Health and Medical Issues in TEFL

Health & Medical Issues when Living Abroad

What if I get sick or hurt?

Most employers in most countries will provide you with a very basic form of health/medical insurance.

In some countries, you will become eligible for the national health care system, in others you will belong to a private plan that your employer has purchased for you (you might have to pay for a certain percentage of the coverage).

Is the provided coverage adequate/enough?

If you are young and healthy, don’t ride a motorcycle or engage in dangerous activities, and don’t travel to other countries – then it might be okay. These type coverages are fine for the occasional cold or semi-serious illness.

But they are not adequate for long-term or out-of-country coverage, or for any kind of serious or catastrophic illness or injury.

If you are thinking about teaching long-term, are middle-aged or older, and/or ride a motorcycle or engage in any “risky” activities, then consider purchasing a good quality policy that you can take with you from country to country.

Aren’t these type policies expensive?

Yes, and no.

What is really expensive is to have a serious medical problem and no, or lousy, coverage.

Yes, you will find that some policies offered by major insurance providers quite expensive. But there are some reasonable alternatives. One traditional company that offers “instant quotes” on line is MultiNational Underwriters.

You might not need as much coverage as you think and medical costs and medicines in many countries are far cheaper than they might be in the USA or UK or Australia. When in doubt, seek advice from your personal physician and/or financial adviser.

Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance is a good option if you want some coverage only while out of the country where you are working – as your work coverage will not cover you out of the country. And, after all, one reason for choosing TEFL as a job alternative is so you can travel.

I feel better already – knowing that you – at the very least – know something that you really need to know if you are going to live and work overseas.

TED’s Tips™ #1: Do your research and find what coverage you can get and what it costs.

TED’s Tips™ #2: If you intend to teach for more than one or two years, get an insurance policy that is “portable” that you can take from job to job and country to country.

They can save you a small fortune as I found out once when my wife needed to be hospitalized on vacation in Tanzania. I was very glad we had purchased good coverage.