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Health insurance

One hospital stay can cost more than years of premiums

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Nobody budgets for an emergency room visit, a surgery or a long course of treatment. Health insurance is what keeps one bad week from becoming years of debt.

The basics

  • Plans pay all or part of doctor visits, hospital stays, surgery and medication, depending on the plan.
  • You usually pay a premium, plus a deductible or excess and sometimes a co-pay when you claim.
  • Some plans cover you only locally. Others cover you internationally.

Where people get caught

  • Pre-existing conditions are often excluded or have a waiting period.
  • Maternity, dental and optical are frequently separate or limited.
  • Annual limits and sub-limits can run out faster than you’d expect.
  • Many plans only pay at approved hospitals and doctors.
  • A local plan may not cover treatment abroad.
  • Cover through your employer ends when the job does.

Do this now

Check three things in your plan today: the annual limit, whether hospital stays and medication are covered, and whether you’re covered outside your country. If you’re not sure, ask an agent before you need it, because waiting periods only start when you do.

General information only. Cover varies by country and policy.