International health insurance, such as Genki Native, is designed for long-term travelers, expats, and digital nomads who need comprehensive health coverage while living abroad. Before purchasing, it's important to understand key factors that apply to most international health insurance plans. Below, we provide general insights while using Genki Native as an example.
1. Coverage Limits
✅ International health insurance typically covers hospitalization, emergency care, doctor visits, medications, and medical evacuation
✅ Some policies have overall coverage limits, while others offer higher or unlimited coverage
✅ Genki Native: covers both outpatient and inpatient medical costs, including repatriation
Basic: up to €1,000,000 per insurance year
Premium: up to €3,500,000 per insurance year
✅ Includes: prescribed medication, tests, examinations, medical aids, and materials
✅ Additional coverage (Genki Native Premium): preventive care (checkups, screenings & vaccinations), alternative care (acupuncture, chiropractic, osteopathy, homeopathy, massages), dental care (including implants), vision aids, maternity care, and psychiatry & talk therapy
2. Pre-Existing Conditions
🚫 Most international health insurance plans require medical assessments for pre-existing conditions
✅ Genki Native: some pre-existing conditions may be covered, but every applicant must complete a medical questionnaire
✅ Coverage approval depends on the insurer's assessment. Your application can be accepted, accepted with exclusions, accepted with a higher premium, or rejected.
✅ You can apply if you are 55 or younger on your start date. Once insured, there is no maximum age.
❗ No international health insurance covers treatment that was prescribed or started before the insurance begins
3. Travel Destination
🌍 International health insurance should offer coverage in the countries where you plan to live or travel
🏥 Some insurers have regional limitations or restrictions
✅ Genki Native: provides worldwide coverage with no country exclusions, with specific conditions in two cases:
Countries of nationality (except the USA):
Premium: full coverage, with no time limits
Basic: full coverage for up to 182 days per visit, provided you spent at least 91 consecutive days outside that country before arriving
USA: coverage is limited to a Medical Emergency that begins within 91 days of arrival, after at least 91 consecutive days outside the USA. A 3-month waiting period applies, and the USA limit is €250,000 (Basic) or €500,000 (Premium) per insurance year.
Canada: covered like any other country
🔗 Learn more: Where am I covered with Genki Native?
4. Duration of Coverage
📅 International health insurance is typically long-term
✅ Genki Native: offers insurance without a fixed term, so coverage can continue indefinitely
✅ Minimum contract duration: 1 month
✅ After that, you can cancel on a monthly basis
5. Emergency Assistance Services
📞 24/7 emergency assistance helplines are common in international health insurance
🏥 Some insurers provide direct billing for hospitalizations
✅ Genki Native: Offers 24/7 emergency hotline and direct billing for inpatient care worldwide
6. Policy Exclusions
❗ International health insurance excludes certain treatments and conditions
🔗 Always review policy exclusions before purchasing
✅ Genki Native: Learn more about exclusions here: [What is covered (and not covered) by Genki Native?]
7. Repatriation Coverage
✈️ Some insurers offer medical transport to another country for treatment
✅ Genki Native: includes Repatriation for Care under Basic and Premium if the care you need is unavailable, more expensive, or too difficult to manage where you are
✅ You choose the destination from the countries you are connected to (where you are a national or resident, or have stayed at least 3 months in the last 12 months)
✅ Repatriation must be arranged by the Emergency Assistance or the insurer
✅ Coverage continues after repatriation, unlike many travel health insurance plans
8. Adventure Activities Coverage
🏄 Many insurers exclude extreme sports
✅ Genki Native: covers all sports and activities, including extreme sports
❌ Exclusion: professional sports (if you are regularly compensated, e.g., salary, sponsorships, or prize money)
⚠️ Motor vehicles: motorcycle and quad drivers are covered only if they wear a helmet. Drivers of vehicles other than light motorcycles need a valid driver's license, unless no license is legally required.
9. Policy Cost
💰 Price varies depending on coverage, deductibles, and additional benefits
✅ Genki Native: you can lower your premium by choosing a €500 or €1,000 annual deductible. Hospitalization is never subject to the deductible.
✅ Compare plans carefully to ensure adequate coverage rather than focusing solely on cost
10. Claim Process
📝 Most insurers require medical invoices, diagnosis, and cost breakdowns for claims
✅ Genki Native: claims are submitted via an online form in the Member Center
✅ Documents must include diagnosis, treatment details, period of treatment, and cost
❗ For outpatient treatment with expected costs of €2,000 or more, send an itemized cost estimate at least 5 days before starting treatment. Otherwise, only 50% of the covered amount is reimbursed.
11. Provider Network
🏥 Some international health insurers require network providers
✅ Genki Native: No restricted network—you can choose any doctor, clinic, or hospital worldwide
12. Policy Renewal and Cancellation
🔄 International health insurance often provides continuous coverage
✅ Genki Native: no term limit, so coverage can last indefinitely
✅ Minimum contract: 1 month
✅ After that, cancel on a monthly basis. Your insurance ends at the end of a monthly insurance cycle.
13. Customer Reviews and Reputation
🌟 Before purchasing, check customer reviews and insurance provider reputation ✅ Genki Native: Verified reviews available on Trustpilot
14. Travel Alerts and Advisories
🚀 Some insurers restrict coverage based on government travel advisories
✅ Genki Native: provides worldwide coverage with no exclusions due to travel warnings
By understanding these key factors, you can choose the right international health insurance based on your long-term travel or expatriate needs. Genki Native is an example of a comprehensive, flexible solution for those living abroad.
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