International Private Medical insurance or IPMI is also known as Expat Health insurance and comes in many forms.
1. Introduction: Moving Abroad Comes With New Healthcare Risks
At Expatinsure.com, we know all about what relocating to another country is like—whether for work, retirement, or a new lifestyle—it really does mean more than just packing your bags. It also means leaving your home country’s health system. Expat health insurance (also called International Private Medical Insurance, or IPMI) is designed to protect you financially and medically when local coverage falls short. And at www.expatinsure.com, that’s all we do. We are not only experts in this field, but we have all been or are expats in our own right.
2. Understanding Expat Health Insurance
International Private Medical Insurance or Expat health insurance is a comprehensive, portable medical policy for people living outside their country of citizenship or long-term residence. If you are from the UK, it’s a bit like having a private NHS in your wallet. So, IPMI can also be used for people who live in the UK and are looking for a fast and easy access to private healthcare as well.
Key characteristics:
– Worldwide coverage (or regional, e.g., Europe-only)
– Choice of hospitals and doctors, often with direct billing
– Ongoing care for chronic conditions—not just emergencies
Tip: Think of it as your personal, private healthcare system that travels with you like the NHS in the UK or other European countries where healthcare is free at point of delivery.
3. Why Expat Health Insurance Is Essential
There are a number of reasons why International Private Medical Insurance is critical and indeed mandated by some countries like France and Spain in Europe.
3.1 Legal Requirements and Visa Compliance
– Many destinations—e.g., UAE, Singapore, parts of the EU—require proof of adequate medical coverage before granting residency visas, this will also cover things like no waiting times or moratoriums and evacuation/repatriation back to the home country of the person covered.
– Having an approved IPMI policy avoids delays or rejection.
At www.expatinsure.com, we know what is generally required for IPMI or Expat health insurance and can help you find the right type of coverage.
3.2 Protection from High Medical Costs
– A single hospital stay in the U.S. or Singapore can exceed $10,000 per day.
– Even countries with public healthcare may charge non-residents full rates.
In the UK for example, if you are visiting or living and don’t have this type of cover, you may have a very large bill to deal with, if an emergency occurs and you are not covered by an Expat Health Insurance policy.
3.3 Access to Quality Care Worldwide
– Private hospital networks and English-speaking doctors
– Shorter waiting times and better continuity of care
Just because you have moved to a country, it doesn’t mean you want to stay just in that country. Many of the ExpatInsure customers travel the world extensively and even those that just visit their home country 3 or 4 times a year benefit from an IPMI policy as it can cover them anywhere they travel without having to notify or top up their cover. Always check with your provider where you are covered.
3.4 Peace of Mind for Families and Employers
– Covers dependents and employees
– Simplifies medical evacuation or repatriation in serious emergencies
4. How International Private Medical Insurance Differs from Travel Insurance
Now, one of the common questions we get asked at www.expatinsure.com is what is the difference between Travel and Health insurance. The following table gives you a summary of what the key differences are:
| Feature | Expat Health Insurance | Travel Insurance |
| Duration | 6 months+ | Typically <90 days |
| Coverage | Comprehensive: inpatient, outpatient, chronic care | Emergency accidents & trip interruptions |
| Renewability | Annual, renewable | Per trip or limited period |
| Purpose | Long-term living/working abroad | Short-term vacation or business trips |
| Visa | Yes | No |
- Key Benefits and Options of an IPMI policy bought through www.expatinsure.com
5.1 Core Medical Cover
There are always options in life, and IPMI is no exception. Before you start looking for your IPMI policy, always think about what you are really looking for in a policy. It’s a good idea to create a list and speak to your borker about what your needs are so they can match it against the policies available. At ExpatInsure.com we use AI to help us do this – there are over 100 different products on the market right now and we try and get the best coverage for you wherever you are moving to.
– Hospitalisation & surgery
– Outpatient visits and diagnostics
– Cancer & chronic disease management
5.2 Optional Add-ons
– Maternity and newborn care
– Dental and vision
– Wellness & preventive screenings
– Medical evacuation and repatriation
5.3 Worldwide or Regional Coverage
Its important to work out where you are going to move to and what sort of coverage you want at home as well. As expats, we are often leaving parents or children (not the young ones hopefully!) back home and having healthcare care insurance that covers you anywhere in the world is critical. Some insurers offer 2 country solutions and others will cover you regionally, always talk to your broker about your needs.
– Choose Worldwide including USA (higher cost) or Worldwide excluding USA.
6. Cost Factors and How Premiums Are Calculated
Now, this is where www.expatinsure.com comes in to its own. With some brokers, you will find it can take days or even weeks to come up with prices. Here at www.expatinsure.com, we are the only broker that covers, UK, US and Europe who can give you a price instantly.
Typical annual premiums range from $2,000 to $10,000+, depending on:
– Age and health status
– Country of residence and treatment costs
– Coverage level (basic vs. comprehensive)
– Deductibles/Excess and co-insurance choices
Remember all the major insurers offer monthly payment schemes as well
A good Saving tip: Higher deductibles lower monthly premiums.
7. Steps to Choose the Right Policy
We always take you through the following:
1. Assess your needs – location, family size, lifestyle.
2. Compare multiple quotes – use reputable comparison platforms.
3. Check the network – hospitals and doctors available.
4. Read exclusions carefully – pre-existing conditions, waiting periods.
5. Review renewability and portability – especially if you may move again.
8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Don’t forget we have hundreds of articles on our site telling you about how to get the most out of your IPMI and expat adventure. If you can’t find it, just set up a meeting for a free, no obligation chat.
Q1: Can I buy a policy after moving abroad?
Yes, but you may face waiting periods and medical underwriting.
Q2: Are pre-existing conditions covered?
It depends on the insurer; some accept with a premium load, others exclude.
Q3: What if I relocate to another country?
Most expat policies are portable—notify your insurer to update premiums.
Q4: Is telemedicine included?
Many modern plans now offer 24/7 virtual GP services.
9. Key Takeaways
– Expat health insurance is long-term, comprehensive medical coverage for people living outside their home country.
– It protects against huge hospital bills, satisfies visa rules, and gives freedom of care anywhere in the world.
– Compare policies carefully—look for portability, network strength, and clear exclusions.
10. Call to Action
Thinking about moving abroad?
Start with a personalised quote from reputable expat health insurers or comparison platforms such as ExpatInsure.com to find a plan that fits your lifestyle and budget.