No matter what country you’ve decided to call home, healthcare is a must. But getting all your ducks in a row in a brand new place – and perhaps with a language barrier – can be a daunting task.

State-provided healthcare across Western Europe is generally regarded as being among the best in the world for statutory care and emergency treatment. But of course, the details vary from country to country, and there are major differences in waiting times, cost, and accessibility for expats.

“Slotting straight into another country’s national health system may not be as easy as you’d think,” says Arjan Toor, Managing Director of Cigna’s Global Individual Private Medical Insurance.

Some countries have very specific rules about who can use public health services, and in some cases you may need permanent residency before you can enter the system – and that could take years.

“It’s key to research the implications for expatriates in your new country of residence, as all the home comforts you’ve come to expect may not necessarily be available to you.”

Another option for expatriates is to obtain individual private medical insurance, like that available from Cigna Global.

“At Cigna Global, we specialise in health insurance policies for expats, ensuring you have the very best of care available when you need it,” Toor says.

Cigna currently provides health insurance for customers in over 190 countries, with a medical network of over 1 million hospitals and medical professionals worldwide.

“We have a range of products that can be tailored to meet the unique needs of expats and their families,” Toor says.

All Cigna Global policies are fully medically underwritten, with the aim of providing full clarity and transparency on the implications of medical conditions. Full cancer care is a standard benefit included with all Cigna Global Policies, which also come with high limits – such as up to $3,000,000 of care per period of cover (Platinum level policies), covering things like surgeon fees, consultation fees, medical fees and hospital accommodation.

Get a quote from Cigna for International Health Insurance

In addition, there are three levels of coverage to choose from, so expats can choose just the right fit – with options including outpatient care, medical evacuation, and vision and dental care.

“As specialists in expatriate healthcare, we know it’s vital to continue to keep track of the ever-changing needs of globally mobile professionals so we can improve our products,” Toor says.

“We’re always listening to our customers, and we’ll never stop looking for ways to ensure that expats can have the very best care available, regardless of where in the world they call home.”

This article was produced by The Local in partnership with Cigna Global.

For more information on Cigna Global, or to get a quote, please visit www.cignaglobal.com