In today’s world, the movement of people across borders has become more prevalent than ever. People are increasingly leaving their countries of origin and adventuring across the world to either work, study, or live permanently for a multitude of reasons, whether for better opportunities or the chance to immerse themselves in a new culture and way of life.
When we think about people moving to a new country, the words “expat” and “immigrant” may come to mind. However, the terms “expat” and “immigrant” are often used interchangeably, but they carry different meanings and are used in different contexts.
Understanding the differences between the two is important, as these are two very distinct experiences with different intentions and challenges. Each type of traveler also comes with different nuances of living abroad, including things like visas, becoming permanent residents, and even health insurance.
What Is an Expat?
An expat, or expatriate, refers to an individual who resides outside of their native country either temporarily or for an extended period of time, typically for work or study purposes.
An expat usually does not intend to settle permanently in another country, but is spending an extended period of time in that country.
Expats can include professionals living abroad for work, digital nomads, or individuals looking for a lifestyle change or wanting to experience a new culture or climate. Expat often plan to return back to their home country or live elsewhere at some point.
What Is an Immigrant?
An immigrant is someone who moves to a new country with the intention of settling there permanently.
Immigrants typically intend to establish long-term residency in the new country by applying for permanent residency or citizenship, and look to build roots in the new country through work, education, or family.
Immigrants typically don’t intend to return back to living in their home country.
What Are the Key Differences Between Expats and Immigrants?
There are many key differences between being an expat and an immigrant in a new country.
Local Perception
Both expat and immigrant statuses can have differences in local perception, which can be affected by both political and social issues.
For example, expats are often seen as more neutral or positive in the eyes of nationals. It is frequently applied to people from Western or more developed countries living abroad, and is usually tied to professionals or working individuals.
Immigrants, however, can sometimes carry a more complex connotation, as immigration is often a debated topic in government and political settings and sometimes can be seen as negative.
Intention and Duration of Stay
Expats and immigrants have very different intentions of their travel and their duration of stay varies.
Expats move to a new country with the intent of working, studying, or traveling for an extended period of time abroad. Stays abroad are typically temporary, and are anywhere between six months to a few years.
Immigrants have the intent of permanently moving to another country to continue building their life in a new place, with no real intention of returning to their home country for good.
Legal Status
The legal status of expats and immigrants can also have an effect on the moving process and securing the necessary legal requirements to live in a new country.
Expats typically are required to obtain a temporary visa for their stay, such as a work permit or residency permit. Expat visas are usually tied to employment in some way. These visas are temporary and are only valid for a specific period of time, but can often be extended. Temporary visas, however, don’t provide the same access to certain benefits that a permanent residency would give.
Immigrants will usually apply for immigrant visas for their initial move to a new country, but then over time will seek permanent residency status or citizenship. While citizenship or permanent residency can take time, immigrants usually keep legal status under an immigrant visa until they can secure more permanent status.
Access to Benefits and Government Programs
The access that expats and immigrants have to benefits and government programs in a new country will also differ.
For expats, they typically hold temporary visas or work permits, which can limit their access to certain benefits in a new country. For example, expats typically are not able to access free healthcare in countries that have a universal healthcare system. Additionally, expats may not be eligible for other such benefits such as government assistance or retirement benefits.
Immigrants, however, often are looking for permanent residency or citizenship, which can grant them access to the same benefits and programs in a new country as its nationals. They will typically get full access to public healthcare systems once a certain status is reached, as well as things like retirement and government assistance.
How Health Insurance Works for Immigrants vs Expats
Health insurance and healthcare in general are important aspects of traveling to a new country, whether as an expat or immigrant.
Expats typically don’t have access to healthcare programs in a new country as an individual living there on a temporary visa. This means that an expat will typically need to secure an expat health insurance plan for their stay abroad.
Immigrants often have the opportunity to get health insurance in their new country once they reach a certain status. For example, immigrants to the United States can be eligible for health insurance through the insurance marketplace quickly after arriving, but can also seek new immigrant health insurance while they wait to be eligible.
Stay Protected Abroad
Whether you are an expat or immigrant, don’t travel to a new country unprotected. Health insurance is crucial to protect travelers, whether permanently or temporary, from huge financial burdens that can arise from medical bills.
Get a quote for travel health insurance to have coverage wherever you are in the world!
