Finding Insurance After Relocating Internationally
One of the things you will need to figure out when you are moving internationally is what kind of insurance you will need and how to get it. You will need to know that every country is different, and they all have different laws regarding how insurance works, both for immigrants and residents. You need to do as much research as you can about the country you are planning on moving to, so you can find out exactly what you will need to do so you can be properly insured. For example, many countries have government funded healthcare, while others do not. Doing research beforehand will not only give you a good idea of what kind of insurance you will need, but also a general idea of how much it will cost.
Probably the most important type of insurance you will want to look into is health insurance. As we all know, an extended hospital stay, or multiple trips to the doctor’s office, can get really expensive, really quick. You might be able to get health insurance through the company that you plan on working for once you are there, especially if you are moving because the company you are working for transferred you to an international location. If they do not, shop around and find out what you will need, if you need any at all. Keep in mind that, just like in the United States, preexisting conditions may have an impact on how much your health insurance will cost.
Car and Life Insurance
The next thing to look at is auto insurance. Most people in the United States drive on a daily basis, so chances are you will want to drive in your new country. You might be relocating to a city where you can get around by public transportation, but this is not always the case. If you will only be in your new country for a short period of time, your existing company may be able to cover you for that period of time. If not, you will have to shop around. Find out if you will need just liability, or if you will have to purchase full coverage. Also remember, that some countries will charge a higher premium for foreign drivers, because you will not be familiar with local traffic laws and will therefore be more susceptible to accidents.
You could also look into life insurance while you are living abroad. It is an uncomfortable subject for a lot of people, no one likes to think of their own mortality, but if you have children, or any other kind of dependents, it is definitely something to look into. You might be able to roll over the insurance that you already have, with a few tweaks here and there. Contact your insurance company and see what they can do for you while you are living overseas. If not, you will have to shop around just like the other types of insurance. Luckily, many reputable insurance companies will let you bundle policies together if you are looking to purchase all three, which will save you money in the long run.
