Comparing health insurance policies
Health insurance policies look similar on comparison pages, but the details decide whether a claim is paid. Compare them on the same points.
Inpatient and outpatient
Inpatient cover pays for hospital stays and surgery. Outpatient cover pays for consultations, tests and treatment without an overnight stay. Many policies include inpatient care as standard and outpatient care as an add-on, often with an annual limit.
Area of cover
International policies are priced by region. Cover that includes the United States usually costs much more. Check that cover continues on trips home and while travelling.
Underwriting and pre-existing conditions
With full medical underwriting, you declare your medical history and the insurer states what is excluded at the start. With moratorium underwriting, conditions you had in a set period before joining are excluded until you have gone a set time without symptoms or treatment. Full underwriting gives more certainty. Moratorium is quicker to set up.
Excesses and co-payments
A higher excess lowers the premium. Some policies also ask you to pay a percentage of each claim. Work out what you would pay for a typical year, including the premium.
Direct billing
Some insurers pay hospitals directly, while others ask you to pay and claim back. Ask which hospitals near you have direct billing with the insurer.
Other cover
- Maternity cover, which often has a waiting period of several months.
- Mental health, dental and optical cover.
- Emergency evacuation, if you live far from good hospitals.
- Chronic conditions, which some policies cover only for a limited time.
Visas and employers
Some visas require a minimum level of health cover. If your employer provides insurance, check what happens to it if you leave the job.