International health insurance vs travel insurance

International health insurance and travel insurance can be confusing, especially if you are buying for the first time. Both are designed for people spending time away from their home country, but they are not the same.

Choosing the wrong product could leave you paying for your own medical treatment, which could cost a lot of money.

What is the difference?

International health insurance provides cover for medical care for people relocating to live, study or work abroad for a long period, usually a year or more.

Travel insurance is for short trips abroad, such as holidays or business trips. It provides financial protection for medical emergencies and other unexpected events, such as lost or damaged luggage or a cancelled trip.

What is international health insurance?

International health insurance, sometimes called expatriate health insurance, covers emergency and routine healthcare while you live or work abroad for a long period, typically 12 months or more.

It lets you use private medical facilities rather than state ones. It is usually flexible, and lets you choose your hospital and specialist.

International health insurance normally lets you have treatment in any country within your area of cover. You can also add family members, such as your partner and children, so they have the same benefits.

Getting international health insurance is usually your choice. However, some countries require it by law, for example as part of a visa application. Research the rules in the country you are moving to before you buy.

Who is international health insurance for?

People who might consider international health insurance include:

• individuals and families moving abroad
• people retiring abroad
• people moving abroad to study, volunteer or work for a long period
• people who travel often for business
• multinational businesses

What does international health insurance cover?

Cover depends on the provider and the product you choose. A full list of what is covered should be in your policy documents. Typically, international health insurance can cover:

• inpatient treatment, including hospital stays, nursing, diagnostic tests and surgery
• outpatient treatment, including consultations, scans and tests, physiotherapy and therapies
• medical evacuation and repatriation

Travel insurance may include some medical cover and evacuation. International health insurance can also offer benefits that travel insurance does not. These can include dental treatment, maternity care, mental health care and longer-term cancer care, depending on the policy.

International health insurance is usually flexible, so you can tailor your policy to your needs. There is usually a choice of cover levels and optional benefits, and a choice of excess, which can help reduce your premium. A travel insurance policy does not usually offer the same choice.

What is travel insurance?

Travel insurance is designed for short trips, from a couple of weeks to a few months. It covers travel-related problems, such as cancelled or cut-short trips, lost luggage and belongings, and missed or delayed transport.

Medical cover is usually limited to short-term emergency treatment within the area you are travelling to. It is designed to get you well enough to return home and continue your treatment there. You will not usually have access to private hospitals, and you will be expected to use local state hospitals.

Travel insurance is not designed to cover long-term medical treatment while you are overseas.

Who is travel insurance for?

Travel insurance is for people travelling away from home for shorter periods, such as:

• family or couple holidays
• solo or group holidays
• expeditions and excursions
• visiting family and friends
• compassionate travel
• work trips, which may be covered by an employer's business travel insurance

What does travel insurance cover?

Your travel insurance cover can depend on:

• where you are travelling to
• your age
• the type of trip
• whether you are travelling with other people

According to Citizens Advice, travel insurance usually covers the cost of:

• cancelled or cut-short trips
• missed or delayed transport
• medical emergencies
• lost or stolen items, such as luggage and gadgets
• legal liability costs

Which one do you need?

International health insurance is designed for people abroad for a long period. Its benefits are usually greater than those of travel insurance, which is designed for shorter trips.

Not every insurer offers the same cover, and limits may apply to different benefits. Check that the benefits are right for your plans. An independent intermediary can help make sure a policy meets your needs.

Freedom Health Insurance does not sell travel insurance, and cannot advise on which type of insurance is right for you. If you are looking for international health insurance, read about Freedom Worldwide. It is arranged through an intermediary.