When you’re away from your nation of birth – whether temporarily or for good – it’s more important than ever to make sure you’re fully covered in terms of health, possessions and liability in both your new country of choice and also for any side trips or holidays you take. This site, written by an expatriate for expatriates, will set you in the right direction.
Are you an expat over 70 years of age? If so, you might struggle to get cover from the "usual" insurers. All too frequently their policies run out at 65 or 69, so the best thing to do is to get quotes from a specialist insurer who caters specifically for senior citizens. Help is at hand - check out Holiday Insurance Over 70 for a printable list of several UK-based companies that will be able to cover you.
Coverage can come in all manner of different flavours, depending on how it is packaged up by the different companies, so it is vital that you read the small print to check what you're buying is what you expect. For temporary or short-term stays abroad, such as to work, study or simply a period of holidaying or residing abroad with an expectation of arriving you can usually find a policy offered by one of the major brand insurers that suits your needs, whether it's working holiday insurance, study abroad insurance or just general travel cover.
If you're looking at a long-term or even permanent move abroad, however, it's worth checking out the smaller, more specialist insurers who cater to expats. As well as those operating in your own country, you may find companies in your new country of residence that offer competitive policies to fit your needs; however, with this may come language complications if the country you have moved to is not a native English-speaking country, and it is vital to read thoroughly any contracts, agreements or policies before signing anything. If you proceed down the route of finding a local insurer, ensure you understand everything before you sign up - get a native speaker to help if required.
Long-termers may benefit better from medical insurance for expats. A number of established companies offer specific medical cover to replace that offered in their native countries. These policies are generally more substantial than the health coverage offered on standard travel insurance policies.
Age is also another factor to consider. If you are emigrating after having retired, standard policies offered by the large underwriters may not cover you. Check the age limitations on any policy before signing up to it. Many smaller insurers put together specialist cover packages for senior citizens; these may be a better fit for you.
If you're looking at a long-term or even permanent move abroad, however, it's worth checking out the smaller, more specialist insurers who cater to expats. As well as those operating in your own country, you may find companies in your new country of residence that offer competitive policies to fit your needs; however, with this may come language complications if the country you have moved to is not a native English-speaking country, and it is vital to read thoroughly any contracts, agreements or policies before signing anything. If you proceed down the route of finding a local insurer, ensure you understand everything before you sign up - get a native speaker to help if required.
Long-termers may benefit better from medical insurance for expats. A number of established companies offer specific medical cover to replace that offered in their native countries. These policies are generally more substantial than the health coverage offered on standard travel insurance policies.
Age is also another factor to consider. If you are emigrating after having retired, standard policies offered by the large underwriters may not cover you. Check the age limitations on any policy before signing up to it. Many smaller insurers put together specialist cover packages for senior citizens; these may be a better fit for you.