📖 Table of Contents
🎯 What Health Coverage Do You Need?
Find the right insurance for your situation
1. Your situation?
2. Which country?
🏥 Your Health Insurance
Your recommendation...
Health Insurance vs Travel Insurance: Know the Difference
| Feature | Travel Insurance | Health Insurance (Expat) |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | Days to months | Ongoing (1+ years) |
| Coverage | Emergency only | Comprehensive |
| Preventive care | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Chronic conditions | ❌ Usually no | ✅ Often yes |
| Cost | $30-100/trip | $100-500/month |
| Best for | Short trips, vacations | Living abroad long-term |
Travel insurance is NOT a substitute for proper health insurance when relocating. If you're moving abroad, you need comprehensive health coverage, not just emergency travel insurance.
🇨🇦 Health Insurance in Canada
Canada has a public healthcare system (Medicare) that covers residents, but there are important gaps and waiting periods.
Provincial Health Coverage
- Who's covered: Permanent residents, citizens, some work permit holders
- Cost: Free (funded by taxes) - except BC has MSP premiums
- What's covered: Doctor visits, hospital stays, most surgeries
- What's NOT covered: Dental, vision, prescriptions, physiotherapy
Waiting Periods by Province
| Province | Waiting Period | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario | 3 months | Need private insurance during wait |
| British Columbia | None | Immediate coverage |
| Alberta | 3 months | Need private insurance during wait |
| Quebec | 3 months | Need private insurance during wait |
What to Do During Waiting Period
- Guard.me: Popular for students and newcomers
- Blue Cross: Bridge insurance for immigrants
- Manulife: Newcomer coverage packages
Supplementary Benefits (Employer Plans)
Most Canadian employers offer supplementary health benefits covering:
- Dental care
- Vision (glasses, contacts)
- Prescription drugs
- Physiotherapy and massage
- Mental health services
🇩🇪 Health Insurance in Germany
Germany has mandatory health insurance - you CANNOT get a visa without proof of coverage.
Two Types of Insurance
Best Public Insurers (Krankenkassen):
- TK (Techniker): Largest, English-friendly, great app
- AOK: Regional, good coverage
- Barmer: Large national insurer
Available for self-employed, high earners (>€66,600/year), and freelancers.
- Can be cheaper when young
- Better coverage options
- Gets expensive with age
- Hard to switch back to public
For Students in Germany
- Under 30: Must have public or recognized insurance
- Cost: ~€120/month (student rate)
- Providers: TK, AOK accept students
🇬🇧 Health Insurance in UK
The UK has the NHS (National Health Service), but access for immigrants has restrictions.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
Most visa applicants must pay the IHS upfront:
- Standard rate: £1,035/year
- Student rate: £776/year
- Paid for entire visa duration upfront
What NHS Covers (After IHS)
- GP (doctor) visits
- Hospital treatment
- Emergency care
What NHS Does NOT Cover
- Dental care (except emergency)
- Eye tests and glasses
- Prescriptions (£9.90 per item)
Private Health Insurance in UK
Many employers offer private health insurance as a benefit. Popular providers:
- Bupa
- AXA PPP
- Vitality
🇦🇪 Health Insurance in UAE/Dubai
In Dubai, health insurance is mandatory for all residents.
How It Works
- Employed: Employer must provide insurance
- Self-employed: Must buy own insurance
- Dependents: Sponsor provides or purchases
Popular Providers
- Oman Insurance
- AXA Gulf
- Cigna
- Daman (ADNIC)
Cost Range
- Basic (employer): AED 500-2,000/year
- Enhanced: AED 3,000-8,000/year
- Premium (international): AED 10,000+/year
🇮🇪 Health Insurance in Ireland
Ireland has a mixed public-private system.
Public Healthcare
- Medical cards: Free GP visits for low-income
- Hospital care: €80/night (max €800/year)
- GP visits: €50-70 without medical card
Private Health Insurance
Many Irish employers provide private health insurance. Providers:
- VHI
- Laya Healthcare
- Irish Life Health
Best International Health Insurance Providers
Premium international coverage for expats and families.
Flexible plans for individuals and families.
Cost Comparison by Country
| Country | Type | Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇨🇦 Canada | Public (Provincial) | Free | After waiting period |
| 🇩🇪 Germany | Public (Employee) | ~€110 | Employer pays half |
| 🇬🇧 UK | NHS (with IHS) | ~£86 | IHS spread monthly |
| 🇦🇪 UAE | Private (Employer) | Included | Employer provides |
| 🇮🇪 Ireland | Private | €80-200 | Varies by plan |
Pro Tips for Nigerians
- Start research early: Insurance requirements affect visa applications
- Get bridge coverage: Cover gaps during waiting periods
- Understand employer benefits: Know what's included vs. what you need
- Disclose pre-existing conditions: Non-disclosure can void coverage
- Keep documentation: Save all insurance cards and policy numbers
- Know emergency numbers: Store insurer's emergency line in phone
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, usually. Germany mandates insurance for visa approval. Canada has provincial coverage after waiting period. UAE requires employer insurance. The US requires private insurance.
Generally no. Nigerian HMO plans have very limited or no international coverage. You need separate travel insurance for trips or international health insurance for relocation.
For employees: TK (Techniker) is the most popular - English-friendly, great app, comprehensive coverage. AOK and Barmer are also excellent options. Cost is ~€110/month (employee share).
Depends on province: BC is immediate, Ontario/Alberta/Quebec have 3-month waiting periods. During the wait, you need private bridge insurance (Guard.me, Blue Cross).
Often yes. In Germany, employers pay 50% of public insurance. In Dubai, employers must provide insurance. In Canada, employers often offer supplementary benefits (dental, vision, drugs).
You pay full costs out-of-pocket. This can be devastating: US ER visits cost $3,000+, surgery can exceed $100,000. Many countries treat emergencies but send massive bills afterward.
Public systems (Germany, Canada) usually cover pre-existing conditions. Private plans may exclude them or have waiting periods. Always disclose honestly - non-disclosure can void all coverage.
Varies widely: Germany public insurance ~€110/month (employee share). Private international plans range from $100-500/month depending on coverage, age, and location.