Health insurance when working abroad
How to get your health cover in the bag, no matter where your career takes you.
Why do you need health insurance while abroad?
When you work in another country, you might assume that your UK health insurance or the NHS will cover you. Unfortunately, that's not always the case. While the NHS may cover some emergency medical expenses abroad, this varies depending on where you're working and the nature of your trip.
In some countries, you may not be able to access public healthcare at all, or you may have to pay high costs upfront. In others, there may be limited coverage or waiting lists for treatment. Having the right cover means you're protected and helps you avoid unexpected medical bills that could leave you out of pocket.
For example:
If you're heading to the USA, healthcare is notoriously expensive. A routine doctor's visit can cost hundreds of pounds, and an emergency hospital visit could cost thousands. Without the right insurance, you could be stuck paying for it all yourself.
Health insurance can also offer peace of mind in countries where access to healthcare is limited or where you don't speak the language.
Types of health insurance for working abroad
There are a few types of health insurance you can consider when working abroad - here are the main options:
Travel insurance
If you're only going abroad for a short-term assignment, travel insurance might be enough. This typically covers you for medical emergencies, accidents, and sometimes your expenses if you need to return to the UK for treatment. While you're working abroad, travel insurance can also cover things like lost baggage or cancelled flights.
Expatriate health insurance
Expatriate health insurance is designed for those who live and work abroad for longer periods. It offers more comprehensive cover than standard travel insurance and is ideal when you're abroad long-term. It can include emergency care as well as routine doctor visits, hospital stays, and sometimes dental and eye care.
Local health insurance
Some countries have public healthcare systems you need to buy into or pay for with insurance through your employer. In countries like Germany and France, for instance, health insurance is mandatory, and you'll need to pay into their system if you're working there. In some cases, employers may provide insurance as part of your contract.
Choosing the right health insurance plan
Choosing the right policy can be tricky, especially with so many options out there. Before you commit, ask yourself the following:
What's covered?
Make sure you understand exactly what your insurance policy covers. Some plans only cover emergency medical treatment, while others cover a wide range of services including doctor's visits, maternity care, mental health services, and dental care. Check the details before committing to make sure you get the level you need.
For example:
If you're planning to stay abroad long-term, you might want a plan that covers more than just emergency medical care. Regular check-ups or further treatment might be essential, depending on your health needs.
Is it valid in multiple countries?
If you're planning to work in more than one country, you'll need to check that your insurance covers you wherever you go. Some policies are limited to specific countries or regions, so if you're moving between several places, make sure the provider has global coverage or covers the regions you'll be working in.
For example:
Let's say you're moving from the UK to France and then on to the UAE for work - a global health insurance plan will cover you wherever you go, whereas a plan specific to one country may not.
What about cost and excess?
Like any type of insurance, health insurance for working abroad comes with a price tag. The cost can vary depending on factors like the level of coverage, your age, and where you're working. Be sure to compare costs and check the excess (the amount you'll need to pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in) to make sure you're getting good value for money.
Tip: For working in the USA, you might find that a full expatriate health plan costs more than a basic travel plan. But if it saves you from large medical bills later on, it could be worth the extra investment.
Summing up
Getting health insurance when you're working abroad means you're properly covered in case of illness or injury. Whether you choose travel insurance for a short-term stint, expatriate health insurance for a long-term move, or buy into the local system, it's important to understand your options and choose the plan that suits you best.
Don't leave your health to chance - make sure you're covered before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my UK health insurance when working abroad?
It depends on where you are. The NHS will cover you for some medical treatments abroad, but this is limited and varies from country to country. For long-term stays, you may need private or local health insurance.
Can I use my UK health insurance when working abroad?
It depends on where you are. The NHS will cover you for some medical treatments abroad, but this is limited and varies from country to country. For long-term stays, you may need private or local health insurance.
Can I use my UK health insurance when working abroad?
It depends on where you are. The NHS will cover you for some medical treatments abroad, but this is limited and varies from country to country. For long-term stays, you may need private or local health insurance.
Can I use my UK health insurance when working abroad?
It depends on where you are. The NHS will cover you for some medical treatments abroad, but this is limited and varies from country to country. For long-term stays, you may need private or local health insurance.
Do I need health insurance if my employer provides it?
If your employer offers health insurance as part of your contract, make sure to check what's covered. Employer-provided insurance may not cover everything you need, so consider topping it up with additional personal coverage if necessary.
Do I need health insurance if my employer provides it?
If your employer offers health insurance as part of your contract, make sure to check what's covered. Employer-provided insurance may not cover everything you need, so consider topping it up with additional personal coverage if necessary.
Do I need health insurance if my employer provides it?
If your employer offers health insurance as part of your contract, make sure to check what's covered. Employer-provided insurance may not cover everything you need, so consider topping it up with additional personal coverage if necessary.
Do I need health insurance if my employer provides it?
If your employer offers health insurance as part of your contract, make sure to check what's covered. Employer-provided insurance may not cover everything you need, so consider topping it up with additional personal coverage if necessary.
How much does health insurance cost when working abroad?
The cost of international health insurance varies based on factors like your destination, the type of coverage, your age, and any pre-existing medical conditions. If you'll be doing heavy manual labour or construction work while working abroad, insurance will likely cost you more than for lower-risk jobs.
How much does health insurance cost when working abroad?
The cost of international health insurance varies based on factors like your destination, the type of coverage, your age, and any pre-existing medical conditions. If you'll be doing heavy manual labour or construction work while working abroad, insurance will likely cost you more than for lower-risk jobs.
How much does health insurance cost when working abroad?
The cost of international health insurance varies based on factors like your destination, the type of coverage, your age, and any pre-existing medical conditions. If you'll be doing heavy manual labour or construction work while working abroad, insurance will likely cost you more than for lower-risk jobs.
How much does health insurance cost when working abroad?
The cost of international health insurance varies based on factors like your destination, the type of coverage, your age, and any pre-existing medical conditions. If you'll be doing heavy manual labour or construction work while working abroad, insurance will likely cost you more than for lower-risk jobs.
How much does health insurance cost when working abroad?
The cost of international health insurance varies based on factors like your destination, the type of coverage, your age, and any pre-existing medical conditions. If you'll be doing heavy manual labour or construction work while working abroad, insurance will likely cost you more than for lower-risk jobs.
What's a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)?
You may be eligible to use a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) if you’ll be working temporarily in the EU and still paying NI. These cards give you access to free or cheaper treatment if it can't wait until you return to your home country.
What's a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)?
You may be eligible to use a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) if you’ll be working temporarily in the EU and still paying NI. These cards give you access to free or cheaper treatment if it can't wait until you return to your home country.
What's a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)?
You may be eligible to use a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) if you’ll be working temporarily in the EU and still paying NI. These cards give you access to free or cheaper treatment if it can't wait until you return to your home country.
What's a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)?
You may be eligible to use a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) if you’ll be working temporarily in the EU and still paying NI. These cards give you access to free or cheaper treatment if it can't wait until you return to your home country.
About the author
Lawrence Howlett
Lawrence Howlett brings a results-driven mindset to his writing, shaped by over a decade of experience across finance, legal, and energy sectors. As the founder of Moneysavingadvisors, he’s built a reputation for turning complex financial concepts into clear, actionable insights for consumers. His writing stands out for its clarity, structure, and focus on delivering value.
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