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Voyager Insurance lists 3 popular destinations for an autumn European road-trip.

Brexit and Your Travel Insurance

As the situation regarding Brexit continues to change, as it stands the UK is still currently set to...

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Voyager Plus Travel Insurance for Expatriates

Voyager Plus Travel Insurance for Expats and Non-UK Residents

Great travel insurance cover from just £24.12*..

• Up to £10 million - emergency medical expenses cover
• Up to £10,000 - cancellation cover
• Up to £3,500 - baggage Cover
• 4 Levels of Cover – for all budgets and requirements
• Excellent value for money – great prices without sacrificing cover
• Kids go free – even better value for families
• Holiday financial protection – keeping your money safe
• 24/7 emergency assistance – helping you through the most difficult times
• 14-day money back guarantee – so you can make sure the policy is right for you
• 100s of activities and medical conditions - covered as standard

*based on short stay individual aged 18-49 cover to Area 2 for 7 days.

Short Stay Travel Insurance

• Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance

Long Stay Travel Insurance

• Already Departed Travel Insurance
• Motorcycle Tour Travel Insurance
• Non-UK Residents Travel Insurance

UK Expatriate Travel Insurance

• Travel Insurance FAQs

UK Expat Travel Insurance available from Voyager Plus

Great Travel Insurance for UK Expatriates at a great price - For peace of mind when you're travelling.

Whether you’ve been sent abroad by your employer or have taken up a position outside of the UK, then as long as the UK is considered your native home, you will still be eligible to purchase a Voyager Plus Travel Insurance policy.

Our UK Expatriate Travel Insurance is available to any expatriate currently residing in an Eligible European Economic Area (EEA) Country.

Eligible EEA Countries include Belgium, Cyprus, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Ireland, and Spain. Any UK expat living in these countries is eligible to purchase a Voyager Plus Travel Insurance policy.

Our Voyager Plus Travel Insurance for Expats provides you with the same great policy benefits as if you were still residing in the UK, these include:

• Cancellation cover – up to £10,000
• Emergency Medical Expenses – up to £10,000,000
• Baggage Cover – up to £3,500
• 100s of activities covered as standard
• 4 levels of cover to suit a range or budgets and needs
• Cover for 100s of pre-existing medical conditions
• Payment can be made in £ or €
• And so much more!

If you’re an expatriate residing in an Eligible EEA Country, Travel Insurance is available to you no matter where you’re travelling to so long as your trip starts and ends in the country where you currently reside.

Please note: Short Stays can be a maximum of 62 days (unless aged over 75 where the max is 31 days) but there is no age restriction on purchasing one of these policies. Equally the maximum age you can be to take out a Long-Stay policy is 59 and for an Annual Travel Insurance for Expats , the maximum age is 74.

And if you suddenly feel unwell on your holiday, you may be wondering how to see a doctor when away from home, especially if you’re abroad. Our Voyager Plus Travel Insurance for UK expats living abroad now includes a service where you can speak to a 24/7 doctor while abroad as standard* .

To buy Voyager Plus Travel Insurance for Expatriates, click the Get a Quote button today

Get An Expatriate Travel Insurance Quote

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is UK Expat Travel Insurance?

Our UK Expatriate Travel Insurance is designed to provide financial protection for UK citizens currently living in eligible EEA countries when travelling. This includes cover for emergency medical treatment on holiday, baggage lost in transit, and much more while on your travels.

2. What destinations are covered under Voyager Plus Travel Insurance for UK Expatriates?

Our Voyager Plus UK Expat Travel Insurance can cover trips to the following areas:

• Area 1: The United Kingdom Including Northern Ireland
• Area 2: The continent of Europe West, any country with a Mediterranean coastline (excluding Algeria, Libya, Syria and Israel), Channel Islands, the Canary Islands, the Isle of Man, Madeira and Iceland (including Area 1)
• Area 3: Worldwide excluding North America. So, the USA, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean Islands, Bahamas & Bermuda are excluded under this area.
• Area 4: Worldwide including North America.

3. What EEA countries can you provide UK Expat Travel Insurance for?

At Voyager, we can offer cover for UK expatriates residing in any of the following EEA countries: Belgium, Cyprus, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Ireland, and Spain.

4. Can I get cover for pre-existing medical conditions with Expatriate Travel Insurance?

Yes, Voyager Plus can provide cover for 100s of pre-existing medical conditions. Make sure you declare these conditions when asked to when purchasing your policy to ensure you have the correct cover in place.

If you fail to declare your conditions and require treatment whilst abroad then you may not be covered, and your insurer may deny your claim.

5. Are there any difference between Expat Travel Insurance and Standard Travel Insurance?

Voyager Plus’s policies for UK residents and expats provide the same extensive coverage. There are some minor differences in contact details but please check your policy documents for these.

You also have the ability to pay for your policy in Euros if you wish.

Policy Summary:

Medical Expenses - Up to £10 million Cancellation - Up to £10,000 Financial Protection - Up to £3,000 Personal Possessions - Up to £3,500 Disruption - Up to £1,000 Abandonment - Up to £10,000 Personal Liability - Up to £3 million

8 Options available including: Action Activities Cover, Cruise Travel Insurance Option, Business Travel Insurance – Business Plus Option, Enhanced Travel or Terrorism Disruption Cover... see all

UK Expatriate Travel Insurance Options

This Travel Insurance product offers a range of different options.

Action Activities Cover

Cruise travel insurance option, business travel insurance – business plus option, enhanced travel or terrorism disruption cover, winter sports cover, sports equipment and cycle insurance cover, gadget insurance option, golf travel insurance.

Voyager Plus Travel Insurance policies include 100+ sports and hazardous activities at no additional cost. You can upgrade to include more adventurous activities and sports such as glacier walking (over 2000m), white water canoeing/rafting (up to grade 4) and more.

Going on a cruise? Make sure you add our Cruise Insurance option to your Voyager Plus Travel Insurance policy so that you are covered on your cruise. Enjoy all the standard cover such as Cancellation and Emergency Medical Expenses specifically for your cruise as well as including extra cruise specific cover to Re-join your Cruise, Missed Port Departure cover, Cabin/Stateroom Confinement cover, Itinerary Change cover, Unused Excursion cover and Cruise Interruption cover.

Add Business Plus Insurance option to your Voyager Plus Travel Insurance policy to protect your business equipment, money, staff replacement costs and more.

Add Enhanced Travel or Terrorism Disruption cover option to your Voyager Plus Travel Insurance policy to cover you against travel disruptions due to acts of terror, changes in FCDO/ WHO Travel Advice Restrictions and other circumstances such as volcanic ash clouds.

Winter Sports Cover will provide protection for lost, damaged or stolen ski equipment, unused, lost or stolen ski packs and piste closure as well as extended cover for Emergency Medical Expenses for costs associated with winter sports activities.

Add Sports Equipment and Cycle Insurance Option to your Voyager Plus Travel Insurance policy if you are planning to hire or take sports equipment or a bicycle with you on your trip.

Add Travel Gadget Insurance to your Voyager Plus Travel Insurance policy to cover up to 4 gadgets per policy including, mobile phones, smart phones, smart watches, tablets, laptops, games consoles, headphones and much more!

Add Golf Insurance to your Voyager Plus Travel Insurance policy to get cover for golf clubs and other golf equipment. As well as cover for the cost to hire replacement equipment, if yours is lost, stolen or damaged

GP on Demand

Going abroad on your trip should be an unforgettable experience for all the right reasons. However, what happens if you suddenly feel ill and want to speak to an English-speaking GP while abroad. The good news is our Voyager Plus Travel Insurance policies now include the “GP on Demand” service as standard, giving you can access to medical help whenever you need it 24/7, during your period of insurance, for greater peace of mind.

What is GP on Demand and What Service does it provide?

Once registered with the service online, “GP on Demand” gives you access to unlimited virtual appointments, either by telephone or video-call with a UK-based, NHS qualified GP 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, helping you to get professional advice when you need it most.

The medical practitioner on this service can cover a wide range of subjects including:

• advice on managing chronic conditions, minor illness, and acute symptoms of serious clinical conditions
• general questions about prescriptions, travel, and lifestyle

Once you book an appointment on the GP on Demand app, you will receive a call back from a GP within 15 minutes of the appointed time.

For more information about our GP on Demand, please visit our Voyager Plus Policy Wording page to download our “Voyager Plus 24/7 UK GP Access with GP on Demand” Booklet.

Please note: video appointments are only available between 8am and 10pm, 7 days a week.

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What is Travel Insurance and What Does it Cover?

While going on holiday should be a fun and enjoyable experience, sometimes the unexpected can unfortunately happen. Voyager Plus Travel Insurance is designed to give you financial peace of mind that you are covered should something unexpected happen, so you are not left out of pocket, in the event of a valid claim.

Travel Insurance Benefits

The following summary of Travel Insurance benefits are just some of the areas of cover included as standard across all levels of cover on our Voyager Plus Travel Insurance policy. Please read the policy wording here for the full cover available under the policy.

Cancellation or Curtailment

A Cancellation is where you are unable to start your trip, due to an insured reason. A Curtailment is where you have to end your trip earlier than expected, due to an insured reason.

This section provides cover for any unused and non-refundable travel and accommodation costs (including unused pre-booked excursions and course fees) that have been paid, or where there is a contract to pay, if it is necessary to cancel or curtail the planned trip because of any of the events specified in the policy wording .

Emergency Medical Expenses

Medical treatment in other countries can be very expensive. This section covers the cost of emergency medical treatment, outside your home country if you’re injured or suffer unexpected illness including with symptoms of or testing positive for COVID-19 during your trip, in line with the policy terms, conditions and exclusions. Cover also includes the cost of repatriation back to your home country if medically necessary.

Please Note : If you have pre-existing medical conditions and would like cover in case you need emergency medical treatment related to them, you will need to complete a medical screening to see if cover is available and pay the appropriate additional premium.

Covers the loss, theft or damage to your baggage, meaning: personal belongings, including clothing worn, and personal luggage owned or borrowed by you that you take with you on your trip, as well as your valuables as defined in the policy wording .

Please Note : Your gadgets may not fall under the Baggage definition in the policy wording and you may need to also purchase the gadget cover Option to cover them.

Personal Accident

In the event of a serious accident from which you suffer life changing injuries during your trip the policy will provide cover in the event of your death or permanent disablement because of the accident. Please refer to the policy wording for full details on this area of cover.

Please Note : Any immediate injuries you suffer from such an incident would be dealt with under the Emergency Medical Expenses section.

Travel Delay

No one likes to be delayed when travelling!

So with Voyager Plus Travel Insurance cover is available if the public transport (meaning any aeroplane, ship, train or coach) that you are booked to travel on is delayed by at least 12 hours. If your departure from your home country is delayed for more than 12 hours and you choose to abandon your trip, instead of a payment for delay, you are covered for the cost of the trip under the Cancellation or Curtailment section of cover.

Missed Departure / Journey Disruption

Cover for additional travel and accommodation expenses in the event you miss the departure of your public transport for your trip, due to a specified reason as defined in the policy wording .

This section also covers, in the event of a Catastrophe (as defined in the policy wording ), if you are forced to move from your pre-booked accommodation to allow you to continue your trip.

These are a few of the reasons why getting travel insurance is a good idea before you travel so that you are not left out of pocket should the unexpected happen. Furthermore, Voyager Plus Travel Insurance has a wide range of features and benefits, which are just not available on cheaper products, see the policy wording for full details.

Important Information for Customers with Serious Medical Conditions - For UK Residents Only

MoneyHelper has developed a directory of specialist travel insurance to ensure customers with pre-existing medical conditions are easily able to obtain access to affordable travel insurance. If we are unable to help you and you are struggling to find medical cover that suits your needs, due to a serious medical condition, you may find a company that can help you through the MoneyHelper travel insurance directory www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/everyday-money/insurance/travel-insurance-directory  or by calling 0800 138 7777 - Monday to Friday, 8am – 6pm. 

If you have a specific holiday of up to 62 days duration in mind, a short stay Voyager Plus Travel Insurance policy will give you the peace of mind that you are protected financially if something should go wrong.

A Voyager Plus long stay policy can provide cover for trips up to 18 months (extendable to 24 months upon referral) so it is perfect for backpacking, gap years and other longer trips such as sabbaticals.

Annual Multi Trip Insurance

If you are planning on having several holidays this year then a Voyager Plus Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance policy may be for you.

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International Travel Insurance

Flexible International Travel Insurance policies covering all nationalities, travelling almost anywhere in the world. You can purchase travel insurance for a specific single trip or, for total flexibility, an annual policy that covers you for any trip you take abroad, regardless of how often you travel.

Plan Options

Our International Travel Insurance Plans

With a core International Travel Insurance policy, additional policy options and destination tailoring, you can adapt cover and premiums to provide you with exactly the right travel insurance solution for your needs.

Medical Evacuation

This is the core policy option, which provides the important medical cover against the high cost of medical treatment and emergency medical evacuations.

• Emergency medical treatment
• Accidental medical treatment
• Emergency medical evacuation
• Repatriation

Enhanced Benefits

Optional protection against additional losses to property, personal liability, and accidents that you may suffer whilst travelling abroad.

• Baggage delays and loss
• Money and documents
• Travel delays
• Non-medical evacuation

Cancellation & Curtailment Cover

Optional cover to protect you in the event that your trip is unexpectedly cancelled, or you are forced to return home early.

• Trip cancellation
• Returning home early
• Compassionate repatriation
• Treatment & evacuation

Policy Benefits

Key Benefits of our International Travel Insurance Policies

Discover more about our Travel Insurance policy benefits, put in place to protect you against unforeseen and unexpected events when you’re overseas. Depending on the policy you select we can help you with medical, financial, and logistical issues.

Emergency Medical Evacuation

Travel Insurance with us covers charges for emergency evacuation when treatment is not available locally and deemed necessary. You will be moved to a suitable location based on the expertise of medical advisors and your attending physician. You will be safe in the knowledge that you will receive the treatment you need in a safe and appropriate location.

Emergency & Accidental Medical Treatment

Falling ill or becoming injured overseas can be daunting prospect, especially in rural or lesser developed locations. Furthermore, language can often be a hurdle that many without the correct insurance cover have to navigate. Travel Insurance is in place to give you peace of mind that whatever happens, you will receive the expert care and treatment you need.

Enhanced Benefits & Protection

We offer a core Travel Insurance policy, to which you can add different benefits. This puts policy flexibility in your hands, allowing you to choose the Travel Insurance you need. This optional level of protection also covers you against the additional losses to property, personal liability, and accidents that you may suffer whilst travelling abroad.

Travel insurance cancellation and curtailment provides cover should you need to cancel your trip before you depart or cut your time overseas short. Reasons can include everything medical, including sickness, serious injury, or death. On the opposite side, cover can also include (but is not limited to) strikes, industrial action, redundancy, or your travel operator collapsing.

Medical Insurance

International Travel Insurance to Suit You

Whilst Expatriate Group offer a core Travel Insurance policy with different add-on benefits, we also offer different types of specialist cover which may be better suited to your travel insurance needs.

Comprehensive Cover

• Travel Medical Insurance

Cover for up to $/€/£1,000,000 for emergency and accidental medical treatment whilst you’re abroad. Just choose between single trip or annual trip cover so that you’re protected on your travels.

• Instant last minute cover
• Comprehensive cover
• Single or annual policy
• Emergency transport

Suited for Flexibility

Non-Resident Travel Insurance

Expatriate Group Travel Insurance for non-residents is designed for people who reside outside of their country of nationality. Additional enhanced benefit options are available to add to your package.

• Cover for EU or EEA residents
• Flexible cover up to 180 days
• One-off premium payment
• Comprehensive protection

Outbound Cover

• One Way Travel Insurance

Do you need insurance to cover to a single outbound trip? Our standard travel insurance policy can be tailored to cover just one-way travel for expats and travellers alike to any global destination.

• One trip travel insurance
• Covered from departure to destination
• Max duration 180 days

Unexpected Circumstances

• Single Trip Travel Insurance

From valuable medical cover to vital cancellation cover, our single trip insurance policies ensure that you’re protected against unexpected circumstances. The ideal solution if you want to cover a specific trip overseas.

Single Trip Insurance

• Covered from purchase to return home
• Medical cover
• Cancellation cover
• Protected against unforeseen scenarios

Unlimited Cover

Annual Travel Insurance

Save time and money when you’re going on holiday or a business excursion with Annual Multi-Trip Insurance. It takes the stress away from having to search, compare and purchase a new policy every time you travel.

• European or worldwide cover
• Cover every time you travel
• Destination tailoring
• Flexible travel insurance

Working Abroad

• Business Travel Insurance

Travelling for work requires the same level of travel insurance as any other trip. International Business Travel Insurance will cover you should your travel plans suffer, from missing your flights to losing your laptop.

• Single or annual business cover
• Europe or worldwide
• Laptop travel insurance
• Cancellation & curtailment

The Benefit Schedule

The benefit schedule is a summary of travel cover and must be read in conjunction with the policy wording . All coverages and plan costs listed in this schedule of benefits are in Euros, dollars, and pounds. All benefits will be reimbursed at Usual, Customary and Reasonable (UCR) charges where applicable. Amounts shown are the maximum per policy and period of cover, except where otherwise stated.

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International Travel Insurance FAQs

Who can i cover with my travel insurance policy.

You can include cover for up to 10 people in your Travel Insurance quote . Infants aged 14 days up to the age of two are included in the coverage of an insured parent or guardian for no additional premium, but they must be declared at the time of initial purchase.

What types of International Travel Insurance can I take out?

We offer six different types of travel insurance here at Expatriate Group to ensure that you are covered no matter how you’re travelling.

The type of travel you choose will depend on where you’re going, how long for and what you want to be covered for.

We have expat insurance policies for:

• Annual Multi Trip Travel Insurance
• Non UK Resident Travel Insurance
• International Health Insurance

We also offer a cashless health insurance solution for corporate customers.

Will I be covered for day trips, excursions, and holidays with multiple destinations?

When going on holiday you will be covered for general leisure sports and activities that are detailed in the leisure chart provided when purchasing your policy.

Extreme sports, such as sky diving, scuba diving, white water rafting and more will require an additional level of cover and will need to be communicated when requesting your Travel Insurance quote .

If you are planning on visiting another country during your holiday, you will need to include these details when purchasing your insurance policy.

How much will my Travel Insurance policy cost?

The total of your travel insurance policy will depend on a number of factors such as; age, destination, holiday duration, activities, and pre-existing medical conditions.

We tailor each policy according to your specific needs. To find out how much travel insurance will cost you, get a Travel Insurance quote today.

Can I get Travel Insurance cover with a pre-existing medical condition?

You will only be covered for pre-existing medical conditions that you declare when purchasing your policy. If you fall ill from a pre-existing condition that you have not declared, you will not be covered and will most likely be unsuccessful in your  claim .

I don’t live in the UK, can I still buy an Expatriate Group Travel Insurance policy?

Yes, we offer  Travel Insurance for Non-UK Residents .

How long can I travel for?

When taking out a  Worldwide Single Trip Insurance and  One-Way Trip  policy your trip must not exceed 180 days and may not be combined with any other policy to exceed this limit.

If you’re purchasing an  Annual Multi Trip Insurance policy your holiday must not exceed 90 days in total.

If you require insurance for a longer period of time, International Health Insurance may be the ideal choice, particularly if you are moving abroad.

Am I eligble to purchase your travel insurance?

We are able to insure:

Single Trip Policy: A Single Trip Policy can be purchased before the Insured Person obtains age 72;

Annual Multi-Trip: An Annual Trip Policy can be purchased before the Insured Person obtains age 71. This Policy will not be renewable at the anniversary date;

provided that you are departing from and returning to the same country (or have a defined destination country of one-way trip) and you are not travelling to a country/region where the UK FCO advises against ( www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice ).

Is your expat travel insurance worldwide?

Yes, our policies have an option to provide cover in Europe only or Worldwide. The Europe only option is cheaper than the world wide option and allows some customer to tailor the product to their own travel plans.

Did you know that we offer a variety of Travel Insurance products to best suit your needs? Check out our  Annual Travel Insurance ,  Business Travel Insurance ,  Single Trip Travel Insurance ,  One Way Travel Insurance ,  Travel Insurance for Non-UK Residents and  Travel Medical Insurance .

What is my country of residence?

Your country of residence is whichever country you are travelling from (and usually back to, unless you have purchased a one-way trip policy) regardless of your immigration or nationality status. This is the country to where you will be returned in the event of a repatriation claim.

Can I purchase a travel policy for a child travelling alone?

Yes, provided that the child is at least 5 years old.

Do I need to declare pre-existing conditions such as diatbetes, high blood pressure or hypothyroidism?

No. As we do not provide cover for pre-existing medical conditions, we do not need to know about them except in the event of a claim.

What does ‘pre-existing medical condition’ mean?

A pre-existing medical condition is any condition for which you have received medical advice, treatment or medication, whether diagnosed or undiagnosed, or have experienced symptoms of, prior to purchasing this policy.

If I need to be repatriated, which country will I be taken to?

You will be repatriated to the country that you nominate as your country of residence. However, repatriation to a different country can be considered upon request if the cost is equitable, if it doesn’t affect your health/medical outcome and if you have access to healthcare in such a country.

What does your travel insurance policy cover?

Our basic policy provides cover for emergency medical treatment, not related to any pre-existing medical conditions, and repatriation, up to the value of Euro 1 million.

If you wish to include cover for additional benefits such as personal belongings, luggage or travel delay, you will need to purchase Add On Option 1. To include Cancellation & curtailment of your trip you will need to purchase Add On Option 2.

Should I choose worldwide or European cover?

European cover should be selected if your destination country, or countries, is within the continent of Europe. The countries listed as Europe can be seen in the question mark display button next to destination when getting a quote.

Worldwide cover should be selected if the country of your destination is not listed as being within Europe.

How many countries can I visit on a single trip policy?

You can visit as many countries as you wish within the period of cover and your selected destination area.

Where can I explore expat travel insurance?

Our main  expat travel insurance  web page provides you with the plan details and also allows you to get an instant quote for your cover. If you’re happy with the plan benefits and premium, you can buy online too!

Is your policy wording available in all languages?

Although our plans are available to all nationalities living anywhere in the world, the contract wording is only currently provided in English language. Therefore please ensure that you are fully conversant with English language before purchasing one of our plans.

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Why Trust Us

U.S. News evaluates ratings, data and scores of more than 50 travel insurance companies from comparison websites like TravelInsurance.com, Squaremouth and InsureMyTrip, plus renowned credit rating agency AM Best, in addition to reviews and recommendations from top travel industry sources and consumers to determine the Best Expat Travel Insurance Options.

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Americans living abroad for all or even part of the year have a different set of considerations when it comes to finding a travel insurance plan. For example, expats may not need coverage for the same issues as people taking regular vacations, such as trip cancellations and interruptions, trip delays, and lost or delayed baggage. Instead, expats often primarily need health insurance or medical insurance for travel that works both at home and abroad, as well as coverage for emergency medical evacuation.

That said, not all travel insurance companies cover preexisting conditions within their trip insurance plans for expats. Further, some insurance providers limit coverage in a traveler's home country, especially for those who would normally reside in the United States. That's why, ultimately, U.S. citizens living abroad need to compare health plans that can work when they're away based on their coverage options, limitations and costs. Read on to find out which expat insurance plans U.S. News recommends and what each plan has to offer.

• Travelex Insurance Services: Best Premium Coverage for Expats
• Allianz Travel Insurance: Best for Comprehensive Coverage
• World Nomads Travel Insurance: Best for Adventure Travelers
• GeoBlue: Best for Medical-Only Coverage
• IMG Travel Insurance: Best Travel Health Insurance for Seniors

Best Expat Travel Insurance Options in Detail

Kids-included pricing

Preexisting conditions coverage available

Coverage can be expensive

• Trip cancellation coverage worth up to 100% of the trip cost (maximum of $50,000)
• Trip interruption coverage worth up to 150% of the trip cost (maximum of $75,000)
• Travel delay coverage worth up to $2,000
• Missed connection coverage worth up to $750
• Emergency medical coverage worth up to $50,000 (dental limit of $500)
• Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation coverage worth up to $500,000
• Baggage and personal effects coverage worth up to $1,000
• Baggage delay coverage worth up to $200 (12-hour delay required)
• Sporting equipment delay coverage worth up to $200 (24-hour delay required)
• Accidental death and dismemberment coverage worth up to $25,000

Includes a range of comprehensive travel insurance benefits

Coverage can be purchased on an annual basis

Annual plan coverage lasts for trips of up to 45 days at a time

• Trip cancellation coverage worth up to $3,000
• Trip interruption coverage up to $3,000
• Emergency medical coverage up to $20,000
• Emergency medical transportation insurance up to $100,000
• Baggage loss and damage coverage up to $1,000
• Baggage delay coverage up to $200
• Travel delay coverage up to $600
• Rental car damage and theft coverage up to $45,000
• Travel accident coverage up to $25,000

150-plus adventure sports are covered

Choose the level of protection you need

Preexisting conditions typically not covered

• $10,000 in insurance for trip cancellations
• $100,000 in coverage for emergency medical expenses
• $500,000 in coverage for emergency medical evacuation
• $3,000 in protection for your bags and gear

Get comprehensive travel health insurance that works anywhere in the world

Customize your policy to suit your unique needs

Comes without coverage for trip cancellations, baggage and more

Travel medical coverage can be extended for up to 12 months

Limits can be high based on age and other factors

Deductibles of up to $2,500 can apply

No ongoing coverage for preexisting medical conditions

• Up to $250,000 in protection for emergency medical evacuations
• Prescription drug coverage
• Up to $50,000 in coverage for repatriation of remains
• Up to $50,000 in protection for political evacuations

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is an award-winning writer who has been covering personal finance, travel and insurance topics for more than a decade. She has researched travel insurance options for her own vacations and family trips to more than 50 countries around the world, which has led to her having personal experience navigating the claims and reimbursement process. Johnson works alongside her husband, Greg, who has been licensed to sell travel insurance in 50 states, in their family business.

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Guides, services and help for expats around the world

Help, advice and events, spotlight on..., information for british expats, useful 3rd party services for expats.

• Information for British Expats >
• Money and Finance
• Returning to the UK

Travel insurance for British expats: Are you covered?

When British expats travel abroad, one of the last things they consider is their travel insurance, but it should be one of the first.

Written by Gemma Cairns on 21 March 2017

When you live overseas, travel insurance is something that you need to think very carefully about, particularly if you regularly return to the UK or enjoy taking holidays outside of the country you are currently residing in.

The cost of medical treatment overseas can be eye wateringly expensive.

For example, the Foreign Office tells us that  if you suffer from a stomach bug or infection whilst you are in America and are treated in a Californian hospital then, with your return flights home, the cost would be approximately £100,000.

Within Europe, a fall that resulted in a broken hip and required treatment in a Spanish hospital, alongside return flights, would cost approximately £15,000.

Given that most of us simply do not have these huge sums of money lying around to pay for unexpected medical expenses, it is important that if you do plan on travelling outside of your country of residence that you secure a good level of travel insurance.

Do not rely on the NHS

It’s important to remember that when you live overseas, you might not automatically have access to NHS health coverage when you return home, so if you are taking a trip back to the UK to visit family and friends (regardless of whether you are returning for a short weekend, or a month long trip) you should ensure that you have the protection of a good level of travel insurance coverage, otherwise you will simply be travelling without any protection in the event of a medical emergency.

In 2015 the British government announced  that British retirees living outside the European Economic Area will be denied free health care if they return to the UK for treatment – except short term treatment in the event of a genuine medical emergency. What’s more, the change to the system also meant that British citizens now living overseas could also face a punitive surcharge of up to 50% for any service they do receive on the NHS.

This decision was taken to minimise the impact that health tourism was having on the already stretched NHS system, and doesn’t just affect expats living outside of the EU: Even those British citizens living in Europe are now required to produce a European Health Insurance Card, issued by the country in which they live, in order to get free NHS treatment when they are in the UK and, again, this card only covers short term treatment in the event of an unexpected medical emergency.

The current political uncertainty over the UK’s decision to leave the EU, and how that might affect universal health care across European borders, also means that your European Health Insurance Card may not be valid for treatment in the UK in the next 12-24 months, meaning that now is the time to start thinking about travel insurance policies that work for you, and offer you the protection you need when you are visiting the UK, or any other country outside of the one you currently reside.

Choosing your Travel Insurance

When you come to choosing your travel insurance, it’s important that you look through all the options available to you carefully. The cheapest policy is often not the best one, and could end up costing you more in the long run, should you suffer from a medical emergency when you are overseas.

The most important thing to look for are the benefits that each travel insurance provider will offer you, including:

• how much excess you will have to pay if you need to see a doctor;
• how quickly they will be able to repatriate you home if needed;
• whether you have 24 hour access to a member of support staff at your insurer.

For this reason, bigger insurance companies with a global presence often offer more attractive offerings that smaller budget providers, even if they do work out to be a few pounds more expensive.

Also, if you plan on taking part in what are considered to be ‘dangerous sports’ during your holiday (such as skiing or snowboarding) then make sure these activities are specifically covered within your policy; you often have to pay an extra surcharge for dangerous sports coverage, but it is worth paying to ensure that every aspect of your holiday will be safely ensured and protected.

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What is expat travel insurance?

Expat travel insurance is a policy aimed at expatriates residing within the UK or European Union. UK or EU residents aged up 89 years and their dependents are eligible for a policy. If you live abroad, you know what a pain it is to find good, reasonably priced travel insurance products. Well, that's changed now, and there's no need to look further.

Globelink have designed a quality travel insurance policy and you will get your travel insurance documents and Emergency Assistance Card immediately after purchase via email. The policy is in English and the premiums do not depend on the country you live in, the pricing is the same wherever you are based in the EU. Formal residential documents are not necessary to obtain expatriate travel insurance from Globelink International.  This insurance is only available to persons who are currently legally resident in the European Union or European Economic Area (EEA) and registered with a medical practitioner or entitled to free public healthcare under reciprocal arrangements currently in place in the European Union or EEA.

The cheapest single trip policy is £ based on 1 adult aged up to 50 travelling in Europe (for up to 5 days).

Expat travel insurance key benefits

• Available for any persons aged up to 89 years
• Cover for over 50 Pre-Existing medical conditions is included as standard.
• Annual Multi Trip policies cover for an unlimited number of trips, you can choose cover for Worldwide or Europe only, available for people aged up to 79 years
• Single Trip policies are available for people aged up to 89 for both European and Worldwide trips
• Adventure activities cover is included as standard, and many higher risk activities be included for an extra charge

Attention! The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) / Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) provides some emergency healthcare within the EU, but it does not cover Repatriation costs, or a doctor or nurse escort home; nor lost or stolen property. You need Travel Insurance for that.

Our range of policies has been specially selected to provide a sensible level of cover at reasonable cost. Whether you are working in Europe, or retired, or travelling on a gap year, we can get you covered. Single trip cover is available for return tips of periods from 1 day up to 15 months. Annual Multi Trip Policies giving maximum individual trip duration of 17, 31, 45, 60, 90 or 120 days are available (age depending).

• Travel Insurance for Spanish Residents
• Travel Insurance for Italian Residents
• Travel Insurance for French Residents
• Travel Insurance for Greek Residents
• Travel Insurance for Portuguese Residents

Globelink offers travel insurance policy options and extensions to meet the unique requirements of Expat travellers from every EU country.

Get Expat travel insurance now! No formal residential documents needed.

If you have not found a policy for your specific needs, please do not hesitate to contact our team of experienced underwriters by telephone or e-mail and we will definitely do our best to find a solution.

The numbers are 00 44 1353 699 082 (All countries) or 966 265 000 or 951 242 434 (Spain). Other countries: 240 30337 (Cyprus); 308 801 864 (Portugal); 0550 620 223 (Italy); 975 170 115 (France).

Single Trip Travel Insurance

Single Trip Travel Insurance is designed for people aged up to 89 travelling independently or on a package holiday with a maximum trip duration of up to 15 months.

• Cancellation or Curtailment - up to £6,000 in total
• Emergency Medical Expenses - up to £10,000,000 in total
• Baggage - up to £3,000 in total

Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance

Travelling more than once a year? Take as many holidays as you wish and be covered all year long! 17 days Winter Sports Cover FREE if you take out the 45 days policy.

Designed for most Individuals, Couples or Families who undertake several trips of up to 120 days within a 12 months period. For people aged up to 79 years!

• Baggage - up to £3,000 in total

Backpacker Travel Insurance

Career breaker? Globetrekker? Globelink Insurance offer the budget solution for long stay journeys.

Aimed at under 51 years old backpackers on a tight budget up to a maximum of 18 months. Most adventure sports covered for free.

• Cancellation or Curtailment - up to £2,000 in total
• Emergency Medical Expenses - up to £5,000,000 in total
• Baggage - up to £1,000 in total

Already Travelling Policy

Forgotten to take cover? Travel insurance has run out? No worries! Globelink will still get you covered!

Get cover online immediately with Globelink. You don\'t need to be in your home country, you can buy a policy from anywhere in the world even after you?ve started your trip. As long as your usual place of residence is in the UK or EU.

• Cancellation or Curtailment - up to £6,000 in total
• Emergency Medical Expenses - up to £10,000,000 in total

Frequently Asked Questions

What is expatriate insurance.

Expatriate insurance is designed for people who are currently legally resident in the European Union or European Economic Area (EEA) and registered with a medical practitioner or entitled to free public healthcare under reciprocal arrangements currently in place in the European Union or EEA.

How much does Expatriate health insurance cost?

It depends on the type of policy, trip duration, where you are travelling and your age. The cheapest expatriate travel insurance costs £ (based on 1 adult aged up to 50 travelling in Europe for up to 5 days).

See also: gap year travel insurance , international travel insurance , student travel insurance , cruise travel insurance , Annual Travel Insurance to Europe , best travel insurance , best value travel insurance , budget travel insurance , business travel insurance , camping insurance , cheap European travel insurance , cheap holiday insurance for over 65 , cheap travel insurance couples travel insurance , Easter travel insurance , essential travel insurance , extended travel insurance , extreme sports insurance , family travel insurance , fcdo travel advice , global travel insurance , group travel insurance , holiday travel insurance , last minute travel insurance , long stay travel insurance , long term travel insurance , one way travel insurance , worldwide travel insurance , yearly travel insurance , quick quote travel insurance , travel insurance for children , travel insurance for Europe , travel insurance for non UK residents , travel insurance for working abroad , travel insurance to America , travel insurance for UK residents

Still have questions?

Globelink team will assist solving any of your questions over the phone 00 44 (0) 1353 699082.

Travel Insurance

Please read your Policy Wording carefully to ensure that it meets with your precise requirements. View and download the relevant Policy Wording* from the links below. If you purchased a Globelink policy previously while you were an EU RESIDENT, or you need to view the Policy Wording we issue to EU Residents, please click here to visit our Globelink EU site.

*If you purchased your Travel Insurance policy prior to Jan 2022, you can view your policy wording by reviewing your Globelink Travel Insurance Documents Purchase email, or obtain a copy by contacting [email protected] with your name and address details.

*if you purchased a STAYCATION Policy please see the *last PDF at the bottom of this page – for the Staycation Policy Wording

Policy Wording for Policies issued to UK residents (Living in the UK only) from from 29th November onwards .

Policy wording for policies issued to uk residents (living in the uk only) from 1st october 2023 to 28th november ., policy wording for policies issued to uk residents (living in the uk only) from 1st june 2022 to 30th september 2023 ., policy wording for policies issued to uk residents (living in the uk only) from 1st feb 2022 to 31st may 2022., policy wording for policies issued to uk residents (living in the uk only) from 30th dec 2020 to 31st january 2022, policy wording for policies issued to uk residents (living in the uk only) from 29th oct - 29th dec 2020, policy wording for policies issued to uk residents (living in the uk only) from 1st oct - 28th oct 2020, policy wording for policies issued to uk residents (living in the uk only) from 1st feb – 10th august 2020.

For reliable Travel Insurance, simply complete 5 quick & easy steps. Pay with your Visa, MasterCard, or PayPal and receive your policy documents by email in seconds.

Get 20% OFF Covid Testing with any Travel insurance purchase

Insurance if you are outside of your usual Home Country

If you have already left your usual Home Country and find that you need insurance until you return, we can help. It may be that you forgot to buy Travel Insurance, or that you had cover which has now run out. You may have even changed your plans and extended your trip. If you are a Student studying overseas, you may require insurance to cover you for a year or more whilst you complete your course. Alternatively you may be living more permanently in another Country and need long-term Private Medical Insurance to cover any medical bills. Our range of policies includes options to cover all of these situations and are available to residents of the UK, the EU and most countries worldwide.

What type of Insurance are you interested in?

If you usually live in the UK but have already started your trip overseas, we may be able to cover you provided you intend to return to the UK at the end of your trip.

If you usually live in the UK and are aged over 65yrs, our cover may be suitable if you are already travelling, provided you intend to return to the UK at the end of your trip.

If you are already travelling outside of your usual Country of residence and intend to return home at the end of your current trip, we may be able to cover you.

Overseas Student Insurance is designed to cover you when attending college or university in another country

Private Medical Insurance available to buy wherever you live in the world. It covers treatment received locally and has options to cover treatment in other countries too.

Already left your home in the UK?

If you usually live in the UK, are under 64yrs, and your total trip is under 18 months, our Already Overseas Insurance can cover you until your return, whether you are travelling around or temporarily working in another country.

Already left your Home Country?

Wherever you usually live, and whatever your age, if you have already left home and your total trip is no more than 3yrs, our Globehopper Insurance can cover you until you return home.

• Suitable for residents of any country
• Covers travellers of any age
• For travel anywhere in the world

Living overseas?

If you currently live overseas, even if you plan to return to your original home country in future, you can buy cover in the same way as a permanent resident.

• Policies if you live in the EU
• International Policies
• Policies for Students studying overseas

Private Medical Insurance

Our Private Medical Insurance is available to residents of any country and can be bought on a long-term basis or for a short period. It gives you access to high quality healthcare whether you are living in your usual Home Country or overseas.

Already travelling? Overseas with no insurance?

Living overseas as an expat.

• Worldwide Travel Insurance, a specialist in travel insurance and related products, has over 20yrs experience in offering high quality cover at great prices.
• All policies purchased online are emailed immediately - ideal for last-minute bookings.
• Cooling-off Period: You have 14 days following receipt of your documents during which you can obtain a full refund provided that the start date shown on your certificate has not passed and you are not claiming.

A wide range of Insurance Policies to suit your individual needs

Our policies include:, your security with worldwide travel insurance:.

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Foreign travel insurance

If you’re travelling abroad, it's important to take out appropriate travel insurance before you go.

If you travel internationally you should buy appropriate travel insurance before you go. If you already have a travel insurance policy, check what cover it provides for coronavirus-related events, including medical treatment and travel disruption, and any planned activities such as adventure sports. If you are choosing a new policy, make sure you check how it covers these issues.

If you do not have appropriate insurance before you travel, you could be liable for emergency expenses, including medical treatment, which may cost thousands of pounds.

For example:

You should buy your travel insurance as soon as possible after booking your trip. Read the small print, and familiarise yourself with any exclusion clauses for the policy.

When you travel, make sure you take your insurance policy details with you, including the policy number and your insurer’s emergency assistance telephone number. Share your policy details with people you’re travelling with and friends or family at home, in case they need to contact your insurance company on your behalf.

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) represents over 200 insurance companies. Read ABI’s advice on travel insurance , including how COVID-19 can affect it, and their guide on choosing the right travel insurance policy .

In addition to making sure you have appropriate insurance, you should check and sign up to travel advice for your destination.

What to consider when you buy travel insurance for you and your family

• emergency treatment and hospital bills can be expensive. Check whether your policy covers treatment in public or private hospitals
• emergency transport, such as an ambulance, is often charged separately to other medical expenses, and emergency travel home on medical grounds can also be expensive
• pre-existing medical conditions: declare existing conditions or pending treatment or tests so that you are covered if anyone gets ill during your trip. Failing to declare something may invalidate your travel insurance
• all activities you may undertake on holiday, such as sports or adventure tourism (you may need specialist insurance for some activities). Also consider all the places you intend to visit, even if you are in transit, in case anyone needs emergency treatment in another country
• cruises generally require an additional level of cover because it is more difficult to get to hospital for treatment. Check the booking conditions of the operator you plan to sail with
• repatriation costs if you or a family member die abroad
• getting home after medical treatment if you cannot use your original ticket
• reasonable costs for a family member or friend to stay with you, or travel out to accompany you home, if required
• 24-hour assistance helplines to offer support and advice about appropriate treatment
• COVID 19 cover for if you or family members cannot return home because you/they test positive for COVID during your travel. Check your insurance covers additional costs such as alternative flights, accommodation and COVID tests. You should also check your insurance provides cover if you cannot reach your final destination during transit due to COVID-19
• within Europe, some insurers may waive any excess on medical treatment if you use a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). Check the terms of your policy or contact your insurer to see if this is the case. EHIC and GHIC allow you to access state-provided medically necessary healthcare within the EU and Switzerland on the same terms as residents of these countries. Note that EHIC and GHIC are not alternatives to travel insurance as they do not cover any private medical healthcare costs, repatriation or additional costs such as mountain rescue in ski resorts. Find out more about the EHIC and GHIC, including how to apply for one free of charge
• ATOL is a consumer protection scheme for air holidays and flights, managed by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) . Some insurance policies do not provide cover for when airlines or suppliers go out of business. Choose an ATOL-protected holiday or a travel insurance policy that includes airline or supplier failure cover

Policy exclusions

Check how an insurance policy covers:

• alcohol and drugs: most travel insurance policies do not cover events that happen after you have drunk excessive alcohol or taken recreational drugs or other substances
• high risk destinations: many travel insurance policies will not cover travel to a high risk destination where the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all but essential travel or all travel. Check your policy wording and the relevant country travel advice pages before booking your trip and buying insurance
• mental health conditions: some policies may exclude cover for treatment related to a pre-existing mental health condition. For more guidance see foreign travel advice for people with mental health issues
• age restrictions: check whether there are any age-related restrictions if you are buying an annual policy. The Money Advice Service provides guidance on how to choose the right level of cover, get the best deal, and make a travel insurance claim. It also has specific guidance for travellers over the age of 65 or with pre-existing medical conditions
• sports such as bungee jumping, jet skiing, winter sports or skydiving: these are not usually included in standard policies. Use of quad bikes and hire of mopeds is also usually not covered
• driving overseas: check Driving abroad . If you’re hiring a car, check what cover the hire company provides. If you are driving your own vehicle, check your motor insurance policy to see what it covers
• terrorist acts: most policies offer only limited cover for terrorist acts. As a minimum, make sure your policy covers you for emergency medical expenses and travel home if you are caught up in a terrorist attack. Some travel insurers offer policy add-ons to provide additional cover if there is a terrorist attack in your destination. This may include cancellation cover, if your destination is affected by a terrorist attack before your trip and you decide you no longer wish to travel
• other incidents: some policies only offer limited cover for claims related to or caused by a natural disaster (such as an earthquake or tropical cyclone) or civil unrest. You may also not be covered for some claims that arise from an incident (such as strikes or other industrial action) that was known publicly when you booked your trip and/or bought your travel insurance policy

Insurance for extended periods of travel

‘Long-stay’ travel insurance can cover extended periods of continuous travel. Check carefully the maximum duration allowed in any policy you consider buying to ensure that it meets your needs.

Make sure that the entire policy meets your needs, including specific activities and work (paid or unpaid) you may undertake.

Insurance if you live abroad or go for work or study

Travel insurance is not intended for permanent residence abroad. If you live overseas, or you’re planning to move to a different country to live, work or study, you should consider your insurance needs carefully. Local law may require you to have medical insurance, including as part of a visa application.

Read the healthcare guidance in the Living in guide for the country where you live to ensure you have the right healthcare arrangements for your circumstances.

You can buy private medical insurance for UK expatriates. You can also buy insurance from local providers overseas. You should always check policies carefully, including seeing whether you could transfer medical cover if you re-locate to other countries in future.

Support for British nationals abroad

Support for British Nationals Abroad explains how the FCDO can provide support to British nationals if things go wrong abroad.

Reviewed and updated guidance in full.

Updated guidance on using an EHIC or GHIC to access healthcare in Switzerland.

Updated to reflect new rules for travelling to amber list countries.

Updated COVID-19 section on new rules for international travel from 17 May.

Updated to reflect current COVID-19 travel guidance

New link to the declaration form for international travel (for England), from 8 March.

Edited grey box at top of page to provide further information on requirements coming into affect from 15 February

From 15 February you will need to quarantine in a government-approved hotel if you arrive in the UK from countries on the travel ban list.

Updated with new requirements coming into effect from 4am on 18 January 2021.

Updated with information on pre-departure testing for everyone travelling into England and Scotland.

Updated to reflect latest UK COVID-19 restrictions.

Updated the section on travel to Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, to reflect changes from 1 January 2021.

Updated ‘Travel to the EU’ section to reflect that UK-issued European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) will still be accepted in EU countries, with different guidance for people travelling to Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland from 1 January 2021.

Updated COVID-19 travel guidance

Updated to reflect the latest Tier-based COVID-19 rules for England

Updated to reflect the 5 November national restrictions for England relating to travel

Updated EU travel section with information on EHIC validity

New information on making sure your travel insurance covers you for coronavirus-related events

Update to contents including addition of new segments; travel insurance after starting travel or changing your plans, making a travel insurance claim, other financial protection and if you’re not covered.

Added information on financial protection of package holidays.

Information on the use of European Health Insurance cards (EHIC) in the event of a no deal added to the EU Exit update section

EU Exit update with advice on checking insurance coverage when travelling to Europe after the UK leaves the EU.

Content and format changes

Inclusion of Association of Travel Insurance Intermediaries (ATII) information.

Updated information on travel insurance

First published.

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Travel Insurance

Whether you are a one off traveler or a Phileas Fogg we have the travel policy which will provide you with the cover you need, not only to look after your baggage but also to take great care of you. We offer policies for individuals, couples, families, single parent families and groups. The significant features and benefits include the following in six different geographical area options and can include extensive preexisting medical conditions:

Optional benefits and extras include the following:

Nil Excess, Winter sports, Golf Cover

Weddings and civil ceremonies abroad – cover for high value items

Natural catastrophe Covers if trip is cancelled or curtailed due to a natural catastrophe

• Get a quote
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5 Best Travel Insurance Options (For Expats and Travelers)

How do I choose good travel insurance? This is a question we get asked all the time. Which provider is best? How can I get coverage as an expat? In this post, you’ll learn about the best travel insurance for travelers and expats traveling abroad.

When we moved to Ecuador we lost eligibility to buy travel insurance from Canada.

The providers we contacted all stipulated that we must be Canadian residents. In researching other providers, this seems to be pretty common. Like all expats, we lost residency in our home country when we settled in our new one.

In this post, we share providers that will insure expats living abroad. 

Some insurance providers have an age restriction (there are maximum ages depending on the country of residence). This is an issue for many travelers and expats. So for the past two days, I’ve been researching travel insurance for expats.

Here’s what I discovered.

3 Best Options for Expat Travel Insurance

If you want to save the time of reading the full post, you can check out these top three providers:

• Atlas Travel Insurance  
• World Nomads
• SafetyWing Valid for travelers from 15 days old to 69 years old. This insurer is different than the others – you don’t have to pre-purchase the full policy before traveling. Just set up the subscription – renewable in 4-week increments. This is popular with digital nomads who travel to multiple countries.

1. Atlas Travel Insurance

Requirements:  you must be at least  14 days old  and  traveling outside of your home country .

What is your country of residence?  If you are a US citizen, your home country is always the United States (regardless of residency issues). For all non-US citizens, your home country is where you principally reside and receive regular mail.

6 Benefits of Insuring with  Atlas Travel

• Adventure Sports:  Most travel insurance policies exclude adventure and sport activities from coverage. Things like zip-lining and scuba diving aren’t covered with most policies. With Atlas Travel you are covered for a wide variety adventure sports. Find the list of excluded sports here .
• Global Coverage:  Receive medical care in a foreign country. This can reduce/eliminate paying out-of-pocket while abroad.
• Emergency Medical Evacuation / Emergency Reunion:  For return to your home country in the case of potential loss of life or limb. Emergency Reunion will bring an immediate family member to you – to either stay with you or help you return home.
• Return of Minors:  In case of your hospitalization, your children are covered to return back to your home country.
• Common features such as:  Accidental death and dismemberment, repatriation of remains, natural disaster, and terrorism coverage.
• Online Account Management:  Gone are the days of paper policies. Purchase your policy, manage your account and submit claims online.

Learn more about Atlas Travel  insurance

2. World Nomads

Things you should know about world nomads.

• World Nomads travel insurance has been designed by travelers for travelers. If you leave home without travel insurance or your policy runs out, you can buy or extend while on the road.
• Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.

3. SafetyWing

SafetyWing is different than traditional travel insurance. It is an insurer created by digital nomads – for, you guessed it, other digital nomads.

Once you purchase your policy, you can auto-renew in 4-week increments while you travel .

Of course, you can also purchase for a specific number of days.

There is good coverage for medical and travel – including lost luggage, trip interruption and delay, emergency medical evacuation. Medical coverage includes hospital, ICU, ambulance, emergency dental, and more. See details below.

• Medical Coverage includes hospital, intensive care, ambulance, urgent care (with $50 co-payment), physical therapy and chiropractic care, and emergency dental. Other eligible medical expenses are covered to the overall maximum limit. With SafetyWing, you pay just $250 deductible with a $250,000 maximum limit. Of course, any of these details are subject to change. Please check directly with SafetyWing to confirm their current coverage and limitations. 
• Travel Coverage includes trip interruption, trip delay, lost checked luggage, emergency medical evacuation (up to $100,000 lifetime), political evacuation, natural disaster coverage, and more. Please check directly with SafetyWing to confirm their current coverage and limitations. 

As with most travel insurance, they exclude high-risk sports, pre-existing disease and injury, and cancer treatment.

Get a quote with SafetyWing

I haven’t traveled with them yet, but I’m planning to give them a try on my next trip. I like the subscription model. And it looks less expensive than other companies I’ve gotten quotes from.

So there you have it. Some travel insurance options. When you are traveling abroad there is an increased risk of a fall or another easy injury. Without insurance, you could be looking at a very large bill.

Please note: This post is not an offer to sell insurance but a listing of the possible options. Please confirm all details with the insurance company before making any purchase or travel decisions. Details and specifics can (and do) change quickly and without notice. If you notice an error in this post, please comment below and I’ll update it. 

What insurance provider have you used? What company/policy do you recommend?

Hi, I'm Bryan Haines . And I'm a co-founder of Storyteller.Travel . I'm a traveler and photographer.

I also blog about photography on Storyteller Tech .

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52 Comments

Thanks for the information about travel insurance. Does it cover routine doctor visits and medications that would relate to what would be called a pre existing condition? ie high blood pressure, diabetes for example? Thank you

Thanks for this detailed write up! I just purchased a policy from Atlas Travel using your referral link. All the best, Goats. Oh, and I really like your YouTube videos! 🙂

Help! I am not the dumbest pooch in the pound, but the req for health insurance for tourists of less than 90 days (3 Weeks) has me confused. Some posts say ‘all’, others say after 90 days. I am 74 and some companies won’t insure. Do you know if VA and Med part B are good enough.? If not, which can you recommend. See that some have age cutoff. Thanks. Bob

Hi Bryan, Off the topic a bit, but how do Expats get their social security payments transferred to hem as Ecuadorian Banks are not on the ACH network? As i understand it, and I could be wrong, credit cards are not as generally accepted as in N.America, with there being a preference for cash as a mechanism for purchasing goods.

An easy solution is to have SS transferred to a US bank, then access it via a credit card &ATM. Works for me! JL in Ecuador

For Americans at least, another alternative is squaremouth . They are an online travel insurance brokers selling annual and single trip coverage from a variety of carriers including some listed here and others that are not listed here.

Is there a health coverage amount limit or requirement for temporary/visitors insurance in Ecuador?

I currently have Anthem health insurance. When traveling to Ecuador, do I need additional insurance? Thank you, Tom

Does medicare with medicare supplement qualify?

medicare and supplemental medicare policies cover only within the US.

When a friend wants to visit Ecuador for a week, does he need this health insurance?

It is an entry requirement, so regardless of how long someone will be visiting, they’ll need health insurance to enter the country. Many policies now allow for very short-term trips.

We are in a bind. Arrived on tourist visas BEFORE proof of health insurance was required. Now, to get Visa extensions (which we need before we can apply for residency) we need proof of healthcare. BUT, when we go to sites to get cheap healthcare, they require we are IN our home countries and purchase BEFORE we leave. I’m an American and Brazilian citizen. My boyfriend is Australian. Any ideas? Am sure others got caught in this same situation…

Changing rules create some interesting situations… Have you checked World Nomads ? I just tried the quote app and it looks you can purchase from anywhere. We have traveled with this insurance many times and it is super flexible. I know that you can extend while traveling. Let me know how it works out for you.

Thank you. World Nomads did let us sign up, easily when already in Ecuador 😊

We live here full time, but are US citizens. So with Wnomads do i say Im travelling to Ecuador but am resident of US? or ?

Did you move back to Ecuador??? The last time we talked you had moved back to Nova Scotia for Health Reasons??? If you are back in Ecuador Fantastico Mis Amigos Hasta Luego

Bryan, Do you know if Medicare satisfies Ecuador’s insurance requirement until you get your permanent residency? Will it suffice to get your residency?

Can I ask why you chose World Nomads over Atlas Travel when Atlas seems to cover more things (like extraction, and returning minors home)?

Nothing huge – I just found World Nomads easier to sort out and liked their offering.

If someone already has medical insurance that covers international medical care, but must be paid out of pocket first and then is reimbursed at home in the U.S., is this insurance still necessary? What sort of documentation do you need to show and to whom?

I’m planning on traveling to Ecuador next September, for a month, to see if I’d like to move there. I checked my Medicare Supplement policy, and I have 60 days of covered travel outside the US, with a $250 deductible and then it pays 80% of anything up to $50,000, for any medical need that occurs during that span of time. Do you think that will satisfy Ecuador’s requirement until I actually move there? If and when I do move there, I’ll need to consider the cost of purchasing health insurance from one of the providers and dropping Medicare Part B and the supplement, which I think cost about $250/ month right now. I think it will be close to an even swap. I’ll keep Part A, and if I ever return to the US, I can ad Part B back in. I’d really like to hear from others living there about how they have handled it.

I have used World Nomads for the last year and a half. I always bought the 6 month policy, and it cost $335. Now to renew it is $536 for a 6 month policy. That is a 62% increase. I did use the coverage over a year ago, and I have NO complaints. This rate increase is tough to swallow though.

Hi Bryan I REALLY need to find a Reputable person or company to help facilitate my relocation to Cuenca. Does anyone have someone that they’ve personally dealt with and were 100% (or close to it) happy? PLEASE let me know soon. Thanks a bunch. Alice

I can recommend Isaac May, who is a realtor here but Ive seen him take care of everything, for many of his clients and refer you to the best people if he cannot ie visas. etc . write me here and ill send his email. Lulie

Lulie, I would also like the info for Isaac May. but I don’t see a way to write you here.

Point of Information Allianz is Now available in Canada ….I was in Ecuador in April and Purchased Allianz in Canada.

Thanks Joseph!

Can I ask what health insurance you use while you are in Ecuador? You noted that you use WorldNomads when you left Ecuador, as you would be considered a traveler during those time spans. I just became a permanent Ecuador resident (received VISA) and I consider it my home, but I haven’t gotten my cedula yet. I was informed that my new permanent resident status has voided my travel’s insurance even though I already paid for it through a future date. Do you have any suggestions for coverage until I get my cedula? I don’t think traveler’s insurance would work as I am no longer a traveler.

Thanks for your recommendations. Will definitely look into Atlas, which seems to offer a wide cover, particularly as it covers people of age too.

Okay, batting 0. I followed your new link to the AIBB FRONTIER INSURANCE……..their site is down. 🙁

I see that as well. It looks temporary – sometimes sites will be down for a few hours due to maintenance or another issue. (We’ve had the same problems, once in a while).

Your AAIB/Frontier link is invalid. Perhaps they changed their site? Their main url is now: http://www.frontier-insurance.com/ Unfortunately their “get a quote” link does not work on their site, though the other links do?

Thanks Burt – I’ll check this and update it the first of the week.

Hi Bryan, Sadly, Atlas Insurance won’t allow you to buy their insurance if you live in Canada, Australia or some parts of the USA. Don’t know why this is. I called them to find out if there was any other option but got the robot, then put on hold and eventually i hung up. My next option was World Nomads from your site but the age restriction means i’m out of luck on that one. Back to the drawing board.

The rules can certainly be confusing. I don’t know why they have exclusions for specific areas. Have you tried Travelex ? I’ve heard good things about them, and they insure residents of almost every country. World Nomads recently changes their policy for US residents – now insuring everyone under the age of 70.

Thanks for the reply Bryan. I was able to get a good rate from Presidents Choice…a reputable name here. 🙂

Nice – glad to hear it.

Thanks for the information. Any knowledge on insuring 2 adults & a minor for 6-12 months.

I’ve never bot travelers insurance unless I was forced to by a British Travel Agency (out of the USA by internet). They all seem to require it but were only interested in “extraction” insurance and medical evacuation kinds of stuff. Not insuring the airline ticket, travel agent, etc. My personal philosophy is to insure against disasters, which is relative, I know. But losing the price of 2x airline tickets doesn’t qualify for me. But the Brits wanted travel insurance and 5 or 6 times, I’ve had to get it and here’s where I get it from: Squaremouth is a meta-site that has many, many insurance companies. You start by filling in your rough data – like age, where/when you’re going, etc. They you get a page of side by side comparisons of insurance companies that you’ve likely never heard of before. There is also a ranking of their security of the company and user ratings. I only buy the minimum but you can sign up for any options you like. It’s an easy one-stop shopping site. Works for me.

Thanks for sharing your experience.

Thanks for posting this. We are current WorldNomads customers who formerly used FrontierMedex, and have been extremely satisfied with both providers. I filed extensive claims with Frontier, including a stint in a Bangkok hospital for a double hit of malaria I picked up in India, and they were nothing short of fantastic. Contacted and kept in touch with the hospital, pre-authorized the claim, etc. Couldn’t have been better. We’re new to WorldNomads (less than a year) but so far we’re also impressed with their ease of access and responsiveness to claims and questions (though there have happily been few.) A word of caution to steer clear of the Philippines-based IBERO Filipinas, which is a nightmare of a provider who exploits short-term travelers and often sells through travel agents. They are incompetent, obstructionist and extremely difficult to deal with. I am in a pitched battle with them for a year-old claim they have approved but still not resolving, as they continue to lose documents I send them and bounce me around from department to department. Best to go with one of your winners. Thanks for posting.

Thanks for sharing your experience. So glad to hear about your success with these two providers.

Hi Dena and Bryan, Thanks a lot for bringing up the topic about insurance, it is a very important one indeed. I am French and I am pretty sure rules must be totally different from Canada ones therefore I will get in touch with my insurance provider and ask them for advice. I will post the response on your blog so as other people will be able to get the information. I would have a question on a different topic: does someone know about the translation market in Ecuador? Have a great weekend ! Kindest regards from Daniela

When I decided to stay and officially make Ecuador my place of residence, I shopped around for health insurance. Key was that I was not yet 65 years old. I eventually selected BMI, an Ecuador company affiliated as most with other international companies. When I travel, it pays directly to the medical facility for up to one month and then after I have to pay and claim. There is now a remote possibility that I might move to Europe within the next year and stay their for five years before returning to Ecuador. If I drop the Ecuador BMI insurance when gone, at my age I would not easily get it back. The only answer would be to get insurance in Europe for the time there. In my case I would expect to have a company pay for the European insurance. This, however, raises an important matter for travel and place of resident health insurance – Be aware that where you think you will be one day may not be where you will actually end up. Be very cautious.

Although this post is about travel insurance – which is temporary in nature – you make a good point. Health insurance is often based on country of residence and if that changes then you may not qualify anymore. We’ll be covering health insurance in an upcoming post.

I”m confused by the “home country” and “residence” issues. According to this info, if I’m a citizen of the U.S. but reside in Ecuador and am over 66, I can’t use any of the above?? I’ve always used World Nomads but didn’t know they had an age limit! (I’ll be turning 66 before my next trip back to the States) Thanks for all this info!

The main issue seems to be country of residence. When you go to any of these sites to get a quote, it will ask for country of residence. They generally are looking for where you are actually living – regardless of your legal status in that country. When I say “home country” I am referring to where you are from. Frequently expats cannot get insurance from their home country because of being a resident of another one.

One must be very careful. As a Canadian expat, Revenue Canada, the tax collectors, have me officially identified as a “non-resident” and I pay a lower tax rate on my Canadian income. Revenue Canada has very strict rules that they enforce because they want to get all the money from you that they can. You must be completely (almost) removed from Canada with no intention of returning. People have lost their non-resident tax status for not cancelling their Provincial driver’s license of having too many bank accounts in Canada. If one lives in Ecuador and, for insurance purposes, declares Canada , they may be at risk if the tax man finds out.

You’re right that you need to be careful. There is a form that you can submit and get an actual ruling. We did that and now we can confidently submit tax returns, etc. The laws are quite straight forward. If you are a resident of Ecuador you won’t consider you a resident of Canada. We talk more about it in this post . For insurance purposes, it seems that the companies are asking where you reside – not where you are a citizen.

Ohhh, I have to start shopping around, so THANK YOU for doing the legwork for me!

Absolutely!

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Health Insurance For US Expats In The UK

Published: January 15, 2024

by Anica Sowers

• Travel Destinations

Introduction

Living as a US expat in the United Kingdom (UK) can be an exciting adventure. Whether you have relocated to the UK for work, education, or personal reasons, it is important to consider your healthcare needs and options. One crucial aspect of maintaining your well-being in a foreign country is having appropriate health insurance coverage.

Health insurance is essential for safeguarding yourself against unforeseen medical expenses and accessing timely and high-quality healthcare services. In the UK, the healthcare system operates differently from the US, making it crucial for US expats to understand the options available to them.

In this article, we will explore the various aspects of health insurance for US expats living in the UK. We will outline the UK healthcare system, the importance of health insurance, and the different options for coverage.

Whether you are planning to stay in the UK for a short period or considering a long-term residence, having the right health insurance plan can provide you with peace of mind knowing that you are covered for any medical needs that may arise.

Overview of US expats living in the UK

The United Kingdom is a popular choice for American citizens looking to live abroad. As a US expat living in the UK, you may enjoy benefits such as a rich cultural experience, access to world-class healthcare, and a vibrant international community. Many US expats in the UK are drawn to opportunities in industries like finance, technology, academia, and the arts.

However, navigating the UK’s healthcare system can be confusing, especially for those accustomed to the US system. The UK operates on a publicly funded healthcare model known as the National Health Service (NHS). While this system provides free or low-cost healthcare to UK residents, it may not cover the health needs of US expats.

As a US expat, you may face unique challenges when it comes to healthcare, such as differences in medical terminology, accessing specialist care, and understanding the eligibility criteria for healthcare services. Therefore, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with the healthcare landscape in the UK and ensure you have adequate health insurance coverage.

Furthermore, US expats in the UK may also have specific healthcare needs related to pre-existing conditions or ongoing medical treatments. Considering these factors and understanding the options available can help you make informed decisions about your health insurance coverage.

Now that we have an overview of US expats living in the UK, let us delve into the details of the UK healthcare system and how health insurance plays a vital role in ensuring your well-being.

Understanding the UK healthcare system

The healthcare system in the United Kingdom is primarily funded through the National Health Service (NHS), a publicly funded system that provides healthcare services to UK residents. The NHS offers comprehensive medical care, including doctor’s visits, hospital stays, and prescription medications, at no additional cost or at a subsidized rate.

Under the NHS, UK residents are entitled to receive primary care services from General Practitioners (GPs) who serve as the first point of contact for healthcare needs. GPs provide general medical care, diagnose illnesses, and refer patients to specialist services when necessary.

In addition to GP services, the NHS also provides access to secondary and tertiary care, such as specialist consultations, diagnostic tests, surgeries, and hospitalizations. Emergency services are also available through the NHS, ensuring that critical healthcare needs are addressed promptly.

While the NHS is designed to provide comprehensive healthcare to UK residents, it is important to note that US expats in the UK may not be eligible for all NHS services as they are not considered UK residents.

As a US expat, you may have to navigate the complexities of the UK healthcare system to understand which services you are entitled to and whether you need to seek additional health insurance coverage. It is essential to research and familiarize yourself with the specific healthcare rights and entitlements for US expats living in the UK.

In the next section, we will explore the importance of health insurance for US expats and why having coverage beyond the NHS is crucial for your peace of mind and access to comprehensive healthcare services.

The importance of health insurance for US expats

Health insurance is a vital consideration for US expats living in the United Kingdom. While the National Health Service (NHS) provides healthcare services to UK residents, it may not cover all the needs and preferences of US expats.

Having comprehensive health insurance as a US expat offers several key benefits. Firstly, it provides access to a wider range of healthcare options beyond what the NHS offers. This includes the ability to choose your preferred doctors, hospitals, and specialists, ensuring that you receive personalized and timely care.

Health insurance also provides financial protection against unexpected medical expenses. While the NHS offers free or low-cost healthcare, there may still be associated costs such as prescription medications, dental treatments, and certain specialist services that are not fully covered. Health insurance can help cover these expenses, reducing the financial burden on US expats.

Furthermore, health insurance can provide additional services such as preventive care, wellness programs, and access to a global network of healthcare providers. This can be particularly beneficial for US expats who travel frequently or have international healthcare needs.

Another essential aspect of health insurance for US expats is the peace of mind it offers. Knowing that you have coverage for both routine and emergency healthcare needs can alleviate stress and allow you to focus on enjoying your time in the UK without worrying about medical expenses or access to quality care.

In addition, having health insurance may be a legal requirement for US expats living in the UK, depending on your visa status. It is crucial to check the specific requirements and regulations to ensure compliance and avoid any potential legal issues.

Now that we understand the importance of health insurance for US expats, let’s explore the different options available for health insurance coverage in the UK.

Options for health insurance coverage in the UK

As a US expat living in the United Kingdom, you have several options when it comes to health insurance coverage. These options can provide you with additional benefits and services beyond what the National Health Service (NHS) offers. Let’s explore some of the common options available:

• International health insurance: International health insurance plans are specifically designed for expats and provide comprehensive coverage both in the UK and abroad. These plans offer a range of benefits, including medical consultations, hospital stays, specialist treatments, and emergency evacuation. They often provide flexibility in terms of choosing healthcare providers and allow for direct billing, making the process more convenient.
• Local private health insurance: Local private health insurance plans are policies offered by UK-based insurance companies. These plans may provide coverage for private healthcare services, allowing you to access private hospitals, specialists, and additional services not covered by the NHS. It is important to carefully review the coverage and limitations of these plans, as they may vary in terms of premiums, coverage limits, and network providers.
• Employer-sponsored health insurance: If you are employed in the UK, your employer may offer health insurance coverage as part of your employee benefits package. These plans can provide a wide range of healthcare services and may be tailored to suit the needs of expat employees. It is crucial to understand the details of your employer-sponsored plan, including any limitations or exclusions.
• Combination of NHS and private insurance: Some US expats choose to combine NHS coverage with private health insurance to ensure comprehensive coverage. With this option, you can utilize the NHS for primary care and emergency services while having the flexibility to access private healthcare when desired. This can be a cost-effective solution while providing additional healthcare options.

When considering these options, it is important to assess your healthcare needs, budget, and preferences. Take into account factors such as the level of coverage, network of healthcare providers, premium costs, deductibles, and any waiting periods for pre-existing conditions.

Stay tuned as we explore the specifics of NHS coverage for US expats and the considerations for selecting the right health insurance plan.

National Health Service (NHS) coverage for US expats

The National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom provides healthcare services to UK residents, including free or low-cost medical care. As a US expat living in the UK, you may be wondering if you are eligible for NHS coverage.

While the NHS is primarily designed for UK residents, US expats may still be entitled to certain NHS services. The eligibility for NHS coverage depends on various factors, including your visa status and residency status.

If you are living in the UK temporarily, such as on a visitor visa or student visa, you may be eligible for some NHS services. Emergency healthcare services are generally available to everyone, regardless of their immigration status, as the NHS follows a policy of providing necessary care irrespective of nationality.

However, for non-emergency healthcare services, such as routine doctor’s appointments or non-urgent treatments, eligibility can vary. Some visas may provide access to the NHS, while others may require you to obtain private health insurance for non-emergency medical care.

It is important to note that even if you are eligible for NHS services, there may still be costs involved. Prescription medications, dental treatments, and certain specialist services may require payment or have partial coverage. Therefore, having additional health insurance can help cover these expenses and provide you with a wider range of healthcare options.

It is advisable to research and understand the specific NHS entitlements for US expats based on your visa and residency status. Consulting with the UK Visas and Immigration department or seeking advice from a reputable health insurance provider can help clarify the eligibility criteria and any additional requirements.

Now that we have explored NHS coverage for US expats, let’s continue by discussing private health insurance options and the factors to consider when choosing the right plan for your needs.

Private health insurance for US expats in the UK

Private health insurance is an excellent option for US expats in the United Kingdom who want additional coverage and flexibility beyond what the National Health Service (NHS) provides. Private health insurance allows you to access private healthcare facilities, specialists, and additional services not covered by the NHS.

There are several benefits to consider when opting for private health insurance as a US expat in the UK.

Choice of healthcare providers: With private health insurance, you have the freedom to choose your preferred doctors, hospitals, and specialists. This can be particularly beneficial if you have specific healthcare needs or preferences.

Shorter waiting times: Private health insurance often provides quicker access to consultations, diagnostic tests, and treatments compared to the NHS. This can be advantageous if you prefer to receive prompt medical attention or want to avoid potential delays.

Coverage for elective procedures and non-essential treatments: Private health insurance typically covers a wide range of elective procedures and non-essential treatments, which may not be available under the NHS. This can include cosmetic surgery, fertility treatments, and alternative therapies.

Add-on services: Many private health insurance plans offer additional services such as wellness programs, preventive care, mental health support, and access to alternative medicine. These services can contribute to your overall well-being and enhance your healthcare experience.

When considering private health insurance, it is crucial to assess your healthcare needs and compare different insurance providers. Factors to consider include the coverage limits, premiums, network of healthcare providers, customer service, and any additional benefits or discounts.

It is also important to review the policy terms and conditions to understand any exclusions, waiting periods, and limitations. Pay attention to pre-existing conditions, as some private health insurance plans may exclude coverage or impose waiting periods for treatment related to pre-existing conditions.

Finally, ensure that the private health insurance plan you choose is recognized and accepted by healthcare providers in the UK. This will ensure a seamless and convenient experience when accessing private healthcare services.

With a comprehensive private health insurance plan, you can have peace of mind knowing that you have additional coverage for your healthcare needs while living as a US expat in the UK.

Next, let’s discuss the important considerations when choosing the right health insurance plan for your specific requirements.

Considerations for choosing the right health insurance plan

Choosing the right health insurance plan as a US expat in the United Kingdom is a crucial decision that requires careful consideration. Here are some key factors to keep in mind when selecting a health insurance plan:

Coverage: Assess your healthcare needs and determine the level of coverage you require. Consider factors such as doctor’s visits, hospital stays, specialists, prescription medications, and any specific treatments or procedures you may need. Ensure that the health insurance plan covers these aspects adequately.

Network of providers: Check the network of healthcare providers affiliated with the health insurance plan. This includes hospitals, clinics, doctors, and specialists. Ensure that the plan offers a wide network of providers in your desired locations to ensure easy access to healthcare services.

Premiums and costs: Evaluate the cost of premiums and any additional out-of-pocket expenses. Compare the premiums against the level of coverage provided to ensure that the plan offers good value for money. Take into account any deductibles, co-payments, or co-insurance requirements.

Pre-existing conditions: If you have pre-existing conditions, make sure to review the policy’s stance on these conditions. Some plans may exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions or impose waiting periods before providing coverage.

Emergency coverage: Consider the emergency coverage provided by the health insurance plan. Ensure that it includes emergency room visits, ambulance services, and emergency medical evacuations if needed.

Add-on services: Take note of any additional services offered by the health insurance plan, such as preventive care, wellness programs, or mental health support. These services can contribute to your overall well-being and enhance your healthcare experience.

Customer service: Research the reputation of the health insurance provider and consider their customer service track record. A responsive and reliable customer service team can be invaluable when it comes to resolving any issues or seeking assistance.

Ease of claims process: Evaluate the ease and efficiency of the claims process. Check if the health insurance plan offers direct billing with healthcare providers, making it more convenient for you to receive medical services without upfront payment and reimbursement processes.

Flexibility and portability: Consider whether the health insurance plan offers flexibility and portability. This is particularly important if you have plans to travel outside the UK or if you anticipate relocating to another country in the future. A plan that offers broader coverage and can be easily transferred can be advantageous.

By carefully considering these factors, you can select a health insurance plan that aligns with your specific needs and provides comprehensive coverage for your healthcare requirements as a US expat in the UK.

Next, let’s discuss how to apply for health insurance as a US expat in the UK.

How to apply for health insurance as a US expat in the UK

Applying for health insurance as a US expat in the United Kingdom can be a straightforward process. Here are the general steps to follow when applying for health insurance:

• Assess your healthcare needs: Determine the level of coverage you require based on your healthcare needs, budget, and preferences. Consider factors such as doctor’s visits, hospital stays, prescription medications, and any specific treatments or procedures you may need.
• Research insurance providers: Look for reputable health insurance providers that offer plans for expats in the UK. Compare the range of coverage, premiums, network of providers, and additional services offered by each provider. It is also advisable to read reviews and seek recommendations from other expats.
• Review policy details: Carefully review the policy details of the health insurance plans you are considering. Pay close attention to coverage limits, exclusions, waiting periods, and any additional benefits or discounts offered. Ensure that the plan aligns with your healthcare needs and preferences.
• Get quotes: Contact the insurance providers to request quotes for the health insurance plans you are interested in. Provide them with the necessary information, such as your age, location, desired coverage, and any pre-existing conditions you may have. Compare the quotes to assess the cost-effectiveness of the plans.
• Apply for the chosen plan: Once you have selected a health insurance plan, complete the application process. Fill out the required forms and provide the necessary documentation, which may include proof of residency, visa status, medical history, or any other relevant information requested by the insurance provider.
• Read and understand the policy: Before finalizing the application process, carefully read and understand the policy documentation provided by the insurance provider. Familiarize yourself with the terms and conditions, coverage details, claims process, and any other important information related to the plan.
• Pay premiums and start coverage: Once your application is approved, you will need to pay the premiums as per the agreed terms. Upon payment, your health insurance coverage will become active, and you can start accessing the healthcare services and benefits outlined in your chosen plan.

Remember to keep a copy of your policy documents and contact information for the insurance provider for easy reference. It is also advisable to regularly review your health insurance coverage and make any necessary updates or changes as your needs evolve.

By following these steps, you can apply for and secure health insurance coverage to meet your healthcare needs as a US expat living in the UK.

Finally, let’s summarize the key points discussed in this article.

As a US expat living in the United Kingdom, navigating the healthcare system and securing adequate health insurance coverage is essential for your well-being and peace of mind. Understanding the UK healthcare system, including the role of the National Health Service (NHS), is crucial in determining the coverage available to you as a US expat.

While the NHS provides free or low-cost healthcare to UK residents, it may not fully meet the needs and preferences of US expats. Therefore, considering private health insurance options is important to ensure access to comprehensive healthcare services, choice of healthcare providers, shorter waiting times, and additional benefits.

When choosing a health insurance plan, carefully assess your healthcare needs, consider the coverage, network of providers, costs, and any specific requirements related to pre-existing conditions. Remember to read and understand the policy details and ensure that the plan provides the flexibility and portability you need as an expat.

To apply for health insurance, research reputable insurance providers, get quotes, and complete the application process by providing the necessary information and documentation. Once your application is approved, pay the premiums and start enjoying the benefits of your health insurance coverage.

By taking the time to understand the UK healthcare system and selecting the right health insurance plan, you can ensure that you are well-protected and have access to the healthcare services you need while living as a US expat in the UK.

Remember, healthcare is a fundamental aspect of your overall well-being, and having appropriate health insurance coverage will provide you with peace of mind and the necessary support in times of illness or injury.

Make informed choices, stay proactive about your health, and enjoy your life as a US expat in the UK with the assurance that you have the right health insurance coverage in place.

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Global Medical Insurance Plans for UK Expats

Most UK expats abroad can be found in Australia, followed by Spain, the United States, Canada, and Ireland. However, nearly every country worldwide has an active British expat community. Every year, approximately 230,000 people between the ages of 18 and 25 take a gap year to break up their studies and travel overseas to work as expats.

Experiencing life abroad is hugely popular in the UK. While international citizens may come from different backgrounds and have different motivations for living abroad, they all have one thing in common to consider: sorting out their healthcare!

Healthcare overseas is very different from what it is at home. Thus, health insurance for Brits living abroad should be a top priority when planning a big move.

British citizens have a long history of traveling, studying, and working abroad. While it is hard to get exact figures, a 2006 publication from the Institute for Public Policy Research estimated that 5.5 million British-born people live outside the United Kingdom. This accounts for nearly one in ten British citizens, and that is a significant number. Additionally, around 400,000 people a year have emigrated from Britain for the past ten years.

Buying Private Global Insurance While Living Abroad

The UK enjoys one of the highest standards of healthcare in the world. As such, British citizens and UK expats abroad are in for a surprise when they visit many of the world’s public hospitals and clinics. Things that they take for granted in the UK Healthcare System are hard to find or even non-existent overseas, including private examination rooms, climate-controlled facilities, and modern diagnostic equipment.

Carrying private global medical insurance is the best way to receive exemplary care, just like you would at home. Private facilities have shorter wait times, access to more specialists, and many staff members are multilingual. Facilities are more exclusive and comfortable, and you are in a clean, safe, and modern environment.

UK expats abroad are initially uncomfortable with the idea of getting private insurance. They imagine that it is something reserved for celebrities, but nothing could be further from the truth.

Private insurance is not about luxury but about getting an excellent standard of healthcare. It is about receiving the proper medical attention when needed the most. Additionally, it is also a way to remove additional strain on limited public facilities.

Best Health Insurance for UK Citizens Moving Abroad

The Cigna Global Medical insurance plan is an excellent option for UK expats abroad who plan to go to any country in the world for work. The coverage of Cigna Global Medical is extensive and customizable, making it an excellent choice as health insurance for Brits living abroad.

Cigna Global Insurance Plan

• The flexibility to tailor a plan to suit your individual needs
• Access to Cigna Global’s trusted network of hospitals and doctors
• The convenience and confidence of 24/7/365 customer service

Additional Health Insurance Recommendations for UK Expats

William Russell provides access to comprehensive, private medical care around the world. In order to keep premiums low, they offer limited coverage in the US as an add-on only. William Russell also offers personalized service, with teams available 24/7 whenever you need support.

• William Russell plans cover you internationally, both in the country you reside in and wherever you are traveling to (addons required for USA)
• Their network includes 40,000 hospitals around the world.
• Plans have comprehensive cancer coverage, including genome testing.

Insurance for UK Citizens Moving to the US

The GeoBlue Xplorer plan is insurance made for UK citizens in the US. It is a premium plan that provides US health insurance for UK citizens abroad, back home, and every place in between.

The Xplorer health insurance plans let you access the vast Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO Network of doctors, clinics, and hospitals worldwide. BCBS International is the most extensive insurance network in the US and provides excellent service from a vast network of exceptional professionals.

Whether you are a solo expatriate or you want to move to America with your family permanently, the Xplorer Health Plan can provide you with sufficient coverage inside and outside the country. It is a popular insurance choice for UK citizens in the US.

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• For Foreigners in the US or US citizens abroad

Will Your United Kingdom Health Insurance Cover You Abroad?

If you are moving abroad permanently, you will no longer automatically be entitled to medical treatment under standard NHS rules. (The NHS is a residence-based healthcare system). In short, if you are not contributing to the taxation system that funds the NHS, you are not eligible for NHS coverage. It would be best to look for reliable health insurance for Brits living abroad that will make medical services more accessible and affordable.

Before you move abroad, you will have to notify your GP, so you and your family are removed from the NHS register. Talk with the staff about how you can access your file if needed for overseas transactions.

Access to UK Health Insurance in EU Countries

There used to be no problem in national healthcare accessibility for UK expats visiting or living in the EU. If UK residents decided to live permanently in another EU country, they were eligible for the healthcare service offered in that area, provided they remained legal residents there. UK residents living abroad could also get treatment on their return to their homeland.

However, this is no longer applicable after the UK exit from the EU. This has affected UK expats abroad, as they will no longer have access to the NHS when they visit the country. They will no longer be able to enjoy the medical benefits they used to before December 31, 2020.

New healthcare agreements have been made between the UK and the EU, affecting UK expats abroad.  Read more about the new GHIC card .

Read: Is the EHIC Still Valid After Brexit?

UK Healthcare Agreements With Other Countries

The United Kingdom has reciprocal healthcare agreements with several non-EU countries and jurisdictions. They include Anguilla, Australia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, British Virgin Islands, Falkland Islands, Faroe Islands, Gibraltar, Isle of Man, Israel, Jersey, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, Montserrat, New Zealand, St Helena, Serbia, and Turks and Caicos Islands.

In most cases, these agreements only cover emergency healthcare at public hospitals. As such, expats from the UK should not consider them a substitute for comprehensive health coverage. It is still advisable to get comprehensive health insurance for peace of mind.

How To Access Healthcare Abroad

Before leaving for your new destination, it is essential to check what health services are available to you in that country. Many countries have based their healthcare systems partially on the NHS model. However, that does not mean that they will include all the same services and benefits that the NHS provides.

In most cases, you will have to register with the relevant authorities in your new country. Once you can legally work and contribute to payroll deductions or other national insurance programs, you will be entitled to register for public healthcare services.

The process for registering into the local healthcare system varies widely amongst different countries. Some countries may deem you eligible for public insurance coverage as soon as you start working, while some will require you to stay in the country for several years before being granted access to the healthcare system.

Government Recommendations For UK Expats Abroad

The UK government has extensive resources for British citizens living abroad. You can use the gov.uk healthcare guides to determine what rules apply in the country you are moving to.

Additionally, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) also provides valuable information for UK expats abroad, including information on healthcare in foreign countries. You may also find tips on how to select a reliable and legitimate provider of health insurance for Brits living abroad.

Planning to Return Home

If you are returning to the UK after living abroad to stay home, you can use the NHS benefits for your healthcare. You need to complete a GMS1 form  to register with a GP near your home.

The first time you have treatment anywhere within the scope of the NHS, you will need to bring proof that you are eligible for free healthcare. You should get documents that will prove your residency in the UK. This could be proof of your purchase of property or a tenancy agreement, recent utility or council tax bill payment, or a UK bank account showing recent UK activity.

Alternatively, you can also bring documents that prove your employment status in the UK. Some common examples include a payslip or letter from an employer, a bank statement, your unique tax reference number, or documentation from your local employment office to show that you are receiving a job-seekers allowance.

If you do not have these kinds of documents, you can also prove that you no longer live as a UK expat abroad. For example, you could provide proof that you have sold or rented your house in your previous country of residence. Other acceptable documents include evidence of terminated employment or studies in your last country of residence, shipped goods or transferred assets to the UK, or ended insurance policies and utility contracts.

More to Read:

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Travel Insurance for Morocco 

Located in Northern Africa, Morocco is a country filled with beautiful picturesque buildings, luxurious accommodation and treasure troves of Moroccan souks, all well worth exploring. Because this glorious country has so much to offer, it is becoming increasingly popular with tourists across the globe.

Like most countries, there are different areas of Morocco that appeal to different holiday-goers looking to experience the country. As Morocco’s top tourist destination, Marrakesh offers you everything you could want from a city break; food, drink, nightlife and shopping. If you’re looking for something more medieval, Fez is the place for you. This walled city is filled with traditional goods for purchase and traditional Moroccan music to enjoy.

Many tourists that visit Morocco are stunned by the gorgeous buildings lining the streets, and the delicious Moroccan food that is available to eat. Despite Morocco being a short flight from the UK, it has a completely unique culture that you cannot experience anywhere else in the world.  Explore the cities you are staying in and immerse yourself in that area, or hire a car and drive the Moroccan roads to your hearts content. If you’re keen for exploration, a Moroccan road trip could be the ideal holiday destination for you!

Another unique selling point of Morocco is the fact that you are close enough to explore the Sahara Desert. If you are visiting Morocco, you could prolong your stay in the desert beneath the stars. Further to the sandy desert, you can gaze upon the glorious Atlas mountain ranges and visit the beaches of Morocco as well.

The official languages in Morocco are Arabic and Berber. Not many people speak English in Morocco, so be sure to learn some phrases to enable you to communicate with the locals before your visit. Also, don’t forget to change your currency into Moroccan dirham.

No matter your plans whilst you are in Morocco, it is important that you take out travel insurance to protect yourself against many unforeseen eventualities.

Below is some information about our products, for which Terms & Conditions apply. Please visit the policy information hub for full details. 

Why may I need Travel Insurance for Morocco?

Although purchasing travel insurance for your trip to Morocco isn’t a legal requirement, it should still be viewed as essential for your trip. Having travel insurance means that you are better protected should anything unexpectedly go wrong on your trip.

Many tourists visit Morocco on holiday every year, and most trips are trouble-free. However, it is important to be prepared for unforeseen circumstances once you go on holiday. In Morocco, you should respect the Islamic laws and customs at all times. Find out more about the local laws and customs here.

The risk of a terrorist attack is very likely in Morocco. Because of this, you should be vigilant at all times. Furthermore, tensions across the region may be heightened because of the attack on the coalition and US airstrikes. This has meant a higher risk of threat against Western visitors, including tourists coming from the UK. This is another reason to remain vigilant whilst on your trip to Morocco. It is useful to keep up with developments on these issues by looking at the media and keeping up with travel advice on GOV.uk.

What’s covered with a Travel Insurance policy for Morocco?

Our  Single Trip , Annual Trip , and Backpacker  policies are designed to help protect you when you visit Morocco on holiday. Across our Single Trip and Annual policies, we also offer three levels of cover: Bronze, Silver and Gold. Depending on the level of cover you choose, you’ll be protected against:

• Cancelling or curtailing your trip
• Delayed personal possessions
• Lost, stolen or damaged personal possessions*
• Loss of personal money*
• Emergency medical and associated expenses
• Loss of passport*
• Personal accident cover
• Missed departures
• Delayed departures
• Personal liability
• Legal expenses
• End-supplier failure**
• *Not available with Bronze level cover
• **Only available with Gold level  cover
• Terms and Conditions apply.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Despite Morocco being located in Northern Africa, for travel insurance purposes it is covered within the Europe area of cover.

Check the details of your travel insurance policy to see if Morocco is covered. If you have Europe travel insurance then it is likely that Morocco will be covered under this policy. If you take out a Single Trip policy for your trip to Morocco, then you will be covered for the duration of your trip.

Morocco has a lot to offer and where you choose to visit will depend on what you want from your trip. Here are some of the popular destinations to visit and the exciting things you can expect to see and do there:

Marrakesh: Shopping, food, history and traditional hotels to stay in. Check our guide for the top things to do in Marrakesh .

Fez: History, tradition, mosques, and the Mellah or Jewish Quarter

Essaouira: Beaches, seafood, relaxation

Chefchaouen: Mountain ranges, scenic, arts and crafts, beautiful architecture

Merzouga : Desert stays in the Sahara Desert, camel safaris, sand sports

Some places of Morocco are great to visit all year round, such as the coastal areas with beaches.

However, if you want to go on a holiday and enjoy warm weather go to Morocco during March to May or September to October. It isn’t too hot during this time, allowing you to explore the city or desert more comfortably than in the summer months.

Other popular products from Allianz Assistance

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Priced out of America

Why more and more Americans are deciding that the only way to get ahead is to leave

Amelia Basista and JP Stonestreet call 2015 their "year from hell" — the final straw that sent them packing to South America. Stonestreet was 43 and working as a self-employed web developer when he began experiencing strange nerve pain in his hands, feet, and legs. After a frightening afternoon when he found himself struggling to walk, he got diagnoses of congenital spinal stenosis and degenerative disc disease, conditions that required two major spinal surgeries to correct.

During the nearly yearlong recovery that followed, Stonestreet was unable to work. Basista left her job as a regional sales manager to take a new sales role that allowed her more time at home while her partner recovered, but it came with a significant pay cut. As the couple's income plummeted, Stonestreet's insurance premiums soared to $1,200 a month.

"We realized we couldn't afford the mortgage and the car payments and everything," Stonestreet told me. "The conventional American lifestyle just wasn't in our reach anymore." The couple sold their house in Denver, but that wasn't enough to break even. Over the next year and a half, they hatched an escape plan. In 2017, the pair relocated to Cuenca, Ecuador, and continued working their old jobs remotely. Their monthly expenses dropped by 70%.

Basista and Stonestreet are part of an emerging cohort of Americans who, fed up with the cost of living at home , are seeking a better quality of life elsewhere. They swap advice on Reddit boards like AmerExit (57,000 members) and I Want Out (2 million members), consult with concierge relocation-service providers that cost a few hundred to several thousand dollars a pop, and teach others how to follow in their footsteps. They toss around terms like " geoarbitrage " (the notion of saving money by moving somewhere cheaper) and acronyms like FIRE (short for " financial independence, retire early ," which is equal parts target and mantra).

Some, like Basista and Stonestreet, envision the move as the first step in a long-term plan that ends in a leisurely retirement abroad . Others are drawn to a digital-nomad lifestyle that allows them the flexibility and extra income to travel the world indefinitely on a remote paycheck. Either way, they're moving to save money for the future, to pay off debts , or to afford more of what life has to offer — all while propping up a cottage industry of companies catering to their every need.

It's tricky to know exactly how many Americans have relocated to other countries , let alone the details of when or why. But as of 2023, there were almost 161 million US passports in circulation, one for nearly half of all Americans. (A generation ago, only 10% of Americans had a passport.) The State Department estimated in 2020 that a total of 9 million US citizens lived abroad, up from an estimated 5 million in 2010 — though those numbers include dual citizens born and raised abroad. The nonprofit advocacy group American Citizens Abroad puts the figure closer to 4 million.

Americans work more, vacation less, spend more on healthcare, and die sooner than people in other high-income economies.

We do know, however, that the yearning is there. In a recent poll from Monmouth University, one-third of Americans said they'd like to settle in another country, compared with just 12% who said the same in a 1995 Gallup poll. In InterNation's 2023 survey of 12,000 expats from 172 countries, the US was the country of origin for the largest share of the expats.

The longing to move abroad will likely be unsurprising to anyone who has recently gasped over their weekly grocery bill or chipped in on an acquaintance's medical GoFundMe with a six-figure goal. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the average US household's monthly expenses jumped from $5,111 in 2020 to $6,081 in 2022. In a new Financial Technology Association survey, 61% of American workers indicated they were living paycheck to paycheck.

And for what? Though there's no question that Americans enjoy a higher material standard of living than most of the world, the nation measures poorly against its wealthy Western peers on several quality-of-life indexes: Americans work more , vacation less , spend more on healthcare, and die sooner than people in other high-income economies.

These factors likely explain why some Americans are moving to countries that aren't generally considered low-cost-of-living locales. Data from the global recruitment firm Deel suggests the UK, Germany, Canada, and France are among the top seven international destinations for American job seekers. In places with universal healthcare, government-subsidized childcare, and cultures that encourage a better work-life balance, your dollar can stretch further.

Maliya Fale, a 22-year-old digital nomad and content creator from Minneapolis, had been traveling through Latin America off and on for nearly three years when, in February, she left the US for good. "I'm genuinely going crazy having to live in a toxic American capitalist society," she announced in a TikTok video titled "Moving out of America."

When we spoke in March, Fale was staying in the coastal town of Puerto Morelos, Mexico, and scoping out her next move. She said that living abroad afforded her a degree of flexibility and spontaneity that would be out of reach back home. She supports herself with remote content gigs and follows whichever adventures come her way. "The cost of America is not going to allow me to do that," she told me.

Others who have followed similar paths say they've never looked back. In November 2015, the writer Cristina Johnson packed three suitcases and boarded a one-way flight from Pennsylvania to Belize . Johnson, now 53, has a disability that makes it difficult to hold down enough work to make ends meet in the States. In Belize, where her monthly expenses are a mere $250, Johnson has been able to build a home and save thousands while earning about $1,200 a month as a content-marketing copywriter. "I could not even venture a guess on how much I've saved over the years," she told Business Insider last year, "but even if I saved a million dollars, it would not be as valuable as the mental, emotional, physical, and psychological things I have gained."

It has never been easier for Americans to test international waters — particularly in countries where greenbacks can stretch much further than they would in a typical US city. More than 50 countries offer digital-nomad visas to remote workers able to prove they have enough funds to support themselves. Combine a strong US dollar with the relative ease of obtaining remote and gig-based work through freelancing platforms such as Fiverr and Upwork, and it's no wonder that Americans of all ages are open to weighing their options abroad.

Retirement wasn't even on our radar when we were still in the US.

Among the numerous companies that have cropped up to meet the burgeoning demand is Mexico Relocation Guide, based in Austin. Founded in 2019 by the husband-and-wife duo of Mariana and Dustin Lange, the company sells relocation guidebooks geared toward Americans who are interested in retiring early or reducing their cost of living without compromising on lifestyle.

"We are very careful not to give the false idea that people are going to live like kings on pennies, because that's not the case," Mariana Lange told me. "But people do see that they can increase their quality of life for the same amount, or even a lower amount, of money." She said that while some farther-flung destinations offer greater bang per buck than Mexico, her clientele of mostly 40-plus Americans see the country's relative proximity to their family and friends back home as a fair trade-off. Some are even able to keep seeing their primary-care providers in the US after they move. Since the pandemic lockdowns have subsided, Lange's business has boomed.

Business owners in other arenas have similarly taken note of the expanding global expat population. Mark Zoril, the North Carolina-based founder of the financial-planning firm PlanVision, began working with expat clients eight or nine years ago, helping them manage cross-border assets and save for the future while living abroad. Today, thanks in part to a high-profile endorsement from Andrew Hallam, the author of "Millionaire Expat," these clients account for a significant proportion of his company's business.

Zoril said most of his clients planned to remain abroad indefinitely, largely because of the high cost of returning. "They just haven't accumulated a lot of assets during their working years," he told me. "And so for them to come back to the States would be a challenge." He identified Central America, Portugal, and Spain as particularly popular destinations because of their relatively low costs of living and mild climates.

Though he hasn't noticed a change in the demographic makeup of his expat clientele — people in their 30s and 40s who don't have large savings and are working to support themselves — Zoril said that in recent years these customers have generally become savvier about researching and weighing their options, learning online about "where they can live inexpensively, how they can access cash, and how they can invest." He added: "They can join social communities with other people that are also living this way. They have a better support network of people they can reach out to and learn from before they go."

Expat life does come with its share of potential downsides. A lower cost of living often means significantly reduced earnings, which can impede someone's financial ability to return home. Cultural differences and language barriers add a layer of complexity and a risk of alienation .

For the people whose towns and neighborhoods have recently transformed into expat hot spots , the dynamic is especially fraught. On a visit to Lisbon this February, I was shocked by the relatively few locals I saw in the city's center, where swaths of housing have been gobbled up by foreign investors and absorbed into a short-term-rental market catering to international tourists, expat settlers, and waves of digital nomads . With residential-property costs up by nearly 30% over the past five years, both old and new residents of the Portuguese capital are feeling the squeeze.

Other expat destinations pose challenges of their own. Amid political unrest in Ecuador, Stonestreet and Basista swapped their adopted home for a semi-nomadic "slow travel" lifestyle in Europe. They don't regret leaving America, though. From their temporary perch in Tirana, Albania, the couple told me via WhatsApp that their only regret about moving abroad was not doing it sooner. Within three years of leaving the US, they said, they were able to pay off $60,000 in consumer debt and double down on saving for retirement.

"Retirement wasn't even on our radar when we were still in the US," Stonestreet told me. "We just assumed we'd work till we dropped. But life is short. Tomorrow's not guaranteed."

Kelli María Korducki  is a journalist whose work focuses on work, tech, and culture. She's based in New York City.

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Careem Pay launches international remittance to the UK

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Customers can transfer up to Dh45k in single transaction, up to Dh135k monthly

Careem Pay, the digital wallet and fintech platform within the Careem Everything App, expands its international remittance services to include ‘Faster Payments’ to the United Kingdom for residents of the UAE.

The new UK remittance service enables customers in the UAE to send money to UK bank accounts using the recipient bank account number and sort code, or the IBAN, allowing remiitors to transfer up to Dh45,000 in a single transaction and up to Dh135,000 monthly.

Mohammad El Saadi, VP of Careem Pay, commented: “Our UK remittance service will be particularly helpful for anyone who makes consistent transfers to the UK, be it to support families back home, make mortgage payments or contribute to other personal investments.”

There are approximately 240,000 British expats residing in the UAE as of 2023. The UK received over $2.9 billion from the UAE in less than one year. The Careem Pay international remittance service to India and Pakistan has been adopted by expats across the UAE.

To initiate an international transfer, customers can download the Careem app and select the Global transfer button within the Careem Pay section. Customers can open or download Careem from the App Store, Google Play, or via direct Android download.

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