What is the difference between international health insurance and travel insurance?

International health insurance is designed for long-term stays abroad, offering comprehensive coverage for everyday medical care, specialist visits, and ongoing conditions. Travel insurance is intended for short trips and usually only covers emergency medical treatment until you can return home.

Can I get international health insurance with pre-existing conditions?

Yes, but getting coverage for pre-existing conditions can be complex. Some insurers may exclude them entirely, while others might offer coverage after a qualifying period or for an additional premium. We will guide you through the underwriting options.

Does international health insurance cover me in the United States?

Medical treatment in the US is extremely expensive, so most standard international plans exclude it to keep premiums lower. However, you can choose to include US coverage if you live there or want the option to receive treatment there. This will significantly increase the cost.

Can I cover my family on an international health insurance plan?

Yes. Many insurers offer comprehensive family plans that include benefits specifically for families, such as maternity care, paediatric visits, and routine vaccinations. We can help tailor a policy to protect your entire family.

What happens if I need emergency medical evacuation?

Emergency evacuation and repatriation are core benefits of most international plans. If the local medical facilities cannot provide the necessary treatment, your insurer will cover the cost of transporting you to the nearest suitable facility or back to your home country.

Can I keep my international health insurance if I return to the UK?

Yes, most international health insurance plans are portable. You can usually maintain your coverage when returning to the UK or moving to another country, though your premium may be adjusted based on your new location.

Do you charge for your advice?

No. Our advice is completely free. We are paid by the insurer when you take out a policy. There is no extra cost to you, and the price you pay is the same as going directly to the insurer.

YOUR HEALTH. OUR GUIDANCE.

International Private Health Insurance

Q: How much does international health insurance cost?

Costs vary significantly based on your age, country of residence, the level of cover, and your chosen deductible. Living in countries with high healthcare costs, such as the United States or Hong Kong, will increase your premium. We compare plans to find the best value for your budget.

Premium global health cover for expats, international families, and business travellers, wherever life takes you.

GET EXPERT ADVICE

Understanding International Cover

What is International Health Insurance?

International health insurance is designed for people living, working, or retiring abroad. It covers the cost of private medical treatment worldwide.

Unlike travel insurance which is for short trips and emergencies, international health insurance provides long-term comprehensive cover. It is essential for expats, international families, and globally mobile professionals who need reliable access to high-quality healthcare outside their home country.

Speak To An Expert

How It Works

How International Health Insurance Works

We guide you through selecting and setting up the right global health cover. Here is the typical journey.

Needs Assessment

We review your destination, lifestyle, family situation and medical needs to recommend the right level of cover.

Policy Design

We compare plans from leading international insurers, tailoring benefits, excesses and coverage areas to match your requirements.

Global Access

Once covered, you can access private hospitals, specialists and emergency services across your chosen regions worldwide.

Global Hospital Networks

Access thousands of private hospitals and clinics worldwide through established insurer networks.

Direct Billing

Many plans offer direct settlement with hospitals, so you do not need to pay upfront and claim back.

Emergency Evacuation

If local facilities cannot treat your condition, evacuation to the nearest suitable medical facility is covered.

Repatriation

Coverage for medical transport back to your home country for treatment or recovery when needed.

Coverage For Every Lifestyle

Who Needs International Cover?

Expat Professionals

Comprehensive health cover for professionals relocating abroad. Ensure continuity of care wherever your career takes you.

International Families

Protect your family with plans that include paediatric care, maternity benefits and global access to specialists.

Retirees Abroad

Reliable health cover for those enjoying retirement overseas. Priority access to emergency care and specialist treatment.

Digital Nomads & Remote Workers

Flexible plans for location-independent professionals. Basic to comprehensive cover that follows you across borders.

Businesses With Global Teams

Group international health insurance for companies with employees stationed or travelling overseas.

The Benefits

Why Choose International Health Insurance?

Worldwide Coverage

Access quality private healthcare in your country of residence and across your chosen regions globally.

Inpatient & Outpatient

Comprehensive cover for hospital stays, specialist consultations, diagnostic scans and day-case procedures.

Maternity & Family Cover

Many plans include pregnancy, childbirth and newborn care, plus paediatric cover for children.

Mental Health Support

Access to counselling, psychiatric consultations and mental health treatment programmes abroad.

Pre-Existing Condition Options

Some international insurers offer cover for pre-existing conditions after qualifying periods or with adjusted premiums.

24/7 Assistance

Round-the-clock multilingual support lines for medical emergencies and claims guidance, wherever you are.

Understanding Costs

How International Health Insurance Premiums Work

International health insurance costs vary significantly based on a number of key factors. Living in countries with high healthcare costs, such as the United States, Hong Kong or Singapore, will increase your premium.

Key factors that influence your costs include:

Your age and the ages of any dependants
Your country of residence and the regions you need covered
The level of cover chosen (inpatient only vs comprehensive)
Your chosen deductible or excess amount
Whether you include or exclude the United States

Note: US coverage significantly increases premiums. Many expats choose plans that exclude the US to reduce costs if they do not plan to receive care there.

Sky Garden observation deck with panoramic city views

What's Not Covered

Common Exclusions to Be Aware Of

Like all insurance, international health policies have exclusions. Understanding these helps you make an informed decision.

Pre-existing conditions (at policy start)

Cosmetic and elective procedures

Treatment related to substance abuse

Hazardous or professional sports injuries

Experimental or unapproved treatments

Self-inflicted injuries

Routine dental (unless added)

Fertility treatment

Exclusions vary between insurers and plan levels. Some conditions may be covered after qualifying periods or with specialist underwriting. We will explain exactly what is and is not included for each plan we recommend.

Global Reach

Key Regions We Arrange Cover For

Whether you are relocating within Europe, moving to the Middle East, or retiring in Southeast Asia, we arrange cover across all major regions.

Europe

Comprehensive

Comprehensive cover across all EU and EEA countries. Popular with UK expats in Spain, France, Portugal and Cyprus.

Middle East & Africa

Tailored

Cover for expats in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and across the African continent.

Asia Pacific

Flexible

Plans covering Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand and the wider Pacific region.

Americas

Optional US

Cover across North, Central and South America. US coverage available but impacts premiums significantly.

Worldwide

Global

Full global coverage with no geographical restrictions, including or excluding the United States.

Discuss Your Region

Your Independent Adviser

Why Choose Elective Health?

We understand that moving abroad brings unique challenges. We take the time to understand your lifestyle, your destination, and your health needs before recommending the right international insurance solution.

Independent, whole-of-market comparison
Specialist expertise in international and expat cover
Free advice. No cost, no obligation
Ongoing support through renewals, claims and relocations
Deal directly with Kingsley and Louis. No call centres
5.0 stars on Google from 42 independent reviews

Get Free Expert Advice

0.0 Stars based on 0 Google Reviews

What Our Clients Say

Don't just take our word for it. Here's what our clients have to say about their experience.

"Louis from Elective Health was friendly, easy to deal with, factual, knowledgeable and professional throughout the process of understanding my Private Medical Insurance needs and the application process itself. Thank you Louis."

— Lee Fisher

"Great communication from the team at Elective Health. Renewal of our company health insurance went smoothly, with a few options to review, which were fully explained prior to finalising this years insurance. Thank you Louis 👍"

— Robert Luther

"Louis is professional, friendly, knowledgable and does what he says he will. Great service, very pleased with his care and consideration when arranging our healthcare. Usually sceptical of using brokers but glad I chose to use Elective Health. Great service. Would recommend. 👍"

— Jane Kirby

"I was referred to Louis from a friend, and the service I have recieved has been exemplary. Its important to shop around, and after being wrongly advised by another broker, Louis not only found a policy for someone like me, who is a small business owner, but also saved me over £100 across the year. Excellent service and i can't recommend Louis enough!"

— Liz Murray

"Louis has looked after our health insurance for the past five years and he's been outstanding. Always helpful, always responsive, and genuinely invested in making everything easy for us. His support has been invaluable. We couldn't recommend him more. Thank you, Louis."

— Lauren Hooper-Willis

"Just renewed my personal and business health cover with Louis. Very responsive with my queries and all setup in no time. Highly recommend."

— Ramin Scobie

"We found Kingsley to be most helpful, supportive and professional in the organisation of our health insurance and during the renewal process. We wouldn't hesitate to recommend him."

— Meryl Thompson

"Amazing highly professional and very personal service - could not ask for more - have recommended friends and associates to contact Kingsley - they were also not disappointed"

— Dennis Conway

"We've been working with Louis and the Elective Health team for our company health insurance and the whole experience has been seamless start to finish. Louis is friendly, reliable and incredibly fast at getting things done. The team are brilliant at translating the technical jargon so I actually understand what we're signing up for. I'll never use anyone else!"

— Becca Carslaw

"Kingsley had been my adviser for years. The service and quality of advice is excellent and I can highly recommend. Kingsley gives you considered advice based on YOUR needs and his knowledge of the medical insurance market makes him a very solid pair of hands to manage your requirements."

— Jane Elder

"I found dealing with Elective Health an unusually positive experience.. The efficiency, knowledge and courtesy was A1. Most importantly, I was given an amazing deal which saved me money whilst providing more comprehensive cover. I wouldn't hesitate in recommending them to others."

— Frank Lewis

"Louis and Kingsley are totally top notch! they are professional, friendly, knowledgeable and a total pleasure to deal with. They also get fantastic deals! I would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending them."

— Alison King

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to discuss your international cover?

Get expert advice for you, your family, or your business abroad.

Get In Touch