International PMI Calculator for UK Expats

Moving or Working Abroad from the UK Our International PMI Calculator Helps You Compare Global Health Cover and Find the Right Plan

Moving abroad is one of life’s great adventures. Whether you're relocating for a new job, retiring to the sun, or simply seeking a change of scenery, it’s an exciting time. But amidst the packing and planning, one crucial question often gets overlooked: what happens if I get ill?

Once you are no longer a resident in the UK, you generally lose your access to the NHS. This means you are responsible for the full cost of any medical treatment you need. In many countries, healthcare can be incredibly expensive, and a simple accident or unexpected illness could lead to a bill for tens of thousands of pounds.

This is where International Private Medical Insurance (PMI) comes in. It’s your health safety net, giving you peace of mind that you can access high-quality medical care without facing financial ruin. But how much does it cost? And which plan is right for you?

Our free International PMI Calculator is designed to give you a quick, reliable estimate of your potential costs, helping you budget for your new life and compare options from leading global insurers.

What is International PMI?

International Private Medical Insurance (also known as IPMI or global health cover) is a special type of health insurance designed for people who live and work outside their home country for an extended period.

It’s different from travel insurance, which is only for short trips and emergencies. International PMI is comprehensive, long-term cover that works much like private health insurance here in the UK. It gives you access to private hospitals and doctors in your new country of residence and often across a wider region.

Key features of International PMI typically include:

• In-patient treatment: Cover for when you need to be admitted to hospital.
• Out-patient treatment: Cover for consultations, tests, and scans that don’t require a hospital stay.
• Emergency evacuations: Transport to the nearest suitable medical facility if local care is inadequate.
• 24/7 support: Access to a multilingual helpline for medical advice and assistance.

A Critical Note on Cover: It is vital to understand that International PMI, like its UK equivalent, is designed to cover acute conditions that arise after your policy has started. It does not cover pre-existing conditions (illnesses you already have) or chronic conditions (long-term illnesses like diabetes or asthma that require ongoing management).

How to Use Our International PMI Calculator

Our calculator is simple, fast, and completely free to use. It's built to take the guesswork out of budgeting for your health cover abroad. In just a few clicks, you can get a personalised estimate.

Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Enter Your Personal Details

• Who to cover: Select whether you need cover for yourself, you and a partner, or your whole family.
• Your Age: Enter the age of the oldest person to be insured. Age is a key factor in determining the premium.

Step 2: Tell Us About Your Move

• Country of Residence: Choose the country you are moving to from the dropdown list. Healthcare costs vary dramatically around the world, so this is the most important input for an accurate estimate. For example, cover in the USA or Hong Kong is significantly more expensive than in Spain or Thailand.

Step 3: Choose Your Level of Cover

• Cover Level: Select the type of plan you’re interested in.
  • Basic: Usually covers essential in-patient and day-patient treatment.
  • Standard: Includes everything in Basic, plus comprehensive out-patient cover.
  • Comprehensive: The highest level of cover, often including dental, vision, and wellness benefits.
• Excess: Choose the amount you would be willing to pay towards the cost of a claim. A higher excess will result in a lower monthly premium.

Understanding Your Calculator Results

Once you hit "Calculate", you'll see a clear results page showing:

• Estimated Monthly Premium: A clear cost in Pounds Sterling (£) to help you budget.
• Breakdown of Insurers: A list of top-rated global insurers that WeCovr works with, giving you an idea of the brands available.
• Feature Comparison: A simple table showing what is typically included at each level of cover.

This estimate is your starting point. It gives you the crucial information you need to plan your finances before you move.

Worked Example: The Jones Family Moves to Dubai

Let's imagine the Jones family are moving from London to Dubai for a new job opportunity.

• Family: David (45), Chloe (42), and their two children, aged 10 and 8.
• Destination: United Arab Emirates.
• Needs: They want comprehensive cover that includes out-patient visits for the kids and dental check-ups. They are happy with a small excess to keep premiums manageable.

Calculator Inputs:

1. Who to cover: Family
2. Oldest Age: 45
3. Country: United Arab Emirates
4. Cover Level: Comprehensive
5. Excess: £250

Example Result: The International PMI Calculator might estimate their premium to be around £650 per month. The results would also show that this level of cover typically includes in-patient, out-patient, dental, and medical evacuation, and lists potential insurers like Bupa Global and AXA Global. This gives the Jones family a solid budget figure for their relocation planning.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When thinking about global health cover, it's easy to make simple mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Underestimating Healthcare Costs: Don't assume healthcare in your new country is cheap. Use the calculator to see a realistic estimate.
• Choosing the Wrong Area of Cover: Some plans cover you worldwide, while others exclude expensive regions like the USA. Make sure your plan covers you where you need it.
• Forgetting about Excess: Opting for a £0 excess will make your premium much higher. Choosing a manageable excess (e.g., £250 or £500) is a great way to lower your monthly cost.
• Not Disclosing Medical History: The calculator gives an estimate. When you apply for a real policy, you must be completely honest about your medical history. Failing to do so can invalidate your insurance when you need it most.

What to Do After You Get Your Result

Your calculator result is an excellent guide, but it's not a formal quote. The next step is to speak with an expert to find the perfect policy.

1. Review your estimate: Understand the monthly cost and the features included.
2. Speak to an expert: The team at WeCovr specialises in helping UK expats find the right international health cover. We can take your calculator results and find real quotes from the UK's leading global insurers.
3. Compare policies: We will help you compare the fine print of each policy, ensuring you understand exactly what is and isn't covered.
4. Get protected: We'll help you with the application process from start to finish, ensuring you have the right protection in place before you move.

Connecting Your Results to Life and Health Insurance

Your health abroad is paramount, but it's also wise to consider your broader financial protection.

UK Private Medical Insurance (PMI)

International PMI covers you while you live abroad. If you move back to the UK, this cover may not be suitable or cost-effective. Upon your return, you may want to consider a domestic Private Health Insurance policy. This provides access to private healthcare in the UK, helping you bypass NHS waiting lists for eligible acute conditions.

Life Insurance

Moving abroad doesn’t change your family’s reliance on you. If you have a mortgage, children, or a partner who depends on your income, having Life Insurance is just as crucial as an expat. A life insurance policy can pay out a lump sum or regular income to your loved ones if you pass away, ensuring they are financially secure no matter where in the world you live.

At WeCovr, we can often arrange discounts on other policies when you purchase your international PMI or life insurance through us, providing comprehensive protection for your family at a better price.

As a WeCovr customer, you also get complimentary access to CalorieHero, our exclusive AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app to help you and your family stay healthy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What's the difference between international health insurance and travel insurance? Travel insurance is for short-term trips (usually up to 90 days) and covers medical emergencies, cancellations, and lost baggage. International Private Medical Insurance (PMI) is for people living abroad long-term (a year or more). It is comprehensive health cover for in-patient, out-patient, and specialist care in your new country of residence.

2. Does international PMI cover pre-existing conditions? Generally, no. Standard international PMI policies are designed to cover new, acute medical conditions that occur after your policy starts. They do not cover pre-existing conditions (illnesses you already have) or chronic conditions that require ongoing management. Some insurers may offer cover for pre-existing conditions with special terms or a higher premium, which an adviser can discuss with you.

3. Do I need international health cover if my new country has a public healthcare system? It is highly recommended. Even in countries with public healthcare, you may not be eligible for it as an expatriate, or you may face long waiting lists and language barriers. International PMI gives you access to private facilities, often with English-speaking staff, ensuring you get fast, high-quality treatment when you need it.

4. Can I add my family to my policy? Yes, absolutely. International PMI policies can be set up to cover individuals, couples, or families. Adding your family to a single policy is often more convenient and can sometimes be more cost-effective than arranging separate plans for everyone.

Get Your Free Estimate and Expert Advice Today

Don’t leave your health to chance. Planning for your medical cover is one of the most important steps in your relocation journey.

Use the free International PMI Calculator today to get your personalised estimate in under 60 seconds. Then, let the friendly experts at WeCovr compare the market for you and find the perfect global health plan for your new life abroad.