INTERNAL LIFE INSURANCE FOR EXPATRIATES

International Life Insurance for Expatriates — What It Is, How It Works, Policy Types, Eligibility & Documents

International life insurance for expatriates is protection designed for people living outside their country of citizenship or usual residence—either short-term (assignments, study) or long-term (permanent relocation). Unlike domestic plans that often exclude long stays abroad, international policies are underwritten to cover cross-border life risks, let you nominate beneficiaries globally, and pay claims in major currencies (USD/EUR/GBP, etc.). Many policies are portable when you move to another country, subject to sanctions, KYC/AML, and the insurer’s country list.

How it works

• Coverage & currency: You choose a sum assured (e.g., USD 250k–5M+) and a policy currency. Premiums are paid monthly/annually in that currency.
• Underwriting: Application + medical questionnaire; higher cover can require exams, bloodwork, and financial underwriting (proof of income/assets).
• Portability: Many international policies continue if you relocate, provided the new country is on the insurer’s permitted list and you keep paying premiums.
• Beneficiaries: Named beneficiaries can be anywhere; claims are paid to them under the policy law and local claims requirements.

Main policy types you’ll see

• Term life (level/decreasing): Pure protection for a fixed period (e.g., 5–30 years). Lowest premium per unit of cover.
• Whole life (lifetime cover): Permanent protection; premiums higher; may include guaranteed values/participating bonuses depending on product.
• Universal / unit-linked life: Flexible premiums with a savings/investment component; charges deducted from the policy account.
• Riders: Optional add-ons (critical illness, waiver of premium, accidental death). Availability varies by market.

Do & Don’t when applying

• Do match policy type to your need (income replacement, mortgage cover, estate planning) and currency to your income/liabilities.
• Do disclose health/travel/occupation fully—non-disclosure can void claims.
• Do check country eligibility, sanctions clauses, and portability before you buy.
• Don’t pay “upfront release” or unofficial fees. Premiums are paid to the insurer or licensed intermediary only.
• Don’t rely on informal quotes. Ask for a Key Facts/Illustration showing total cost, surrender values (if any), and exclusions.

Typical documentation

• Passport/ID, proof of address (recent), tax residency self-certification (FATCA/CRS)
• Medical questionnaire; possibly exam/labs based on age/amount/condition
• Financial documents for large sums assured (income statements, asset evidence)
• Beneficiary details; source-of-funds/wealth as required by KYC/AML

Note: Premiums vary by age, health, smoker status, occupation, residence risk and currency. The calculator below illustrates indicative premiums assuming a 35-year-old non-smoker unless stated otherwise.