Match cover to the stay
A short visitor, long-term resident, employee and retiree have different risks and visa-related requirements. Decide whether you need emergency travel cover, local private medical cover, international cover or a combination. Confirm the geographic area, annual limit and renewal age rather than comparing premium alone.
Read exclusions as carefully as benefits
Check pre-existing conditions, waiting periods, motorcycles, diving, alcohol-related incidents, outpatient care, dental work, pregnancy, mental health and medical evacuation. If an activity matters, ask the insurer to confirm coverage in writing and state the licence or safety requirements.
Understand provider access
Ask which hospitals can bill directly, what pre-authorisation is required and how emergency admission works. Outside large cities, stabilisation and transfer may matter more than access to a premium urban hospital. Carry the assistance number and policy details offline.
Design a claim-ready routine
Keep declarations, policy wording, receipts, medical reports and approval messages. Contact the assistance service as early as the situation allows. Never conceal medical history to obtain a lower premium; non-disclosure can undermine a claim when cover matters most.
Verify before you act
Rules, timetables, prices and local conditions can change. Use the official source links below for the latest position.