Answers to your expat insurance questions

You're covered Worldwide Excluding the USA — meaning treatment is covered in every country across Asia, the Gulf, Europe, Africa, Latin America, Oceania, and your home country (provided it isn't the United States).

Within your area of cover you have open choice of hospital, so you're not tied to a restricted network — you can choose the facility that suits you best.

Yes. Our plans are designed for globally mobile individuals — expats, retirees, remote workers, digital nomads, and international families. You don't need a permanent residential address.

At application we'll ask for a country of residence (where you currently spend most of your time) and a correspondence address for documents — this can be a postal address, a virtual mailbox, or a long-term accommodation address. If your situation is unusual, speak to a specialist before applying and we'll work it out.

You can be treated in any country except the United States. Coverage is Worldwide Excluding the USA, which spans Asia, the Gulf, Europe, Africa, Latin America, Oceania, and your home country (provided it isn't the US).

Inside your area of cover you have open choice of hospital, so you can pick the facility that suits you best — whether that's Bumrungrad in Bangkok, Mount Elizabeth in Singapore, Gleneagles in Penang, or Cleveland Clinic in Dubai.

Yes — provided your home country falls within your selected area of cover. Most expats opt for Worldwide Excluding USA, which covers all home-country trips except for those returning to the United States.

For trips home, treatment received during your stay is covered like any other treatment within your area. If you intend to return permanently, let us know — your policy may need to be adjusted.

Yes. Cancer treatment is covered on all plan tiers, but the limit varies:

• Major Medical, Standard, Comprehensive — up to US$20,000 oncology benefit
• Fully Comprehensive — full cover for chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, and specialist treatment

Cancer is one of the most expensive and most common reasons expats make large insurance claims. If cancer cover is a priority for you, a Fully Comprehensive plan offers the strongest protection. See the plan comparison for full details.

Dental cover is included on the higher plan tiers:

• Comprehensive — Emergency & Major Dental
• Fully Comprehensive — Emergency, Major and Routine Dental

Major Medical and Standard plans don't include dental treatment. Check the plan comparison to see exactly what each tier includes.

Yes, depending on your plan:

• Major Medical — inpatient only, no outpatient cover
• Standard — up to US$32,000 outpatient
• Comprehensive — up to US$54,000 outpatient
• Fully Comprehensive — full outpatient cover

Outpatient cover includes GP visits, specialist consultations, diagnostics, scans, blood tests, and prescribed medication. If you visit doctors regularly, it's worth paying for.

No — pre-existing conditions are excluded. Any medical condition you have, or have had, before your policy starts is not covered.

Always disclose any pre-existing conditions when you apply. Failing to declare them can lead to denied claims later. If you're unsure whether a condition counts as pre-existing, speak with a specialist before you take out the policy.

Global Security Benefits are included free on every plan and provide support for situations that are typically excluded by standard health insurance, including:

• Acts of terrorism
• Hijacking and hostage situations
• Civil unrest and political violence
• Crisis response and emergency evacuation in high-risk events

This is a unique benefit for expats and globally mobile professionals operating in regions where these risks exist. Activation runs through the same 24-hour assistance helpline used for medical emergencies.

It depends on the type of treatment:

• Inpatient (hospital admissions, surgery, ICU): we use direct billing wherever possible. Once a Guarantee of Payment (GOP) is issued, the insurer settles the approved bill directly with the hospital — you don't need to find the funds upfront.
• Outpatient (GP visits, specialists, diagnostics): these are typically paid by you at the time of treatment, then claimed back via reimbursement. Keep all invoices and medical reports.

For a step-by-step walkthrough of both processes, see How to Claim.

Get treatment first. Don't delay care to make insurance arrangements — go to the nearest appropriate hospital or call local emergency services.

As soon as you, a family member, or a friend can do so, contact the 24/7 multilingual helpline. The assistance team will:

• Coordinate with the treating hospital
• Issue a Guarantee of Payment where possible so direct billing kicks in
• Arrange medical evacuation if local treatment isn't suitable
• Keep you and your family informed throughout

The process follows four simple steps:

• 1. Get your treatment — inform Regency's team of your situation (or proceed straight to your medical facility for outpatient care).
• 2. Gather your documents — medical reports, admission notes, receipts, and invoices.
• 3. Complete the claims form — print, fill in, and have your doctor complete their section.
• 4. Email Regency's team — send the form along with all supporting documents.

Full step-by-step instructions and the official claims form are on the How to Claim page.

Yes — like all insurance policies, certain conditions and treatments are excluded. Common exclusions include:

• Pre-existing conditions not declared and accepted at underwriting
• Cosmetic and aesthetic procedures
• Self-inflicted injuries
• Treatment arising from drug or alcohol misuse
• Experimental or unproven treatments
• Costs above your plan's annual limit or sub-limits
• Deductibles and co-payments where applicable

The full list of exclusions is in the policy wording sent with your quote. Always read it carefully before purchase, and ask a specialist if anything is unclear.