U.S.-style health plans don’t travel well. Help your clients choose the right global coverage for life beyond borders.
Many people mistakenly assume domestic health insurance works the same everywhere—and that belief can be risky. The truth is most U.S.-based plans, including ACA, employer-sponsored health plans and Medicare, offer little to no coverage once your clients leave the country. That means even a routine doctor’s visit or unexpected emergency abroad could turn into a costly ordeal.
That’s why it’s crucial to help clients see the full picture. Whether they’re doing business, relocating, or studying abroad, international health coverage isn’t a luxury—it’s a must-have. The right global plan fills critical gaps, providing access to trusted care and financial protection wherever their journey takes them.
Let’s start by breaking down some common myths.
Myth #1: Depending on the destination, a global healthcare plan may not be necessary.
Some clients think that going just over the border to Canada or Mexico, or other countries with “good healthcare” systems means they don’t need extra coverage. That’s risky. Each country has different healthcare rules and systems. Getting sick or hurt can happen anywhere. When you’re away from home, you need the right coverage and the know-how to get proper care. If not, you can face confusing bills, tough choices, and high out-of-pocket costs.
Myth #2: Travel insurance will cover it.
They may sound similar, but travel insurance and travel health insurance serve very different purposes — and knowing the difference can make all the difference for your clients.
- Travel insurance covers trip-related costs, like canceled flights, delayed luggage, or missed connections.
- Travel health insurance covers medical care abroad, including doctor visits, hospital stays, and even emergency medical evacuations.
Both types of coverage are important, but travel health insurance steps in if your clients get sick or face an injury overseas. By helping them understand the distinction, you can make sure they’re truly covered—not just for the trip, but for their health and peace of mind, too.
Why the right international health coverage matters.
Traveling or living abroad opens up exciting opportunities—but it also means stepping into the unexpected. With the right international health coverage, your clients can navigate those moments with confidence and ease. Whether it’s a minor illness or a serious emergency, having dependable coverage means they’re never facing it alone. With international coverage in place, your clients can:
- Access quality care quickly—wherever they are
- Avoid surprise medical bills or delays in treatment
- Receive expert support for emergency medical evacuations or transport home
- Feel confident knowing help is just a call away
- Focus on enjoying their journey instead of worrying about what-ifs
You have the power to bring real peace of mind to your clients and members. By guiding them to the right international health plan, you’re helping them stay healthy, protected, and ready for whatever their adventure brings.
What makes an international health plan truly comprehensive?
Not all international health plans deliver the same level of coverage. The right benefits can make all the difference for members in how protected and supported they feel.
Here’s what to look for in a strong global health plan:
- Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation. In serious situations, your clients shouldn’t have to worry about how to get to the right care—or get back home. This coverage ensures careful coordination and safe medical transport when it matters most.
- Local compliance built in. Many countries require proof of health coverage that meets their rules. Choosing a plan that checks those boxes helps clients avoid surprises at borders, schools, and visa offices.
- 24/7/365 multilingual support. Health issues don’t follow business hours—and language barriers can add stress. Around-the-clock help in multiple languages keeps your clients supported, wherever they are.
- Telemedicine that works globally. Quick access to virtual care is essential—but not all telehealth services work in different countries or allow prescriptions due to local licensing laws. A plan with true global telemedicine keeps care just a call or click away.
- Smart digital tools. From doctor and hospital finders to local risk alerts and translation help, digital resources make navigating care abroad much easier and much faster, and help members take care of themselves while living or traveling internationally.
- Whole-person wellness support. For long-term stays or expat life, access to mental health services and wellness tools can help clients stay balanced and healthy—not just physically, but emotionally, too.
The bottom line? The right international health plan isn’t just about coverage—it’s about confidence. When your clients have these essentials in place, they can focus on the journey ahead, not the what-ifs.
Who needs international health insurance? More people than you think.
Anyone spending time outside their home country can benefit from international health coverage. It’s not just for long-term travelers—coverage matters for a wide range of global lifestyles, including:
- Employees on overseas assignments or international business trips
- Remote workers living and working abroad
- Vacationers taking short getaways or frequent international trips
- Faculty and students studying abroad, or international students in the U.S.
- Expats who have relocated long-term
- Humanitarian workers and maritime crew members working across borders
Make global coverage part of the conversation.
As more people live, work, and travel across borders, the need for international health coverage has never been more important. Domestic plans simply don’t go far enough—and your clients may not realize the gaps until it’s too late.
By proactively bringing global health solutions into your conversations, you’re doing more than offering a policy. You’re protecting your clients’ health, well-being, and financial security—no matter where life takes them.
