Protect your employees on short-term contracts abroad.
Our independent consultants are ready to help your business:
- Understand global health insurance policies
- Source a variety of individually tailored quotes
- Support the wellbeing of your overseas employee
What is Short-term International Health Insurance?
It’s a specific variety of International Health Insurance designed for employees working abroad on short-term assignments or fixed-term contracts. Companies can select a scheme which covers their employee from between one to 12 months, whereas a regular international policy would be designed for a longer-term trip.
How does Short-Term International Health Insurance work?
As mentioned, employers can select a choice of term from one to 12 months allowing them to provide medical coverage over a specific period of time. Unlike a standard international health policy, it’s not renewable beyond 12 months should you decide that coverage is required beyond that point. However, if you do require an extension from say, three to six months, then that can be arranged.
The type of treatments offered under Short-Term International Health Insurance are also more limited. This takes into account the fact that most people would head back home should they require more serious, longer-term treatment. While, this means more limited coverage, it also means short-term coverage comes at a significantly lower price point than standard International Health Insurance.
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Why offer Short-Term International Health Insurance?
There are several reasons why businesses should contemplate offering Short-Term International Health Insurance:
- Cost-efficiency: Purchase coverage for the price period you require it for, rather than invest in an annual policy which runs beyond the time its needed.
- Streamlined benefits: A narrower set of health benefits helps reduce the cost of the scheme substantially too. However, some insurers do offer schemes which provide more extensive services, should they be required.
- Country-specific: Ensures that your employee gets the support they need, where they need it – and, importantly, knows how to get it.
- Emergencies & general health: Unlike Travel Insurance, employees can receive coverage for both emergency and general health needs (inclusions will vary from policy to policy).
- Flexibility: All the above points outline the fact that Short-Term International Health Insurance is a flexible option.
These points outline the business angle, but the benefits go deeper than that. An employee working abroad on a short-term assignment and contract will be, most likely, journeying into the unknown. It’s both an exciting opportunity and a potential source of heightened anxiety.
In such circumstances an employer has a duty of care to ensure they get the support they need. An employee’s health and wellbeing should always be the priority. This makes access to healthcare particularly important. If your employee becomes ill or suffers an accident, will they be looked after? Or will they be left to fend for themselves?
It’s important to note that health insurance is only part of the support process. Other elements include pre-assignment screening, cultural training and risk assessments. If you need advice on how to manage the process from start-to-finish and gain access a wide range of quotes, contact the team at Engage Health Group on +44 (0)1273 974419.
Can I get medical cover with travel insurance instead?
Yes, but there are important differences.
- Coverage limitations: Travel insurance is designed to provide short-term emergency treatment while travelling abroad, alongside other travel benefits such as cancelled flights, lost luggage etc. International Short-Term Medical Insurance (like other dedicated private health insurance schemes) covers emergency AND routine treatment. Plus, if longer-term treatment is needed that can be covered too.
- Time limitations: Travel insurance generally covers a shorter period. This is often up to three months and may only be applicable for single trips. International Short-Term Health Insurance can go up to 12 months and cover multiple trips.
- Added extras: International Health Insurance will usually offer additional benefits beyond its core offering, including:
- 24-hour medical help lines
- wellness checks & support
- medical second opinions
- access to discounted pharmacy rates
- assistance finding reputable medical professionals & facilities
- access to specific hospital networks which allow direct settlement between the provider and insurer meaning you don’t need to pay and claim back
For very short-term trips of one to three months, or for specific single or multi-trip cover, Travel Insurance should be considered, please review our Group Travel Insurance page for further details.
“Managing our health and life insurance schemes used to be a headache but it is great to know that Engage are on the ball. I would highly recommend them to take the stress away.”
How much does International Short-Term Health Insurance cost?
Less than typical International Health Insurance cover. However, as with any medical, insurance, costs will vary widely. The following factors will affect the premium:
- Age of insured person(s)
- Previous health issues/health profile
- Type of work performed
- Destination country & locale
- Specific features included within the policy
- Length of policy
- Coverage limit (total value of services claimable)
Many of the major health insurance companies provide short-term international cover, including AXA, Allianz Care and Cigna. However, if you require a list of quotes from across the industry, then contact us for a free consultation and we’ll deliver what you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get health insurance for 6 months?
Yes, absolutely. In fact, International Short-Term Health Insurance can be accessed for any period between one and 12 months. If you take out a 6-month policy and need to extend, you can only extend it only to the maximum 12-month period. If you’d like to talk to an independent professional, then contact the team at Engage Health Group.
Is International Health Insurance the same as Travel Insurance?
No. While there is some crossover, there are important differences. International Short-Term Medical coverage can provide a far greater range of medical support, while Travel Insurance is somewhat limited in what it can provide form a health standpoint. More information is available in the section further up entitled: ‘Can I get medical cover with travel insurance instead?’.
Short-Term International Health Insurance
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