TL;DR
As a UK digital nomad, you've embraced a life of freedom, flexibility, and adventure. But this exciting lifestyle carries a significant risk that many overlook: your health. At WeCovr, an FCA-authorised private medical insurance brokerage that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, we know that your standard holiday insurance is dangerously inadequate for living and working abroad.
Key takeaways
- With Travel Insurance: The insurer's medical team would authorise emergency surgery in a local Thai hospital. Their main objective is to get you stable enough to fly. Once you can travel, they will pay to fly you back to the UK (often in economy with a leg brace) where your treatment will be handed over to the NHS. Your travel policy then ends. You have no further private cover for follow-up appointments, physiotherapy, or potential complications in Thailand.
- With International PMI: You would be taken to a high-quality private hospital of your choice within your network. Your IPMI policy would cover the surgery, your private room, and all subsequent care, including specialist consultations and the full course of physiotherapy in Thailand. You can recover fully in situ without having to abandon your life and fly home. The choice and quality of care are in your hands.
- In-patient and Day-patient Care: Covers costs for hospital stays, including surgery, accommodation, and specialist fees when you are admitted.
- Out-patient Care (often optional): Covers consultations with doctors and specialists, diagnostic tests (like MRI scans and blood tests), and physiotherapy without a hospital stay.
- Medical Evacuation: Crucially, this covers the high cost of transporting you to the nearest centre of medical excellence if local facilities are inadequate.
As a UK digital nomad, you've embraced a life of freedom, flexibility, and adventure. But this exciting lifestyle carries a significant risk that many overlook: your health. At WeCovr, an FCA-authorised private medical insurance brokerage that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, we know that your standard holiday insurance is dangerously inadequate for living and working abroad. This guide explains why.
Standard travel insurance won't cover you living abroad. We explain the difference between IPMI (International Private Medical Insurance) and holiday cover
Thinking your annual multi-trip travel policy has you covered for a year of working from Bali or Lisbon is one of the most common and costly mistakes a digital nomad can make. These two types of insurance are built for entirely different purposes.
Standard travel insurance is designed for short-term holidays. It’s a safety net for unexpected emergencies, like a lost suitcase, a cancelled flight, or an accident that requires you to be patched up and sent home. It is not designed for someone living abroad.
International Private Medical Insurance (IPMI), on the other hand, is your private healthcare system away from home. It's comprehensive health cover designed for expatriates and long-term travellers, providing access to routine and emergency medical care in your chosen country or region.
Here’s a clear breakdown of the fundamental differences:
| Feature | Standard Travel Insurance | International Private Medical Insurance (IPMI) |
|---|
| Primary Purpose | Short-term emergency cover for holidays (typically up to 30-90 days per trip). | Long-term, comprehensive health cover for living abroad (annual, renewable policies). |
| Medical Treatment | Emergency treatment only. The goal is to stabilise you for your return journey. | Covers a wide range of care: emergencies, hospital stays, surgery, diagnostics, and often consultations. |
| Routine Care | Not covered. No cover for GP visits, health check-ups, or managing ongoing conditions. | Often covered. Higher-tier plans include out-patient care, wellness checks, dental, and optical. |
| Chronic Conditions | Not covered. Excludes treatment for long-term conditions like diabetes or asthma. | Generally not covered for ongoing management, but may cover acute flare-ups. Specialist policies may offer some cover. |
| Geographic Scope | Specific trip destination(s). | Broad regions (e.g., "Europe" or "Worldwide excluding USA") for the entire year. |
| Renewal | Policy expires after the trip or year. You cannot renew it while living abroad. | Annually renewable, providing continuous cover without you needing to return to the UK. |
| Repatriation | Will repatriate you to the UK for treatment once you are medically stable to fly. | Can offer treatment in-country at a high-quality private facility, or repatriation if medically necessary or preferred. |
Real-life scenario:
Imagine you're a UK nomad working in Thailand for six months. You suffer a serious leg fracture in a scooter accident.
-
With Travel Insurance: The insurer's medical team would authorise emergency surgery in a local Thai hospital. Their main objective is to get you stable enough to fly. Once you can travel, they will pay to fly you back to the UK (often in economy with a leg brace) where your treatment will be handed over to the NHS. Your travel policy then ends. You have no further private cover for follow-up appointments, physiotherapy, or potential complications in Thailand.
-
With International PMI: You would be taken to a high-quality private hospital of your choice within your network. Your IPMI policy would cover the surgery, your private room, and all subsequent care, including specialist consultations and the full course of physiotherapy in Thailand. You can recover fully in situ without having to abandon your life and fly home. The choice and quality of care are in your hands.
What is International Private Medical Insurance (IPMI)?
International Private Medical Insurance is essentially a global version of UK private health cover. It gives you access to private medical diagnosis and treatment for new, acute conditions that arise while you are living outside the United Kingdom.
Unlike travel insurance, which is a temporary emergency solution, IPMI is a long-term health plan that provides peace of mind and access to high-quality healthcare wherever your work takes you.
Key features of an IPMI policy typically include:
- In-patient and Day-patient Care: Covers costs for hospital stays, including surgery, accommodation, and specialist fees when you are admitted.
- Out-patient Care (often optional): Covers consultations with doctors and specialists, diagnostic tests (like MRI scans and blood tests), and physiotherapy without a hospital stay.
- Medical Evacuation: Crucially, this covers the high cost of transporting you to the nearest centre of medical excellence if local facilities are inadequate.
- Repatriation: Covers the cost of returning you to your home country for treatment if required.
- 24/7 Medical Support: Provides a multilingual helpline to assist with finding hospitals, authorising treatment, and handling emergencies.
- Wellness and Dental (optional add-ons): Many policies allow you to add cover for routine dental check-ups, major dental work, and optical care.
Why You Can't Rely on a GHIC or Your UK NHS Rights
Many people travelling in Europe believe their Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), or an older valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), is sufficient. This is a misunderstanding.
- For Temporary Stays Only: The GHIC/EHIC system is designed for tourists on temporary visits, not for individuals who are resident in another country. Once you establish residency abroad—even as a "location-independent" nomad—your eligibility can cease.
- State-Level Care Only: These cards only grant you access to state-provided healthcare on the same terms as a local citizen. In many countries, this still involves co-payments. It does not give you access to private hospitals or clinics.
- No Repatriation: The GHIC will never cover the cost of flying you back to the UK.
More importantly, your right to free NHS treatment is based on being 'ordinarily resident' in the UK. Once you move abroad on a long-term basis, you are generally no longer considered ordinarily resident. This means that, apart from A&E treatment, you can be charged for NHS hospital care if you return to the UK for treatment. Relying on being able to "just fly home" is not a viable healthcare strategy.
Key Features to Look for in a Digital Nomad Health Insurance Policy
Choosing the right IPMI policy can feel overwhelming. At WeCovr, we help clients navigate these choices every day. Focus on these key components to find a policy that fits your nomadic lifestyle.
Area of Cover (Geographic Scope)
Insurers offer different geographical zones of cover. This is one of the biggest factors affecting your premium.
- Worldwide: The most comprehensive and expensive option, covering you anywhere on the globe.
- Worldwide excluding USA: A very popular choice. It provides global cover but excludes the United States, where healthcare costs are the highest in the world. This significantly reduces the premium.
- Regional Plans: Some insurers offer plans covering specific regions like "Europe" or "Southeast Asia," which can be more cost-effective if you don't plan to travel beyond those borders.
Insider Tip: Be precise. If you have a Worldwide ex. USA policy and decide to attend a conference in New York for a week, you will have zero cover there. Choose a plan that reflects all your potential travel destinations for the year.
Level of Cover (In-patient, Out-patient)
IPMI plans are typically tiered, from essential hospital cover to fully comprehensive plans.
- In-patient Only: The most basic and affordable level. It covers you only when you are admitted to a hospital for treatment (e.g., surgery, a serious illness).
- In-patient + Out-patient: A more comprehensive option. This covers hospital stays plus consultations, diagnostic scans, and therapies that don't require admission. This is the level most digital nomads should aim for, as it covers day-to-day health concerns.
- Comprehensive Plans: Top-tier plans often include in-patient, out-patient, and add-ons like dental, optical, and maternity care.
Excesses and Deductibles
An excess (or deductible) is the amount you agree to pay towards a claim before the insurer pays the rest.
- How it works: If you have a £250 excess and your medical bill is £2,000, you pay the first £250, and your insurer covers the remaining £1,750.
- The Trade-off: Opting for a higher excess will lower your monthly or annual premium. This can be a good way to make a policy more affordable, provided you can comfortably afford to pay the excess if you need to claim.
Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
This is a non-negotiable feature for any digital nomad. If you are in a remote area or a country with substandard healthcare, medical evacuation can be life-saving. An air ambulance from a remote part of Asia or Latin America back to the UK can easily exceed £100,000. Without this cover, you would face a financially catastrophic bill.
Underwriting Options: Moratorium vs. Full Medical Underwriting (FMU)
This determines how the insurer assesses your pre-existing medical conditions. It's a critical choice.
| Feature | Moratorium Underwriting (Mori) | Full Medical Underwriting (FMU) |
|---|
| Application Process | Quick and simple. No upfront medical questionnaire. | Requires you to complete a detailed medical declaration, listing all past conditions. |
| How it Works | Automatically excludes any condition for which you've had symptoms, medication, or advice in the 5 years before the policy started. | The insurer assesses your disclosed history and decides what to cover. They may add a specific exclusion or increase your premium. |
| Claim Process | Can be slower. The insurer will investigate your medical history at the point of claim to see if the condition is pre-existing. | Faster and more certain. The insurer already knows what is and isn't covered from the start. |
| Best For | Younger people with a clean bill of health seeking a fast application. | Anyone with a previous medical history who wants absolute clarity on what's covered before they buy. |
Adviser Insight: While a moratorium seems easier, it can lead to disappointment and rejected claims. FMU provides certainty. An expert broker like WeCovr can be invaluable in helping you complete the FMU forms correctly to secure the best possible terms.
Pre-existing and Chronic Conditions
This is the most important rule in private health insurance: Standard policies are designed to cover new, acute conditions that occur after your policy begins.
- Chronic Conditions: Long-term conditions like diabetes, Crohn's disease, hypertension, or asthma are generally not covered for routine management, check-ups, or prescription renewals.
- Pre-existing Conditions: A condition you had before the policy started (e.g., a knee injury from five years ago) will likely be excluded, at least initially. Under a moratorium, it might become eligible for cover after a 2-year trouble-free period.
- Acute Flare-ups: A policy may cover an unexpected, acute flare-up of a chronic condition, but not the day-to-day management.
Top International Health Insurance Providers for UK Nomads
The IPMI market is served by several global insurance giants, each with different strengths. Comparing them is key to finding the best value.
- Bupa Global: A premium provider known for high levels of cover, a vast medical network, and excellent service. Often seen as a top-tier choice for those who want maximum peace of mind.
- AXA Global Healthcare: Offers a wide range of flexible plans, allowing you to tailor your cover and budget. Strong global presence and well-regarded customer support.
- Cigna Global: Highly popular with expats and nomads for its modular plan design. You start with a core in-patient plan and add modules for out-patient, wellness, and evacuation cover as needed.
- Allianz Care: Known for a strong digital offering, including a health app and telemedicine services, which are perfect for the tech-savvy nomad. Offers a range of clear, tiered plans.
- Now Health International: A more modern provider focused on delivering clear products and excellent digital service. Their plans are designed to be straightforward and easy to understand.
Working with a broker like WeCovr allows you to compare these leading providers side-by-side, ensuring you get the right policy at a competitive price.
How Much Does International Health Insurance Cost in 2026?
The cost of IPMI varies significantly based on personal factors. For a healthy individual, premiums can range from £80 per month for basic cover to over £400 for a comprehensive global plan.
Key factors influencing your premium:
- Age: The single biggest determinant of price. Premiums rise sharply after the age of 40.
- Area of Cover: Including the USA can almost double your premium.
- Level of Cover: A comprehensive plan with out-patient and dental will cost more than an in-patient-only plan.
- Excess: A higher excess will reduce your premium.
Here are some illustrative monthly premium estimates for 2026:
| Persona | Area of Cover | Level of Cover | Estimated Monthly Premium |
|---|
| 28-year-old developer | Worldwide ex. USA | In-patient + basic out-patient | £90 - £150 |
| 35-year-old marketing consultant | Worldwide inc. USA | Comprehensive with out-patient | £250 - £400+ |
| 45-year-old couple | Southeast Asia & Europe | In-patient only with £1,000 excess | £180 - £280 (for both) |
Important: These are estimates only. The only way to know your exact cost is to get a personalised quote based on your specific needs and medical history.
The Claims Process: What to Do When You Need Medical Care Abroad
Knowing the claims process is vital. In a stressful medical situation, you need clarity.
- For Non-Emergencies: Always contact your insurer before receiving treatment. They have 24/7 helplines. They can pre-authorise the cost and often arrange for the hospital to bill them directly, so you don't have to pay out-of-pocket (except for your excess).
- For Emergencies: Your priority is to get medical help immediately. Go to the nearest suitable hospital. As soon as you are able, you or a family member must contact your insurer's emergency helpline.
- Keep All Documents: Always keep copies of medical reports, invoices, and receipts for any costs you pay yourself.
- Submit Your Claim: Most modern insurers have an online portal or mobile app for submitting claims for reimbursement.
Pro Tip: As soon as you buy your policy, save the international 24/7 assistance number in your phone contacts under "ICE Health Insurance." Share this number and your policy details with a trusted person back home.
How WeCovr Can Help You Find the Right Cover
Navigating the world of international private medical insurance is complex. As independent, FCA-authorised brokers, our job is to make it simple and secure for you.
- Expert, Unbiased Advice: We are not tied to any single insurer. We listen to your travel plans and health needs and recommend the policy that truly fits you. Our specialists understand the fine print, so you don't have to.
- Market-Wide Comparison: We provide quotes from all the UK's leading IPMI providers, saving you the time and effort of contacting them all individually.
- No Cost to You: Our service is completely free for you to use. We receive a standard commission from the insurer you choose, so your premium is the same as going direct.
- Application & Claims Support: We guide you through the application process, especially for complex Full Medical Underwriting forms. We are also here to offer support and guidance if you ever need to make a claim.
- Exclusive Benefits: When you arrange your policy through WeCovr, you also get complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero, and can benefit from discounts on other policies like life or travel insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Digital Nomad Insurance
Can I keep my UK Private Medical Insurance policy when I move abroad?
Generally, no. A standard UK Private Medical Insurance (PMI) policy is designed for UK residents using UK private hospitals. Once you are no longer ordinarily resident in the UK, your policy is usually no longer valid. You must switch to an International Private Medical Insurance (IPMI) plan designed for expatriates and long-term travellers.
What happens if I'm a digital nomad but still pay UK taxes?
Your tax residency status and your entitlement to NHS care are separate and complex issues. Even if you continue to pay some UK tax, you are typically not entitled to free NHS hospital treatment if you are not 'ordinarily resident' in the UK. Therefore, your tax status does not remove the need for a comprehensive IPMI policy to cover your healthcare needs while living abroad.
Do I need to include the USA in my cover if I'm just visiting for a week?
Yes, absolutely. Your area of cover must include every country you plan to visit, no matter how short the stay. A 'Worldwide excluding USA' policy provides exactly that—it offers zero cover within the United States. If you have any plans to travel to or even transit through the US, you must select a 'Worldwide' policy.
Is dental and optical cover included as standard in IPMI?
No, dental and optical cover is not usually included in standard or basic IPMI plans. These core plans focus on essential and high-cost medical events like hospitalisation and surgery. Dental and optical benefits are typically available as optional add-on modules, which you can purchase for an additional premium to create a more comprehensive plan.
Your health is your most valuable asset. For a digital nomad, protecting it with the right insurance isn't a luxury—it's a fundamental part of a sustainable and secure life abroad. Don't leave it to chance with a flimsy travel policy.
Ready to explore your options? Speak to a WeCovr specialist today for a free, no-obligation quote and travel the world with true peace of mind.