Health & Fitness

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Essentials

Expatriate healthcare

Health insurance abroad is just as important as health insurance in your homeland. But it's likely to be different in your new country of residence. Take time to find out how expat medical care works to make sure that your health coverage is to your preferred standard. That's especially important if you plan to have a baby abroad. Look for Expatica’s practical guide to the healthcare system on the healthcare channel of each...

Expatriate healthcare

Choosing a doctor

Choosing a doctor abroad for yourself and your family is your first order of business. Use word of mouth or the internet to find a suitable doctor near you, one who can communicate with you adequately until you have a good grasp of the local language. Make sure to know whom to call outside of surgery hours. Don’t forget to ask for names of doctors provided by private health insurance for foreigners and remember to contact a local dentist and have regular checkups. Prevention is the best cure. Expatica’s A-Z listing can help you to find expatriate healthcare in your area.

Having a baby abroad

For women, having a baby abroad can bring up deep feelings of insecurity. How different is the approach to childbirth in your new country to that in your homeland? Read about giving birth in your new country of residence on Expatica’s healthcare channel or visit the Expatica forums (Belgium, France, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, UK) and find out what other expat women feel about giving birth away from home.

Overseas health insurance

Are you on a company package or do you need to take out private health insurance for foreigners? Make sure that you have checked out the expatriate health system in your new country of residence and that you have covered all of the areas which are important to you.

Ask the expert

Use Expatica’s Ask the expert section (Belgium, France, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, UK) to ask for general advice about the local health system.

Our guide to prenatal care, delivery, aftercare, and maternity and paternity leave in the Netherlands.

31/01/2012 Hospitals in Belgium

A quick guide to the main hospitals in Belgium, as well as hospitals in Antwerp and other cities in Belgium.

01/12/2011 SOS Help: France's only English-speaking crisis line

Sometimes the crisis is a full-blown emotional breakdown. Sometimes it's figuring out the gas bill. And sometimes it's a homesick holiday. They're ready to hear it all at the place they call the Listening Post.

13/04/2011 Addicted expats

Rupert Wolfe Murray of Castle Craig Hospital discusses why some expats are tempted by alcohol and how cultural differences can make it difficult to find help.

Visit our country sites

Expatriate healthcare

Expatriate healthcare

Expatriate healthcare

Choosing a doctor

Having a baby abroad

Overseas health insurance

Ask the expert

Healthcare - Essential Articles

26/10/2012 Having a baby in the Netherlands

31/01/2012 Hospitals in Belgium

01/12/2011 SOS Help: France's only English-speaking crisis line

13/04/2011 Addicted expats