
TL;DR
Navigating the world of international private medical insurance can feel complex, especially when you only need cover for a few months. As expert UK-based health insurance brokers, the team at WeCovr has helped arrange cover for over 900,000 clients, giving us unparalleled insight into the market. This guide compares the leading short-term IPMI providers to help you make an informed choice.
Key takeaways
- Expatriate Assignments: Professionals on short-term work contracts in another country.
- Digital Nomads: Remote workers who travel and work in various countries for months at a time.
- Students Abroad: University students undertaking a semester or year of study overseas.
- Extended Sabbaticals: Individuals taking a career break to travel extensively.
- Bridging a Gap: People relocating to a new country who are waiting for residency or access to a local healthcare system.
Navigating the world of international private medical insurance can feel complex, especially when you only need cover for a few months. As expert UK-based health insurance brokers, the team at WeCovr has helped arrange cover for over 900,000 clients, giving us unparalleled insight into the market. This guide compares the leading short-term IPMI providers to help you make an informed choice.
A comparison of the best insurers that offer short-term worldwide private medical insurance plans — benefits, cost, and underwriting differences
Short-term International Private Medical Insurance (IPMI) is a specialised type of health cover designed for individuals and families living or working outside their home country for a period typically ranging from 30 days to one year.
Unlike standard travel insurance, which is for holidays and emergencies, or domestic UK PMI, which only covers you in the UK, short-term IPMI provides comprehensive medical care equivalent to a domestic plan, but on a global scale. It's the essential safety net for expatriates on short assignments, global contractors, digital nomads, and students studying abroad.
These plans are designed to cover new, acute conditions that arise after your policy begins. It's crucial to understand that, like most private medical insurance in the UK, IPMI does not typically cover pre-existing or chronic conditions that require ongoing management.
Who Needs Short-Term International Health Insurance?
If you're planning to be outside your home country for more than a typical holiday but less than a year, you likely fall into the category of someone who needs this cover.
Common scenarios include:
- Expatriate Assignments: Professionals on short-term work contracts in another country.
- Digital Nomads: Remote workers who travel and work in various countries for months at a time.
- Students Abroad: University students undertaking a semester or year of study overseas.
- Extended Sabbaticals: Individuals taking a career break to travel extensively.
- Bridging a Gap: People relocating to a new country who are waiting for residency or access to a local healthcare system.
Comparing the Leading Short-Term IPMI Providers: AXA, Bupa & IMG
Choosing the right provider is about balancing comprehensive benefits with a budget that works for you. The "best" provider is the one that best matches your specific needs, destination, and health profile. Below, we compare three of the most prominent names in the market: AXA Global, Bupa Global, and IMG.
| Feature | AXA Global | Bupa Global | IMG (International Medical Group) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Comprehensive benefits & a strong global network. | Premium-level service & high cover limits. | Flexibility, budget options & US citizens abroad. |
| Typical Duration | From 3 months to 1 year. | From 3 months to 1 year. | Highly flexible, from 5 days up to 1 year. |
| Area of Cover | Worldwide or Worldwide excluding USA. | Multiple tiers, including/excluding USA, Hong Kong etc. | Worldwide or Worldwide excluding USA. |
| Underwriting | Full Medical Underwriting (FMU) is standard. | Full Medical Underwriting (FMU) or Moratorium. | Full Medical Underwriting (FMU) is common. |
| Key Strength | Excellent digital tools and a vast direct-billing network. | Focus on high-quality care and service. | Wide range of plans, including for extreme sports. |
1. AXA Global Healthcare
AXA is a global insurance titan with a formidable presence in the IPMI market. Their short-term plans are known for being robust and well-supported by a vast network of hospitals and clinics worldwide, allowing for direct billing (cashless access) in many locations.
Key Benefits & Features:
- Comprehensive Core Cover: Strong focus on inpatient and day-patient treatment, including hospital accommodation, surgery, and cancer treatment.
- Evacuation & Repatriation: Medical evacuation to the nearest centre of excellence is a standard, crucial feature for those in remote locations.
- Digital Health Services: AXA offers excellent telehealth services, allowing you to speak to a doctor remotely 24/7, which is invaluable when you're in an unfamiliar country.
- Underwriting: AXA typically uses Full Medical Underwriting (FMU) for its plans. This means you complete a detailed health questionnaire upfront, giving you certainty about what is and isn't covered from day one.
Insider Tip: AXA's plans are often favoured by corporate clients and professionals who prioritise a seamless claims experience and access to a wide, established network.
2. Bupa Global
Bupa Global is synonymous with premium health insurance. Their proposition is built on high levels of service, extensive cover limits, and access to a curated network of top-tier medical facilities. While often perceived as one of the more expensive options, the value lies in the peace of mind and quality of care.
Key Benefits & Features:
- High Annual Limits: Bupa Global's plans typically feature very high or even unlimited annual maximums for core medical cover.
- Second Medical Opinion Service: Access to an independent review of your diagnosis and treatment plan can be critically important for serious conditions.
- Flexible Underwriting: Bupa Global offers both Full Medical Underwriting (FMU) and Moratorium underwriting. Moratorium can be quicker to set up as it doesn't require a full health declaration, but it automatically excludes conditions you've had in the past few years (usually five) for an initial period (usually two years).
- Direct Access: A key feature of their premium plans is often the ability to access specialists without needing a GP referral, saving valuable time.
Insider Tip: For those who want the absolute best-in-class service and will be in locations with expensive healthcare (like Switzerland, Hong Kong, or the UAE), Bupa Global is a top contender. Their focus is less on budget and more on comprehensive assurance.
3. IMG (International Medical Group)
IMG has carved out a significant niche in the market by offering highly flexible and often more budget-friendly IPMI solutions. They are particularly popular with US citizens living abroad, missionaries, and individuals seeking customisable plans.
Key Benefits & Features:
- Extreme Flexibility: IMG's standout feature is its range of plans and customisation. You can find everything from catastrophic-only cover to fully comprehensive plans, with a wide array of deductible (excess) options to manage cost.
- Very Short Durations: Unlike many providers who start at 3 months, IMG offers plans for periods as short as a few days, making them ideal for bridging insurance gaps.
- Patriot America® & GlobeHopper® Series: These are well-known product lines. The Patriot series is designed for non-US citizens needing cover in the USA, while the GlobeHopper plans are for those travelling outside their home country.
- Adventure Sports Coverage: Many of their plans offer optional riders for those participating in adventure or extreme sports, a feature often excluded by default elsewhere.
Insider Tip: If your primary concern is cost or you have a very specific, short-term need (e.g., a 45-day project), IMG's flexible structure is hard to beat. However, it's vital to work with a broker like WeCovr to ensure you're selecting the right modules and not leaving yourself underinsured.
Understanding Key IPMI Differences: Underwriting, Cost & Area of Cover
Choosing a plan isn't just about the brand name. The details of the policy are what truly matter.
Underwriting: Moratorium vs. Full Medical Underwriting (FMU)
This is one of the most critical concepts to grasp in private medical insurance. Underwriting is the process an insurer uses to assess your health risk and decide on the terms of your policy.
-
Full Medical Underwriting (FMU):
- How it works: You complete a detailed health declaration form, listing your medical history and any pre-existing conditions.
- Pros: You have complete clarity from the start. The insurer will explicitly state what is covered and what is excluded. There are no grey areas.
- Cons: The application process takes longer. Conditions you declare may be permanently excluded or lead to a higher premium.
-
Moratorium Underwriting ('Mori'):
- How it works: You don't complete a full health questionnaire. Instead, the policy automatically excludes treatment for any medical condition you've had symptoms, treatment, or advice for in a set period before the policy started (typically 5 years).
- Pros: It's much faster to set up.
- Cons: It creates uncertainty. You may not know if a condition is covered until you make a claim. The exclusion is 'lifted' only if you remain completely free of symptoms, treatment, and advice for that condition for a continuous period after your policy starts (typically 2 years).
Which is better for short-term plans? For short-term cover (under a year), Full Medical Underwriting is almost always preferable. A moratorium's 2-year waiting period to potentially cover pre-existing conditions is irrelevant on a 6-month policy. FMU gives you the certainty you need when you're abroad for a limited time.
Factors That Determine the Cost of Your Plan
The premium for a short-term IPMI policy is calculated based on several key factors:
- Age: This is the most significant factor. Premiums rise sharply with age.
- Area of Cover: A policy covering "Worldwide" will be significantly more expensive than one covering "Worldwide excluding USA," due to the exceptionally high cost of healthcare in the United States.
- Level of Cover: A basic plan covering only hospital stays (inpatient) will be cheaper than a comprehensive plan that includes outpatient visits, dental care, and maternity.
- Deductible / Excess: This is the amount you agree to pay towards a claim before the insurer starts paying. A higher excess will lower your premium.
- Plan Duration: The per-day cost can sometimes be lower for longer durations (e.g., 11 months vs. 3 months).
IPMI vs. Travel Insurance: What's the Real Difference?
This is a common and dangerous point of confusion. They are not interchangeable.
| Feature | Short-Term IPMI | Standard Travel Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Comprehensive healthcare for residents abroad. | Emergency medical cover for holidaymakers. |
| Medical Cover | High limits (£1M+), covers inpatient & outpatient care. | Lower limits, focused on stabilising you for return home. |
| Pre-existing Conditions | Generally excluded. | Generally excluded, with very limited exceptions. |
| GP & Specialist Visits | Usually covered under outpatient options. | Not covered. For emergencies only. |
| Cancer Care | Included as standard for new conditions. | Not covered. |
| Medical Evacuation | To the nearest centre of excellence. | To get you back to your home country (repatriation). |
| Non-Medical Cover | Not included. | Covers baggage loss, flight cancellation, etc. |
Real-life scenario: An architect on a 6-month assignment in Dubai develops a persistent stomach issue.
- With IPMI: She can visit a GP, be referred to a specialist for tests (e.g., an endoscopy), and receive treatment, all covered by her plan.
- With Travel Insurance: She would likely not be covered, as this isn't a life-threatening emergency. She would have to pay for the consultations and tests out of pocket.
How WeCovr Helps You Choose the Best Short-Term Plan
Navigating the websites of AXA, Bupa, IMG, Cigna, and Allianz can be overwhelming. Each provider uses different terminology and structures its plans in unique ways, making direct comparison difficult.
This is where an independent, FCA-regulated broker like WeCovr adds immense value.
- We Listen: We start by understanding your specific situation—where you're going, for how long, your budget, and any health considerations.
- We Compare the Market: We have access to plans and rates from all the leading providers. We do the hard work of comparing the policies on a like-for-like basis.
- We Explain the Differences: We cut through the jargon and explain the crucial differences in underwriting, network access, and claims processes in plain English.
- Our Service is Free: We earn a commission from the insurer you choose, so our expert advice and support cost you nothing extra. The premium is the same as going direct.
- Ongoing Support: We're here to help if you have questions or need to make a claim during your time abroad.
As a WeCovr client, you also get complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero, to help you stay healthy on your travels. Furthermore, clients who purchase PMI or Life Insurance often receive valuable discounts on other insurance products.
Your Next Steps to Securing Global Health Cover
Choosing the right short-term international health insurance is a critical step in planning any extended stay abroad. It provides the financial security and peace of mind needed to handle unexpected medical issues, ensuring you can access high-quality care without facing crippling costs.
The best plan is one tailored to your journey. By comparing leading providers like AXA Global, Bupa Global, and IMG on their core benefits, cost structures, and underwriting methods, you can start to identify the right fit.
Ready to find the perfect plan for your trip? Let our experts help.











