Due to the worldwide shortages of medical professionals throughout the world, many countries rely on temporary medical staff to cover the shortfall; ensuring the public has access to adequate and professional healthcare services. When times of emergency hit, such as the recent seismic events in Christchurch that have received massive media attention, the need for temporary medical staff increases exponentially; as the current supplies become overworked and additional staff are required to not only ensure that normal levels of healthcare provision is provided, but to assist with the increased workload as a result of such emergency.

With any overseas travel, whether for business, work or leisure, it is only prudent to ensure that you are covered in case of any eventuality. This situation is none more so when medical staffs are coming to a country for the recovery program following a major earthquake for example, where the level of risk associated with property loss or personal mishap is increased. There are numerous policy types available on the market; selecting the most appropriate cover and policy is of utmost importance. For that medical staff that are temporarily working in the country, or have been called up on short notice, short term health insurance is the most suitable. The major advantages of short term health insurance policies is that cover can be arranged in less than twenty four hours with the term of coverage being available for up to a six month term; with the possibility of extension if the employment requires an additional length of time to be completed.

The affordability of short term health insurance, where compared with traditional media insurance plans, is one of the key benefits. Often between 20% and 30% cheaper than major medical plans, they offer professional medical staff a standalone policy or as a complimentary policy to a larger medical coverage to offer immediate cover when the underwriting procedure takes some time to complete.

The popularity of this short period of health insurance is a result of the policies ability to provide versatility and secured coverage in times of emergency and sudden change. Providing personal cover and back up in times where it is needed the most, short term health insurance is one of the most valuable policies for medical staff that need to travel on short notice. When considering your options for short term health insurance, professional advice should be accessed from reputable insurance agencies that specialise in this type of health insurance. Furthermore, not all insurance agencies offer short term health insurance; so decide wisely who will be providing cover for you.

By Sylvia Calnan

PIC Medical, Health & Life Insurance Brokers (PIC Medical & Health) is a highly successful boutique style broking house, based in New Zealand, specialising in the complex area of in-bound and out-bound Medical Insurance and Employee benefits for both domestic and international clients.