Insurance is a useful tool that can protect you against financial ruin, whether it be for your property, car, or your health. In this article, we’ll be exploring the latter, what type of plan to select, and touch on how insurance in China differs from insurance abroad so you’re well-informed.
A family plan covers all eligible family members as opposed to one individual. The premium the policyholder pays is higher than on an individual plan, but tends to be more cost effective than buying an individual plan for each respective family member.
|
Allianz Ultracare - Select (Individual) |
Allianz Ultracare - Select (Family of 3) |
|
|
Annual premium in USD |
5,588 |
11,146 |
|
Cost per person in USD |
5,588 |
3,715 |
Family plans are typically the more cost effective option only when all family members are relatively healthy as having pre-existing conditions can subject you to a premium that exceeds the standard. This would raise the collective premium the family has to pay, even if other members are healthy.
Navigating health coverage as an expat or traveler requires understanding local medical workflow. While international insurance offers robust benefits, securing a plan in China involves a unique process for application, and payment.
Once quoted for an international plan in China, you apply, undergo medical history underwriting, and pay your premium. Payment is flexible, with many companies accepting international credit cards, mobile apps like WeChat and Alipay, or bank transfers.
Unless your chosen facility is located in a major international hub like Beijing or Shanghai, you may need to pay your bill out of pocket first. Then, to reimburse it, you must submit a completed claim form alongside an official tax invoice, an itemized receipt, and a doctor’s note.
As the government-mandated Urban Employee Basic Medical Insurance (UEBMI) is relatively basic, expats with particular demands or the need for treatment at a private hospital with English-speaking staff and little to no wait times should opt for an international plan on top of their UEBMI.
In China, often you must pay first and the insurer will reimburse you later. Thus, we recommend budgeting USD $5,000 to USD $10,000 to be secure while your claim is being processed.
Insurance plans in China may only cover you at certain hospitals if you select a ‘high-cost provider’ plan. If you plan to go to a certain private hospital, it’s worth checking that your plan can cover you there.
Quality of care varies greatly by region. If you’re in a rural area, we recommend a plan that includes emergency evacuation. This way, you're entitled to emergency transport to the nearest adequate facility if the one you’re currently at isn’t sufficient for what you’re covered for.
Some expat-friendly insurers include MSH China, Allianz Ultracare, and Cigna & CMB for comprehensive coverage on top of your UEBMI.
Many prefer MSH China for its cost-effective and expat-specific plans, such as its International Plus plan. They boast a wide direct billing network, multiple areas of coverage, no waiting periods on dental and wellness benefits, and a repatriation option.
Allianz Ultracare is also popular for its comprehensive plan options, varied areas of cover, and their flexibility with pre-existing conditions. This plan is especially attractive to families as they offer a 40% discount for families of three or more, and a no claims discount that increases yearly.
Cigna & CMB, based in Shanghai, is another great choice as it offers family and no claims discounts as well as a high maximum age of entry, comprehensive coverage, repatriation, and great dental benefits, making it an attractive option for older individuals especially.
Navigating insurers can be challenging as an expat. That's why Pacific Prime is happy to provide you with tailored advice, give impartial insight, or assist with claims.
Get advice today, free of charge, with premiums quoted directly from the insurer.
Disclaimer: Pacific Prime solely represents, operates and manages locally regulated insurance products and services in the territory of PR China. Any references to Pacific Prime Global Company or Group, the international services, insurance products or otherwise stated written or verbally, is for introduction purposes about our overseas network only as each entity is fully independent.
