Expat Insurance Guide

In many countries — including most of the EU, the UAE, and several Asian destinations — proof of valid health insurance is a mandatory condition for a residence permit or long-stay visa. The required cover level and whether a local or international policy is accepted varies by country.

Travel insurance is short-term cover for emergencies during a trip. International health insurance is ongoing cover designed for people living abroad — it includes routine, chronic and outpatient care, and can follow you across multiple countries. Expats living overseas typically need the latter.

Yes. Even with an experienced international mover, marine (transit) insurance is strongly recommended. It covers loss or damage while your belongings are in transit by sea or air, usually based on a declared, itemised replacement-value inventory you prepare before the move.

Often not. Domestic health, home, car and life policies are usually written for residents and may become invalid once you live abroad. Review each policy before you move and arrange destination-appropriate cover so you are not left with gaps.

Arrange travel and transit cover before you leave, and have international health insurance active from your arrival date, since public systems often impose waiting periods. Home, contents and vehicle cover are usually set up once you have an address in the destination country.

Use vetted partners who understand your destination's rules and the visa requirements. The Expats Hub provider directory lists insurance and relocation specialists by country so you can compare options before committing.