
As an FCA-authorised expert broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr understands the nuances of private medical insurance in the UK. Many of our clients ask a crucial question: "Am I covered if I fall ill abroad?" This guide provides an authoritative answer, demystifying overseas treatment cover.
Thinking about your health cover while travelling can be confusing. Do you need travel insurance, private medical insurance (PMI), or both? The answer depends entirely on your circumstances, your destination, and the type of medical care you might need.
Standard UK PMI is designed for treatment within the United Kingdom. However, many providers offer optional extensions for overseas cover, and specialist international policies exist for those living or working abroad. This article will break down what’s covered, what’s not, and how to ensure you have the right protection, whether you're on a two-week holiday in the Algarve or moving to Australia for a new job.
Before we dive into the specifics of overseas PMI cover, it's vital to distinguish it from travel insurance. They serve different purposes and getting them mixed up can lead to costly misunderstandings.
Private Medical Insurance (PMI) is an annual policy designed to cover the costs of diagnosis and treatment for new, acute conditions that arise after your policy begins. Its primary function is to give you fast access to private healthcare in your home country—in this case, the UK.
Travel Insurance, on the other hand, is a short-term policy designed to cover unforeseen events related to a specific trip. This includes medical emergencies, but also covers a host of other travel-related mishaps like trip cancellations, lost baggage, and flight delays.
A cornerstone of all UK PMI is that it covers acute conditions only. An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Think of things like a broken bone, appendicitis, or a cataract removal.
PMI does not cover chronic conditions. These are long-term or recurring illnesses that cannot be "cured" but can be managed, such as diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, or arthritis. Critically, PMI also excludes pre-existing conditions—any ailment you had before your policy started. This rule applies whether you are seeking treatment in the UK or abroad.
Here’s a simple table to illustrate the differences:
| Feature | Private Medical Insurance (PMI) | Travel Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | To cover treatment for new acute medical conditions in your home country. | To cover unforeseen events during a specific trip, including medical emergencies. |
| Coverage Scope | In-patient, day-patient, and out-patient treatment for eligible conditions. | Medical emergencies, repatriation, trip cancellation, lost luggage, delays. |
| Pre-existing Conditions | Almost always excluded. | Can sometimes be covered for an additional premium, but usually only for emergencies. |
| Chronic Conditions | Not covered. Management of long-term illness is excluded. | Not covered for routine management. Emergency flare-ups may be covered if declared. |
| Trip Duration | An annual policy, not linked to specific trips. | Covers a specific trip, or multiple trips up to a set duration (e.g., 30 days) on an annual policy. |
| Repatriation | Usually only included in specialist overseas/international plans. | A core feature, designed to get you home safely after a medical emergency. |
In short: For a holiday, travel insurance is essential. An overseas PMI add-on is a supplement, not a replacement.
Imagine you're enjoying a well-earned holiday in Greece and you suffer a severe allergic reaction or slip and break your ankle. This is where an 'Emergency Overseas Cover' option on your UK PMI policy could kick in.
Most standard UK private health cover policies do not include any overseas treatment as a default feature. It is an optional benefit that you must actively choose and pay an extra premium for.
If you have this add-on, it is designed for one primary purpose: to deal with medical emergencies that cannot wait until you get back to the UK.
Cover varies between insurers, but a typical emergency add-on will provide for:
Real-Life Example: A Skiing Accident in France
If you are travelling in Europe, you should always carry a valid Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), the post-Brexit replacement for the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This card gives you the right to access state-provided healthcare in EU countries on the same terms as a local resident.
However, the GHIC is not a substitute for insurance.
Your PMI emergency add-on or travel insurance works alongside the GHIC to fill these gaps.
This is where the line between standard UK PMI and more specialist cover becomes very clear. A standard UK policy, even with an emergency travel add-on, will not cover you if you decide you want to go abroad for treatment.
For example, you cannot use your UK PMI policy to:
This type of cover is the domain of International Private Medical Insurance (IPMI). These policies are specifically designed for individuals who live, work, or travel extensively outside their home country and want comprehensive global healthcare access.
If you are a UK resident who only takes occasional holidays, a standard UK PMI policy with a travel insurance policy is usually sufficient. If you are a globetrotter, a digital nomad, or an expat, you need IPMI. An expert PMI broker like WeCovr can help you determine which is right for you, comparing options from leading providers.
Here's how they stack up:
| Feature | UK PMI + Emergency Add-On | International PMI (IPMI) |
|---|---|---|
| Geographic Scope | Primarily UK, with emergency-only cover in a specified region (e.g., Europe). | Global or a specified large region (e.g., Worldwide excluding USA). |
| Planned Treatment | Not covered abroad. All planned treatment must be in the UK. | A core feature. You can often choose to have treatment in any country within your area of cover. |
| Repatriation | A key goal is to get you back to the UK for treatment. | Optional. You may be treated locally or choose to return home. |
| Target User | UK residents who take holidays abroad. | Expatriates, high-net-worth individuals, and frequent global travellers. |
| Cost | Relatively affordable. | Significantly more expensive due to wider scope and higher-cost regions. |
When you choose an IPMI policy or a comprehensive travel add-on, insurers don't just offer a single "worldwide" option. They divide the globe into tiers based on the cost of healthcare. This is crucial because choosing the wrong tier can mean you are either uninsured or overpaying.
The most common geographic bands are:
Choosing the right area is a balancing act. If you have no plans to visit the US, a 'Worldwide excluding USA' policy could save you a significant amount on your premium.
If you are a UK citizen planning to move overseas, this is a critical point: your standard UK PMI policy will almost certainly become invalid once you are no longer a UK resident.
These policies are priced and designed for people who use the UK healthcare system. Once you move, you fall outside that model. You cannot rely on your UK policy to cover you in your new home country.
UK expats need a dedicated International Private Medical Insurance (IPMI) policy.
Navigating the IPMI market can be complex. Working with an experienced broker like WeCovr is invaluable. We can compare policies from global providers like Bupa Global, Cigna Global, and AXA Global Healthcare to find a plan that fits your expat lifestyle and budget.
Understanding what is excluded is just as important as knowing what is covered. This helps prevent nasty surprises when you need to make a claim. Whether it's a UK policy with a travel add-on or a full IPMI plan, some exclusions are universal.
The Golden Rule: Private medical insurance is designed for new, curable (acute) conditions that arise after your policy has started.
Here is a list of common exclusions for any overseas treatment:
Feeling overwhelmed? Here is a step-by-step process to find the right level of protection.
Assess Your Lifestyle:
Review Your Existing Policies: Dig out your current UK PMI documents. Read the policy wording carefully to see if any overseas cover is included as standard (unlikely) or what the optional add-ons entail. Check the financial limits and geographical scope.
Compare Your Options: Weigh up the costs and benefits. Is it cheaper and more effective to buy a comprehensive travel insurance policy than to add a travel option to your PMI? For expats, compare different IPMI plans.
Speak to an Independent, Expert Broker: This is the single most effective step. An FCA-authorised broker like WeCovr works for you, not the insurer. We can:
As a WeCovr client, you also get complimentary access to our AI-powered nutrition app, CalorieHero, to help you stay healthy on your travels, plus exclusive discounts on other insurance products like life or home insurance.
Your insurance is a safety net, but the best approach is to avoid needing it. Here are some simple wellness tips for your travels.
Ready to explore your options for private health cover, at home or abroad? The expert, FCA-authorised brokers at WeCovr are here to help. Get your free, no-obligation quote today and find the perfect protection for your peace of mind.






