Understanding International Private Medical Insurance (IPMI)

International Private Medical Insurance (IPMI) is a type of coverage that businesses can offer to employees who are living or working outside of their home country, such as remote workers or those based in international offices. Similar to Private Medical Insurance (PMI) in the UK, IPMI policies typically offer access to GP appointments, specialist consultations, diagnostic tests, and treatments in private healthcare facilities. Some IPMI policies may also cover additional services, such as pregnancy and childbirth, as well as dental and optical care. Coverage varies depending on the insurer and the selected policy level.

For businesses with remote workers or international offices, offering International Private Medical Insurance (IPMI) can be a valuable benefit. It addresses concerns about the potential high costs of local healthcare or the challenges of self-funding medical expenses abroad. By providing IPMI, businesses can enhance employee well-being, which in turn helps attract and retain top talent. In this article, we’ll explore the key elements of IPMI, from underwriting options to the claims process, and show how this benefit can support your employees' health and peace of mind.

The Difference Between Travel Insurance and IPMI

It is important to distinguish between IPMI and travel insurance, as they serve different purposes. While both provide health-related cover, IPMI is designed for individuals living or working abroad, offering long-term healthcare coverage. It typically provides access to private healthcare facilities in multiple countries (though some regions may be excluded—it's important to check with your provider), usually covering essential services such as GP appointments, outpatient care, and private hospital treatment. This makes IPMI ideal for expatriates or employees working abroad for extended periods.

In contrast, travel insurance is generally short-term and focused on protecting travellers during trips. While it may include some medical coverage for emergencies or repatriation, it does not usually offer the same level of comprehensive, long-term care that IPMI provides.

Main Providers and Minimum Employee Requirements

When choosing an IPMI provider, it is important to review the policy benefits, limits, underwriting type, and the geographical areas covered, to ensure it meets your requirements. You may want to consult a regulated broker to explore a range of insurers, including those we work with:

• Allianz

• April International

• AXA Global

• Bupa Global

• Healthcare International

• IMG Global

• Morgan Price

• Now Health

• United Healthcare Global

  
  

The minimum number of employees required to set up an IPMI policy can vary by provider. Some insurers offer plans for as few as two employees, while others may have higher minimum requirements. If you have fewer than 2 employees, individual IPMI coverage options may still be available.

Underwriting Types

Underwriting is a key element when setting up or renewing an IPMI policy. There are three main types of underwriting:

1. Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): Each member on the policy, including family members, must provide information about their medical history before being added. Based on this information, the insurer may apply exclusions for certain conditions. These exclusions are typically reviewed after two to five years and may be lifted if the condition improves.

   
   

2. Medical History Disregarded (MHD): This option provides coverage for all eligible medical conditions from day one, regardless of the employee's medical history. It can be especially beneficial for those with pre-existing conditions that would not typically be covered under other underwriting types. Generally, a minimum of five employees is required for MHD.

   
   

3. Waiting Period Underwriting: Typically, under this type, pre-existing conditions and related conditions are not covered for a set period (usually 12 months or more). After this period, coverage for eligible pre-existing conditions becomes available automatically. There is usually no minimum employee requirement for this option.

   
   

It’s important to note that different underwriting types can impact the premium you pay, as each type represents a different level of risk to the insurer. Since MHD underwriting generally carries the highest risk, this is often reflected in the quoted premium.

Pricing and Coverage Levels

IPMI typically costs more than UK-based PMI due to several factors:

• Global Coverage: IPMI may cover medical expenses across multiple countries, often including emergency evacuation and repatriation, which can contribute to higher premiums. This broad geographical coverage tends to make IPMI more expensive compared to UK-only policies, which are limited to healthcare within the UK.

  
  

• Varying Healthcare Costs: Healthcare costs can vary significantly between countries. In some regions, medical treatment can be more expensive, which may impact the cost of premiums. Insurers need to consider the potential for higher medical expenses in certain locations, such as the U.S. or Switzerland.

  
  

• Comprehensive Benefits: IPMI policies often include a broader range of benefits, such as pregnancy and childbirth, dental and optical care, private GP appointments, and wellness services. However, these benefits may not always be included in your policy, so it's important to check with your insurer for details specific to your situation.

  
  

• Absence of Universal Healthcare: In the UK, private medical insurance works alongside the National Health Service (NHS), which typically covers a broad range of healthcare services, including primary care and emergency treatment. This reduces the insurer's risk. However, international insurers do not have the benefit of universal healthcare systems in many countries, which may contribute to higher premiums, as they must cover a wider range of healthcare costs.

  
  

Setting Up and Managing Your Policy

Setting up an IPMI policy can be more complex than other employee benefits. Depending on the underwriting type, employees may need to complete medical declarations, and the group administrator will typically need to fill out and sign multiple forms. Once the policy is set up, the group administrator will usually have access to the insurer’s online portal to manage the policy and access key documents. Members may also have their own portals to view their coverage, limits, and claims information.

When setting up your IPMI policy, it's essential to ensure that the coverage, geographical areas, and underwriting are tailored to your business’s needs. A regulated broker can assist in managing the process and help ensure that everything is set up correctly.

Making a Claim

The claims process can vary depending on the insurer, country, and type of claim. It’s advisable to contact your insurer before making a claim to confirm eligibility and obtain any necessary approvals. Familiarise yourself with your policy details, including coverage and underwriting terms, and save the insurer’s claims contact details. While a broker does not handle the claims process, they may be able to assist if you encounter any issues or have any questions.

Conclusion

For businesses with remote workers abroad or international offices with UK employees, IPMI can be a valuable benefit. It helps address concerns about the potential high costs of healthcare overseas and provides employees with support while living or working internationally. Offering IPMI shows that you value your employees' well-being and are providing a means of access to healthcare.

If your company already offers IPMI but hasn’t reviewed it in recent years, it might be a good idea to check if the policy still meets your employees' needs. If you don’t currently offer IPMI and have UK employees living overseas, consider consulting with a regulated broker to explore your options and determine if it’s the right move for your business.

Disclaimers:

Disclaimer 1: The information provided in this article is accurate as of April 13, 2025. However, all details are subject to change in the future based on updates to insurer terms, market conditions, or regulatory changes. For the most up-to-date information, please contact a broker or your insurer directly.

Disclaimer 2: The information provided in this article is intended for educational purposes only and should not be used as specific advice for any individual insurer or policy. For details regarding your specific policy, always refer to your insurer’s policy documents or contact a broker or your insurer directly for personalised assistance.