International health insurance guide
Changing country during a contract: what to check with the insurer
For an international health insurance contract, moving to another country is not just a change of address: depending on the contract, the new country can change the zone, the premium or the benefits. There is no universal rule; everything depends on the terms of each contract. This page lists the questions to ask the insurer before the change, so that you get a written answer rather than an assumed one.
The answers below are not general rules: they are checks to make with your insurer, based on your contract.
What can change with the country of residence
Five points deserve attention first. For each one, the answer depends on the contract.
- The coverage zone — Is the new country within the subscribed coverage zone? See also the guide Coverage zone.
- The premium — A change of country can, depending on the contract, change the premium, or leave it the same.
- The benefits — Caps, care network, direct payment and assistance services can differ from one country to another.
- The waiting periods — A new waiting period may apply in some cases, for example if the contract changes plan.
- Local requirements — Some countries ask for proof of insurance for a visa or residence permit, or have their own health insurance rules.
Questions to ask the insurer
Each answer below says what to check, not what applies to every contract.
Does the coverage zone change when I change country?
It depends on the contract. The new country may already be part of the subscribed zone, fall under another zone, or not be covered. To check: the exact name of the new country in the policy terms or in the list of countries of the zone, and whether the zone can be changed during the contract.
Do I have to notify the insurer, and when?
Many contracts ask you to declare a change of country of residence, but the deadline and the form vary. To ask: must you notify before leaving or after settling in, through which channel, with what proof, and what the consequences of a late declaration are. Keep a written record of the answer.
Does my contract remain valid in the new country?
It depends on the zone, the residence conditions set out in the contract and the rules that apply to the insurer. To check: does the contract continue as it is, does it have to be amended, or must a new one be taken out, and how do the benefits carry over between the two countries.
Will the premium change?
It depends on the contract: it may change if the new country falls under another zone or another level of care costs, or stay the same. To ask: does an adjustment apply, from what date, and can it be confirmed in writing before the change?
Will the benefits change?
They can vary by country: caps, care network, direct payment, items covered, assistance services. To ask: an item-by-item confirmation of the benefits that apply in the new country.
Does a new waiting period apply?
It depends on the contract. Some do not apply one for a simple change of country; others may provide for one in case of a change of plan or a new subscription. To ask: is the time already elapsed taken into account, notably for maternity or dental?
Will my ongoing care be covered?
To check before leaving: do a treatment already started or planned care remain covered, in the former and in the new country? Is prior approval needed? How is medical follow-up handled during the change?
What about my family?
To ask: are the insured spouse and children subject to the same conditions? What happens if part of the family moves later? Does each person remain insured in the country where they actually live?
Does the new country require health insurance or a visa tied to coverage?
Some countries require proof of insurance for a visa or residence permit, sometimes with minimum conditions, or provide for local insurance. This does not depend on the insurer: check with the country's authorities (consulate, embassy, official website). Then ask the insurer whether a certificate matching these requirements can be provided.
Are repatriation and evacuation maintained?
It depends on the contract. The terms of medical repatriation and medical evacuation may depend on the declared country of residence. To ask: is assistance organised from the new country, to which destination, and under what conditions?
Checklist before leaving
To go through a few weeks before the change, keeping the written answers with the contract:
- Reread the subscribed zone and the list of countries it includes in the policy terms.
- Write to the insurer or the advisor to announce the change and ask for their position in writing.
- Ask for the effective date of the change and the continuity of benefits between the two countries.
- Have any effect on the premium, the caps and the waiting periods confirmed.
- Review ongoing or planned care and any prior approvals.
- Check the situation of each insured person in the family.
- Find out about the insurance and visa requirements of the new country, and ask for any certificate.
- Check repatriation and evacuation from the new country.
Preparing the change with an advisor
If you are preparing to change country, a personalised study lets you take stock of your contract, your needs and the solutions available for your new situation.
Service being launched: an advisor reviews your request and gets back to you to clarify your needs.
See also the guide Coverage zone, the glossary (medical repatriation), or go back to the international health insurance guide.