Expats need to consider their insurance options if they plan on having children while abroad.
Significant numbers of British expats live and work in the world’s top business centres. Yet typically around 50% of this group of well educated, generally senior level managers will have no international private medical insurance, whilst according to research produced by Mintel, up to 55% may be accompanied by their spouses and family.
For a successful expat starting or adding to family abroad is relatively common. Having a baby is a wonderful, exciting, and happy occasion for all the family. However, it can also be stressful and costly, especially in a foreign country. Should complications occur during pregnancy or childbirth it is important to be prepared in terms of insurance coverage so money is the least of your worries.
An important consideration is the pre-existing condition clause found in the majority of health insurance policies. Pregnancy is a pre-exisiting condition which means you will not be covered if you buy your policy whilst pregnant. Most plans require policyholders to be enrolled for a continuous 12 months prior to giving birth before they will cover any medical costs.
All costs and treatment incurred relating to a pregnancy before the end of this 12 month period are excluded from cover and if you are already pregnant before moving overseas you will not be able to buy international medical insurance to cover the costs of your pregnancy.
Assuming a pregnancy is complication-free and runs to full term the cost of care and delivery in a private facility varies hugely, according to Medicare International. A problem-free childbirth in the Middle East would normally be expected to cost around $4,000, whereas in the USA, costs are more likely to start at $15,000. Throw in complications, such as the requirement for a caesarean section and costs can easily rise by $14,000 in many hospitals around the world, says MediCare International.
Would-be mums should consider their insurance options carefully if they plan on starting a family abroad. Managing director Debbie Purser cautions would-be mums to think ahead, particularly if they are having their first child. “Whilst for the vast majority, childbirth is a problem free event, for those planning their first child, the research shows that there is a heighted risk, albeit a small one.
“For this reason, it is particularly important to have appropriate private international medical cover in place early, something we recommend all families do preferably before they leave the UK.”