As an FCA-authorised expert with a history of arranging over 800,000 policies, WeCovr helps UK residents secure world-class international private medical insurance. Whether you're moving abroad, travelling frequently for business, or enjoying a global retirement, understanding your health cover options is essential for your peace of mind.
A guide to global medical cover for UK-based travellers
Life is increasingly global. Whether for work, family, or adventure, more UK residents are spending significant time outside the country than ever before. While the NHS provides incredible care within the UK, its protection ends at the border. This is where International Private Medical Insurance (iPMI) becomes not just a luxury, but a necessity.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about securing comprehensive medical cover for your life abroad, from understanding what a policy covers to choosing the right plan for your unique needs.
What is International Private Medical Insurance (iPMI)?
International Private Medical Insurance is a special type of health insurance designed to provide comprehensive medical cover for individuals and families living or working outside of their home country for an extended period.
Think of it as your portable, private version of the NHS that travels with you. It’s designed for more than just emergencies; it’s for your overall health and wellbeing, giving you access to private healthcare services, from routine GP visits to major surgery, almost anywhere in the world.
It is fundamentally different from a standard UK private medical insurance policy, which is designed only for treatment within the United Kingdom.
International Health Insurance vs. Travel Insurance: A Critical Difference
Many people mistakenly believe that an annual travel insurance policy is sufficient for long-term stays abroad. This is a common and potentially very costly mistake. The two products are designed for entirely different purposes.
| Feature | Travel Insurance | International Health Insurance (iPMI) |
|---|
| Primary Purpose | Covers short-term travel emergencies (e.g., lost luggage, flight cancellations, emergency medical treatment). | Provides long-term, comprehensive medical cover, similar to a domestic health plan. |
| Duration | Typically for trips up to 30, 60, or 90 days. | Annual policies designed for those living abroad for 6 months or more. |
| Medical Cover | Emergency treatment only. Aims to stabilise you and repatriate you to the UK for further care. | Covers routine check-ups, specialist consultations, planned surgery, and cancer care in your chosen country of residence. |
| Pre-existing Conditions | Generally excluded or covered only for acute, unforeseen flare-ups on a very limited basis. | Can sometimes be covered, subject to underwriting and potential premium loading. |
| Choice of Facility | Limited choice, usually directs you to the nearest suitable facility for emergency stabilisation. | Freedom to choose from a wide network of high-quality private hospitals and clinics. |
| Example Scenario | You break your leg skiing in France. Travel insurance pays to have it set in a local hospital and then flies you home. | You develop persistent back pain while living in Spain. iPMI covers your consultations, MRI scan, and physiotherapy. |
In short: Travel insurance is for holiday emergencies. International health insurance is for your ongoing health while living life abroad.
Who Needs International Private Health Insurance?
If you plan to spend a significant portion of the year outside the UK, you should strongly consider an iPMI policy. This includes a wide range of people:
- Expatriates (Expats): Individuals and families relocating abroad for work. Your employer might provide a group scheme, but if not, you'll need to arrange your own cover.
- Digital Nomads: The new generation of remote workers who blend travel with their career. Relying on local healthcare systems or travel insurance is a risky strategy for this lifestyle.
- Frequent Business Travellers: Executives who spend months of the year hopping between countries need seamless, high-quality medical cover they can rely on globally.
- Students Studying Abroad: While some universities offer basic plans, an iPMI policy can provide a higher level of care and greater choice of medical facilities.
- Retirees: Many UK citizens choose to retire in sunnier climates like Spain, Portugal, or France. While the GHIC card offers some state-level access, private cover ensures you can bypass waiting lists and access a wider range of treatments.
Real-Life Example:
Sarah, a 35-year-old graphic designer from Manchester, decided to become a digital nomad, spending six months in Portugal and six months in Thailand. Her annual travel policy wouldn't cover her. She secured an international health insurance plan through a PMI broker which gave her access to private GPs, specialists, and hospital care in both countries, offering her complete peace of mind.
The Most Important Rule: Acute vs. Chronic & Pre-existing Conditions
This is the single most important concept to understand about all private medical insurance in the UK and abroad.
- Acute Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Examples include a broken bone, appendicitis, or a cataract. PMI is designed to cover acute conditions that arise after your policy has started.
- 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, is likely to recur, or requires rehabilitation. Examples include diabetes, asthma, arthritis, and high blood pressure. Standard PMI policies DO NOT cover the routine management of chronic conditions.
- Pre-existing Condition: Any medical condition for which you have experienced symptoms, received medication, advice, or treatment before the start date of your policy.
Insurers will not cover treatment for pre-existing or chronic conditions. If you have high blood pressure before taking out a policy, the insurance will not pay for your check-ups or medication. However, if you later suffer a heart attack (an acute event), the policy would typically cover the emergency treatment, even if the high blood pressure was a contributing factor.
Understanding Underwriting: How Insurers Assess Your Health
When you apply for iPMI, the insurer needs to understand your medical history to decide what they can and cannot cover. This is done through a process called underwriting.
- Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): You complete a detailed health questionnaire, disclosing your full medical history. The insurer may write to your GP for more information. Based on this, they will tell you upfront if any specific conditions will be excluded from your cover. It provides clarity from day one but can be a longer process.
- Moratorium Underwriting: This is a simpler and faster way to get cover. You don't have to declare your medical history at the start. Instead, the policy automatically excludes any condition you've had symptoms, treatment, or advice for in the last 5 years. However, if you then go for a set period (usually 2 years) without any issues relating to that condition, the insurer may start covering it in the future.
An expert broker like WeCovr can help you decide which underwriting method is best for your personal circumstances, ensuring there are no surprises when you need to make a claim.
What Does International Health Insurance Cover?
Policies are typically structured with a core plan and optional add-ons, allowing you to tailor the cover to your needs and budget.
Core Cover (Usually Included as Standard)
- In-patient and Day-patient Treatment: This covers costs when you are admitted to a hospital bed for treatment, including surgery, accommodation, nursing care, and specialist fees.
- Cancer Care: Often one of the most valued benefits, this provides comprehensive cover for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery.
- Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation: If you fall ill in a location without adequate medical facilities, this covers the cost of transporting you to the nearest centre of medical excellence. In the worst-case scenario, it also covers repatriation of mortal remains.
- Advanced Medical Imaging: MRI, CT, and PET scans are usually included, whether you are an in-patient or referred by a specialist as an out-patient.
- Out-patient Cover: This is a highly recommended add-on. It covers costs for treatment where you aren't admitted to hospital, such as specialist consultations, diagnostic tests, and physiotherapy.
- Dental and Vision: Covers routine check-ups, fillings, and new glasses or contact lenses, as well as more complex dental surgery.
- Maternity Cover: For those planning a family, this covers pre-natal care, childbirth, and post-natal check-ups. There is usually a waiting period of 10-12 months before you can claim.
- Wellness and Wellbeing: A modern benefit offered by forward-thinking insurers. This can include cover for health screenings, vaccinations, and sometimes even gym memberships.
How to Choose the Best International PMI Policy
Choosing the right policy can feel overwhelming. Focusing on these key factors will help you narrow down the options.
1. Area of Cover
Insurers offer different geographical zones of cover. The wider the area, the higher the premium.
- Worldwide: The most comprehensive and expensive option, covering you anywhere on the planet.
- Worldwide Excluding USA: A very popular choice. Medical costs in the USA are the highest in the world, so excluding it can reduce your premium by 30-50%. You can often add short-term USA cover for holidays or business trips if needed.
- Europe: Ideal for those living and working within Europe.
- Specific Regions: Some insurers offer cover for regions like Asia or Africa.
2. Level of Cover & Excess
- Policy Limit: This is the maximum amount the insurer will pay out in a policy year. Cheaper plans may have a limit of £500,000, while premium plans offer £5 million or more.
- Excess (or Deductible): This is the amount you agree to pay towards a claim before the insurer starts paying. A higher excess will lower your monthly premium. For example, choosing a £500 excess instead of a £0 excess can significantly reduce your costs.
3. The Insurer's Network
Check the insurer's network of hospitals and clinics in the country you'll be living in. The best PMI providers have extensive "direct billing" networks, meaning the hospital bills the insurer directly, so you don't have to pay large sums out of pocket and claim them back later.
4. Customer Service and Claims
When you're unwell in a foreign country, the last thing you want is a difficult claims process. Look for insurers with:
- 24/7 multilingual helplines.
- Digital apps for finding doctors and submitting claims.
- A strong reputation for paying claims quickly and fairly.
This is where working with a broker like WeCovr adds immense value. We have deep knowledge of the market and know which insurers excel in customer service and claims handling.
Understanding the Cost of International Health Insurance
Several factors determine your premium:
- Age: The older you are, the higher the risk of claiming, so the higher the premium.
- Area of Cover: As mentioned, worldwide cover including the USA is the most expensive.
- Level of Cover: A comprehensive plan with out-patient, dental, and a high annual limit will cost more than a basic in-patient only plan.
- Excess: A higher excess leads to a lower premium.
- Medical History: If you have pre-existing conditions that the insurer agrees to cover (via FMU), your premium may be "loaded" (increased) to reflect the higher risk.
Illustrative Monthly Premiums for International Health Insurance
The table below gives an estimate of monthly costs for a healthy 40-year-old UK resident. These are for illustrative purposes only.
| Area of Cover | Basic Cover (In-patient, £500 excess) | Comprehensive Cover (In/Out-patient, Dental, £250 excess) |
|---|
| Europe | £90 – £150 | £200 – £350 |
| Worldwide ex. USA | £120 – £200 | £280 – £450 |
| Worldwide inc. USA | £250 – £400 | £550 – £800+ |
Note: Actual quotes will vary based on your personal details and chosen insurer.
Staying Healthy While Travelling: Wellness on the Go
Your health insurance is your safety net, but prevention is always the best medicine. Living a healthy lifestyle is even more important when you're away from your usual support systems.
- Diet and Hydration: Exploring new cuisines is a joy of travel, but prioritise balance. Ensure you eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. In hot climates, drink more water than you think you need, and be cautious with ice and tap water in certain countries.
- Sleep: Jet lag can disrupt your body clock and weaken your immune system. Try to adjust to your new time zone as quickly as possible. Avoid long naps during the day and get plenty of natural light in the morning.
- Activity: Staying active helps with both physical and mental health. Walk instead of taking a taxi, explore local parks, or find a local gym or yoga studio.
- Mental Wellbeing: Moving abroad can be isolating at times. Stay connected with friends and family back home, build a new social network, and don't be afraid to seek support if you feel overwhelmed. Many iPMI plans now include access to mental health support services.
To support your health journey, WeCovr is pleased to offer our private medical insurance clients complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app. It's a fantastic tool for staying mindful of your diet, whether you're at home or exploring the world.
The WeCovr Advantage: Why Use a Specialist Broker?
Navigating the international private health cover market alone can be complex and time-consuming. A specialist broker works for you, not the insurance companies.
- Expert, Impartial Advice: We are experts in the field. We'll listen to your needs and recommend the most suitable policies from a range of leading insurers.
- No Extra Cost: Our service is free to you. We are paid a commission by the insurer you choose, which is already built into the premium. You won't get a cheaper price by going direct.
- Market Access: We have access to a wide range of policies, some of which may not be available to the public directly.
- Application Support: We help you with the paperwork, ensuring your application is completed correctly to avoid any issues later on.
- Exclusive Benefits: When you arrange your PMI or Life Insurance through WeCovr, you may also be eligible for discounts on other types of cover, providing even greater value.
Our high customer satisfaction ratings are a testament to our commitment to finding the right cover for every client, every time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is international health insurance the same as travel insurance?
No, they are very different. Travel insurance is for short-term holiday emergencies, designed to get you stable and back to the UK. International health insurance is for long-term residents abroad, providing comprehensive medical cover for everything from GP visits and planned surgery to cancer care, much like a domestic health plan.
Do I have to declare my pre-existing medical conditions?
Generally, yes. If you choose 'Full Medical Underwriting', you must provide a full declaration of your medical history. This allows the insurer to be clear about what is and isn't covered from the start. With 'Moratorium' underwriting, you don't declare them upfront, but any condition you've had in the past 5 years will be automatically excluded for a set period. It is critical to be honest, as non-disclosure can void your policy.
Why is health insurance for the USA so much more expensive?
The cost of healthcare in the United States is the highest in the world. There is no nationalised health service like the NHS, and the system is largely privatised and driven by high costs for medical procedures, pharmaceuticals, and administration. A simple hospital stay can run into tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. Insurers price their "Worldwide including USA" policies to reflect this significantly higher risk and cost of claims.
Can I use my international policy if I visit the UK?
Most international health insurance policies designed for UK expats include cover for temporary trips back to the UK. This allows you to access private medical treatment in the UK while visiting, rather than relying solely on the NHS. However, the terms can vary, so it's important to check the specifics of your policy regarding cover in your home country.
Take the Next Step Towards Global Peace of Mind
Your health is your most valuable asset. Don't leave it to chance when you're living or travelling abroad. Securing the right international private medical insurance provides a vital safety net, ensuring you have access to the best possible care, whenever and wherever you need it.
Let WeCovr do the hard work for you. Our expert advisors will compare leading policies to find the perfect cover for your adventure, at no extra cost to you.
Get your free, no-obligation quote today and travel the world with confidence.