International health insurance

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Key takeaways

• International health insurance is designed for individuals living or working abroad for over a year, covering emergency and routine healthcare needs outside your home country

• Provides access to private healthcare providers globally, with direct payments to providers, and regular premiums (monthly, quarterly, or annually)

• International health insurance typically covers emergencies and routine medical treatment, hospitalisation, specialist consultations, prescriptions, and repatriation

What is international health insurance?

International health insurance is a type of private medical cover that gives you access to healthcare while you’re abroad long-term.

Unlike travel insurance, which is usually for short trips, international policies are designed for ongoing healthcare needs overseas.

Policies provide access to private hospitals and doctors, which can be useful if local public healthcare systems are limited, unfamiliar or involve long waiting times.

How does international health insurance work?

1. You choose a policy based on where you’ll be living and the level of cover you need, such as regional or worldwide cover

2. You pay a premium, usually monthly or annually, to keep your policy active

3. If you need medical treatment, your insurer will either pay the provider directly or reimburse you for eligible costs, depending on your policy

4. You can access private healthcare services abroad, including hospitals, specialists and diagnostic tests

5. If required, your policy may also cover medical evacuation or repatriation to another country for treatment

What does international health insurance cover?

Your international health insurance cover will vary based on provider and level of cover but most policies typically include:

• Emergency and routine medical treatment

• Hospital stays and outpatient care

• Specialist consultations

• Prescription medication

• Medical evacuation or repatriation if needed

Some more comprehensive policies may also include extras like mental health support, maternity care or routine check-ups, although these are often optional add-ons.

What’s not usually covered?

International health insurance doesn’t cover everything. Common exclusions can include:

• Pre-existing conditions (unless declared and accepted)

• Cosmetic or elective procedures

• Some maternity or fertility treatments

• Non-essential or experimental treatments

Always check your policy documents carefully so you understand what’s included and excluded before you buy.

What's the difference between international and UK health insurance?

International health insurance is designed to protect you globally, while UK private health insurance typically only covers treatment within the UK.

International policies usually offer broader cover, including both routine and emergency care abroad, and the option to access treatment across multiple countries.

How much does international health insurance cost?

The cost of international health insurance varies depending on your personal circumstances and the level of cover you choose.

Insurers will usually consider:

• Your age and medical history

• The level of cover you select

• Your excess (the amount you pay towards a claim)

• The region or countries you want to be covered in

More comprehensive policies and worldwide cover tend to come with higher premiums.

How to choose the right policy

When comparing international health insurance, it’s important to consider your individual needs.

Think about:

• Where you’ll be living and travelling

• Whether you need worldwide or regional cover

• The level of cover for routine vs emergency care

• Any pre-existing conditions

• Your budget and excess

Comparing policies can help you understand what’s included and find cover that suits your personal situation.

How to compare health insurance with MoneySuperMarket

Comparing health insurance with MoneySuperMarket can help you find cover that suits your needs and budget. You can view a range of policies in one place, making it easier to compare what’s included, such as treatment options, hospital access and any exclusions.

When comparing, check the level of cover, excess, and whether pre-existing conditions are included or excluded. Looking at multiple quotes can help you understand your options and choose a policy that offers the right balance between cost and cover.