Knowing whether you and your family have adequate and appropriate medical coverage isn’t always easy. So, together with our friends atBupa Global, a respected provider of international private medical insurance, we’ve compiled a few basic questions worth asking about your own medical coverage, whether you’re planning your next move or already living abroad.

The first question is simple: Do you have coverage abroad?

Most domestic health plans are just that – domestic. So when it comes to global healthcare coverage, what do you need to know and what should you consider in a health plan?

For one thing, not all plans are created equal, and even some domestic health insurance might place limits on coverage of chronic or pre-existing conditions. And in today’s highly connected and mobile world, international health insurance isn’t just for the traditional expat moving abroad; it’s also for people who want or need coverage regardless of whether they’re in their adopted country or visiting family back in the country they used to call home.

And figuring out the differences between the health system where you grew up and the one where you live now can be a tricky task for even the most seasoned globe trotter.

Of course, finding the right information starts with asking the right questions. So no matter what you’re looking for, here are some questions everyone should think about when considering their healthcare coverage abroad.

How hard is it to get access to a doctor that speaks English?

In many parts of Europe, it’s not too hard to find doctors who have some grasp of English. Embassy websites of English-speaking countries may even keep lists of hospitals with English-speaking staff. Local expat networks or online discussion forums can also provide clues, but it’s hard to know the information is accurate and up to date.

And in an emergency situation, you can never be sure who you might get, and when it comes to complex medical terminology, it is possible that something vital gets lost in translation. But a global health plan from a private provider like Bupa Global gives you access to a team of advisers, doctors and nurses based around the world, who can provide a multilingual service 24/7 – giving you the benefit of their international experience. They can also help you find health facilities nearby with English-speaking medical professionals.

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