As the number of Brits moving abroad and emigrating reaches record levels, taking out health insurance should be top of their to do lists. The private health insurance industry is increasingly popular as NHS waiting lists and the desire for specialist care, convenience and privacy push more Brits to take out health insurance. But although in the UK, those who don't take out health insurance can turn to the NHS, when you're abroad ignoring health insurance can be a costly mistake.

Health Insurance and Expatriate Well Being

Your health needs could depend on the country you are visiting, whether you are undergoing a working holiday abroad or whether you are a pensioner looking to retire. Health insurance can be tailored to suit your needs, and ideally your budget. But wherever you go, it's crucial you prioritise a private health insurance package to ensure you get the best possible treatment in your country of choice. Even if you're in your prime, accidents happen. Often we spend all our time preparing for the big fears we face, taking steps to safeguard our well being, but it's often the small things that catch us out -  slipping on loose carpet or missing a step - that can land us with broken bones. Ensuring you have health insurance in place means you can at least have peace of mind that you will be looked after in any eventuality.

Health Insurance - No NHS

Many countries, including some in the EU, are not able to provide free medical treatment. Private health insurance is necessary as many hospitals will refuse treatment unless you can pay expensive medical bills. A recent report by a leading credit card company suggests that some holidaymakers are under the false belief that their European Health Insurance Cards will protect them in the event of any health emergencies or needs. The report found a staggering 2.3 million British holidaymakers didn't buy travel insurance believing their European Health Insurance cards would protect them. The cards do not cover all eventualities that travel insurance does, and in many countries it shouldn't be used as a substitute for full health insurance cover. Although the European Health Insurance Cards do provide free or reduced-cost health care in EU countries, it doesn't cover all eventualities (such as health emergencies or repatriation). And if you're travelling, moving or working in a non EU country such as America or Dubai, you will definitely need private health insurance.

Looking for Health Insurance? Speak to The Insurance Service

The Insurance Service's ethos is that it strives to provide fair health insurance policies in an industry dominated by a small number of major providers and decided to give more choice to those seeking health insurance policies. To find out more about the health insurance and income protection policies available from The Insurance Service, just call 0845 053 3404 or fill in the online enquiry form.

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