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The idea of becoming an expatriate is a romantic one, conjuring up images of the Hemingway-era Left Bank crowd that also included F. Scott Fitzgerald, Gertrude Stein, T.S. Eliot, Edith Wharton, Ezra Pound, et al. But one thing that those great minds never touched on is the subject of international health care insurance. If you’re becoming an expatriate for work-related reasons and are lucky enough to receive coverage from your new employer, this is less of a concern. But for many expatriates, options are limited to the national healthcare system, local health insurance, or a global insurance policy. However, the national healthcare system may not accommodate you if you are not a citizen or a permanent resident, or it may enforce long waiting periods before you can use the system. Local health insurance may be somewhat cheaper than international health insurance, but premiums may be subject to the number of claims that you make, driving up the total cost. For these reasons, global healthcare plans are often the best choice for expatriates. Your international insurer will probably maintain a network of healthcare providers, making it easier to ensure the quality of your healthcare. International health plans also avoid age or coverage limits to offer you more flexible coverage no matter where you are. Before expatriation, contact New York International Group to find travel health insurance that meets your needs.