Due to the Corona pandemic, numerous states have made it mandatory for foreigners to show proof of valid foreign health insurance, including Corona coverage. Otherwise, they will not be allowed to enter the country. The BDAE Group, which specializes in foreign insurance, points this out.
Often, proof must be provided when applying for a visa. In addition, some states have clearly defined what the insurance coverage must be in connection with a potential Covid 19 condition. This includes, for example, all countries of the Schengen area, Thailand, Chile, Costa Rica, Sri Lanka or Dubai. Schengen countries (i.e., Greece, Portugal, or the Czech Republic, among others) require, for example, that expatriate health insurance cover medical emergencies and hospitalization at a rate of 50.000 US dollars covers, as well as costs of at least 300.000 U.S. dollars for a return medical transport or medical evacuation, respectively. There must also be proof that the insurance company providing these benefits has its office in Europe.
100.000 US dollar coverage for overseas health insurance in Thailand
Those wishing to enter Thailand must also present an overseas health insurance policy that provides coverage of at least 100.000 U.S. dollars has. Coverage must also extend to all Covid 19 medical expenses and death due to illness.
In addition, the repatriation to the home country in the event of death due to a covid 19 disease should be insured. Furthermore, it is required that medical expenses be covered for Covid 19 treatment, including the duration of a hospital stay – both inpatient, meaning an admission to the clinic, and outpatient, meaning without a hospital admission. Thereby, the coverage amount may include treatment costs specifically from Covid-19 in the amount of 3.2 million baht (about 87.580 euros). In addition, the overseas health insurance must pay for the Covid 19 test if it is medically ordered.
It has also become clear in recent months, in the BDAE Group's experience, that the sums insured required vary from country to country: Chile, for example, explicitly requires travelers to have health insurance covering at least 30.000 US dollars covers. Those entering Costa Rica must provide proof of an international health insurance policy that provides coverage at Corona and covers treatment costs of at least 50.000 US dollars covers. Travelers to Sri Lanka, on the other hand, only require general proof of out-of-country health insurance coverage.
These countries require Covid 19 coverage in their out-of-country health insurance policies
- Anguilla
- Aruba
- Costa Rica
- Chile
- French Polynesia
- Jordan
- Cambodia
- Lebanon
- Nepal
- Oman
- Schengen countries
- Seychelles
- Singapore
- Sri Lanka
- St. Maarten
- Tahiti
- Thailand
- Turks and Caicos Islands
- Ukraine
- UAE
Evidence of Corona coverage abroad
BDAE's overseas health insurance plans generally cover corona illnesses and generally comply with the regulations of those countries that require travelers to have health insurance for corona or covid 19 treatments, respectively. Upon request, the company will provide insured persons with a corresponding and, if necessary, individually adapted insurance confirmation (gladly also in English), in which the verifiable benefits are listed.
Unlike many other international health insurers, the policies of the foreign specialist do not have limited coverage amounts. Insured are certain benefits, but never limited benefit amounts. The products are valid worldwide and also cover treatment in Corona risk areas.
Providers such as BDAE issue their insureds with proof of Corona coverage in their international health insurance policy. (Photo: © REDPIXEL on AdobeStock)
Always there for insureds abroad, even in times of crisis
"We didn't leave our policyholders out in the cold a year ago when the Corona pandemic began, when other companies canceled their customers' insurance policies. Of course, we are doing our utmost to provide travelers and expats with the insurance certificates they need for their stay abroad," says BDAE Managing Director Philipp Belau.
For details on Corona coverage in international health insurance, please visit this page.
Information on the special benefits that insured persons enjoy with the international specialist BDAE is summarized here.
Anne-Katrin Schwanitz
Anne-Katrin Schwanitz writes on Expat News about intercultural issues and about labor, tax and social security aspects of business trips and assignments abroad, as well as about trends in digital nomadism and emigration.