How to Use Your Private Healthcare Cover Abroad
As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies, WeCovr understands the nuances of private medical insurance in the UK. A common question we receive is about using your policy abroad. This guide provides a definitive look at emergency overseas coverage, planned treatment, and crucial insurer restrictions.
Emergency overseas coverage, planned treatment abroad, and insurer restrictions
Navigating your UK private medical insurance (PMI) can feel complex, and it becomes even more so when you cross borders. While your policy is primarily designed for treatment within the UK, many providers offer some form of overseas cover. This typically falls into two main categories: emergency medical treatment while you're on a short trip, and, less commonly, planned elective treatment in another country.
Understanding the significant restrictions, limits, and procedures your insurer imposes is absolutely vital to avoid unexpected and substantial medical bills. This article will break down everything you need to know to use your health cover effectively and safely when you're away from home.
Understanding the Core Purpose of UK Private Medical Insurance (PMI)
Before we explore overseas benefits, it's essential to grasp the fundamental purpose of a standard UK PMI policy. This context is key to managing your expectations.
UK private health cover is designed to provide prompt access to high-quality medical treatment for acute conditions that arise after you have taken out your policy.
- An Acute Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Examples include appendicitis, a broken bone, or cataracts.
- A Chronic Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that has one or more of the following characteristics: it needs ongoing or long-term monitoring, has no known cure, requires palliative care, or is likely to recur. Examples include diabetes, asthma, and arthritis.
Crucially, standard UK PMI does not cover chronic or pre-existing conditions. A pre-existing condition is any health issue you had before your policy began. The primary benefit of PMI is to bypass NHS waiting lists for eligible, acute conditions and receive treatment in a private UK hospital.
Any overseas cover is almost always an add-on or a limited, secondary benefit, not the core function of the policy.
Emergency Medical Cover Abroad: What's Typically Included?
This is the most common type of overseas benefit you'll find with a UK PMI policy, often available as an optional add-on that you pay extra for. It is designed to be a safety net for medical emergencies that happen while you're on a holiday or short business trip.
Think of it as a top-up to, or sometimes a replacement for, standard travel insurance's medical component.
What does it typically cover?
- Sudden and Unexpected Illness: Treatment for conditions that flare up unexpectedly, like a severe infection or a heart attack.
- Accidental Injury: Care required after an accident, such as a fall or a car crash.
- Emergency Stabilisation: The immediate treatment needed to get you into a stable condition.
- Medical Repatriation: This is a key benefit. If you are too unwell to travel home on a commercial flight, the insurer will arrange and pay for a medically supervised transfer back to the UK, often via air ambulance. Once back, your main UK PMI policy takes over for any further eligible private treatment.
What is almost never covered?
- Treatment for known pre-existing or chronic conditions.
- Any non-emergency or routine care (e.g., a regular check-up).
- Maternity care.
- Costs once you are deemed fit to travel home.
Travel Insurance vs. PMI Emergency Cover: What's the Difference?
Many people wonder if they still need travel insurance if their PMI includes emergency overseas cover. The answer is almost always yes. They serve different purposes.
| Feature | Standard Travel Insurance | PMI with Emergency Overseas Cover |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | Covers a range of travel mishaps. | Covers emergency medical treatment only. |
| Medical Cover | Yes, for emergencies. | Yes, for emergencies. Often with higher limits. |
| Repatriation | Yes, usually included. | Yes, often a core feature. |
| Lost Luggage | Yes, a standard feature. | No, not covered. |
| Trip Cancellation | Yes, a standard feature. | No, not covered. |
| Travel Delays | Yes, often included. | No, not covered. |
| Personal Liability | Often included. | No, not covered. |
Real-Life Example: Imagine you're on a two-week holiday in Portugal. You trip and badly fracture your ankle.
- Your PMI's emergency cover would pay for the immediate hospital visit, X-rays, and the surgery to set the bone. If you needed to be flown home with your leg elevated, it would cover the medical repatriation.
- Your travel insurance would cover the cost of your cancelled return flight, any non-refundable hotel nights you miss, and could help a relative fly out to be with you. It would not typically cover the follow-up physiotherapy you need once you're back in the UK – that's where your main PMI policy would kick in.
Planned Treatment Abroad: The 'Medical Tourism' Option
A far less common, but increasingly sought-after, feature is the option to have planned, non-emergency treatment in another country. This is sometimes referred to as "elective treatment abroad" or "medical tourism".
With NHS waiting lists remaining a concern – in July 2025, official NHS England data showed a significant number of patients waiting over 18 weeks for consultant-led elective care – some people look for faster alternatives.
However, using your PMI for this is highly restricted.
How does it work? If you need an eligible procedure, like a knee replacement, some high-tier policies may allow you to have it done at a partner hospital abroad.
Why would you do this?
- Access to a world-renowned specialist or facility.
- Potentially shorter waiting times than even the UK private sector.
- Combining treatment with a recovery period in a different environment.
The Crucial Insurer Restrictions: Insurers that offer this benefit apply very strict rules:
- Strict Pre-Authorisation: You absolutely must get approval from your insurer before you book anything. They will need detailed medical reports and costings from the overseas provider.
- Financial Caps: The insurer will almost certainly cap the amount they pay. The most common approach is to limit the cost to what the same procedure would have cost in a private hospital in the UK (often using a specific London hospital as the benchmark). You would have to pay any difference yourself.
- Limited Networks: You won't be able to go just anywhere. Insurers have specific networks of approved hospitals in certain countries.
- Travel & Accommodation Costs: These are not usually included. You will have to pay for your own flights and hotel.
- Complications Cover: You must clarify what happens if there are complications. Will the policy cover an extended stay or corrective treatment?
Navigating these complex options is where an expert PMI broker like WeCovr provides immense value. We can analyse policies from across the market to find the select few that offer this specialist benefit and meet your specific needs, saving you time and potential financial distress.
Key Insurer Restrictions and How to Navigate Them
Whether you're dealing with an emergency or planning treatment, you'll face a wall of rules. Understanding them is key to a successful claim.
- Geographical Limits: Don't assume "overseas" means "anywhere". Many policies limit cover to Europe. Cover for the USA, Canada, the Caribbean, and other countries with notoriously expensive healthcare systems is often excluded or requires a significant premium increase due to the high costs.
- Time Limits: Your cover is only for temporary trips. Insurers impose strict limits, such as:
- Per-trip limit: e.g., a maximum of 30 or 60 days for any single trip.
- Annual limit: e.g., a total of 90 or 180 days abroad in any policy year. If you are a frequent traveller, you must track this carefully.
- Financial Limits (Caps): Every policy will have a maximum payout for overseas claims. This could range from £100,000 to over £1 million. While a lower limit might seem adequate for Europe, a serious incident in the USA could easily exceed this.
- Pre-Authorisation is Non-Negotiable: For anything other than a life-or-death emergency where you are incapacitated, you must call your insurer's 24/7 international helpline before treatment begins. Failure to do so is the most common reason for a claim being rejected. They need to approve the treatment and guide you to an appropriate facility.
- The Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC): This free card gives you the right to access state-provided healthcare in EU countries on the same terms as a local resident. It is not an alternative to insurance. It won't cover private treatment, repatriation, or mountain rescue. Some insurers may even require you to use your GHIC where possible, as it can reduce the overall cost they have to bear.
Comparing Major UK PMI Providers on Overseas Cover
The features and limits for overseas cover vary significantly between providers and even between different policy tiers from the same provider. The table below offers a general overview based on typical offerings.
Disclaimer: This is for illustrative purposes only. Policy details change frequently. Always consult the specific policy documents before purchase. An independent broker like WeCovr can provide the most up-to-date and personalised comparison.
| Provider | Typical Benefit Name | Type of Cover | Key Features & Common Limits (Illustrative) |
|---|---|---|---|
| AXA Health | Worldwide Travel Cover (add-on) | Emergency | Typically offers comprehensive emergency medical cover. May have different tiers for Europe and Worldwide (including/excluding USA). Limits often trip-duration based (e.g., 35 days per trip). |
| Bupa | Bupa Travel (add-on) | Emergency | Standard UK policies have limited or no overseas cover. The travel add-on provides emergency medical expenses. Bupa also has "Bupa Global" for expatriates, which is a different product. |
| Aviva | Healthier Solutions (core benefit/add-on) | Emergency | Often includes some level of emergency overseas cover as standard on higher-tier plans, limited to a number of weeks. May require you to have a GHIC for European travel. |
| Vitality | Worldwide Travel Cover (add-on) | Emergency & Planned (Limited) | Often an optional add-on. Some premium policies may have a limited "planned treatment abroad" option, usually capped at the UK cost of treatment. Known for its wellness-linked incentives. |
| WPA | Overseas Emergency Treatment | Emergency | Many WPA policies include a fixed financial limit for emergency treatment needed whilst on a trip in specified countries. Repatriation is a key focus. |
Practical Steps: How to Use Your PMI Cover Abroad
Being prepared can make all the difference in a stressful situation. Follow this checklist.
1. Before You Travel
- Read Your Policy: Locate the section on overseas cover in your policy documents. Understand the limits, exclusions, and contact procedures. If you're unsure, call your insurer or broker.
- Save the Number: Find the 24/7 international assistance or emergency medical helpline number. Save it to your phone's contacts and keep a physical copy in your wallet.
- Pack Your Details: Take your policy number and membership card with you.
- Apply for a GHIC: If travelling to the EU, get a free Global Health Insurance Card from the official NHS website.
2. In a Medical Emergency
- Prioritise Safety: Get to the nearest appropriate hospital or clinic immediately. Your health comes first.
- Contact Your Insurer: As soon as it is safe and practical to do so, you or a family member must call the international helpline.
- Provide Information: Be ready with your policy number, your location, the name of the hospital, and a contact number for the medical staff. The insurer's team will then liaise directly with the hospital.
- Keep All Paperwork: Hold on to every single document: medical reports, invoices, receipts for prescriptions, and discharge notes. You will need these to support your claim.
3. For Planned Treatment (If Your Policy Allows It)
- Start with Your Insurer: This is your very first step. Contact them to confirm if your policy has this benefit and what the procedure is.
- Submit a Proposal: You will need to provide a detailed treatment plan from your chosen overseas consultant, including a full cost breakdown.
- Wait for Written Pre-Authorisation: Do not book flights, accommodation, or the medical procedure itself until you have received written confirmation from your insurer that the treatment is approved and up to what cost.
Beyond Insurance: Staying Healthy While Travelling
The best way to avoid needing your insurance is to stay healthy. Here are some simple wellness tips for your travels:
- Hydration is Key: Drink plenty of bottled or purified water, especially in hot climates. Avoid tap water and ice in countries where water quality is a concern.
- Eat Safely: Stick to freshly cooked, hot food. Be wary of salads and uncooked vegetables that may have been washed in tap water. Peel fruit yourself.
- Manage Jet Lag: On long-haul flights, try to adjust to your destination's time zone as quickly as possible. Stay hydrated, avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol, and get some natural daylight upon arrival.
- Protect Yourself from the Elements: Use high-SPF sunscreen, wear a hat, and stay in the shade during the hottest parts of the day. In regions with mosquitoes, use a DEET-based insect repellent to protect against illnesses like dengue fever and malaria.
- Pack a First-Aid Kit: Include essentials like plasters, antiseptic wipes, pain relief (paracetamol or ibuprofen), antihistamines for bites or allergies, and any personal medication you need.
By purchasing your private medical insurance through WeCovr, you also get complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero, helping you maintain a healthy lifestyle at home and abroad. Furthermore, our clients often receive discounts on other policies, such as life or travel insurance.
Do I still need travel insurance if my PMI has overseas cover?
Will my UK PMI cover me if I move abroad permanently?
Can I claim for treatment for a pre-existing condition that flares up on holiday?
What is the difference between a GHIC card and private medical insurance?
Understanding the international dimension of your health insurance is vital for peace of mind while travelling. The rules can be complex, and the financial consequences of getting it wrong can be severe.
Let the experts at WeCovr help you find the right private medical insurance UK policy with the overseas cover you need. Our friendly, FCA-authorised advisors will compare the market for you, explain the small print, and provide a no-obligation quote, all at no cost to you.
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Why private medical insurance and how does it work?
What is Private Medical Insurance?
Private medical insurance (PMI) is a type of health insurance that provides access to private healthcare services in the UK. It covers the cost of private medical treatment, allowing you to bypass NHS waiting lists and receive faster, more convenient care.How does it work?
Private medical insurance works by paying for your private healthcare costs. When you need treatment, you can choose to go private and your insurance will cover the costs, subject to your policy terms and conditions. This can include:• Private consultations with specialists
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One of the biggest advantages is avoiding NHS waiting lists. While the NHS provides excellent care, waiting times can be lengthy. With private medical insurance, you can often receive treatment within days or weeks rather than months.
Choice of Consultant and Hospital
You can choose your preferred consultant and hospital, giving you more control over your healthcare journey. This is particularly important for complex treatments where you want a specific specialist.
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Advanced Treatments
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Private medical insurance is particularly valuable for those who want to take control of their healthcare journey and ensure they receive the best possible treatment when they need it most.
Important Fact!
We can look at a more suitable option mid-term!
Why is it important to get private medical insurance early?
👉 Many people are very thankful that they had their private medical insurance cover in place before running into some serious health issues. Private medical insurance is as important as life insurance for protecting your family's finances.👉 We insure our cars, houses, and even our phones! Yet our health is the most precious thing we have.
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