William Copper, Marketing Director of William Russell
"Purchasing insurance can be a tricky business. These two products are often confused in travel guides and on the internet. Sure, both travel insurance and international health insurance will cover you when you're spending time abroad. And you may have some cover in your home country with a local health insurance policy.
Some travel insurance products include an element of cover for private medical treatment, while international health policies may come with an optional travel insurance rider. But having the wrong cover might leave you with unexpected medical expenses during international travel.
It's important to stress, however, that they're two very different kinds of insurance, designed for two very different purposes. It's possible that, depending upon your circumstances, you might want to purchase both products.
You should pick the right product for your circumstances. Suppose you're only travelling abroad for a short period; in that case, travel insurance is probably what you need.
If you'll be living or working abroad for an extended period, and you want to ensure you have cover for any medical treatment you may need, then an international [or, expat] health insurance policy might be more appropriate for you."
My son is 32 is going to study 2 years in cambodia, what is the best medical and travel insurance to get to cover him? He will come back to australia for small holiday breaks .
Hi Jaci, the “best” travel insurance policy will depend on how much you want to pay vs how much risk you want covered. Since it’s a long stay, you’ll want to find a long term travel insurance policy that offers generous medical and hospital cover. Cover for routine care, emergency evacuations and personal belongings are also important. I hope this helps.
Ceyda
Hello,
I would like to know what is the best way to cover my daughter for health insurance while she will be living and working France. She is 19 and it will be a one way ticket as we do not know when she will return to Australia
Hello,
PUMA (Protection Universelle Maladie) provides access to the state healthcare system. If she’s legally working in France and contributing to social security, she should be eligible. She’ll need a French social security number, which you get from your employer or CPAM (Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie). Once registered, around 70% of healthcare costs are covered. Many people also get a top-up private insurance (mutuelle) to cover the rest. She can apply for this through your a CPAM office after 3 months of residency, unless she starts working immediately. If she’s not yet eligible for PUMA (or waiting for paperwork), then international private health insurance could be worth exploring. Hope this helps!
My 24-year-old son is going to study in Amsterdam for 12 to 16 months. Could I get a quote?
Hi Natalie,
Thank you for getting in touch with Finder.
Since your son will be travelling to the country where Australia has a Reciprocal Health Care Agreements (RHCA) in place, your son then has access to the subsidised healthcare under the public health system in the said country. He will be covered by the Netherlands’ version of Medicare.
If you still consider getting health insurance for your son, this page has list of insurer you may apply for. Please visit their official page to get quotes.
I hope this helps.
Thank you and have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Jeni