
As an FCA-authorised expert with over 800,000 policies arranged, WeCovr understands the UK private medical insurance market inside out. This guide demystifies health cover for British digital nomads, ensuring you can work remotely with complete peace of mind, wherever your laptop and passport take you.
The dream of swapping the dreary UK commute for a sun-drenched café in Lisbon or a co-working space in Bali is now a reality for millions. The rise of remote work has created a new class of professional: the British digital nomad. You have the freedom to work from anywhere, but this incredible flexibility brings a significant question: what happens if you get ill or injured abroad?
Relying on a standard travel insurance policy or your UK-based private health cover is a common, but potentially costly, mistake. These policies are simply not designed for someone living and working abroad for extended periods.
This is where International Private Medical Insurance (iPMI) comes in. It’s a specialised type of health cover built for the unique needs of expatriates and digital nomads, providing comprehensive medical care that moves with you. In this guide, we'll explore why it's essential, what to look for in a policy, and how to navigate the complex market.
Many Brits who have private medical insurance (PMI) in the UK assume it will offer some level of protection when they travel. Unfortunately, this is a dangerous misconception.
Standard private medical insurance UK policies are built with one purpose in mind: to provide you with prompt access to private medical treatment within the United Kingdom.
Here’s a simple breakdown of the limitations:
It's vital to understand a fundamental principle of UK private medical insurance. PMI is designed to cover acute conditions—illnesses or injuries that are likely to respond quickly to treatment and return you to your previous state of health. A broken leg, appendicitis, or a cataract are examples of acute conditions.
PMI policies, both domestic and international, do not cover chronic conditions. A chronic condition is a long-term illness that needs ongoing management and has no known cure, such as diabetes, asthma, hypertension, or Crohn's disease.
Furthermore, they also exclude pre-existing conditions—any ailment you had before your policy began. This is a crucial point that we will return to when discussing underwriting.
So, if your UK PMI is out, what are your options? Many digital nomads initially think standard travel insurance is the answer. While essential for any trip, it serves a completely different purpose to long-term health cover.
Let's look at a real-world scenario:
Example: Chloe, a 32-year-old marketing consultant from London, decides to work from Southeast Asia for a year. Three months into her trip in Chiang Mai, she develops a persistent stomach issue. If she only has travel insurance, it likely won't cover her visit to a specialist or the subsequent tests, as it's not a clear 'emergency'. If she had an international health insurance plan, her consultations, diagnostic tests, and any required treatment would be covered, just like seeing a private specialist back home.
Here is a clear comparison of the two types of cover:
| Feature | Standard Travel Insurance | International Health Insurance (iPMI) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | Short-term emergency cover during travel (e.g., up to 90 days). | Long-term, comprehensive medical cover for those living abroad. |
| Duration | Per-trip or annual multi-trip, with limits on each trip's length. | Annual, renewable contracts designed for long-term residency. |
| Medical Cover | Emergency medical treatment and repatriation only. | Inpatient, outpatient, routine check-ups, specialist care. |
| Routine Care | No cover for GP visits, health screenings, or dental check-ups. | Often includes cover for routine care, diagnostics, and wellness. |
| Pre-existing Conditions | Usually excluded, or requires specialist cover at a high premium. | Can be covered after a moratorium period, or may be excluded permanently. |
| Choice of Doctor | Limited to approved emergency facilities. | Freedom to choose from a wide network of doctors and hospitals. |
| Ideal For | Holidays, short business trips. | Digital nomads, expatriates, and long-term travellers. |
As you can see, relying on travel insurance for a digital nomad lifestyle is like using a plaster for a broken arm—it's the wrong tool for the job.
International Private Medical Insurance, often called iPMI or expatriate health insurance, is the gold standard for global citizens. It's a comprehensive health policy that isn't tied to a single country, giving you access to quality healthcare wherever you are in your chosen area of cover.
Think of it as a portable private health plan. It provides the same level of reassurance you'd get from a top-tier PMI policy in the UK, but on a global scale.
Core components of an iPMI plan typically include:
An expert PMI broker like WeCovr can help you navigate these options, ensuring you only pay for the cover you truly need.
Choosing the right iPMI plan can feel overwhelming. The market is filled with different providers and policy options. To simplify the process, focus on these key features:
This is the most significant factor affecting your premium. Insurers typically offer several geographic options:
Top Tip: Be realistic about your travel plans. If you have no intention of visiting the USA, excluding it from your cover is the single best way to save money.
A direct billing network is a list of hospitals and clinics where the insurer can pay for your treatment directly. This is a huge convenience, as it means you don't have to pay thousands of pounds out-of-pocket and wait for reimbursement. Always check the size and quality of an insurer's network in the countries you plan to visit.
As a nomad, you could be in any time zone. A 24/7 multilingual helpline is essential. Furthermore, look for providers that offer excellent telemedicine or virtual GP services. The ability to have a video consultation with a doctor from your laptop or phone is invaluable for minor issues and prescription renewals.
When you apply for iPMI, the insurer needs to assess your health to determine the terms of your policy. This is known as underwriting. For digital nomads, there are two main types:
Full Medical Underwriting (FMU):
Moratorium Underwriting:
Remember the Golden Rule: New insurance policies are for new conditions. No standard iPMI plan will cover a pre-existing chronic condition like diabetes or a heart condition you are already receiving treatment for. If you have significant health issues, your options may be limited, and speaking to a specialist broker is essential.
The iPMI market is dominated by a few large, reputable global insurers. While we can't recommend a single "best PMI provider" as the right choice is deeply personal, we can compare the general features offered by the leading names in the industry.
| Provider Type | Geographic Coverage Options | Key Strengths | Underwriting Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Major Global Insurers (e.g., Bupa Global, Cigna Global) | Worldwide, Worldwide excl. USA, Regional | Huge direct billing networks, comprehensive benefits, strong 24/7 support. | Full Medical & Moratorium |
| Specialist Expat Insurers (e.g., Allianz Care, AXA Global) | Worldwide, Worldwide excl. USA, Europe | Excellent digital tools (apps, telemedicine), flexible plan customisation. | Full Medical & Moratorium |
| Nomad-Focused Insurers (e.g., SafetyWing, World Nomads) | Worldwide | Lower cost, subscription-based, good for younger nomads on a budget. | More limited; primarily for acute illness/injury, not comprehensive care. |
Comparing these providers, their different plan tiers, and their underwriting nuances is complex and time-consuming. This is where WeCovr adds immense value. As an independent broker, we compare the market for you, explain the small print in plain English, and find the policy that best matches your budget and travel plans—all at no cost to you.
This is the million-dollar question, though thankfully the answer is usually much less! The cost of iPMI varies dramatically based on four key factors:
To give you a realistic idea, here are some illustrative examples as of early 2025. These are for guidance only.
| Profile | Area of Cover | Level of Cover | Excess | Estimated Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asha, 28-year-old developer | Worldwide excl. USA & Far East | Comprehensive (Inpatient & Outpatient) | £500 | £120 - £180 |
| Ben, 35-year-old writer | Europe Only | Inpatient Only | £1,500 | £70 - £110 |
| Claire & Tom, 42-year-old couple | Worldwide excl. USA | Comprehensive + Dental | £250 | £450 - £600 (for both) |
A common worry for British nomads is their access to the NHS when they return home for a visit.
According to gov.uk guidance, access to the NHS is based on being 'ordinarily resident' in the UK. If you move abroad on a permanent basis, you lose your entitlement to free NHS hospital treatment. However, the definition of 'ordinarily resident' can be complex for a digital nomad who may not have a permanent base.
Your health insurance is your safety net, but the best strategy is to stay healthy in the first place. The nomadic lifestyle presents unique challenges to your wellbeing.
To support our clients' wellbeing, WeCovr provides complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero, for all clients who purchase a PMI or Life Insurance policy. Plus, clients often receive discounts on other insurance products, such as travel or home cover, when they arrange their health insurance through us.
Navigating the world of international private medical insurance is a complex task. The terminology is confusing, the options are vast, and the consequences of choosing the wrong plan can be severe.
This is why working with an expert, independent broker is so valuable.
The digital nomad life offers unparalleled freedom, but that freedom must be built on a foundation of security. Ensuring you have the right health cover is not a luxury; it's an absolute necessity. It protects your health, your finances, and your ability to continue living and working on your own terms.
Ready to explore your options? Get a free, no-obligation quote from WeCovr today and let our friendly experts find the perfect international health insurance policy for your adventures.






