International Health Insurance Plans
Pacific Prime Latin America

The US is home to some of the world's leading medical facilities, making it an attractive option for expats living in Mexico, Brazil, Costa Rica, and other Latin American countries. However, adding US coverage to an international health insurance plan can significantly increase the premium. An alternative could be considering European countries like Switzerland, the UK, Germany, and France. These countries also provide high-quality medical services and treatments, support direct billing payment, and offer competitive prices.

While the flight duration from Latin America to Europe is somewhat longer compared to the US, this option allows you access to some of the world's top hospitals at a considerably lower insurance premium.

12 hours

16 hours

Top 3 Hospitals in Germany

Click here for a full list of top 3 hospitals in European countries

Pre-existing conditions are health conditions that you have before starting a new health insurance plan. While most insurers typically exclude coverage for pre-existing medical conditions due to associated risks, Pacific Prime takes a different approach. We provide solutions to cover pre-existing conditions on a case-by-case basis, considering individual circumstances and medical histories.

For the insurer to offer you tailored terms and premiums for your case, it’s necessary to provide a complete medical history. This includes disclosing any pre-existing medical conditions when applying for international health insurance, so that the insurer can accurately assess the risks and provide appropriate coverage options.

Alternatively, if you choose not to undergo full medical underwriting, there are other underwriting options available, including:

• Loading: A loading of 10-25% may be added to the existing premium, which is common for certain medical conditions like high blood pressure.
• Moratorium: A moratorium, also known as a waiting period, typically applies to temporary medical conditions such as a broken bone. This means that a particular condition won’t be covered during a specified period after your plan starts.
• Exclusion: if your pre-existing condition is excluded from cover, you can benefit from a lower premium compared to a policy that fully covers the condition. With an exclusion, you’ll have clarity on what is covered and what isn’t, reducing the risk of unexpected surprises.

When comparing various expat health insurance plans, it’s important to consider the following factors

Policy Value

While the cost of the premium is undoubtedly a significant consideration for many expatriates when comparing insurance plans, it's crucial to not overlook the overall value that different plans can provide. A plan that includes high-quality customer service and comprehensive coverage tailored to your needs can be more beneficial in the long run. Ask yourself if the policy meets your specific medical requirements. Does it offer coverage limits that align with your healthcare needs? Take ample time to evaluate the options and don't hesitate to seek advice from an insurance expert to make an informed decision.

Policy Exclusions

Don't forget to examine what each insurance plan doesn't cover and compare these exclusions across different plans to find the best fit for your needs. Keep in mind that many health insurance plans for expats may not cover ongoing or pre-existing health problems. If you’re seeking a plan that covers these conditions, you might need to pay more or wait for a certain period before you can claim any benefits.

Dental insurance is an optional benefit in international private medical insurance. This add-on benefit frequently comes with a waiting period. For instance, teeth fillings often have a waiting period of 6 months, while root canal treatment might require a waiting period of around 1-2 years.

Furthermore, depending on the particular product, it’s not uncommon for insurers to combine dental and vision insurance (especially in the US).However, certain insurers may not offer vision benefits at all.

Yes. Pacific Prime provides comprehensive employee benefits and company insurance solutions to over 5,000 firms across various industries and locations. Our clientele includes professional service firms, private schools, and multinational companies.

We are capable of offering premium discounts on corporate medical insurance and tailoring health coverage to meet the specific needs of your company or group. Discuss your requirements with our highly trained and professional advisors today.

Most IPMI plans provide coverage for emergency care even outside the chosen coverage area. In case of an emergency, you can contact the insurer’s emergency assistance hotline for immediate medical assistance. The insurer will arrange appropriate transportation, such as air ambulances or transport vehicles, to transfer you to a suitable medical facility where you can receive appropriate life-saving treatment. This coverage also includes emergency room visits, ambulance transportation, surgeries, and other critical interventions.

On the other hand, repatriation is a different concept often confused with emergency care. Repatriation specifically involves bringing an individual back to their home country or a designated location for further medical treatment. It occurs after an emergency has been resolved and the patient is out of critical condition. Typically, it is the hospital or the treating doctor, rather than the policyholder, who requests repatriation, as they are best equipped to assess the patient’s situation.

The insurer will be responsible for coordinating with an evacuation company, working alongside medical professionals, and ensuring appropriate ongoing medical support during the journey and upon arrival in the patient’s country of residence or citizenship.

It’s a great question with no simple answer. First and foremost, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all insurance plan that can meet everyone’s budget and needs. And to make things more complicated, each plan has its unique aspects, including varying premiums, benefits, limits, and underwriting options, which makes directly comparing insurance plans challenging..

Having said that, at Pacific Prime, our dedicated team of insurance experts have years of experience and extensive industry knowledge. They can use their expertise to assist you in finding the most suitable insurance solution for your specific needs. You can begin by using our online quotation tool to explore the available options on the market. This tool can serve as a starting point to help you navigate different insurance plans and make an informed decision.

Indeed, one of the significant advantages of international health insurance is the freedom to choose where you receive medical treatment, including access to private hospital facilities.

Private hospital facilities typically provide a higher level of comfort, specialized medical services, shorter waiting times, and professional services without language barriers compared to their public counterparts.