Understanding Policy Portability With International Moves
As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies, WeCovr understands that navigating private medical insurance can be complex, especially when a big life change like moving abroad is on the horizon. This guide explains what happens to your UK private health cover when you relocate permanently.
What to do with your policy if you relocate permanently
A permanent move overseas is an exciting chapter, but it brings a long list of administrative tasks. One of the most important is deciding what to do with your UK private medical insurance (PMI) policy. Do you cancel it? Can you take it with you? The short answer is that your UK-based policy is almost certainly not designed for life in another country.
This guide will walk you through your options, explain the crucial differences between UK and international health cover, and provide a clear checklist to help you manage the transition smoothly. Understanding these details is vital for ensuring you have continuous and appropriate healthcare access, wherever you call your new home.
A Critical Reminder: The Purpose of UK PMI
Before we dive in, it's essential to remember what standard UK private medical insurance is for. It is designed to cover the costs of diagnosis and treatment for acute conditions that arise after you take out your policy.
- An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery (e.g., a cataract, joint replacement, or hernia repair).
- PMI does not cover chronic conditions – illnesses that are long-lasting and have no known cure, such as diabetes, asthma, or high blood pressure.
- It also does not cover pre-existing conditions you had before your policy began, at least not for a set period, depending on your underwriting type.
This principle is fundamental to how UK PMI works and is a key reason why it cannot simply be transferred to a new country.
The Core Problem: Why UK PMI Doesn't Work Abroad
Think of your UK PMI policy like a key that only fits UK locks. It's specifically designed to work within the framework of the UK's healthcare system, complementing the NHS and giving you access to a network of private hospitals, specialists, and clinics within the United Kingdom.
Here’s why it falls short when you move abroad permanently:
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Geographical Limits: Standard policies are territorially restricted to the UK. While many include a clause for "overseas emergency treatment," this is intended for short holidays (typically 30-90 days). It covers unforeseen emergencies to get you stable, often with the expectation that you will return to the UK for ongoing treatment. It is not designed for someone living and working in another country.
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Network Restrictions: Insurers have carefully negotiated agreements with specific hospital groups and specialists in the UK. These networks do not exist overseas. Your insurer has no relationship with a hospital in Madrid, a clinic in Toronto, or a doctor in Sydney.
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Regulatory and Costing Differences: Healthcare costs and regulations vary dramatically across the world. A procedure that costs £5,000 in a UK private hospital might cost $50,000 in the US. UK PMI premiums are calculated based on UK healthcare costs, not global ones.
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Residency Requirement: Your policy is contingent on you being a UK resident. Once you permanently relocate and are no longer primarily resident in the UK, you typically no longer meet the eligibility criteria for your policy.
Essentially, trying to use a UK PMI policy for permanent residency abroad is like trying to use your Tesco Clubcard at a supermarket in France – it's the wrong system for the wrong place.
Your Options When Relocating From the UK
When you make the decision to move, you generally have four paths to consider for your health cover. The right choice depends on your destination, your personal health, and your financial situation.
Option 1: Cancel Your UK PMI Policy
This is the most common and often the only viable option for most people with a standard UK PMI plan.
- Why do it? Your policy will no longer be valid once you are not a UK resident, so continuing to pay for it is a waste of money.
- The Process: You must inform your insurer of your move date and your intention to cancel. Most insurers require 30 days' notice. If you've paid your annual premium upfront, you should receive a pro-rata refund for the unused months.
- The Major Downside: By cancelling, you lose the specific underwriting terms you have with that insurer. If you have "Medical History Disregarded" (MHD) cover, this is a significant loss. Should you return to the UK in the future, you will need to apply for a new policy and be underwritten again. Any health conditions you developed while abroad will now be considered pre-existing and likely excluded from your new cover.
Option 2: Transition to an International Private Medical Insurance (IPMI) Policy
For those seeking continuous, comprehensive cover, this is the gold standard.
- What is it? International Private Medical Insurance (IPMI) is specifically designed for expatriates and those who live or work outside their home country. It offers global or regional cover.
- The Advantage: The biggest benefit is portability. Many major UK insurance providers, like Bupa and AXA, have international arms (e.g., Bupa Global, AXA Global Healthcare). If you are insured with one of these, you may be able to transition from your UK plan to an international one without new medical underwriting. This is called a "switch" option.
- Why is this important? It means any conditions that were covered on your UK plan could continue to be covered on your new international plan. This is invaluable for maintaining continuity of care.
- How to do it: Contact your insurer or, even better, a specialist PMI broker like WeCovr. We can assess whether your current insurer offers a switch to an IPMI plan and compare it against other international options to ensure you get the best cover for your new life abroad.
Option 3: Secure Local Health Insurance in Your New Country
In many countries, having local health insurance is a mandatory requirement for obtaining a visa or residency permit.
- What is it? This involves taking out a new policy with an insurer based in your destination country. This plan will be tailored to that country's healthcare system.
- The Pros: It’s designed for the local system and can sometimes be more affordable than a comprehensive IPMI plan if you only need cover in that one country.
- The Cons: You will be treated as a brand new customer. This means you will have to go through full medical underwriting. Any pre-existing conditions will almost certainly be excluded. You will also have to navigate a new and unfamiliar insurance market, often in a different language.
Option 4: Rely on the Public Healthcare System
Your eligibility to use the state-funded healthcare system in your new country depends on local laws and your residency status.
- In the EU: UK citizens moving to an EU country may be able to access the state system if they are a resident and pay social security contributions, similar to how the NHS works. However, the level of access and quality can vary.
- Outside the EU: Countries like the USA have no comprehensive public healthcare system, and private insurance is essential. In places like Australia, you may have access to their Medicare system but could still face long waits for non-urgent care, making private cover popular.
- The Risk: Relying solely on a public system can expose you to long waiting lists, potential language barriers, and standards of care that may differ from what you're used to. According to NHS England data, the median waiting time for consultant-led elective care was 14.5 weeks in July 2024, a figure that can be much higher in other countries' public systems.
A Deeper Dive: UK PMI vs. International PMI (IPMI)
Understanding the distinction between these two types of policies is key to making the right decision.
| Feature | UK Private Medical Insurance (PMI) | International Private Medical Insurance (IPMI) |
|---|---|---|
| Geographical Coverage | United Kingdom only (with limited emergency overseas cover for short trips). | Global or regional (e.g., "Worldwide excluding USA" or "Europe only"). |
| Target Audience | UK residents seeking faster access to private healthcare within the UK. | Expatriates, global nomads, and frequent international business travellers. |
| Typical Cost | Moderate. Premiums are based on UK healthcare costs and risk. | Higher. Premiums reflect the potential for high-cost claims in different countries (especially the USA) and broader benefits. |
| Key Benefits | Bypassing NHS waiting lists for acute conditions, private room, choice of specialist. | Global healthcare access, medical evacuation, repatriation of remains, 24/7 multilingual support. |
| Underwriting | Moratorium, Full Medical Underwriting, or MHD. Focuses on UK health history. | Typically Full Medical Underwriting. More complex due to global scope. |
| Portability | Not portable. Tied to UK residency. | Highly portable. Designed to move with you from country to country. |
The Critical Role of Underwriting in Your Decision
When you cancel a policy and start a new one, you lose your underwriting history. This concept is perhaps the most important, yet least understood, aspect of health insurance.
Underwriting is the process an insurer uses to assess your health and determine your eligibility and premium.
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Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): You complete a detailed health questionnaire, declaring your entire medical history. The insurer then decides which conditions, if any, to exclude from your cover. It's transparent from day one.
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Moratorium Underwriting: You don't declare your history upfront. Instead, the policy automatically excludes any condition you've had symptoms, treatment, or advice for in the 5 years before your policy starts. These exclusions can be lifted, but only if you go for 2 continuous years on the policy without needing treatment, advice, or medication for that condition.
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Medical History Disregarded (MHD): This is the most comprehensive and sought-after type of underwriting, usually only available on large corporate group schemes. It means the insurer agrees to cover pre-existing conditions. Losing MHD by cancelling your policy is a major setback.
Why does this matter for your move?
If you cancel your UK policy and later take out a new one (either an IPMI plan or a new UK PMI plan upon returning), you will be underwritten again. Any illness or injury you suffered in the intervening period—even something as common as back pain or a sports injury—will now be a "pre-existing condition" and likely be excluded from your new policy.
This is why transitioning to an IPMI policy with your existing provider is so valuable – it's often the only way to carry your underwriting terms with you and maintain continuous cover for your health history.
Real-Life Scenarios: What Would You Do?
Let's apply this to some common situations.
Scenario 1: The Young Professional Moving to Dubai
- The Person: Aisha, 29, is a marketing manager moving from London to Dubai for a new job. She has a standard UK PMI policy on a moratorium basis.
- The Situation: In Dubai, it is mandatory for employers to provide health insurance for their staff. Aisha's new company offers a comprehensive local plan.
- The Best Action: Aisha should cancel her UK PMI policy to coincide with her move date. Since she has guaranteed cover in Dubai, there is no need to pay for a UK-based plan she cannot use. Should she return to the UK, she will need to take out a new policy and be underwritten again.
Scenario 2: The Retirees Moving to Spain
- The People: John and Mary, 66 and 64, are retiring to the Costa del Sol. They have a comprehensive UK PMI policy with AXA and have had it for 15 years. John had a hip replacement 3 years ago, which was covered by the policy.
- The Situation: They want seamless, high-quality private healthcare in Spain. They are worried John's hip might need attention in the future and don't want it excluded as a pre-existing condition.
- The Best Action: John and Mary should contact a broker like WeCovr. We can help them explore a "switch" from their AXA Health UK policy to an AXA Global Healthcare IPMI plan. By doing this, they can potentially avoid new medical underwriting, ensuring that conditions previously covered, like John's hip, remain covered under their new international policy. This provides complete peace of mind.
Scenario 3: The Family Relocating to the USA
- The People: The Thompson family are moving to California for a 5-year work assignment.
- The Situation: The US healthcare system is notoriously complex and expensive, with no public equivalent to the NHS. Their UK PMI policy is completely unsuitable.
- The Best Action: They must cancel their UK policy. Their best option is to secure a US-compliant health insurance plan, either through the US employer or by purchasing a comprehensive IPMI plan that is specifically designed to cover the high costs of US healthcare. Relying on travel insurance or a UK policy would be financially catastrophic.
Planning Your Move: A Step-by-Step Checklist
Feeling overwhelmed? Use this timeline to stay on track.
6 Months Before Your Move
- Research: Investigate the healthcare system in your destination country. Is it public, private, or a mix? Is private insurance mandatory for residents?
- Budget: Start looking at the likely costs of IPMI or local insurance in your new country.
3 Months Before Your Move
- Contact Your Broker: Speak to an expert at WeCovr. We can analyse your current UK policy and advise you on the best course of action at no cost to you.
- Explore Options: We will help you find out if your insurer offers a transition to an IPMI plan and compare quotes from other leading international providers.
2 Months Before Your Move
- Apply for New Cover: Once you've chosen a plan (IPMI or local), begin the application process. This can take several weeks, especially if medical underwriting is required.
- Review the Details: Carefully read the policy documents for your new cover. Pay close attention to what is and isn't covered, the excess (deductible), and any waiting periods.
1 Month Before Your Move
- Give Notice: Inform your UK PMI provider in writing of your intention to cancel. Ensure the cancellation date aligns with your departure date or the start date of your new international policy to avoid any gaps in cover.
On Your Move Date
- Confirmation: Double-check that your new international or local policy is active. Keep your policy documents and emergency contact numbers easily accessible.
- Register Locally: If applicable, register with the local public health system and find a local GP or family doctor.
Health and Wellness Tips for Your International Move
A permanent move is a major life event that can impact your physical and mental wellbeing. Here are some tips to manage the transition.
- Manage Stress: The logistics of moving are inherently stressful. Practice mindfulness, ensure you get enough sleep, and don't be afraid to ask for help from friends or family. Staying organised with checklists can also reduce feelings of being overwhelmed.
- Eat and Sleep Well: During the move itself, prioritise hydration and nutritious food. Once you arrive, explore the local cuisine but introduce new foods gradually to allow your digestive system to adapt. A tool like CalorieHero, the AI-powered calorie tracking app that WeCovr provides complimentary access to, can be a fantastic aid in managing your diet and staying healthy during this period of change.
- Stay Active: Find new ways to exercise in your new environment. Explore local parks for running, join a gym, or try a fitness class popular in your new country. It’s a great way to stay healthy and meet new people.
- Build a New Routine: Humans are creatures of habit. Establishing a new daily routine as quickly as possible—for sleep, meals, and exercise—can help you feel settled and in control much faster.
Purchasing PMI or Life Insurance through WeCovr not only gives you expert advice but also unlocks discounts on other types of cover, providing even greater value as you plan your new life.
Returning to the UK: What Happens Then?
Life is unpredictable, and you may find yourself moving back to the UK after a few years. What happens to your health cover then?
This is where your decisions upon leaving become critical.
- If you cancelled your UK PMI: You will need to apply for a brand new policy. You will be subject to fresh underwriting. Any medical conditions that developed while you were living abroad—high blood pressure, a joint problem, a diagnosed allergy—will now be considered pre-existing and will likely be excluded from your new UK policy.
- If you have an IPMI policy: The process can be much smoother. Many IPMI plans are designed for global portability, and that includes moving back home. You can often "switch" your IPMI plan back to a UK PMI plan with the same insurer, again potentially avoiding new underwriting. This protects you from having new conditions excluded and is a powerful reason to maintain continuous cover.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep my UK private medical insurance if I move abroad permanently?
What is the main difference between UK PMI and International PMI?
Will my pre-existing conditions be covered if I get a new international policy?
How can a PMI broker like WeCovr help me with my international move?
Navigating the complexities of health insurance during an international move doesn't have to be a challenge. With the right advice and planning, you can ensure you and your family have the best possible health cover, no matter where your journey takes you.
Ready to explore your options? Speak to a WeCovr expert today for a free, no-obligation chat and get personalised quotes for your new life abroad.
Why private medical insurance and how does it work?
What is Private Medical Insurance?
Private medical insurance (PMI) is a type of health insurance that provides access to private healthcare services in the UK. It covers the cost of private medical treatment, allowing you to bypass NHS waiting lists and receive faster, more convenient care.How does it work?
Private medical insurance works by paying for your private healthcare costs. When you need treatment, you can choose to go private and your insurance will cover the costs, subject to your policy terms and conditions. This can include:• Private consultations with specialists
• Private hospital treatment and surgery
• Diagnostic tests and scans
• Physiotherapy and rehabilitation
• Mental health treatment
Your premium depends on factors like your age, health, occupation, and the level of cover you choose. Most policies offer different levels of cover, from basic to comprehensive, allowing you to tailor the policy to your needs and budget.
Questions to ask yourself regarding private medical insurance
Just ask yourself:👉 Are you concerned about NHS waiting times for treatment?
👉 Would you prefer to choose your own consultant and hospital?
👉 Do you want faster access to diagnostic tests and scans?
👉 Would you like private hospital accommodation and better food?
👉 Do you want to avoid the stress of NHS waiting lists?
Many people don't realise that private medical insurance is more affordable than they think, especially when you consider the value of faster treatment and better facilities. A great insurance policy can provide peace of mind and ensure you receive the care you need when you need it.
Benefits offered by private medical insurance
Private medical insurance provides numerous benefits that can significantly improve your healthcare experience and outcomes:Faster Access to Treatment
One of the biggest advantages is avoiding NHS waiting lists. While the NHS provides excellent care, waiting times can be lengthy. With private medical insurance, you can often receive treatment within days or weeks rather than months.
Choice of Consultant and Hospital
You can choose your preferred consultant and hospital, giving you more control over your healthcare journey. This is particularly important for complex treatments where you want a specific specialist.
Better Facilities and Accommodation
Private hospitals typically offer superior facilities, including private rooms, better food, and more comfortable surroundings. This can make your recovery more pleasant and potentially faster.
Advanced Treatments
Private medical insurance often covers treatments and medications not available on the NHS, giving you access to the latest medical advances and technologies.
Mental Health Support
Many policies include comprehensive mental health coverage, providing faster access to therapy and psychiatric care when needed.
Tax Benefits for Business Owners
If you're self-employed or a business owner, private medical insurance premiums can be tax-deductible, making it a cost-effective way to protect your health and your business.
Peace of Mind
Knowing you have access to private healthcare when you need it provides invaluable peace of mind, especially for those with ongoing health conditions or concerns about NHS capacity.
Private medical insurance is particularly valuable for those who want to take control of their healthcare journey and ensure they receive the best possible treatment when they need it most.
Important Fact!
We can look at a more suitable option mid-term!
Why is it important to get private medical insurance early?
👉 Many people are very thankful that they had their private medical insurance cover in place before running into some serious health issues. Private medical insurance is as important as life insurance for protecting your family's finances.👉 We insure our cars, houses, and even our phones! Yet our health is the most precious thing we have.
Easily one of the most important insurance purchases an individual or family can make in their lifetime, the decision to buy private medical insurance can be made much simpler with the help of FCA-authorised advisers. They are the specialists who do the searching and analysis helping people choose between various types of private medical insurance policies available in the market, including different levels of cover and policy types most suitable to the client's individual circumstances.
It certainly won't do any harm if you speak with one of our experienced insurance experts who are passionate about advising people on financial matters related to private medical insurance and are keen to provide you with a free consultation.
You can discuss with them in detail what affordable private medical insurance plan for the necessary peace of mind they would recommend! WeCovr works with some of the best advisers in the market.
By tapping the button below, you can book a free call with them in less than 30 seconds right now:
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