Moving abroad without adequate health insurance exposes you to unexpected, and sometimes very costly, medical expenses. But with so many different plans available and various factors affecting the premium, finding an expat insurance plan that isn’t too expensive, without compromising on the quality of coverage, requires a systematic approach. This guide breaks down the different strategies you can use to optimize your budget.
- The cost of international health insurance depends on three main factors: your age, your destination country, and the level of coverage you choose.
- Four plans cover all profiles: Gold Expat for expatriates who have settled abroad (1st euro or CFE), Gold Start for long-term stays, Gold Visa for retirees living abroad, and FrancExpat for medical care when returning to France.
- Signing up before the April rate adjustments allows you to lock in the current rate for the entire year.
- A specialized broker gives you access to negotiated terms that you wouldn’t get by purchasing a policy directly from an insurer.
- Medical costs are rising worldwide every year, but the right plan can help you keep your premiums under control over the long term.
What Really Affects the Cost of Expat Health Insurance
There is no standard rate for international health insurance. Three structural factors determine your premium.
- Your insurance profile: Age is the primary factor; a younger person pays a lower premium. Family composition also plays a role, depending on whether you’re traveling alone, as a couple, or with dependent children.
- Your destination country: This is the most decisive factor. In countries where medical costs are very high—such as the United States, Singapore, or Hong Kong—premiums are structurally higher. Conversely, in destinations where the local healthcare system is accessible and of high quality, you have more flexibility regarding the level of coverage.
- The selected coverage level: Health insurance that covers costs starting at the first euro pays for all your medical expenses from the very first euro spent. A CFE supplemental plan enhances your existing basic coverage at a more affordable cost. Deductibles, reimbursement limits, and optional coverage (dental, vision, maternity) allow your premium to adjust based on your actual needs.
Which Mondassur plan is right for your budget and situation?
At Mondassur, four plans cover the full range of expatriate profiles.
- Gold Expat is the comprehensive plan for expatriates living abroad on a long-term basis. It comes in two versions: one Expat insurance starting at the first euro for those who have no basic coverage in their host country, and CFE supplemental expat insurance For those who wish to enhance their existing coverage. With high coverage limits and global coverage, it is particularly well-suited for destinations with high medical costs, such as the United States, Singapore, Hong Kong, or the United Kingdom.
- Gold Start is designed for people on extended stays abroad who are looking for long-term insurance for stays abroad with essential coverage at an affordable rate. It covers hospital stays and routine medical care, and includes medical assistance and repatriation.
- Gold Visa is designed for expatriate retirees. This International health insurance for long-term visas accepts applicants up to age 75 and offers comprehensive medical coverage (hospitalization, outpatient care, repatriation assistance) tailored to the specific needs of retirees living abroad.
- FrancExpat meets a specific need: expatriates who are insured in their country of residence and are looking for supplemental coverage for their stays in France. This International health insurance for France ensures effective coverage when returning to France, where the expatriate’s local coverage is insufficient.
To help you find the plan that best suits your situation, our advisors will run several simulations based on your profile, your country of residence, and the options you select. Request a free quote to get a clear comparison.
How can you reduce the cost of your expat insurance?
Reducing your premium does not mean reducing your coverage. There are three ways to optimize the coverage-to-price ratio without compromising your coverage.
- Sign up before the April rate adjustments: At Mondassur, the rates for the Gold Expat plan are reviewed every year in April. If you enroll during the year, you’ll benefit from the current rate until the following April 1. Mondassur notifies you of upcoming rate increases several weeks in advance, giving you time to plan ahead.
- Adjust your coverage to match your actual destination: If the local healthcare system in your host country is reliable and accessible, a higher deductible or adjusted coverage limits will automatically reduce your premium. Our advisors analyze the medical landscape of your country of residence to guide you toward coverage that’s truly useful, without making you pay for coverage you don’t need.
- Work with a specialized broker: Purchase insurance dealing directly with an insurer limits your access to only that insurer’s products. At Mondassur, you get access to the best terms negotiated with major international insurers, along with support that doesn’t end when you sign the contract.
Why do international health insurance premiums go up every year?
The annual increase in premiums reflects a global reality. Medical inflation, an aging population, and technological advances in healthcare are driving up costs in every country. Insurers are adjusting their rates to maintain their ability to cover claims in the face of these changes.
These increases are not uniform. Singapore has medical costs comparable to those in Switzerland. In China, healthcare costs are rising rapidly, with significant variations among healthcare providers. The United States remains the country with the highest medical costs in the world, with a more pronounced upward trend than elsewhere. Understanding these dynamics allows you to plan ahead and choose the right time to purchase or renew your coverage.
Why choose Mondassur for your expatriate insurance?
Mondassur has been supporting expatriates for over 20 years in more than 190 countries. This expertise translates into plans that offer a coverage-to-price ratio that is hard to find on the market, without compromising the quality of benefits.
At Mondassur, you don’t pay for coverage you don’t need. Our advisors analyze your profile, your destination, and your current coverage before recommending the plan that best fits your budget. The goal isn’t to offer the most comprehensive plan, but the one that best fits your situation.
Thanks to rates negotiated with major international insurers, personalized support, and assistance available worldwide, Mondassur makes a difference where it counts: when you need it most.
Discover our expat health insurance plans and get your free quote in just a few minutes. To learn more, check out our 10 Tips for Choosing Expat Insurance.
