Standard UK travel insurance rarely protects British people who live abroad full-time. Expats need policies that cover multiple countries, flexible trip durations and access to medical care worldwide. This guide explains the key differences, warns against cold-call offers and highlights how to find legitimate expat travel insurance.
Travel insurance can seem like a simple purchase, but for British people living abroad, standard policies often fail to provide the right protection. Whether you’re visiting family in the UK, travelling between countries, or returning home for good, it’s important to have insurance designed for your actual residency and lifestyle, not just for short-term holidays.
This guide explains how travel insurance works for expats, how it differs from ordinary tourist policies, and what to look out for when choosing the right cover.
The information in this article is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Policy features and eligibility vary between providers. Always read the terms and if you’re in doubt you should consult a qualified insurance specialist before purchasing cover.
Most mainstream UK travel insurance products are designed for UK residents taking short trips abroad. They typically require that:
For expats, these conditions often mean that a standard policy is invalid. Even if it initially appears to provide cover, claims can be refused on the basis of residency or trip duration. That’s why expats need travel insurance specifically designed for people living outside the UK.
Expat travel insurance is designed for people who live abroad for an extended period or permanently. It can provide:
However, most expats also need to consider whether travel insurance alone is enough, especially if they spend long periods abroad.
A frequent source of confusion is the difference between travel insurance and health insurance.
Many expats need both types of protection: health insurance for everyday life, and travel insurance for temporary trips or visits home.
If you have ongoing health issues, it’s essential to disclose them before purchasing a policy. Some specialist providers offer travel insurance for people with pre-existing conditions, but exclusions may apply.
Failure to declare conditions accurately can invalidate a claim, so full transparency is vital.
If you’re visiting family or friends in the UK, check that your policy includes cover for temporary visits to your home country. Many expat-specific insurers will include short visits to the UK within their standard annual policy, but not all do.
If you’ve lived abroad for more than 12 months, most UK insurers will treat you as a non-resident, meaning standard travel cover will not apply.
Expats often travel between several destinations, for example, between their country of residence, the UK and other European or international locations. If this applies to you it’s important to choose a policy that allows for:
Be extremely cautious if you receive unsolicited calls or messages offering travel or medical cover. Unregulated introducers frequently target expats with promises of “global” policies that don’t meet regulatory standards or pay out in emergencies.
Before purchasing, always verify that the insurer is authorised in your country of residence and regulated in the UK or EU.
If the approach came via cold call, email, or social media message it’s best to avoid it entirely and seek advice or quotes independently.
There are situations where travel insurance alone is insufficient:
When comparing policies, focus on:
A specialist adviser can help interpret policy terms and identify the right provider for your needs.
You should seek professional advice if:
Yes. Standard UK travel insurance usually only covers people who live in the UK and whose trips start and end there. British expats living abroad need policies designed for long-term or multi-country travel.
In most cases, no. Standard policies require UK residency and registration with a UK GP. If you have moved abroad permanently, your cover is likely to be invalid.
Travel insurance covers emergency treatment, but not ongoing or routine care. For regular healthcare, you will need international health insurance or local cover in your country of residence.
Be cautious. Unsolicited calls or messages about expat or travel insurance are often from unregulated introducers. Never share financial information and only buy from verified, regulated providers.
Travel insurance covers short-term trips and emergencies. International health insurance provides ongoing medical cover where you live. Many expats need both types of policy.
We suggest getting a quote from our trusted partner The Expatriate Group, who offer travel and international health insurance designed for British people living abroad.
You can get a quote directly using the link below: Get a quote from The Expatriate Group
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If you choose to get a quote through The Expatriate Group using the link above, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support the continued publication of our free guides and expat resources.
