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✈️ Expat Life Insurance

Life Insurance for Expats from £12/month

5.5 million British citizens live overseas, yet many have no valid life insurance. Your UK policy may not cover you abroad. Compare specialist expat cover and protect your family wherever you call home.

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British expat family protected by international life insurance
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Answer a few simple questions and compare life insurance options designed for British expats, no pressure, no obligation, wherever you live in the world.

What Is Life Insurance for Expats?

Life insurance for expats is a policy designed to provide financial protection for British citizens living and working abroad. Whether you have relocated permanently or are on a long-term overseas assignment, it ensures your family receives a lump sum payout if you die during the policy term, regardless of where in the world you are living.

The challenge for expats is that many standard UK life insurance policies contain residency clauses. These clauses require you to be a permanent UK resident for the policy to remain valid. If you move abroad without checking your existing cover, you could discover, too late, that your policy has been voided.

There are three main routes to life insurance cover as a British expat:

  • Keeping a UK-based policy, some UK insurers allow you to maintain cover while living abroad, but this depends on your destination country and the specific insurer's terms.
  • International expat policy, specialist policies designed for people living overseas, offering worldwide cover with flexibility to move between countries.
  • Local country policy, taking out a policy with an insurer in your country of residence. This can be straightforward but may lack portability and UK-level regulatory protection.
Key fact: An estimated 5.5 million British nationals live overseas, with the largest populations in Australia, the United States, Canada, Spain, and the United Arab Emirates. Many have no idea that their UK life insurance may not cover them abroad.

For a deeper dive into how much cover you should have and the factors that affect your decision, see our guide to calculating the right level of life insurance.

Policy Comparison

UK-Based vs International vs Local: Which Is Right for You?

Your best option depends on where you live, how long you plan to stay, and whether you intend to return to the UK.

FeatureUK-Based Policy (Kept Abroad)International Expat PolicyLocal Country Policy
Worldwide coverLimited, countryYes, covers you globallyTypically covers country of
CurrencyGBPGBP, USD, or EUR optionsLocal currency only
PortabilityMay lapse if you move againFollows you betweenNot portable
Regulatory protectionFCA-regulatedVaries by providerDepends on local laws
CostTypically cheapest ifHigher premiums for globalVaries widely by country
Best forExpats in low-riskLong-term expats or thosePermanent emigrants with no

Availability and costs depend on your country of residence, health, age, and individual insurer terms. Always check residency clauses carefully.

Important: If you move abroad without notifying your UK insurer, your policy could be voided entirely. This is classified as material non-disclosure and means a claim would be rejected, even if you have been paying premiums. Always inform your insurer of any change of address. Read more about disclosure requirements and pre-existing conditions.
Your Situation

Which Type of Expat Are You?

Your circumstances determine the best approach to life insurance as a British expat.

🇪🇺

Expats in Europe

Living in the EU or EEA is generally the easiest scenario for maintaining UK life insurance. Many UK insurers will cover you in European countries, though you should confirm this with your provider. Post-Brexit rules may affect newer policies.

UK-based policy often works
🏜️

Expats in the Middle East/UAE

The UAE and Gulf states are popular destinations for British professionals. Tax-free earnings mean you may have more to protect. Some UK insurers cover these regions, but international policies may offer better terms for longer stays.

International or UK-based policy
🌏

Expats in Asia/Australia

Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, and other Asian destinations have large British communities. Local insurance markets are well-developed, but an international policy gives you flexibility if you move again or return to the UK.

International policy recommended
🏠

Expats Planning to Return to the UK

If your time abroad is temporary, maintaining a UK-based policy is often the most practical approach. Check that your insurer will keep the policy active during your absence and that you will not need to re-apply when you return.

Keep UK policy if permitted
🏡

Expats with a UK Mortgage

If you still have a mortgage on a UK property, whether you are renting it out or keeping it as a family home, your mortgage lender will expect life insurance to remain in place. Ensure your policy is valid while you are overseas.

Verify UK cover remains valid
👪

Expats with Family in the UK

If your partner or children remain in the UK while you work abroad, the need for life insurance is even greater. Currency considerations matter, a GBP-denominated policy ensures your family receives funds in the right currency without exchange rate risk.

GBP policy essential

Not sure if your UK policy covers you abroad? Find out now.

Get matched with a specialist adviser who understands expat life insurance and can check your current cover or find the right international policy for your situation.

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Costs Explained

How Much Does Expat Life Insurance Cost?

Costs vary significantly depending on your country of residence, the type of policy, and whether you travel to high-risk areas. Here is a typical range for a healthy 35-year-old non-smoker seeking £250,000 of cover over 25 years.

£12–£20/mo
UK-Based Policy (Kept Abroad)
If your UK insurer permits cover abroad, costs are comparable to standard UK premiums. Available for expats in lower-risk countries.
£25–£40/mo
International Expat Policy
Worldwide cover with portability between countries. Higher premiums reflect the broader geographical scope and flexibility.
Worth knowing: The cost of repatriating remains to the UK can exceed £10,000 depending on the country. Some international policies include repatriation cover as standard, while others offer it as an optional add-on. See our full guide to life insurance costs.

Premiums for expats in high-risk countries, those with pre-existing conditions, or those who travel frequently to dangerous regions will be higher. A specialist expat broker can search the entire market to find competitive rates for your specific situation.

Simple Process

How It Works

1

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Real Reviews

What Our Customers Say

James B.
James B.
Dubai, UAE • Expat Life Insurance
★★★★★
“Didn't realise my UK policy was invalid”

I had been paying into a UK life insurance policy for three years after moving to Dubai. Turns out it had a residency clause and would never have paid out. The adviser found me proper international cover for £22/month. Genuinely grateful.

Sarah & Chris T.
Sarah & Chris T.
Originally from Manchester • Living in Singapore
★★★★★
“Cover that follows us around the world”

We have moved three times in five years with Chris's job. Our international policy has followed us from Hong Kong to Australia to Singapore without any hassle. One less thing to worry about when you are relocating constantly.

Paul W.
Paul W.
Originally from Leeds • Living in Spain
★★★★★
“Kept my UK policy and saved money”

My adviser confirmed that my existing UK policy was still valid for Spain and arranged additional cover for my family back in Yorkshire. I was dreading the complexity, but it was sorted in one phone call. Brilliant service.

Fiona G.
Fiona G.
Originally from Edinburgh • Living in Abu Dhabi
★★★★★
“Sorted from 4,000 miles away”

I moved to Abu Dhabi for work and realised I had no life cover at all. The adviser handled everything by phone and email, I did not have to fly back to the UK. Got £400k of international cover for £26 a month and my UK mortgage is fully protected.

Daniel O.
Daniel O.
Originally from Bristol • Living in Australia
★★★★★
“Policy stayed valid when we relocated again”

We moved from Dubai to Sydney and I was worried our cover would lapse. The adviser confirmed our international policy covers both locations and it transferred seamlessly. Paying £30 a month for £500k of worldwide cover. Worth every penny for the peace of mind.

Claire H.
Claire H.
Originally from London • Living in France
★★★★★
“Avoided the inheritance tax trap”

My adviser explained that as a UK domicile living in France, my estate could face inheritance tax in both countries. They set up my policy in trust so the payout goes directly to my children. Also pay premiums in GBP so there is no currency risk. Incredibly thorough advice.

Learn More

Related Guides

Explore in-depth guides to help you make informed decisions about your life insurance as an expat.

How Much Cover Do I Need?

Calculate the right amount for expats

How Much Does It Cost?

UK and international pricing guide

Life Insurance in Trust

Essential for expats, avoid probate

Life Insurance for Mortgages

Cover your UK property from abroad

Term vs Whole of Life

Which type suits expats best?

Life Insurance for the Self-Employed

Freelance and contract workers abroad
Got Questions?

Expat Life Insurance: Frequently Asked Questions

It depends on the insurer and your destination. Some UK life insurance providers allow you to maintain your policy when living overseas, but many have residency clauses that require you to be a UK resident. You must check the terms of your specific policy, as moving abroad without notifying your insurer could invalidate your cover entirely.
UK-based policies are issued by British insurers and may have residency requirements or country exclusions. International expat policies are specifically designed for people living overseas, offering worldwide cover regardless of where you reside. International policies are typically more flexible but can cost more, and payouts may be in a different currency.
Expat life insurance typically costs from around £12 to £40 per month for a healthy 35-year-old non-smoker seeking £250,000 of cover over 25 years. Costs vary depending on your country of residence, the insurer, your health, and whether you travel to high-risk areas. See our guide to life insurance costs for detailed UK pricing.
Yes, you must notify your insurer if you move abroad. Failure to do so could void your policy, meaning a claim would be rejected. Many UK insurers have specific residency clauses, and not disclosing your change of address is considered a material non-disclosure, which can invalidate your entire policy.
Some UK insurers such as Zurich, Royal London, and certain Lloyd's of London syndicates offer policies that cover British expats in specific countries. The availability depends heavily on your country of residence, with European and Commonwealth destinations generally being easier to cover than higher-risk regions.
A residency clause is a policy condition that requires you to be a permanent resident of the United Kingdom for the policy to remain valid. If you move abroad and your policy has a residency clause, your cover may lapse or be voided. Always check for residency clauses before relocating overseas.
Yes, but it is more difficult and more expensive. Countries with political instability, high crime rates, or limited healthcare are considered high-risk by insurers. Specialist international brokers can arrange cover for most destinations, though premiums will be significantly higher and exclusions may apply for certain activities.
A local policy can be useful, but there are drawbacks. Payouts may be in the local currency, the regulatory framework may offer less consumer protection than the UK's FCA, and if you move again the policy may not follow you. Many expats prefer a UK-based or international policy for portability and the security of British regulation.
If you maintained a UK-based policy while abroad, it will continue as normal when you return. If you took out an international expat policy, you can usually keep it running, but it may be more cost-effective to switch to a standard UK policy. Review your cover when you return to ensure it still meets your needs.
Yes, there can be significant tax implications. A UK life insurance payout may be subject to UK inheritance tax if the policyholder is domiciled in the UK. Your country of residence may also tax the payout. Writing the policy in trust and seeking advice from a cross-border tax specialist can help mitigate these issues. See our guide to writing life insurance in trust.
Some international expat policies include repatriation cover, which pays the costs of returning your remains to the UK in the event of death abroad. This is not included in standard UK life insurance policies. If repatriation is important to you, check that your policy specifically includes this benefit or consider adding it as an optional extra.
Most UK-based policies will charge premiums in GBP regardless of where you live. International expat policies may offer a choice of currencies including GBP, USD, or EUR. Paying in GBP can protect you from exchange rate fluctuations, but you may incur currency conversion costs if your income is in a different currency.
Using a specialist expat insurance broker is strongly recommended. They understand the complexities of international cover, residency clauses, and cross-border regulations. A general UK broker may not be aware of the specific issues that affect expats, potentially leaving you with a policy that does not provide valid cover in your country of residence.
Yes, writing your policy in trust is especially important for expats. It ensures the payout goes directly to your beneficiaries without going through probate in the UK or your country of residence. This speeds up the payout, avoids potential complications with foreign inheritance laws, and may reduce inheritance tax liability. Read our guide to putting life insurance in trust.
Calculate your cover based on your total financial obligations: outstanding mortgage or rent commitments, children's education costs, your family's living expenses for 10–20 years, and any debts. As an expat, also factor in international school fees, potential repatriation costs, and the impact of currency fluctuations on your family's needs. See our guide to calculating how much life insurance you need.

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