GUIDES & INSIGHTS

Expat Insurance Guides.
Clear answers for life abroad.

Understand your cover. Make informed choices.

Practical, independent guides to choosing and using international health insurance, protecting your family and covering your team, plus destination guides on healthcare around the world. Written by advisors who have helped 8,000+ expats since 2019.

Guide library

Find the right guide.

Woman looking back over her shoulder on a busy city street
Choosing Your CoverInternational health insurance for expats: the complete guide

International health insurance for expats explained: what it covers, how prices are set, how to compare plans and the mistakes to avoid before you buy.

Read guide
Travellers walking through an airport check-in hall
Choosing Your CoverInternational vs local vs travel insurance: what's the difference?

International vs local vs travel insurance: learn what each one covers, where each falls short and which suits your life abroad, whether short stay or long.

Read guide
Doctor noting a patient's medical history during an appointment
Choosing Your CoverPre-existing conditions: how to get health insurance abroad

Pre-existing conditions and health insurance abroad: how insurers assess your medical history, what underwriting means and how to improve your chances of cover.

Read guide
Tegallalang rice terraces near Ubud, Bali
AsiaHealthcare in Indonesia and Bali: the complete expat guide

Healthcare in Indonesia and Bali for expats: BPJS vs private hospitals in Jakarta, Bali and Surabaya, visa rules, evacuation to Singapore and plan tips.

Read guide
Singapore business district at golden hour
AsiaExpat health insurance in Asia: your guide to Southeast Asia

Expat health insurance in Asia explained: public vs private care, expat hospitals, visa rules and evacuation in Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam and beyond.

Read guide
Woman filling in and signing a form with a pen
Using Your InsuranceHow to make a health insurance claim abroad, step by step

Making a health insurance claim abroad is easier with a plan. Our step-by-step guide covers documents, direct billing, deadlines and avoiding delays.

Read guide
Family walking down a sunny street with a toddler on a parent's shoulders
Protecting Your FamilyHealth insurance for expat families: what to look for in a plan

Health insurance for expat families: who can be covered, what a good family plan includes, how the cost adds up and a practical checklist to compare plans.

Read guide
Expectant mother holding her baby bump
Protecting Your FamilyHaving a baby abroad: maternity cover explained for expats

Planning a baby abroad? Maternity cover explained: waiting periods, what is included, complications, newborn cover and how to plan your insurance in time.

Read guide
International team celebrating a project around a laptop
Covering Your TeamGroup health insurance for SMEs with international teams

Group health insurance for SMEs with international teams: how company plans work, what they cover, how they are priced and how to set one up step by step.

Read guide
Couple reading a letter together at their kitchen table
Choosing Your CoverDeductibles, co-payments and limits explained for expats

Deductibles, co-payments and limits explained in plain English: what you pay yourself when you claim, how caps work and how to pick the right level for you.

Read guide
Visitors looking at the Manhattan skyline in New York
Choosing Your CoverArea of cover: should you include the USA in your health plan?

Area of cover explained: why including the USA raises the price of expat health insurance, when you really need it and the options if you only visit.

Read guide
Emergency medical helicopter
Using Your InsuranceMedical evacuation explained: what expats need to know

Medical evacuation explained for expats: when it happens, how it is organised, the difference with repatriation, and what to check in your health plan.

Read guide
Patient at a hospital reception desk
Using Your InsuranceDirect billing vs reimbursement: how hospital payment works

Direct billing vs reimbursement: learn how hospitals get paid by your international health insurer, when you pay upfront, and what to check in your plan.

Read guide
Parents and their young son on a beach at sunset
Protecting Your FamilyLife insurance for expats: why it matters and how it works

Life insurance for expats protects your family wherever you live. Learn why it matters abroad, how much cover to consider and how a worldwide policy works.

Read guide
Retired couple standing on a beach by the ocean
Protecting Your FamilyRetiring abroad: health insurance for retirees after 60

Health insurance for retirees abroad: age limits to join, pre-existing conditions, rising premiums, retirement visa rules and how to choose a plan that lasts.

Read guide
Yellow tram on a sunny street in Lisbon, Portugal
EuropeExpat health insurance in Europe: what you need to know

Expat health insurance in Europe explained: public systems, private care costs, visa and residence rules, and how to choose a plan that moves with you.

Read guide
Downtown Dubai and the Burj Khalifa at sunrise
Middle EastExpat health insurance in the Middle East: UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar

Expat health insurance in the Middle East: compulsory cover in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, private hospitals, costs, evacuation and choosing a plan.

Read guide
Two founders working together on a laptop
Covering Your TeamIndividual vs group health plans for small teams (2 to 20 people)

Individual vs group health plans for small teams of 2 to 20 people: how they differ on cost, admin, medical history and portability, and how to choose.

Read guide
Smiling colleagues working together on laptops
Covering Your TeamEmployee benefits for international teams: attract and keep talent

Employee benefits for international teams: which perks matter most to expat and global staff, how to offer them fairly across countries and where to start.

Read guide
Doctor explaining a treatment to a patient during a consultation
Using Your InsurancePre-authorisation for planned treatment abroad: avoid surprises

Pre-authorisation for planned treatment abroad explained: which care needs approval, how to request it, and how to avoid unpaid hospital bills.

Read guide
Students laughing together on a sunny weekend
Protecting Your FamilyInsuring children and students abroad: a practical guide for parents

Insuring children and students abroad: family plans, cover for a child studying in another country, student visa requirements and what to check before term.

Read guide
Laptop and backpack on a wooden table surrounded by tropical plants
Covering Your TeamHealth insurance for remote and digital nomad teams: a guide

Health insurance for remote and digital nomad teams: why travel insurance is not enough, how international plans work for mobile staff and what to check.

Read guide
Toronto skyline and the CN Tower across Lake Ontario
North AmericaExpat health insurance in the USA and Canada: a practical guide

Expat health insurance in the USA and Canada explained: public and private care, costs, visa rules, hospitals, evacuation and what to look for in a plan.

Read guide
Colourful colonial buildings on a street in Latin America
Latin AmericaExpat health insurance in Latin America: a country-by-country guide

Expat health insurance in Latin America: how care works in Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia and Brazil, private hospitals, visa rules and evacuation.

Read guide
Table Mountain and Cape Town at sunset
AfricaExpat health insurance in Africa: hospitals, rules and evacuation

Expat health insurance in Africa: how healthcare works in South Africa, Kenya, Morocco and Nigeria, private hospitals, visa rules and why evacuation is key.

Read guide
Sydney Opera House and the harbour on a sunny day
OceaniaExpat health insurance in Australia and New Zealand: your guide

Expat health insurance in Australia and New Zealand: Medicare, ACC, visa health cover rules, private hospitals and evacuation from the Pacific islands.

Read guide
Person browsing on a laptop at home
Using Your InsuranceRenewing or changing your international health plan

Renewing or changing your international health plan? Learn why premiums change, how to adjust your cover and what to check before you switch insurer.

Read guide
Manager talking with a colleague on a video call from the office
Covering Your TeamDuty of care for employees abroad: a practical guide for SMEs

Duty of care for employees abroad: what it means for small and medium companies, the health risks to plan for, and how insurance and simple processes help.

Read guide
Already know what you need?

Compare international health plans from 20+ insurers in 2 minutes. Free, no obligation.

Get My Free Quote
COMMON QUESTIONS

Your Expat Insurance Questions, Answered

What is the difference between international health insurance and travel insurance?

International health insurance is designed for ongoing medical needs while living abroad. Travel insurance typically covers temporary trips, with benefits and limitations that vary by policy.

Review the area of cover, benefits, deductibles, exclusions, waiting periods and renewal terms. Consider how these fit your country of residence, healthcare needs and budget.

Our guides explain key concepts and questions to consider. For recommendations based on your circumstances, speak with a BPA advisor.