Frequently Asked Questions: Applying for expatriate health insurance with a history of health problems

Almost all expatriate health insurance providers require applicants to complete a health questionnaire while applying. This questionnaire must be completed honestly or your application or future coverage may be canceled.

To save time, try to provide as much information as possible from the start (medical reports, current treatments, test results, etc.) as your application will be evaluated by the insurer's medical advisor. If this advisor is unable to properly assess your application with the information provided, you will be asked to submit additional elements. This can be a major source of stress if your departure is only a few days away (see the section on "When to Apply").

Depending on the application, the insurer may:
- Agree to insure you under the terms of the quote;
- Offer to insure you for a higher premium;
- Exclude coverage for a specific disease;
- Refuse to insure you at all.

It's really up to the respective expat insurance provider. An illness that is problematic for one person may be manageable for another. The decision may also depend on the type of plan, the country of expatriation, and the estimated medical expenses for the disease in that country.

Given the number of cases they handle, our advisors are extremely knowledgeable when it comes to most illnesses, and can quickly direct you to the insurer that is most likely to accept your application.

The following cases are usually dealbreakers when it comes to expat health insurance:
- Progressive illnesses which may require lengthy treatments, since most insurers are obligated to cover you for an unlimited period of time, regardless of the evolution of your health condition.
- Recent accidents or illnesses, since the insurer may have trouble assessing the recovery time and therefore the foreseeable care in the short or medium term. In such cases, the insurer would often rather refuse the application than risk mistaking their assessment of the risk.

Chronic conditions that require long but inexpensive treatment and regular monitoring are usually covered for a higher premium.

Feel free to contact our advisors to save time on your application and quickly discover the best possible solution.

Please note: our advisors may be ethical and professional, but unlike insurers, they are not bound by confidentiality. It's up to you which information you wish to share with them.