Why Expatriates Require International Private Medical Insurance (IPMI): A Comprehensive Guide for Global Professionals, Families, and Employers in 2025

The Growing Need for Global Health Coverage for Expats

In a world where career and lifestyle opportunities increasingly transcend borders, more professionals and families are choosing to live and work abroad. According to Finaccord, there were around 66.2 million expatriates in 2017, growing at nearly 6% annually. Broader data from the United Nations suggests that as of 2024, there are over 300 million people living outside their birth country, accounting for 3.6% of the global population.

Behind these figures is a booming market: the expatriate health insurance industry—valued between USD 17 billion and USD 25 billion in 2024—is projected to reach USD 65–75 billion by 2035. This growth is driven by international mobility, rising healthcare costs, and the increasing importance of health security abroad.

International Private Medical Insurance (IPMI) is now an essential part of the expatriate experience—ensuring that wherever you live, work, or travel, your healthcare remains consistent, comprehensive, and reliable.

Understanding International Private Medical Insurance (IPMI): What is international private medical insurance for expats?

International Private Medical Insurance is a global health policy designed for individuals and families living outside their home country for extended periods. Unlike domestic health insurance, IPMI offers:

• Worldwide medical coverage (often excluding or including the U.S., depending on preference).
• Access to private hospitals and specialists.
• 24/7 emergency assistance and medical evacuation.
• The flexibility to receive treatment in your chosen country.

This type of plan ensures that expatriates maintain access to quality healthcare and financial protection, regardless of local healthcare system limitations.

Navigating Foreign Healthcare Systems: Healthcare challenges for expatriates living abroad

Every country’s healthcare system is different—in cost, accessibility, and quality. Public health systems may exclude foreigners or require long residency periods before eligibility. In contrast, private care can be expensive without insurance.

For example:

• In Singapore, private hospital costs can exceed USD 12,000 per day.
• In the U.S., even a short hospital stays averages USD 30,000–50,000 without insurance.
• IPMI bridges these gaps, giving expatriates access to private healthcare networks globally—without the financial shock of out-of-pocket payments.

Continuity of Care Across Borders

Best health insurance for frequent travellers and global nomads

For many expatriates, life does not happen in one country. International businesspeople, digital nomads, and relocating families may move multiple times over several years. Domestic health policies rarely travel with you.

IPMI provides seamless continuity of care—ensuring that your medical history, pre-authorizations, and network access follow you from one country to the next. Whether you need a routine check-up in Dubai or emergency surgery in London, your plan remains valid.

Financial Protection and Emergency Evacuation Benefits

How international health insurance protects expats from medical emergencies

Medical emergencies abroad can be financially devastating. An emergency evacuation from Asia to Europe can cost USD 100,000–250,000, and repatriation expenses can be even higher.

Comprehensive IPMI policies cover:

• Inpatient and outpatient treatment.
• Intensive care and major surgery.
• Emergency evacuation and repatriation.
• Specialist consultations and diagnostics.

This financial safety net allows expatriates to focus on recovery, not costs.

Meeting Legal, Visa, and Employer Requirements

Health insurance requirements for expatriate visas

Many countries now require expatriates to prove they have adequate health insurance before issuing work or residence permits. Employers, too, are increasingly responsible for ensuring their international staff are properly insured.

IPMI not only satisfies these requirements but also enhances corporate duty of care. For businesses, providing IPMI as part of an international benefits package helps attract and retain global talent while managing compliance risks.

Family Health and Wellness Abroad

Best international health insurance plans for expat families

Relocating with a family adds layers of healthcare complexity—from maternity and paediatric services to vaccinations and emergency care. IPMI plans can be customized to include dependents, preventive care, and wellness programs.

For families, IPMI ensures that children, spouses, and partners receive the same standard of care abroad as they would at home—without compromise.

Market Outlook: The Expatriate Health Insurance Boom

Expatriate health insurance market trends and growth potential 2025

One source estimates the global international health insurance market at USD 38.8 billion in 2024. (WiseGuy Reports)

The same report forecasts growth to USD 75.2 billion by 2035, implying a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 6.2% from 2025-2035. (WiseGuy Reports)

Another report gives the “expat health insurance market” value at USD 25.5 billion in 2022, with projections to USD 67.92 billion by 2031 (CAGR ~11.5%). (GlobeNewswire)

A separate figure: global “expatriate health insurance market size” of approximately USD 17.6 billion in 2024, with forecast to about USD 33.2 billion by 2033 (CAGR ~7.4%). (Dataintelo)

According to Growth Plus Reports (2023), the global IPMI and expat health insurance market is undergoing unprecedented expansion. 

• The market was worth USD 25.5 billion in 2022.
• It is projected to reach USD 67.9 billion by 2031 (CAGR ≈ 11.5%).

These differing figures reflect variation in definitions (e.g., what counts as ‘expat health insurance’ vs broader international health insurance), but together they indicate a multi-tens-of-billions USD market with healthy growth prospects.

Drivers include:

• Rising global mobility among professionals, retirees, and digital nomads.
• Increased healthcare awareness following the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Employer demand for duty-of-care compliance.
• Digital transformation in health management (telemedicine, digital claims, and AI-based networks).

This growth highlights an enormous opportunity for insurers, brokers, and expatriate service providers to innovate and capture new segments of the global mobility market.

Choosing the Right IPMI Plan

How to choose the best international private medical insurance for expats

When selecting a plan, expatriates should consider:

• Geographical coverage (worldwide vs. region-specific).
• Network size and direct billing options.
• Chronic condition and maternity coverage.
• Evacuation and repatriation benefits.
• Customer service quality and multilingual support.

Conclusion: Protecting Health, Wealth, and Peace of Mind Abroad

Why every expat should have international private medical insurance

Living abroad is one of life’s most rewarding adventures—but it’s not without risks. Healthcare systems, costs, and standards differ globally, and unforeseen medical emergencies can derail even the best-planned assignments.

International private medical insurance ensures expatriates and their families have access to world-class care, financial protection, and peace of mind—no matter where their journey takes them.

For global citizens, the message is clear: wherever you go, let your health coverage go with you.