Culture, infrastructure and international health benefits delivery

When selecting a health insurance carrier for international employees, it is advantageous to recognize that valid assumptions made when selecting domestic benefits simply do not apply in the international realm and can lead to costly errors. This article examines some scenarios and cultural anomalies that invalidate commonly accepted domestic health insurance practices. It explores strategies for simplifying benefit design, providing access to quality care abroad, assessing costs, minimizing overseas risks and understanding the cultural impact on health care delivery.