expat health insurance

Grumbling about the NHS is basically a national pastime in the UK. But don't forget about residents of other lands that don't have what Brits think nothing of. In the USA, as an example, the unemployed can't get into a public treatment service and have no option but to go down the welfare benefits route. Though President Obama's highly disputed health reform bill is set to change all that, it's likely to be some considerable time before its full effect is felt.

In the meantime, for people considering leaving the UK shores to live across the pond, it's essential to arrange proper expat health insurance for you and your family. If you don't have these medical plans arranged there is a strong likelihood that the USA immigration authorities will deny you entry. So, what should you do first?

If you have secured a job in the US, your employer will probably offer a health insurance scheme. Remember,though, that these do not instantly take effect, and it can be anywhere between 15 days and three months. As another option, there are some generic health plans on offer, making it a case of checking out all your options.

Joining up to the Health Maintenance Organisation (HMO), for instance, allows you to access a large number of hospitals and doctors, for a fixed monthly premium. The HMO generally cares for 100% of your expenses, which includes hospital fees and medications prescribed by the doctors' network. For plans beyond the HMO, it's essential to keep an eye on the small print and be conscious of extra fees.

The Preferred Provider Organisation (PPO) is an example of another scheme. Here there is still a fixed monthly premium, but also a 'call-pay' that can range between 0-20%. With this scheme, the PPO handles only some of your expenses and you must to care for the rest on your own. You have access to a hospital and a doctor, whose fees for care and medicines are handled by your PPO. However, consulting doctors who are not part of your PPO network will result in an additional cost.

Many Americans choose a third option, a Mutual Fund, which permits them to pay between $100-200 per month into an interest-bearing fund. Those savings can then be drawn on as and when necessary. The Mutual Fund scheme has the extra advantage of being deductible against tax.

When selecting a healthcare plan in the USA, it's important for Ex Pats to check out the differences in treatment - and therefore the incremental fees. Consider the good old NHS again: whereas in Britain it's normal practice to be registered with a local GP, in the USA clinics and surgeries hardly exist. Those clinics that do exist usually offer laser treatments and plastic surgery, so to consult a doctor you will have to visit a hospital. Remember also that, unless you see a doctor from one of the hospitals approved by your health insurance network, you will be made to pay for additional expenses.

Think twice before running to the hospital or emergency room - only go when you are in need of emergency care. They will ask you directly for their payment and you'll be forced to foot this bill up-front ahead of filing your claim with your healthcare provider. If you need attention from a doctor, make an appointment and don't miss it. While you are in the waiting room you will be asked for some personal information, including details of your healthcare insurance. If the doctor procedes to prescribes medication, you will get a prescription as well as an invoice, along with documents for your insurance company. Also bear in mind that drugs in the USA are currently so expensive (antibiotics are usually charged for by the pill) that a lot of Americans buy them from Canada, where they don't cost as much.

As yet, no one is sure just what effect the US health reforms will cause for British Ex-Pats residing in the States. But for now the key thing to keep in mind is that, unless you choose yourinternational health insurance plan very carefully, all those unpleasant extra costs could end up becoming a rather bitter pill to swallow.