Author: Donna Lawrence

Navigating health insurance in Ukraine as a foreigner is essential for accessing quality medical care without financial strain. Private international policies often provide superior coverage, including emergency evacuation and outpatient services, complementing the public system. Securing comprehensive insurance ensures peace of mind during your stay in Ukraine.

Why Foreigners in Ukraine Need Comprehensive Medical Coverage

Ukraine’s ongoing conflict means that medical infrastructure can be spotty, and everyday risks like shrapnel injuries or unexploded ordnance are very real. A standard travel policy often won’t cover war-related incidents, leaving you with massive out-of-pocket bills for emergency evacuation or even basic hospital stays. That’s why foreigners absolutely need comprehensive medical coverage for expats in Ukraine—it’s not just a good idea, it’s a safety net. You want a plan that specifically includes war risk coverage, emergency medevac, and access to private clinics. Without it, a simple accident or sudden illness could become a financial nightmare. Bottom line: don’t gamble with your health. Secure proper international health insurance before you head over, so you can focus on your work or mission, not worrying about what happens if you get hurt.

Navigating the Ukrainian Healthcare System as an Expat

Navigating the unpredictable landscape of war-torn Ukraine means that a sudden accident or a serious illness can strike without warning, turning a routine day into a life-threatening emergency. For foreigners in Ukraine, comprehensive medical coverage isn’t just a formality; it’s a literal lifeline ensuring immediate access to evacuation services and specialized care in a system often overwhelmed. Medical evacuation insurance is non-negotiable for expats in a conflict zone. This coverage must include war risk exclusions that many standard policies hide, as well as provisions for chronic condition management and mental health support amid ongoing missile threats. Without it, the cost of a single helicopter rescue or treatment for shrapnel wounds can bankrupt even the most prepared individual. Don’t gamble with your safety—secure a policy that moves as fast as the situation on the ground.

Risks of Traveling Without Private Medical Insurance

When Sarah moved to Kyiv for work, she thought a minor stomach bug was nothing—until it turned into a severe case of food poisoning requiring emergency hospitalization. For foreigners in Ukraine, the medical system can be unpredictable, with language barriers, limited English-speaking staff, and out-of-pocket costs that skyrocket without warning. Comprehensive medical coverage is a lifeline for expats in Ukraine. It ensures access to quality private clinics, covers evacuation if needed, and shields you from unexpected expenses. For example:

• Emergency surgeries can exceed $5,000
• Ambulance services often require cash upfront
• Routine prescriptions may not be covered by local insurance

Q: Can I rely on Ukraine’s public healthcare?
Not fully—it’s underfunded, and non-citizens often face long waits or are turned away for non-urgent care. Private insurance is essential for peace of mind.

Legal Entry Requirements and Proof of Coverage

When the air raid siren howled over Kyiv, Maria, a Spanish volunteer, felt her chest tighten—not from fear, but from the asthma attack triggered by the stress and dust. She realized then that in a warzone, even a chronic condition can become a life-threatening emergency. Comprehensive medical coverage isn’t a luxury for foreigners in Ukraine; it is a shield against unpredictable risks. Expat health insurance in Ukraine ensures access to both trauma care and routine needs, from shrapnel wounds to prescription refills during curfews.

Without proper coverage, a simple infection at a remote checkpoint could cost you everything—your health, your savings, or your evacuation route.

Consider the essentials:

• Emergency evacuation to a safer country or region.
• Round-the-clock access to English-speaking doctors.
• Coverage for landmine injuries or artillery strikes.
• Mental health support for combat-related trauma.

Key Features to Look for in a Medical Plan

When evaluating a medical plan, prioritize comprehensive coverage that includes preventative care, emergency services, and prescription drugs. Experts stress that the plan’s network breadth is critical—ensure your preferred doctors and hospitals are in-network to avoid unexpected costs. Scrutinize cost-sharing structures: low premiums often mean high deductibles and copays, so balance these against your typical healthcare usage. A robust plan should also cap your annual out-of-pocket maximum to protect against catastrophic expenses.

The single most overlooked feature is the drug formulary—always verify that your maintenance medications are listed, as steep tier pricing can silently drain your budget.

Finally, review telehealth options and mental health benefits, as modern plans must seamlessly integrate virtual care for true long-term value.

Inpatient Care, Emergency Evacuation, and Repatriation

Selecting a medical plan requires focusing on affordable health insurance coverage that truly protects you. Look for plans with a wide network of doctors and hospitals to avoid surprise out-of-network costs. Essential benefits like emergency care, prescription drugs, and mental health services must be included. Evaluate the deductible—a lower deductible means higher monthly premiums but less cost when you need care. Also, check the maximum out-of-pocket limit to cap your financial risk. Finally, confirm the plan covers any ongoing medications or specialist visits you require.

• Network Size: Ensures access to preferred providers without balance billing.
• Cost-Sharing Structure: Compare copays, coinsurance, and annual deductibles.
• Preventive Care: Verify that annual checkups and screenings are fully covered.

Q: How do I know if my current doctors are in-network?
A: Check the plan’s provider directory online or call the doctor’s office directly to confirm they accept that specific insurance plan before enrolling.

Outpatient Services and Specialist Consultations

When Maria first shopped for health coverage, she learned the hard way that the cheapest plan often hides the biggest costs. The most comprehensive health insurance checklist must start with network breadth—does your preferred doctor accept it? She then prioritized prescription drug tiers, ensuring her daily asthma inhaler wasn’t listed as a specialty drug. Finally, she scrutinized the out-of-pocket maximum, realizing a $2,000 difference could save her from medical bankruptcy after an emergency appendectomy. A good plan doesn’t just pay bills; it lets you sleep at night knowing one bad diagnosis won’t wipe you out.

Prescription Drugs and Dental Coverage Options

When evaluating coverage, focus on comprehensive health insurance options that align with your needs. Prioritize plans with wide provider networks to avoid out-of-network costs, and check prescription drug coverage for your medications. Ensure essential benefits—like emergency care, hospitalization, and preventive services—are fully included. The deductible and out-of-pocket maximums should be affordable for your budget.

• Network access: Does your preferred doctor or hospital participate?
• Cost structure: Compare premiums, deductibles, copays, and coinsurance.
• Prescription tiers: Verify your medications are on the formulary.

Q: Is a lower premium always better?
A: No. A lower premium often means higher deductibles or limited networks. Assess your expected healthcare use—if you have chronic conditions, a plan with higher premiums but lower out-of-pocket costs may save you money.

Comparing Local vs. International Insurance Providers

Choosing between local and international insurance providers is a strategic decision that depends on your specific needs. Local insurers often offer a deep understanding of regional regulations and personalized customer service, frequently with more competitive premiums. However, for expats or global businesses, an international insurance provider is indispensable, offering seamless, worldwide portability and comprehensive coverage that follows you across borders. While local policies might excel in handling domestic claims, the best global coverage ensures stability and access to a vast network of top-tier medical facilities abroad. Ultimately, the dynamic choice hinges on whether your priority is localized, cost-effective support or the robust, flexible safety net required for a transnational lifestyle.

Ukrainian Insurers Offering Policies for Non-Residents

When comparing local versus international insurance providers, the core distinction lies in global coverage versus regional expertise. International insurers excel for expats or frequent travelers, offering seamless cross-border policies, multilingual support, and claims handling in multiple currencies. Local providers, however, often deliver more competitive premiums and deeper knowledge of domestic regulations, healthcare networks, and claim procedures—critical for navigating local bureaucracy.

For informed decisions, evaluate your mobility needs against regulatory compliance. Consider a hybrid approach:

• International providers: Best for flexibility, worldwide emergency evacuation, and stability when moving between countries.
• Local providers: Superior for cost-effectiveness, in-country network access, and meeting specific visa or residency insurance requirements.

Expert tip: Always verify policy exclusions for pre-existing conditions and waiting periods, as these vary significantly between provider types.

Global Plans That Include Ukraine in Their Network

When choosing between local and international insurance providers, the primary distinction lies in network breadth versus localized expertise. Multi-national insurers offer seamless global coverage, making them ideal for expatriates or frequent travelers who need consistent protection across borders. However, local providers often deliver more competitive premiums and a deeper understanding of regional regulations, claims processes, and healthcare networks. For instance, a domestic insurer in Southeast Asia may have direct arrangements with nearby hospitals, reducing out-of-pocket costs for routine care. Always review the policy’s exclusions and sub-limits for cross-border claims before committing. Ultimately, international providers excel at comprehensive travel or evacuation plans, while local firms can be more cost-effective for stationary residents.

Cost Differences and Claim Processing Speed

When Maria moved abroad, she faced a choice: local or international insurance. Local providers offered deep familiarity with regional hospitals and affordable premiums, yet their coverage stopped at the border. International insurers, though pricier, gave her seamless global access and multilingual support—a lifeline during emergencies abroad. Still, her local plan excelled in speed, settling claims within days. The trade-off boiled down to global coverage vs. local regulations, a balance of cost against flexibility.

How War and Instability Affect Policy Terms

War and instability do not merely disrupt borders; they fundamentally reshape policy terms across trade, defense, and finance. Nations under threat abandon long-term planning for emergency decrees, slashing regulatory red tape to expedite military procurement and energy independence. Sanctions regimes become punitive, while currency controls and capital flight restrictions tighten to prevent economic bleeding. The very language of treaties shifts from cooperation to survival. Insurance premiums spike for shipping and aviation in conflict zones, forcing renegotiated risk clauses. Simultaneously, governments impose sweeping executive powers, often suspending civil liberties in the name of national security. This volatility forces insurers, banks, and multinational corporations to rewrite contracts with shorter durations and force majeure provisions, making risk-adjusted premiums skyrocket. Ultimately, instability turns predictable policy into a reactive gamble, where every clause must account for a bullet or a bomb.

Exclusions for War Zones and Conflict-Related Injuries

War and instability force policymakers to abandon long-term visions for immediate survival, drastically shortening policy terms and prioritizing crisis response. Governments facing conflict or civil unrest often suspend standard legislative cycles, enacting emergency decrees that bypass debate to address threats like food shortages, infrastructure destruction, or refugee flows. This volatility breeds policies that are reactive—such as martial law, capital controls, or forced conscription—which expire as quickly as the danger shifts. Geopolitical risk alters policy duration, with fragile states adopting six-month budgets instead of annual plans, while allies scramble to adjust trade sanctions or aid packages overnight. The result is a chaotic loop: instability shortens planning horizons, and short-term fixes deepen the instability they meant to quell.

• Emergency powers replace standard legislative processes.
• Budget cycles shrink from years to months in conflict zones.
• International treaties are suspended or renegotiated under duress.

Q&A
Q: Why do policy terms shrink during war?
A: Rapidly changing frontlines and supply chains render long-term plans irrelevant; governments must adapt weekly to new threats like blockade, bombing, or refugee inflow.

Special Policies for Remote Workers and Volunteers

War and instability force governments to make drastic, short-term policy shifts. When a conflict erupts, leaders often fast-track budgets for defense and security, slashing funding for social programs like healthcare or education. Trade policies tighten, with tariffs and sanctions replacing open borders to protect national interests. You might see stricter immigration controls and emergency laws that limit civil liberties. War and instability reshape policy making by prioritizing survival over long-term planning, meaning rules can change overnight based on battlefield news or political crises.

In a crisis, policies are written in pencil, not stone—ready to be erased the moment the next shell falls.

This creates a chaotic cycle where businesses and citizens struggle to adapt to rapidly shifting rules, making stability itself a luxury.

Understanding Force Majeure Clauses in Your Contract

The dust of conflict settles not just on battlefields but on insurance policies, twisting their terms into fragile, temporary contracts. In war-torn regions, standard coverage evaporates; insurers slap on **political violence exclusions** as a blunt shield against chaos. Renewal periods shrink to monthly or even weekly bets, while premiums skyrocket beyond reach. Clauses now dictate complex contingencies:

• Mandatory government notification for any claim involving civil unrest.
• Deductibles tied to “instability indices” that shift with each skirmish.

Coverage for supply chain interruption becomes a mirage, riddled with loopholes for “acts of insurgency.” A factory owner once told me his policy felt more like a fragile ceasefire than a safety net. Thus, stability is not just peace—it’s the quiet bedrock of insurable risk.

Step-by-Step Guide to Purchasing a Suitable Plan

Begin by clearly defining your requirements, such as coverage limits, network size, and budget constraints. Next, research available providers, comparing their plans against your checklist while reading the fine print on exclusions and terms. Use online comparison tools to filter options by price and features, then prioritize plans that offer optimal value for your specific needs. After shortlisting, verify the provider’s customer support reputation and financial stability. Finally, select the plan, complete the application accurately, and confirm your enrollment documentation. Review the confirmation details to ensure no hidden fees or gaps in coverage exist before your start date.

Assessing Your Health Profile and Length of Stay

To purchase a suitable plan, start by auditing your current usage to pinpoint exact needs. Next, compare providers side-by-side, focusing on critical coverage for value rather than flashy add-ons. Narrow your options by filtering for flexible terms and clear cancellation policies. Finally, check for hidden fees or automatic renewal traps before entering payment details.

Compare key features efficiently with this checklist:

• Data/Usage Limits: Does it match your monthly average plus a buffer?
• Contract Length: Choose month-to-month for flexibility or annual for lower rates.
• Customer Support: Confirm availability (24/7 chat, phone) and response times.
• Add-on Costs: Look beyond the base price for setup, device, or overage fees.

Reading the Fine Print on Pre-Existing Conditions

Selecting the right plan starts with a clear audit of your specific needs, such as data limits, coverage area, or device compatibility. Begin by comparing providers using plan comparison tools to filter options by price, speed, and contract length. Next, read the fine print on throttling policies and early termination fees to avoid surprises. Once you identify the best value, check for limited-time promotions or bundled discounts. Finally, initiate the purchase online or in-store, ensuring you back up your current data before activating the new SIM. This streamlined process—from need analysis to final activation—secures a plan that fits your lifestyle without paying for extras you do not use.

Using Online Comparison Tools for Transparent Quotes

To purchase a suitable plan, begin by assessing your specific needs, such as coverage scope, budget, and duration. Compare comprehensive plan options by reviewing policy details, premiums, and exclusions from multiple providers. Next, check eligibility criteria and verify any required documentation. Once you shortlist two or three options, read customer reviews and ask for a sample contract to ensure transparency. Finally, complete the application process, making payments through secure channels, and store your policy confirmation for future reference.

1. Identify needs – List must-have features and financial limits.
2. Research providers – Compare at least three insurers or brokers.
3. Review terms – Note deductibles, waiting periods, and cancellation policies.
4. Confirm support – Check customer service availability and claim process.
5. Finalize purchase – Submit accurate details and keep a copy of the signed agreement.

Q: What is the most important factor when choosing a plan?
A: Match coverage details to your actual usage patterns, not just the price.

Emergency Scenarios: What Your Insurance Should Cover

In an emergency scenario, your insurance policy should cover essential costs that arise from sudden, unforeseen events. This typically includes medical evacuation for serious injury or illness, emergency room treatment, and urgent hospitalization. For property coverage, look for protection against fire, severe weather, and vandalism. Comprehensive policies also address alternative lodging if your home becomes uninhabitable. Crucially, ensure your plan has a robust emergency assistance network that operates 24/7 to coordinate care. Without these provisions, you face significant out-of-pocket expenses for ambulance services and temporary relocation. Review your policy to confirm it includes adequate liability protection for accidental harm to others. Always verify that your deductible is manageable and that reimbursement limits are sufficient for your region’s typical emergency costs.

Hospitalization in Private vs. Public Facilities

When assessing emergency scenarios, your policy must cover sudden, unforeseen events that threaten life or property. Your insurance should cover acute medical emergencies requiring hospitalization, including emergency room visits, ambulance services, and urgent surgeries. For property, coverage must include fire, natural disasters like floods or earthquakes, and sudden water damage from burst pipes. A robust policy also handles evacuation costs if your home becomes uninhabitable and covers temporary accommodation. Review your policy for these critical inclusions:

• Medical evacuation to a suitable facility if injured in a remote area.
• Search and rescue costs for wilderness incidents.
• Emergency liability if you accidentally cause a fire or flood affecting neighbors.

Always verify your deductible is affordable in a crisis and that the claims process offers 24/7 support. Missing these protections leaves you financially vulnerable during the worst moments.

Medical Transport and Airlift to a Neighboring Country

In a well-structured emergency plan, your insurance should first cover large-scale disaster protection for events like fires, floods, or hurricanes. This includes structural damage to your home, temporary relocation costs, and replacement of major belongings. For medical emergencies, verify your policy covers ambulance transport, emergency room visits, and urgent specialist referrals without excessive out-of-network penalties. A robust policy typically addresses these key areas:

• Loss of use: Covers hotel and dining expenses if your home becomes uninhabitable.
• Personal liability: Protects you if someone is injured on your property during a crisis.
• Evacuation costs: Some plans reimburse emergency travel or pet boarding.

Always read the fine print on exclusions, as flood and earthquake damage often require separate riders. The goal is to ensure your coverage does not leave you financially vulnerable when you are already in crisis mode.

Accessing 24/7 Multilingual Assistance Hotlines

The old oak tree crashed through the kitchen roof during the midnight storm, a moment that turned your home into a hazard zone. In such emergencies, your insurance must cover more than just repairs—it should include immediate temporary housing and expedited debris removal. A solid policy responds to the chaos without nickel-and-diming you. Comprehensive emergency coverage for natural disasters should address the cascade of costs: swollen hotel bills, spoiled food from power outages, and the rush fee for a tree-removal crew. Without these protections, a family can drift for weeks, strained by survival logistics. The real test isn’t the damage itself—it’s whether your insurer helps you rebuild your routine before the dust settles.

“The difference between a catastrophe and a manageable setback is how fast your insurance gets you home.”

Common Mistakes Expats Make When Insuring in Ukraine

Many expats in Ukraine mistakenly rely on minimal travel policies, which often exclude critical coverage for long-term stays and residency requirements. A common oversight is failing to declare pre-existing conditions or high-risk hobbies, leading to claim denials. Another frequent error is underestimating the need for full vehicle insurance like OSAGO and KASKO, as local roads and driving conditions increase accident risks. Without a local specialist, expats often miss policy nuances regarding deductibles and emergency assistance networks.

Never assume your foreign policy covers local mandates; Ukrainian law requires specific insurance for visa, registration, and vehicle operation that standard expat plans ignore.

To avoid costly gaps, always verify that your coverage meets both legal standards and actual medical evacuation expenses, not just minimal limits.

Opting for the Minimum Legal Coverage Only

One of the most common pitfalls is underinsuring property assets based on outdated valuations. Expats often declare furniture and electronics at purchase price, ignoring Ukrainian customs duties or replacement costs, which leads to severe underpayment during claims.

Many also overlook mandatory motor third-party liability (OSAGO) limits, which are insufficient for serious accidents. A critical mistake is failing to list all drivers on the policy—the insurer can deny coverage if an unregistered driver causes a crash. Additionally, expats frequently ignore ‘force majeure’ clauses covering war risks, as standard policies exclude military actions.

• Language barriers: Relying on machine translations of policy wordings leads to misunderstandings about deductibles and exclusions.
• Local vs. international: Choosing cheap local insurers without checking their solvency or access to English-speaking adjusters.

Q: Should I insure in hryvnia or a foreign currency?
A: Always in hryvnia for property and liability. Claims are paid locally in UAH, and dollar-denominated policies often suffer conversion disputes. For vehicle comprehensive, consider escalation clauses pegged to EUR for spare parts reimbursement.

Ignoring Coverage for Extreme Sports or Adventures

Many expats in Ukraine underinsure their property by basing coverage on market value rather than true replacement cost, leaving them financially exposed after a total loss. Replacement cost valuation is non-negotiable for comprehensive property insurance. Another critical error is assuming a standard policy covers war-related damage, which is almost universally excluded; you must specifically seek a separate “war risk” endorsement. Expats also frequently skip liability coverage, ignoring that even a minor guest accident could lead to costly local litigation. To avoid these pitfalls:

• Insure for full rebuilding costs, not purchase price.
• Explicitly confirm exclusion for military action and add a separate rider.
• Demand at least 500,000 UAH in personal liability coverage.

Do not rely on verbal promises—every exclusion must be in writing before signing.

Failing to Update Your Policy After Moving Regions

Many expats in Ukraine underestimate the importance of comprehensive foreigner-specific insurance policies, often defaulting to minimal local coverage that fails to cover international medical evacuation or repatriation. A common mistake is assuming state healthcare is sufficient, ignoring that private clinics require upfront cash or proof of valid insurance. Expats also overlook the need for policies covering war-related risks, as standard plans often exclude this. Additionally, failing to verify the insurer’s reputation or claim settlement track record can leave you stranded. Language barriers when reading policy terms and neglecting to update coverage after visa changes frequently lead to claim denials.

• Not confirming if the policy covers emergency evacuation to your home country.
• Signing contracts without a translation or legal review for exclusions.
• Choosing the cheapest plan without checking coverage limits for critical illness or accident.

Q: Do I need war-risk coverage for insurance in Ukraine?
A: Yes. Standard health policies typically exclude damages or evacuation related to war. You must explicitly add a war-risk rider or choose a specialized provider.

Digital Tools and Apps for Managing Your Coverage

Navigating your insurance coverage no longer means sifting through piles of paper. Digital tools and apps have transformed this chore into a seamless, intuitive experience. Picture this: you open your phone after a minor car accident, snap a few photos, and a claims assistant app instantly guides you through the process, logging details without a single hold on the line. For policy management, apps like the one from your insurer let you view your entire portfolio, from auto to renters, in one clear dashboard. Need a reminder? Schedule premium payment alerts with a tap. These platforms also offer ID card access, so you never scramble for proof. Embrace these smart solutions—they turn complex paperwork into a simple, organized journey, putting control directly in your hands.

Mobile Platforms for Instant Claim Submissions

Digital tools and apps streamline the management of insurance policies by consolidating coverage details in one place. Automated policy tracking allows users to monitor renewal dates, deductibles, and coverage limits without manual paperwork. Popular options include Mint for personal finance integration, Policygenius for policy comparisons, and mobile apps from major insurers like Geico or Progressive. Features typically include document storage for policies, push notifications for payment deadlines, and ID card access for immediate proof of insurance. Some platforms offer analytics to identify coverage gaps or recommend bundling discounts. These tools reduce administrative burden, helping users avoid lapses and optimize their plans efficiently.

Telemedicine Services Included in Modern Insurance

Digital tools and apps have streamlined how individuals monitor and adjust their insurance policies. Platforms like Policygenius and CoverWallet aggregate quotes from multiple carriers, allowing users to compare rates for auto, home, and life insurance in one interface. Many apps, such as Lemonade or Hippo, offer real-time policy management, letting you file claims, update coverage limits, or add riders directly from a smartphone. Managing insurance coverage digitally reduces paperwork and response times, with features like cloud-based document storage for policy PDFs and automatic renewal reminders. For business owners, tools like Embroker provide tailored commercial coverage tracking, including liability limits and compliance deadlines. Push notifications alert users to payment due dates or coverage gaps. Below is a brief Q&A for clarity.

Q&A:
Q: How do digital tools help prevent coverage gaps?
A: They sync with your assets—like a home or car—and flag policies that are underinsured or about to expire.
Q: Are these apps secure for storing policy details?
A: Yes, most use bank-level encryption and two-factor authentication to protect sensitive data.

Digital ID Cards and QR Code Verification at Clinics

When I started freelancing, managing my insurance felt like a second full-time job. That’s when I discovered that digital tools and apps could transform chaos into calm. Insurance management apps like Policygenius and CoverWallet let me consolidate all my policies in one place, from health to liability. Now, I simply log in and use features like automatic reminders for renewal dates or instant document uploads for claims. A https://ukrainehealthinsurance.com/buy-online/ quick notification on my phone even alerts me to potential coverage gaps, saving me from costly surprises. The best part? I can tweak my deductible with a tap and see how it affects my premium instantly. Peace of mind is now just a screen tap away, leaving me more time to actually work.

Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Protection in Ukraine

Navigating insurance coverage doesn’t have to be a headache thanks to a new wave of digital tools and apps that put control right in your pocket. Instead of digging through paper documents, you can use apps like Mint for budgeting alongside insurance costs, or Policygenius to compare plans side-by-side and even manage your health and life policies in one dashboard. These platforms often send proactive reminders for premium due dates and policy renewals, which is a lifesaver if you’re juggling multiple coverages. Managing your insurance coverage becomes effortless when you digitize your car, home, or health policies. To give you a quick overview, here are a few common apps and their primary functions:

App / Tool	Best For
Mint	Tracking insurance costs within your overall budget
Policygenius	Comparing quotes and managing policies in one place
Honeycomb	Organizing and storing digital insurance cards

Q: Can apps really help me lower my premiums? A: Yes. Many apps like Jerry or The Zebra scan your current coverage and find cheaper alternatives from competing providers, often letting you switch directly through the app.