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Travel Insurance vs Expat Health Insurance 2026

The two products are often confused but serve completely different purposes. Travel insurance is for trips. Expat health insurance is for living abroad. Here's the difference — and when you might need both.

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The key difference — trips vs residence

FeatureTravel InsuranceExpat Health Insurance (IPMI)
Designed forHolidays and short tripsPeople who live abroad
Max durationTypically 90–180 daysOngoing — annual renewal
Routine GP visits✗ Not covered✓ On appropriate plans
Trip cancellation✓ Covered✗ Not typically covered
Baggage/personal effects✓ Covered✗ Not covered
Pre-existing conditionsUsually excluded entirelyMay be covered after waiting period
Ongoing prescription medication✗ Not covered✓ On comprehensive plans
Coverage limitsLow-medium (£1M–£5M)High (often unlimited or £3M+)

When you need both

There is one scenario where you need both — when you are in the gap period between arriving in a country and getting your long-term IPMI sorted. Expat health insurance takes time to arrange, underwrite and activate. Travel insurance covers you in the interim and also covers trip cancellation and baggage for your journey out.

Also: most expat health insurance excludes adventure sports and activities. If you plan to engage in high-risk activities (diving, trekking, motorbiking in Southeast Asia), a separate travel policy or specialist sports cover may be needed on top of your IPMI.

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