Expatriates Worldwide – An Overview
An expatriate is broadly defined as a person who lives outside their native country. As global mobility continues to rise, expatriates now form a significant part of the world’s population. It is estimated that there are over 230 million expatriates worldwide, a sharp increase from approximately 70 million just five decades ago.
Today, expatriates account for nearly 3% of the global population. If expatriates were considered a nation, they would rank among the world’s most populous countries. This growing global community includes professionals, retirees, students, and families living abroad for work, lifestyle, or long-term relocation.
International Private Medical Insurance (IPMI)
International Private Medical Insurance (IPMI), also known as global medical or expatriate health insurance, is designed to provide comprehensive long-term healthcare coverage for individuals and families living outside their home country.
These plans are typically offered by reputed international and U.S.-based insurance providers and are ideal for expatriates, individuals with dual residences, and multinational employers. IPMI plans usually provide worldwide coverage for one year or longer, allowing expatriates to access quality medical care and continue treatment wherever they choose to live or travel.
Who Needs Expatriate Insurance?
Expatriate health insurance is designed for individuals and families who are living or working outside their home country for an extended period. It provides long-term medical coverage that goes beyond the limits of standard travel insurance.
This type of coverage is ideal for:
- Australians living overseas for more than six months
- Long-term travelers and digital nomads
- Families relocating abroad for work or lifestyle reasons
- Employees on extended international assignments
- Self-employed professionals working across multiple countries
If you are not eligible for local public healthcare or need continuous global medical coverage, expatriate insurance offers essential protection and peace of mind.
What Is Expat Health Insurance?
- Designed for expatriates living outside their country of citizenship.
- Ideal for individuals who may not qualify for public healthcare in their host country.
- Provides worldwide medical coverage without needing separate policies for each country.
- Allows freedom to travel, relocate, or maintain multiple residences globally.
- Coverage can start from the day you leave your home country or after arrival abroad.
- Requires medical underwriting, which may involve submitting health records.
- Once approved, coverage is typically renewable year after year.
- Premiums increase mainly with age not due to new medical conditions.
- Policyholders cannot be removed due to changes in health status.
- Available for individuals, families, and global citizens across most countries.
Why Australians Expatriates Need Health Insurance?
Expatriates often lose access to public healthcare from their home country and may not qualify for government health systems abroad. Expat health insurance ensures continuous medical coverage wherever you live, work, or travel.
It protects against high international healthcare costs, provides access to quality hospitals worldwide, and offers long-term security without needing new insurance each time you move countries.
Cost Factors for Expatriate Insurance (With Pricing Examples)
The cost of expatriate health insurance varies based on several key factors. Understanding these elements can help expatriates choose a plan that balances medical coverage needs with budget considerations.
Key factors that affect pricing
- Age of the insured: Premiums generally increase as age increases.
- Geographic coverage: Worldwide coverage, especially including the USA, costs more than region-specific plans.
- Policy maximum: Higher annual or lifetime medical limits result in higher premiums.
- Deductible level: Choosing a higher deductible can help lower monthly costs.
- Coverage type: Family plans cost more than individual coverage.
- Additional benefits: Optional benefits such as maternity, dental, vision, and wellness increase the overall cost.
Typical expatriate insurance cost range (approximate)
- Young individual expat: $80 – $150 per month
- Family coverage: $250 – $600 per month
- Senior expats (60+): $300+ per month, depending on coverage level
Expat Insurance vs Local Health Insurance
Many expatriates are unsure whether to choose international expat insurance or rely on local health insurance. The table below highlights the key differences to help you decide.
| Feature | Expat Health Insurance | Local Health Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage Area | Worldwide (often includes multiple countries) | Limited to one country |
| Portability | Continues even if you move countries | Must be changed when relocating |
| Language & Support | English-speaking global support | Local language support only |
| Hospital Access | Access to private hospitals globally | Often limited to local networks |
| Suitable for Long-Term Expats | Yes | Sometimes |
| Visa & Immigration Compliance | Often meets visa requirements | May not meet visa conditions |
What Are The Common Mistakes Expatriates Make When Buying Insurance?
Avoid these frequent pitfalls when selecting expatriate health insurance:
- Assuming local healthcare systems fully cover foreign residents
- Choosing short-term travel insurance instead of long-term medical coverage
- Not reviewing coverage for pre-existing conditions
- Overlooking emergency evacuation and repatriation benefits
- Selecting the cheapest plan without considering long-term medical needs
Being informed helps expatriates avoid costly gaps in coverage later.
Why You Should Buy Expat Insurance Before You Move?
Purchasing expatriate health insurance before leaving Australia provides several advantages:
- Immediate medical coverage from the first day abroad
- Fewer exclusions and reduced waiting periods
- Better acceptance of pre-existing medical conditions
- Compliance with visa or residency insurance requirements
- Continuous protection without coverage gaps
Early enrollment ensures peace of mind during your relocation.
Country & Region-Specific Considerations for Expats
Healthcare access and costs vary widely across regions, making global coverage essential:
- United States: Extremely high medical costs; comprehensive insurance is critical
- Europe: Public healthcare access may be limited for non-residents
- Asia: Quality care is available, but private hospitals can be expensive
- Middle East: Health insurance is often mandatory for residency visas
A global expatriate insurance plan ensures access to quality care wherever you live.
Visa & Immigration Insurance Requirements
Many countries require proof of adequate health insurance for work, residence, or long-term stay visas.
Expatriate health insurance helps you:
- Meet visa and residency health insurance requirements
- Provide official insurance certificates for immigration authorities
- Maintain compliance throughout your stay abroad
Always check visa conditions in advance to avoid delays or application rejection.
Why Choose Expatriate Insurance Through American Visitor Insurance?
American Visitor Insurance helps expatriates find reliable global health insurance solutions with:
- Worldwide coverage options, including or excluding the USA
- Flexible deductibles and policy maximums
- Plans for individuals, families, and senior expatriates
- Easy online comparison with expert guidance
International travel health insurance
Highlights of international travel insurance coverage benefits
Covers hospital expenses for sickness or accidents.
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Insures Doctor visits for sudden injury or sickness.
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Doctor prescribed eligible pharmacy drugs expenses
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Some plans insure acute onset of pre-existing conditions.
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Medical evacuation expenses to nearest facility included.
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Repatriation of remains to home country included.
Know more »Australians Expatriate insurance - FAQs
1. Is it necessary to purchase Australian expat health insurance?
It is important to be aware that the domestic health insurance of your home country usually does not provide coverage while outside your countries borders. As a foreign citizen, an expatriate will not be eligible for local subsidized medical care. Another very important factor is the varying price of healthcare in different parts of the world. It should be noted that the quality and price of healthcare can vary significantly even within a country. It is therefore important to have good worldwide health insurance so that you can access quality healthcare wherever you are currently residing.
2. What coverage does one get with expatriate medical insurance?
You have a broad range of expatriate medical insurance options. There are basic fixed benefit plans which provide a fixed coverage for different medical treatments which suffice for basic health care, there are also comprehensive global health insurance options which provide extensive healthcare cover up to the policy medical maximum up to 8 million US Dollars. Along with medical coverage, there are also options for preventive care, vision, dental benefits as well as medical evacuation.
3. What are the benefits of buying best expat insurance Australia?
Following are some benefits that are covered by the Australia expatriate medical insurance:
- Coverage for Wellness, Preventive Care and Vaccination
- Coverage for transplant procedures
- Pre-existing conditions coverage
- Dental and Vision Coverage
- Global term life insurance coverage
- Sports Coverage
- New born care, Maternity and Pregnancy coverage
- Long term comprehensive medical insurance coverage with choice of different plan maximums
4. How much does Expat insurance Australia cost?
International health insurance for Australian expats cost varies depending on the insurance company and the plan chosen. The main factors on which the cost of expatriate insurance depends on are the age of insured, the medical maximum chosen, the deductible for the plan, the geographic region where you want coverage, the payment frequency option (monthly, quarterly or annually) as well as any add-on coverage, The fixed benefit expat insurance options (which have fixed limits for different coverage) are significantly cheaper than the comprehensive expatriate health insurance plans (which have no limits for different treatments up to the medical maximum).
5. Does Expat Health Insurance Cover Pre-Existing Conditions?
Some expat health insurance plans offer coverage for pre-existing conditions after underwriting approval. Coverage terms and waiting periods depend on the insurer.
6. Can Families Be Covered Under One Expat Insurance Plan?
Yes. Most expatriate health insurance plans allow you to include spouses and dependent children under a single family policy.
7. Is Expat Health Insurance Valid Worldwide Including the USA?
Many expat plans offer worldwide coverage, including the USA. However, coverage including the USA is typically more expensive due to higher healthcare costs.
8. Can I Renew or Extend My Expat Health Insurance?
Yes. Most expatriate health insurance plans are renewable annually and offer continuous coverage as long as premiums are paid on time.
9. What Is the Difference Between Expat Insurance and Travel Insurance?
Expat insurance provides long-term medical coverage for living abroad, while travel insurance is short-term and focuses on trip-related risks like delays and baggage loss.
10. Do I Need Expat Insurance If My Employer Provides Coverage?
Employer-provided coverage may be limited. Many expatriates choose personal expat insurance for broader benefits, flexibility, and long-term security.