Finding Your Way Through the International Health Insurance Maze

NEWCASTLE, England, October 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Using a professional UK regulated insurance broker to negotiate your international health insurance means one less thing to worry about

Seasoned expatriates of all nationalities understand the importance of comprehensive medical protection when travelling and working abroad, so for many, ensuring an appropriate international healthcare package is in place before any posting is a high priority.  Private medical insurance is widely available for those working abroad, even in some of the most inhospitable and war torn areas. Policies are designed to offer basic protection against major events such as evacuations and hospital treatment, or protection can be arranged to offer a broader based range of benefits, including comprehensive family and pregnancy cover, where wives and children are living together abroad.

Choosing private international medical insurance can be akin to entering a minefield. Few expatriates fit into a convenient one size fits all category, with some having complex medical protection needs that could include, for example, a medical history such as hypertension. This can give rise to a need to negotiate bespoke international health insurance terms, so a skilled broker would need to arrange a policy which includes cover for pre-existing medical conditions. A fact often overlooked when selecting a provider is that where a pre-existing condition is declared, it is not only that condition that can be excluded from insurance cover, but also all related and underlying conditions, unless this has been specifically negotiated at the outset. So if hypertension is declared, heart attacks and strokes may be omitted from cover.

Specialist international insurance brokers such as April Medibroker can and do play an important role ensuring the most appropriate cover levels  are in place across all international territories, with cover being varied according to budget, need and free local state support available. With nearly 15 years experience of looking after individual expatriates and their families, there are few problems they have not seen or had to solve.  Steve Nelson, sales manager at April Medibroker explains, "When an individual takes on a posting abroad and he or she does not have international health insurance provided, it is vital they take out their own cover. Otherwise, falling ill or a need for a medical evacuation can wreck a placement and lead to huge bills."

April Medibroker work with a panel which includes both the bigger household names and also smaller specialist providers. It is often the smaller providers who are in the best position to react quickly to changing market needs, especially where complex cases are involved. Research shows that up to half of all those living and working outside of their home country do not have any health insurance, so April Medibroker's advisers are often called upon to explain in detail the risks and costs that might arise, should a doctor or hospital visit be required. Even everyday hazards such as broken bones can end up costing thousands in medical fees, making the insurance premium well worthwhile.

Ultimately, the key role of a broker remains that of safeguarding and advising their client. Modern private medical insurance policies are now far more complex than ever, so it falls to specialists such as April Medibroker to find the right policy for the individual, all at the best possible price.

For more information visit  http://www.medibroker.com 

Telephone +44(0)191296-6140

Editor Notes

April Medibroker is an independent specialist international private medical health insurance broker to both the individual and company or groups markets. Founded in 1998, the company has been supplying independent whole of market advice and support to expatriates of all nationalities from over 60 countries worldwide for over 14 years.

Policies can be arranged to cover the full range of inpatient and outpatient costs, evacuations, wellbeing benefits, complementary medicine and more and are often negotiated on a bespoke basis to ensure both pre-existing and related complaints are all fully covered.

April Medibroker Online follows the code of the Association of British Insurers (ABI)

APRIL Medibroker Limited is regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Services Authority. The regulated Firm number is 304773. Registered office: APRIL Medibroker Limited, Unit 4, Rake House Farm, Rake Lane, North Shields, Tyne & Wear, UK, NE29 8EQ

Media contact:

Guy Stephenson/Jenny Duffy
Nacelle Limited
Tel: +44(0)20-8333-9125