6 Kinds of Insurance You’ll Need When Moving Internationally
Giving up the life you know to move abroad and start afresh can be very rewarding, but takes a lot of courage too. There will naturally be a lot of stress involved, not to mention everything that will need to be planned and organised.
Insurance is one of those big, frustrating parts of life that are just so necessary. While you might not want to think about it, insurance is something that will offer you the peace of mind that comes with a financial safety net, especially during such a chaotic time.
But what kinds of insurance do you need when you’re moving to a new country? Here are some of the most important ones to consider.
Travel Insurance
When travelling in any capacity, travel insurance is a great idea, and the same can be applied to when you’re moving internationally. Travel insurance fills in the gaps or insurance cover while you’re not at home and can account for medical emergencies as well as your luggage, depending on which plan you decide to go for.
There’s a travel insurance plan suited to every type of person, going on every type of trip, and with any need. The costs will of course be based on various factors, but rest assured that this one is worth your while.
Shipping Insurance
Some expats are excited to sell everything they own and start from scratch in their new homes. For others, the thought of buying a new sofa is unbearable.
If this is the case for you, you’ll want to have all your possessions shipped to your new country – something that sounds daunting to anyone. Choosing the right moving company is the first step in getting this right, but equally important is getting international shipping insurance.
This will give you the invaluable gift of peace of mind, but also protect you financially if everything you owned was to, say, fall into the ocean.
Health Insurance
While many countries offer free healthcare, the details of this are not always clear. Oftentimes, healthcare won’t be available to foreigners and you’ll need to handle your medical affairs privately.
In these cases, getting even basic health insurance is almost always a good idea. You’ll be covered if you or someone in your family needs to go to a hospital, and if you get insurance with better coverage, you can ensure that any doctor’s visits, medications and other procedures are taken care of too.
Having health insurance is a practical way of expecting the unexpected.
Home Insurance
If you own a home in your new country, homeowner’s insurance might be mandatory and is recommended regardless.
It’s unlikely that contents insurance will be forced on you no matter where you are in the world, but this is always a good idea. Insuring your home and possessions can protect you against damage, theft and in some cases (though definitely not always), even wear and tear.
Especially if you’re purchasing a load of new furniture, appliances, tech, etc for your new life, you’ll want to make sure that your safety net is firmly in place. Home and contents insurance are especially important in higher-crime countries and areas, so be sure that you know what you’re getting into.
Life Insurance
This is important to anyone and everyone, especially those with a family. Life insurance is a lifeline for those you leave behind when you’re gone, and you’ve moved abroad as an expat, your family might not have any other means to support themselves in this new country.
Having good life insurance will let everyone in your family rest easy knowing that they will be taken care of, even if you can’t do it anymore.
Car Insurance
Naturally, this is only relevant if you’re planning on purchasing a vehicle in your new home. Buying a car as a foreigner can be trickier than when you’re a citizen, but if that’s a route that you decide to take, then insuring your vehicle is a crucial step.
If you can’t or would prefer not to buy a car when you move abroad, you’ll have the option of using public transport, a bicycle in safe areas or even carpooling with work colleagues. Be sure to plan your travel arrangements well in. advance so you don’t run into trouble.
Conclusion
All in all, insurance can be a lifesaver, no matter how much we all hate paying for it. Travel and shipping insurance are crucial policies to buy for your moving process and will protect you while you and your belongings are in limbo.
On the other hand, health insurance, home insurance, life insurance and car insurance are day-to-day staples that we all need, no matter where we are in the world. Don’t let living in a foreign country let these important policies fall by the wayside.
