Teaching abroad insurance: check the gaps between travel, work and healthcare

Describe the move accurately

A holiday policy should not be selected solely because its price is familiar. Tell the insurer what you actually plan to do: where you will live, how long you will stay and whether your teaching is paid or unpaid. This explainer helps organise questions; it does not recommend a policy or decide whether a claim would be covered.

The FCDO’s foreign travel insurance guidance, last updated on 2 August 2024 and rechecked today, says long-stay cover needs to match the trip duration and activities, including work. It also explains that travel insurance is not intended for permanent residence abroad. People moving to live, work or study should assess their insurance needs carefully.

Map when each arrangement begins and ends

TeachAtlas recommends drawing up a dated checklist covering departure, arrival, employment start, any enrolment in local healthcare and the end of the contract. Put the insurer or responsible organisation next to each period. Ask for written answers wherever the dates leave a gap.

An employer’s phrase “medical insurance included” is a starting point for questions. Ask for the policy wording, eligible dependants, start date, exclusions, excesses and claims process. Ask what happens during school holidays, travel outside the country and after employment ends. These are checks to make, not a claim that every employer excludes those situations.

Do not assume a health card covers everything

GOV.UK’s EU work guidance explains that EHIC or GHIC eligibility depends on circumstances. It distinguishes necessary state treatment from costs such as private treatment or repatriation, and describes situations in which local registration or private cover may be needed.

For a teaching placement, check the country-specific healthcare guidance and your own position. Nationality, residence, employer location and contribution arrangements can matter; another assistant’s experience may not settle your case. Keep health details within the insurer’s or healthcare service’s secure channels.

Prepare a usable emergency record

Once arrangements are confirmed, keep the policy number, assistance contact and instructions accessible offline. Discuss any unresolved medical or activity-related questions directly with the insurer. Add the verified premium and excess to your relocation planning, and keep a note of who answered important coverage questions and when. Complete this before making assumptions about what the school or a public healthcare system will pay.

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