Staying safe abroad: why choose a corporate healthcare plan with overseas coverage

For GCC-based companies with globally mobile workforces, international healthcare coverage is a necessity.

Whether your team travels frequently for work, has regional offices, or manages projects overseas, corporate healthcare plans with international coverage offer peace of mind, practical benefits and critical protections. In today’s interconnected business environment, health risks don’t stop at borders and neither should your insurance.

The Global Workforce Reality

In the UAE and broader GCC region, international mobility is common. Executives travel to Europe for conferences, engineers oversee construction sites across the MENA region and teams support global clients across time zones. According to the UAE Ministry of Economy, over 60% of companies in the UAE engage in international business, making employee travel a regular business function.

In these scenarios, a domestic-only health plan may leave employees vulnerable to high out-of-pocket costs or limited access to care while abroad.

What Does Overseas Coverage Include?

A robust group medical insurance policy with international coverage typically includes:

• Emergency medical treatment abroad

• Hospitalisation and surgery

• Prescription medication

• Evacuation and repatriation, if necessary

• Access to a global network of hospitals and clinics

Some premium packages even offer:

• Second medical opinion services

• Coverage for dependents when travelling

• Multilingual support hotlines

• Coordination with international health bodies

Real-World Scenarios Where It Matters

1. Medical Emergencies While Travelling: A marketing manager in London develops appendicitis. Without overseas coverage, they may face a GBP 5,000+ hospital bill.

2. Evacuation from Remote Regions: A site engineer working in rural Africa is injured. Evacuation to a nearby equipped hospital may cost tens of thousands without repatriation insurance.

3. Access to Specialists: A senior executive abroad needs specialist care. International plans ensure continuity and quality, reducing stress and recovery time.

Legal & Compliance Considerations

Certain countries require proof of valid health insurance for visa issuance or entry. Without the right plan, business travel can be delayed or denied. Employers also face legal risks if adequate employee protection is not provided during international assignments.

According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), companies have a duty of care to safeguard employees' health and well-being when working abroad and health coverage is central to this responsibility.

Cost vs. Value

It’s easy to see international healthcare plans as an expense. But compared to potential medical, legal, or evacuation costs, they are a sound investment. According to Pacific Prime UAE, the average cost of an emergency hospitalisation abroad can exceed USD 15,000 without insurance.

What to Look for in a Corporate Policy with Overseas Coverage

• Wide Global Provider Network (especially in the regions your business operates)

• Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation as standard

• Coverage Continuity no treatment interruption due to border-crossing

• Tele-health options usable abroad

• Customisable add-ons for dependents or longer-term overseas postings

Supporting Employees on the Move

Proactively educating your team about what their policy covers and how to access help while abroad is key. Provide digital access to insurance cards, claims support numbers and emergency hotlines before they travel.

Also, ensure they know about additional services like:

• TruDoc 24x7: Many international plans integrate this UAE-based tele-health provider for round-the-clock virtual care, anywhere in the world.

• NAS: One of the largest TPAs (third-party administrators) in the UAE, NAS also supports international coverage coordination.

Final Thoughts

As business goes global, so must your health insurance. Offering overseas healthcare coverage not only protects your team, but it also reflects a modern, globally-minded employer brand.

For GCC companies, especially those headquartered in the UAE, choosing a flexible corporate healthcare partner like GulfCare ensures your policies keep pace with your ambitions.