While not always legally required, health insurance is strongly recommended for expats. Medical costs in international hospitals across Southeast Asia can range from $500 for consultations to $50,000+ for surgeries. Quality insurance protects you from unexpected expenses.

In most Southeast Asian countries, public health insurance is either unavailable to foreigners or provides very basic coverage with long wait times. International health insurance gives you access to private hospitals, English-speaking doctors, and faster treatment.

Most international health insurance plans are portable — you can continue coverage when moving between countries. You may need to adjust your coverage area, and premiums might change based on the new location. We handle all the paperwork for you.

Maternity coverage is available on most mid-tier and comprehensive international health insurance plans. There is typically a 10-12 month waiting period before you can claim maternity benefits, so it’s important to plan ahead if you’re considering starting a family.

A deductible (also called excess) is the amount you pay out-of-pocket before insurance kicks in. Higher deductibles mean lower premiums. For example, choosing a $1,000 deductible instead of $0 can reduce your premium by 20-40%. You only pay the deductible once per policy year.