It is a well-known fact that healthcare systems vary across the world. It’s a good idea for a traveler going abroad to know how international health insurance works at the destination. This information is especially useful for short-term visitors who plan to reside at the destination for more than a month.

Usually, the international health insurance plan holder will pay the amount and later be reimbursed, but it also depends on the insurance company. While a combination of public and private funding is most common, some countries work on a 100% private insurance system.

The U.S. healthcare system is mostly private-apart from two programs-Medicare and Medicaid. If you are visiting the United States, you must purchase international health insurance. The country’s healthcare system is a matter of passionate debate, because 16% of the GDP is spent on healthcare, and people feel the system is inadequate.

In the United Kingdom, the health insurance sector is funded by a universal public sector insurance system. Only 11% of the population has some form of private insurance. Healthcare is mostly free for residents, and prescription drugs, eye and dental treatment may not be covered. Visitors will have to purchase, as in the United States, international health insurance.

France follows a social health insurance system, which covers all residents, whose paychecks are automatically charged. Supplemental private health insurance is common. Public hospitals are managed by a government agency. Visitors to France may require a Schengen visa and the international travel health insurance purchased should meet visa requirements.

Singapore’s healthcare system has come in for much praise. The country spends a mere 3.8% of its GDP on healthcare and has adopted a dual system, where government and private healthcare compete with each other. While primary healthcare is mostly taken care of by the private sector (80%) in-patient care is taken care of by public hospitals (80%). Travelers to Singapore must read the terms carefully before seeking care under international travel health insurance.

Keep in mind that other countries might have their own systems that are different from, or a combination of, these. If you’re traveling to India, you’ll notice that public healthcare is free or heavily subsidized. However, the quality may not be adequate. Remember to understand the destination, and what your international health insurance policy covers and does not before departure.

For coverage abroad, there are a range of short-term and long-term international health insurance plans, underwritten by renowned companies such as Lloyd’s, Nationwide, and AIG.

Ray Sondeo often writes about international insurance.