Health Insurance for Teachers Abroad

Teaching abroad is one of the most popular ways to live overseas—but insurance needs vary dramatically depending on your situation. An international school teacher in Dubai has very different needs than a TEFL instructor in rural Thailand.

Types of Teaching Abroad

Your insurance needs depend heavily on your teaching situation:

Insurance by Scenario

Scenario 1: International School with Benefits

If your school provides insurance, evaluate what's included:

• Coverage limits: Are they adequate for serious illness?
• Geographic scope: Are you covered when traveling or visiting home?
• Evacuation: Does it include medical evacuation?
• Dependents: Are family members covered?
• What happens when you leave: Is there portability?

Many international school plans are good but have gaps—especially for home country coverage or evacuation. Consider supplemental coverage if needed.

Scenario 2: TEFL Job with No Insurance

Most language schools don't provide insurance, or offer only minimal local coverage. You have options:

• International health insurance: Comprehensive coverage (~$100-150/month)
• Travel medical insurance: Budget option for emergencies (~$45-70/month)
• Local insurance: Cheapest but limited to that country

For a 1-year TEFL contract, travel medical insurance (SafetyWing, World Nomads) may suffice if you're young and healthy. For longer commitments or if you have health concerns, comprehensive coverage is worth it.

Scenario 3: Private Tutor or Online Teacher

As an independent contractor, you're fully responsible for your own coverage. See our guides for freelancers or digital nomads—your situation is similar.

What to Look For

Key factors for teachers when choosing insurance:

• Contract length coverage: Does it align with your teaching contract?
• Summer break coverage: Are you covered during school holidays if you travel?
• Home country visits: Coverage when visiting family between school years
• Mental health: Teaching abroad can be stressful—therapy coverage matters
• Evacuation: Critical in countries with limited healthcare
• Pre-existing conditions: How are existing health issues handled?

Recommended Plans

These providers are commonly used by teachers abroad:

For International School Teachers

Cigna Global or Allianz Care provide comprehensive coverage that can supplement employer plans or serve as primary coverage if your school doesn't provide insurance.

For TEFL Teachers (1-2 Year Contracts)

IMG Global offers good value for longer stays. SafetyWing works for budget-conscious teachers who mainly need emergency coverage.

For American Teachers

GeoBlue provides BCBS network access when visiting the US—valuable if you return for summers or have family in the States.

Coverage by Region

Insurance situations vary by popular teaching destinations:

East Asia

China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan: Many schools provide insurance, but quality varies. Japan requires enrollment in national health insurance. China's school-provided insurance is often basic—consider supplementing. Korea and Taiwan have good national systems you may access.

Southeast Asia

Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia: Most TEFL jobs don't include insurance. Local care is affordable for minor issues, but evacuation coverage is essential for serious situations. Thailand has good hospitals in Bangkok; elsewhere is more limited.

Middle East

UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait: Employers are typically required to provide insurance. International school packages are usually comprehensive. Verify coverage details—some have limits that may concern you.

Europe

Spain, France, Germany, Czech Republic: You may access public healthcare once resident. Initially, private insurance is often required for visa. TEFL jobs in Europe are less common and typically don't include insurance.

Latin America

Mexico, Colombia, Costa Rica, Chile: Schools rarely provide insurance. Healthcare is affordable out-of-pocket for routine care. International insurance useful for major issues and evacuation.

Evaluating Employer-Provided Insurance

If your school offers insurance, ask these questions:

Coverage Questions

• What's the annual and lifetime maximum coverage?
• What's covered: inpatient only, or outpatient too?
• Is emergency evacuation included?
• Are pre-existing conditions covered?
• Is mental health treatment covered?
• What about dental and vision?

Practical Questions

• Which hospitals can I use? (Network restrictions)
• Do I pay upfront or does the insurer pay directly?
• Am I covered during school breaks if I travel?
• Am I covered when visiting my home country?
• What happens to coverage if I leave mid-contract?
• Can I add family members?

Red Flags

• Coverage limits under $100,000
• No evacuation coverage
• Only covers one hospital or clinic
• No home country coverage at all
• Vague policy documents

Common Questions

My school provides insurance—do I need more?

Maybe. Evaluate what's included (see questions above). If your school's plan has low limits, no evacuation coverage, or doesn't cover you during breaks or home visits, supplemental coverage makes sense.

Is SafetyWing enough for a TEFL job?

For young, healthy teachers on 1-year contracts, SafetyWing can work. It covers emergencies and basic care. However, it's travel medical insurance, not comprehensive health insurance—it won't cover routine care, pre-existing conditions, or chronic issues.

What if I teach in multiple countries?

International health insurance works across countries. Make sure your plan covers all the countries you'll be in. Some plans exclude certain countries or charge more for US coverage.

I'm only teaching for one year—is insurance worth it?

Yes. Medical emergencies don't wait for convenient timing. A serious accident or illness without insurance could cost tens of thousands of dollars and derail your teaching adventure. At minimum, get travel medical insurance with evacuation coverage.

What about insurance for my teaching gap year?

If you're doing a gap year combining travel and teaching, travel medical insurance (SafetyWing, World Nomads) is often the most practical option. It's flexible, affordable, and covers you across countries.

Can I get insurance after I arrive?

Yes, but it's better to arrange before leaving. Some plans require you to apply from your home country. And if you get sick or injured before getting coverage, it becomes a pre-existing condition.