International working is no longer limited to large multinationals. UK SMEs increasingly employ staff overseas, support remote teams, or send employees abroad for extended projects. This creates new responsibilities, particularly around healthcare and duty of care.
UK health insurance and the NHS do not provide sufficient cover outside the UK. Public healthcare systems abroad may exclude expatriates or require long residency periods, while private treatment costs can be significant.
International Private Medical Insurance (IPMI) is designed to address these risks. It provides access to private healthcare globally, supports emergency evacuation and repatriation, and ensures continuity of care across borders.
Travel insurance alone is rarely adequate. It focuses on short-term emergencies and excludes ongoing treatment, chronic conditions, and routine care, leaving both employees and employers exposed.
There are also compliance considerations. Many countries require proof of medical insurance for work visas, and employers retain a duty of care when sending staff overseas.
For SMEs, international cover does not need to be complex. Policies can be tailored by geography, duration, and role, ensuring protection without unnecessary cost.
What this means for SME leaders
If you have staff working abroad, or plans to expand internationally, healthcare risk should be addressed early, not after a problem arises.
The right structure protects your people, supports compliance, and avoids significant financial exposure.