate mutuelle is a key step in your move.

The U.S. healthcare system

In the United States, there is no universal social security system, which means that access to healthcare depends largely on private insurance. Public programs such as Medicaid and Medicare are available in the United States. However, they are only available to people on low incomes or to senior citizens over 65. The majority of Americans therefore rely on private insurance. Some employers offer basic coverage, but in most cases you’ll need to take out individual or supplementary insurance. However, such insurance does not always cover all care, and can be very costly. For example, a simple consultation with a general practitioner can range from $80 to $200, while a day in hospital can cost up to $4,000. Without the right mutual insurance, these costs can quickly become a real financial burden.

The Canadian healthcare system

Canada’s tax-financed healthcare system offers basic medical coverage to all permanent residents. However, it does not cover certain essential treatments such as dental care, optical care or out-of-hospital prescription drugs. What’s more, new arrivals often have to wait up to three months before being covered by their province’s health insurance. To avoid any unpleasant surprises, it is therefore advisable to take out supplementary insurance to make up for these shortcomings and ensure optimum coverage of healthcare costs.

Why take out a mutual insurance policy as an expatriate?

Whether you choose to settle in the United States or Canada, taking out a health insurance policy as an expatriate is an essential step towards living your new life with peace of mind. In North America, medical costs can be particularly high, and good insurance will enable you to supplement reimbursements from local social security or the Caisse des Français de l’Étranger (CFE). Without this protection, a simple consultation or unforeseen hospitalization could quickly lead to major expenses and weigh heavily on your budget.

How to choose a mutual insurance company in North America?

When choosing your mutual insurance company, there are several criteria to consider:

• Scope of coverage: Check that your insurance covers daily care, hospitalization, dental and optical expenses, not forgetting medical repatriation if necessary.
• Reimbursement ceilings: Take the time to check the reimbursement ceilings for each type of care. Make sure they correspond to the rates currently applied in your region, to avoid unforeseen costs. This will avoid unpleasant surprises in the event of high medical costs.
• Network of service providers: Some insurers offer a network of partner healthcare professionals. Before subscribing, check that this network is sufficiently large and easily accessible to avoid any constraints in your care.
• Cost of premium: compare the different offers, taking into account the coverage provided and your budget. The Santexpat.fr international health insurance comparator can help. It’s also a good idea to compare offers from local and international insurers to find the coverage best suited to your specific needs.

Health insurance for moving to North America

Moving to North America as an expatriate requires careful preparation, particularly when it comes to health coverage. Healthcare systems in the U.S. and Canada have their own specificities, and medical expenses can quickly become a burden without a suitable mutual insurance plan. By taking the time to assess your needs and compare the various options available, you can choose an insurance policy that will offer you effective protection throughout your expatriation.