International Health Insurance
Compare international health insurance for expats, families, individuals and businesses living or working abroad, with independent advice tailored to where you live and the cover you need.
Louis has over 12 years' experience advising families, individuals and expats on international health insurance plans.
What is International Health Insurance?
International health insurance, also known as international private medical insurance, is designed for people living, working, or retiring abroad. It covers the cost of private medical treatment worldwide, ensuring you have access to high-quality healthcare outside your home country.
Unlike standard travel insurance or UK based private medical insurance, worldwide health insurance provides long-term, comprehensive cover. It is essential for UK nationals moving abroad, expats already living overseas, international families, and businesses with staff abroad.
At Elective Health, we help you compare international medical insurance plans from leading global insurers to find the right level of expat health insurance for your destination, lifestyle, and budget.
How International Health Insurance Works
We guide you through selecting and setting up the right global health cover. Here is the typical journey.
Needs Assessment
We review your destination, lifestyle, family situation and medical needs to recommend the right level of cover.
Policy Design
We compare plans from leading international insurers, tailoring benefits, excesses and coverage areas to match your requirements.
Global Access
Once covered, you can access private hospitals, specialists and emergency services across your chosen regions worldwide.
Global Hospital Networks
Access thousands of private hospitals and clinics worldwide through established insurer networks.
Direct Billing
Many plans offer direct settlement with hospitals, so you do not need to pay upfront and claim back.
Emergency Evacuation
If local facilities cannot treat your condition, evacuation to the nearest suitable medical facility is covered.
Repatriation
Coverage for medical transport back to your home country for treatment or recovery when needed.
If you are relocating permanently or spending a significant amount of time outside the UK, securing robust expat health insurance is one of the most important steps to protect yourself and your family in unfamiliar healthcare systems.
Who Needs International Cover?
Expat Professionals
Comprehensive health cover for UK nationals moving abroad and internationally mobile professionals. Compare suitable international medical insurance to ensure continuity of care wherever your career takes you.
International Families
Protect your family with plans that include paediatric care, maternity benefits and global access to specialists.
Retirees Abroad
Reliable health cover for those enjoying retirement overseas. Priority access to emergency care and specialist treatment.
Digital Nomads & Remote Workers
Flexible plans for location-independent professionals. Basic to comprehensive cover that follows you across borders.
Businesses With Global Teams
Group international health insurance for companies with employees stationed or travelling overseas.
Why Choose International Health Insurance?
Worldwide Coverage
Access quality private healthcare in your country of residence and across your chosen regions globally.
Inpatient & Outpatient
Comprehensive cover for hospital stays, specialist consultations, diagnostic scans and day-case procedures.
Maternity & Family Cover
Many plans include pregnancy, childbirth and newborn care, plus paediatric cover for children.
Mental Health Support
Access to counselling, psychiatric consultations and mental health treatment programmes abroad.
Pre-Existing Condition Options
Some international insurers offer cover for pre-existing conditions after qualifying periods or with adjusted premiums.
24/7 Assistance
Round-the-clock multilingual support lines for medical emergencies and claims guidance, wherever you are.
How International Health Insurance Premiums Work
International health insurance costs vary significantly based on a number of key factors. Living in countries with high healthcare costs, such as the United States, Hong Kong or Singapore, will increase your premium.
Key factors that influence your costs include:
- Your age and the ages of any dependants
- Your country of residence and the regions you need covered
- The level of cover chosen (inpatient only vs comprehensive)
- Your chosen deductible or excess amount
- Whether you include or exclude the United States
Note: US coverage significantly increases premiums. Many expats choose plans that exclude the US to reduce costs if they do not plan to receive care there.
Common Exclusions to Be Aware Of
Like all insurance, international health policies have exclusions. Understanding these helps you make an informed decision.
Exclusions vary between insurers and plan levels. Some conditions may be covered after qualifying periods or with specialist underwriting. We will explain exactly what is and is not included for each plan we recommend.
Key Regions We Arrange Cover For
Whether you are relocating within Europe, moving to the Middle East, or retiring in Southeast Asia, we arrange cover across all major regions.
Europe
Comprehensive cover across all EU and EEA countries. Popular with UK expats in Spain, France, Portugal and Cyprus.
Middle East & Africa
Cover for expats in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and across the African continent.
Asia Pacific
Plans covering Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand and the wider Pacific region.
Americas
Cover across North, Central and South America. US coverage available but impacts premiums significantly.
Worldwide
Full global coverage with no geographical restrictions, including or excluding the United States.
Why Choose Elective Health?
We understand that moving abroad brings unique challenges. We take the time to understand your lifestyle, your destination, and your health needs before recommending the right international insurance solution.
- Independent, whole-of-market comparison
- Specialist expertise in international and expat cover
- Free advice. No cost, no obligation
- Ongoing support through renewals, claims and relocations
- Deal directly with Kingsley and Louis. No call centres
- 5.0 stars on Google from 46 independent reviews
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