Navigating Your International Employer Group Health Insurance: How to Use It at Home and Abroad

Jim and his wife are on Jim’s international employer medical group policy with his school in Thailand. They have never used their international medical insurance, yet. But now they have good reason to use their overseas medical cover because Jim’s wife is pregnant.

This week on the phone, Jim shared with Joey and said, 'We would like to deliver our baby in the U.S., but our international medical insurance policy through our employer in Thailand has no deductible outside the U.S. and a $5,000 deductible within the U.S. What would you suggest?

Congratulations on the new addition to your family, Jim! This must be an exciting time for you.
• Regarding your question about your international employer medical insurance, you're absolutely right: your deductible and coinsurance for services outside the U.S. are covered in full, with no out-of-pocket costs.
• You are also correct that your deductible for services within the U.S. is $5,000 per calendar year, plus coinsurance. It's great to see you making informed decisions about your coverage options!

But you should also understand, that if you were residing in the U.S., your employer group insurance policy or an individual policy, your U.S. annual out of pocket maximum for a typical plan currently is around $8,500 (per person or double that amount for a couple or family annual maximum out of pocket).

You actually have very good international employer group medical cover when it just comes a deductible for an individual of only $5,000 here in the U.S.

Let’s explore the best options for you and your family!
• Considering you're already in Thailand, have you thought about the possibility of delivering there? This could be a cost-effective choice, as maternity and birthing care expenses are generally lower than in the U.S.
• Additionally, your policy offers a hospital indemnity benefit for each day of hospitalization, which is a common perk in many international plans. This could further reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.

The definition of a hospital indemnity - This is extra money that you get when you are hospitalized outside the U.S.
• The purpose is to cover any extra expenses you may have in regards to your hospitalization.
• Payment is based on a daily amount for each night hospitalized. When you are hospitalized outside the U.S., the patient will receive extra money in addition to the other medical costs (the dollar amount will differ from insurance company to insurance company).

Some employers will pay the indemnity and sometimes the international medical insurance company will pay. This is in addition to the normal eligible medical expenses.

Please consult with your HR department to find out if you have this benefit and how you may receive it or call us here at Good Neighbor Insurance here at 480-813-9100 or our email address at [email protected].
Returning to your question, Jim - you might be pleased to discover that having your baby outside the U.S. could be extremely cost-effective, potentially even putting money back in your pocket.
• Your international employer group health insurance permits the use of any Western medical facilities abroad.
• They also provide a list of recommended medical facilities and hospitals around the world, including in Thailand where you currently reside.

By the way, Jim, please be sure to enroll your baby through your HR when born, so those well baby visits are covered.

I am so glad you asked this question, Jim.
• We are happy to answer any questions about our international employer group medical plans, including plan benefits for your team members, claim submission, or any other administrative concerns you may have.
• Your global employer group insurance team here at GNI are in the office from 8:00am – 4:00pm Arizona time on business days.
• You may call us at 1-480-813-9100 or we can set up a video call meeting.
• We also respond to emails, [email protected] within 24 business hours.

Change is always in the air! Please check out our international employer group medical insurance options on our web page at https://www.gninsurance.com/group-health for the most up-to-date information on your international insurance –
• or call us at 480-813-9100 or we can set up a video call.
• or email us at [email protected]
Your GNI team here in Gilbert, Arizona, wishes you and your family safe and awe-inspiring expatriate travels in Thailand and beyond, Jim.
www.gninsurance.com
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