Many countries require medical cover to issue a visa for highly-skilled work. Others require it as a condition of access to the local healthcare system. As a HQP or international mobility manager, you need to anticipate these requirements before you go abroad.
At Mondassur, we help companies manage these requirements. Here’s what you need to know about foreign business insurance requirements for highly qualified work visas.
International talent: in which countries is health insurance compulsory?
When you send an employee on an international assignment, you need to check whether the host country requires health insurance. This is sometimes an essential condition for a work visa to be issued. Some countries require it explicitly, others only de facto. However, even if international health insurance is not compulsory, we strongly recommend that you take it out!
Here are the obligations to be aware of in the main countries that attract highly qualified talent.
France - Talent Passport
The Talent Passport does not formally require private health insurance to obtain a visa. When you arrive in France, you are required to join the CPAM (the French social security system). However, there is an administrative delay during which you will not be affiliated.
Companies therefore have every interest in covering their talents from the moment they arrive, to avoid unpaid medical expenses, secure the transitional period and guarantee continuity of social protection. What’s more, CPAM reimburses less than international health insurance plans such as those offered by Mondassur. This is true, for example, for hospitalization, routine care and repatriation.
International health insurance is the best solution for the first few weeks or months of your stay.
Germany - Highly-Qualified Visa
If you wish to obtain a highly-skilled work visa in Germany, you must present proof of valid health insurance.
This is because the country operates on a compulsory insurance system, and the absence of cover immediately blocks the procedure. Companies must therefore take out international health insurance to ensure compliance until their German insurance is activated.
That’s why it’s important to take out private health insurance before you leave.
Spain - Visado para trabajador altamente cualificado
Spain requires private health insurance covering all health care costs for highly qualified workers from non-EU countries. This insurance must be valid on arrival and at least equivalent to the Spanish public system. Without proof of full coverage, the visa will be refused.
Beyond the health aspect, Spain also imposes several important conditions on the company:
- an employment contract in line with high qualification criteria
- remuneration in line with Spanish market standards
- justification for the position (skills shortage, specific expertise)
- a complete administrative file with the Unidad de Grandes Empresas (UGE)
Once here, the employee will need to obtain an NIE (foreign identification number), register with the social security system, and provide documents for housing or opening a bank account.
It’s important to anticipate the whole process of settling in, not just the health component. An international health insurance policy can help to secure the first few weeks, while facilitating mobility. What’s more, an international health insurance policy like Mondassur will provide better protection than the Spanish public health system.
Italy - EU Blue Card
The EU Blue Card is a work and residence permit for highly qualified talents wishing to work in a European Union country, including Italy. It is intended for employees with a higher diploma and a job offer meeting strict criteria in terms of qualifications and remuneration.
To obtain the Blue Card in Italy, applicants must provide valid health insurance or prove that they will be covered by the Italian health system from the moment they start work. This requirement guarantees medical protection before local coverage is activated, which can take several weeks.
International health insurance plays a key role in this mobility, providing optimum protection. In addition, as healthcare can be expensive in Italy, particularly in the private sector, a comprehensive international insurance policy is an effective support for talented employees.
Canada - Global Talent Stream
The Global Talent Stream (GTS) is a fast-track program designed to help Canadian companies recruit highly qualified profiles. It allows you to obtain a work permit in just a few weeks.
Health insurance is de facto required by employers. Access to the Canadian public health system depends on the province of arrival, and is not always immediate. During this period, the employee has no public coverage. Yet private healthcare in Canada can be particularly costly.
In this context, Mondassur international health insurance provides a secure solution that meets provincial compliance requirements. It is a key element of professional mobility in Canada, and can be particularly useful for private medical treatment.
Chile - Visa Tech Chile
Chile is offering the Tech Chile Visa, a fast-track scheme for highly qualified talent in the technology sector. It enables local companies to recruit expert profiles via a fast-track procedure lasting 15 working days.
To obtain this visa, the collaborator must present valid health insurance, which is essential as long as his or her rights to the Chilean system have not yet been activated. As private health care can be expensive, and certain installation procedures require proof of coverage, international insurance helps to secure the arrival of talent and avoid any unprotected periods.
What’s more, medical costs in Chile can be onerous, especially in the private sector! That’s why it’s so important to take out international health insurance to ensure you’re properly covered.
Talent health insurance : Guaranteeing risk-free international mobility
Even when health insurance is not a visa requirement, it remains essential to protect mobile talent. Local systems don’t always offer immediate coverage, private care can be expensive, and some establishments require proof of coverage before admitting a patient. International insurance can help avoid these risks and ensure a smooth transition before local rights are activated.
You must therefore :
- avoid any period without coverage on arrival
- reduce unforeseen costs associated with private care
- meet local requirements where insurance is mandatory
If you’re wondering How do I choose expatriate insurance for an employee? Mondassur is here to answer all your questions!
