Just a sobering note for those looking to take short cuts on insurance cover..... I have been an expat for more than 30 years and lived/worked in about 13 countries (some dangerous god-forsaken places included)....ALWAYS had the best expat cover money could buy, but in all of that time have never made a claim.
Around Chinese New Year 2010 I tripped on the steps of a restaurant, had a very nasty fall and cracked my head open which required a rush to Gleneagles hospital and surgery (about 20 stitches). Basically they required money on the knocker, there and then......luckily I had my expat medical insurance card and a call was made to the insurer. Without cover it would have required RM 5,000 on the spot. Since then have had to make monthly visits to a brain surgeon, which all adds up financially.
Not sure if this advises to waiver insurance (I have certainly paid out a lot over the years) or keep covered, but I was certainly glad to have that insurance behind me at that time.
On some of these cheaper policies one needs to read the fine print VERY carefully. A friend of mine was struck down with some internal problem, was rushed to hospital and the emergency department recommended immediate surgery (by this stage she was not fully conscious). The bill was quite high after a week in IC. On contacting the insurance company before leaving the hospital she was surprised to learn that her company would not provide cover because they had not approved her admission in the first place. A bit difficult I think in an emergency situation and about to go under the knife.
Since hearing this story from my friend, I make sure my medical insurance emergency card is with me at all times.