IPMI is private medical cover for individuals and families who live or work abroad. Policies typically offer high overall limits, access to worldwide provider networks, and benefits such as in-patient and out-patient treatment and emergency medical evacuation.

A broker can compare insurers, explain the differences between policies, and negotiate terms on your behalf. In many cases, you’ll pay the same premium as you would going direct, but with tailored advice and ongoing support.

It depends on the insurer and the underwriting approach. Some insurers may offer cover for pre-existing medical conditions, sometimes subject to a waiting period, specific terms, or additional underwriting. We’ll help you understand the options based on your medical history.

Many plans offer optional add-ons for dental and optical cover. Depending on the policy, this may include routine check-ups, hygienist treatment, prescription glasses and more.

Once you’ve submitted your application and any required documents, cover can sometimes be set up within 24 hours, but it may take a few days depending on the insurer and any underwriting requirements.

Not always. For most international policies, you’ll complete a medical questionnaire. In some cases, the insurer may request additional information, such as medical reports.

Insurers typically offer access to global networks of hospitals and clinics. Some plans allow you to use any provider and claim back the costs (subject to the policy terms), while others require you to use network providers for certain benefits.

Most international plans are designed to be portable. If you relocate, let us know and we can update your details and confirm how your cover applies in your new country, in line with the policy terms and territorial limits.

Many plans offer maternity benefits, but these are often subject to waiting periods. If you think you may need maternity cover, it’s usually best to arrange this before you become pregnant.

We’ll support you through the claims process. Claims are usually submitted online or via the insurer’s mobile app—just keep copies of medical invoices and any supporting reports.

A broker can act as your adviser and intermediary, helping you navigate the market rather than relying solely on one insurer’s offering. They can review your current policy, highlight any gaps or inefficiencies, and give clear guidance on whether it’s best to stay with your existing plan or consider alternatives.

In many cases, brokers are paid by the insurer, and the premium you pay is the same whether you buy direct or through a broker. Where a broker fee applies, this should be clearly explained upfront. Either way, you benefit from advice and ongoing support.

A broker can track your renewal date, approach the market for alternative quotations, and manage much of the administration. They can also benchmark your current benefits against what’s available now, so you don’t have to spend hours researching policies yourself.

Often, yes. A broker can use their market knowledge to negotiate at renewal—this might mean a more competitive premium, improved benefits, or changes to excess/deductible levels, depending on the insurer and your claims experience.

No. The aim is to make sure you have the right cover. If your current policy still meets your needs, your broker can support you with renewal and claims. If there are better-fit alternatives, they can explain the differences—then you decide what to do.

A broker can support you through the claims process—helping you understand what documents are needed, assisting with submission where appropriate, and liaising with the insurer to keep things moving.

A broker can provide ongoing support if your circumstances change—for example, if you move country, add dependants, or need different benefits. International plans are often designed to be portable, but any changes are subject to the policy terms and territorial limits, and your broker can help manage the update smoothly.

Yes. A broker can compare your current benefits with what’s available in the market. They’ll check whether your overall limits, excess/deductible levels and key exclusions still suit your needs, and may suggest options to strengthen your cover where appropriate.

Many brokers have multilingual advisers. For example, our team can support you in English, French, Spanish and other languages, so communication is clear and culturally aware.

It’s sensible to review your cover at least once a year, usually at renewal. A broker can obtain comparative quotations to help keep your premium competitive and ensure your policy still matches what’s available in the market.

Yes. A broker can help you raise concerns with the insurer and work with both sides to resolve issues. If the outcome still isn’t right for you, they can also help you explore a more suitable provider at renewal (or sooner, if a change is possible under the policy terms).

Even if you rarely claim, it’s still worth reviewing your cover each year. A broker can help check you’re not paying for benefits you don’t need, while keeping core protections—such as emergency medical assistance, evacuation and repatriation—where appropriate.

Not necessarily. Arrangements vary, but you are generally free to change adviser. If there are any service terms or fees, these should be explained clearly upfront.

Yes. A broker can explain how different insurers approach underwriting for pre-existing medical conditions and help identify the most suitable options. Any cover offered will depend on the insurer’s underwriting decision and the policy terms (for example, waiting periods, exclusions or premium loadings).

Local cover can work well for day-to-day care in one country, but it may be limited outside that country and may have lower overall limits. A broker can help you align local and international cover, and check whether benefits such as emergency medical assistance, evacuation and repatriation are included where you need them.

Often, yes. Brokers may be familiar with provider networks and how healthcare is accessed in different countries. They can also help you understand how to use your policy, including available clinics, hospitals and telemedicine services.

A broker should recommend cover based on your needs and explain why a particular option is suitable. They should also be transparent about how they are paid. Many brokers work with a range of insurers and focus on long-term client relationships, which supports objective advice, but it’s important that remuneration and any potential conflicts are disclosed.

Yes. A broker can arrange policy changes such as adding family members, changing your excess/deductible, or adding optional benefits like dental and optical cover. Some changes may be subject to underwriting, and your broker can guide you through the process.

In an emergency, you should contact the insurer’s 24/7 medical assistance helpline straight away (details are usually on your membership card and policy documents). Your broker can also support you and help follow up with the insurer, particularly where there are questions about authorisation or next steps.

Simply complete our policy review form or contact us. We’ll ask for some basic details about your current cover and what you want to achieve, review your policy, and share recommendations with no obligation.

International cover is typically needed when employees live, work or travel outside their home country. Domestic policies often limit cover to a single country or jurisdiction, so an international policy helps protect your people wherever business takes them and can support compliance with local requirements overseas.

Not usually. A well-designed international plan can provide cover across multiple countries and be set up to reflect local healthcare regulations. This can simplify administration and reduce the need for duplicate arrangements.

Insurers will typically ask for an employee census (headcount, ages and countries of residence), details of any existing cover, and any specific requirements such as maternity benefits or cover for higher-risk locations. This helps them price the policy and shape the benefits to suit your workforce.

Premiums are generally based on factors such as employees’ ages and locations, the level of cover selected, and claims experience (where applicable). Costs can be managed through the plan design—for example, by setting suitable deductibles/excesses, co-payments and benefit limits. A broker can help you balance affordability with a benefits package that works for employees.

Yes. International group plans are often flexible. You can provide the same benefits to everyone, or set up tiered benefit levels based on location, role or seniority—helping you meet different needs while keeping to budget.

A comprehensive plan will usually include cover for outpatient and inpatient treatment, mental health support, maternity, and—where required—dental and optical options. Many policies also include emergency medical evacuation and repatriation.

Insurers typically offer access to networks of hospitals and clinics worldwide. With direct billing (sometimes called “cashless” treatment), the provider bills the insurer directly, which reduces the upfront cost and administration for employees. A broker can help identify insurers with strong networks in your key locations.

Many insurers include telemedicine, mobile apps and 24/7 support as standard (or as an optional add-on). These services can improve access to care and make it easier for employees to use their cover wherever they are.

Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation can be particularly important in remote locations, or where suitable local treatment is not available. Check the policy wording carefully to confirm what is covered, any limits, and how authorisation works, so employees can access support quickly if needed.

International plans are often designed to accommodate employee relocations. If someone moves country, cover can usually continue, subject to the policy terms, territorial limits and any local restrictions. A broker can help manage the change to maintain continuity of cover.

Compliance matters. A broker can help you consider local requirements in each country and support appropriate handling of personal data. Data protection obligations may include the UK GDPR, the EU GDPR and relevant local legislation (for example, Spain’s LOPDGDD), depending on where your organisation operates and where data is processed.

A broker can act as your adviser and point of contact—reviewing the market, comparing insurers, negotiating terms and supporting onboarding and claims. This can save your HR team time and help you select cover that fits your needs.

Often, yes. Many insurers provide claims reporting (subject to data protection and minimum group sizes). A broker can help interpret the results, identify trends and support changes to benefits design or wellbeing initiatives to help manage costs.

An annual review is sensible, and you may want to review sooner if your organisation changes materially—for example through growth, relocation, or shifts in your workforce profile. Your broker can approach the market at renewal to help ensure the plan remains suitable and competitively priced.

Minimum group sizes vary by insurer. Some will offer a group plan from as few as two or three employees, while others have higher thresholds. There are also options for smaller teams, and we can advise on the most appropriate approach.

We take data security seriously. Personal data is stored securely and shared only where necessary—for example with insurers and service providers involved in arranging and administering the cover. Our processes are designed to meet applicable data protection requirements, and we apply appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect personal data.

Brokers are authorised insurance intermediaries who can advise clients and carry out regulated insurance distribution activities (subject to local rules). Partners/introducers are not insurance intermediaries and are limited to introducing prospective clients to BIG.

You can identify potential clients and introduce them to BIG. We then take care of the insurance work: fact-finding, quotations, negotiating with insurers, placing cover, and ongoing support.

Partners must not give insurance advice, present or recommend products, negotiate terms, issue policy documents, handle claims as an intermediary, or collect premium payments. If you’re unsure whether something amounts to “advice”, ask us and we’ll guide you.

BIG manages the process end-to-end: fact-finding, plan design, market comparison, negotiating with insurers, onboarding and ongoing support. We’ll keep you updated (subject to privacy requirements and the client’s consent).

In most cases, you remain the client-facing broker and BIG acts as a specialist placing partner for IPMI: we obtain quotations, negotiate with insurers, coordinate underwriting and issuance, and support administration and, where relevant), claims escalation.

Yes. We regularly handle cross-border cases. The right distribution setup depends on where the client is based and local rules, but we’ll propose a compliant and practical way of working.

Usually not. Remuneration is typically commission-based via insurers, and the structure is agreed transparently with you in advance. If a fee-based project is needed, it will be discussed and agreed upfront.

Commission is typically earned once cover is placed and the insurer has received the premium (subject to the conditions set out in the applicable agreement).

Payments are usually made once we have received remuneration from the insurer and, where applicable, after the broker/partner has issued an invoice—following the timing and payment terms set out in the agreement.

As a minimum: nationality, country of residence, ages, family composition, required area of cover, and any key medical considerations. For groups: headcount, demographics, countries of residence, and target benefits/budget.

Yes — but you should only share personal data with the prospect’s consent and for the purposes of the introduction. We handle data in line with applicable privacy requirements and use it only to progress the enquiry.

Only with prior written approval. Partners/introducers must not present themselves as BIG employees, agents, or official representatives.

This depends on the collaboration model (broker vs introducer) and what’s agreed for the case. Our aim is always clear roles, an excellent client experience, and a sustainable long-term partnership.

Yes. We support renewals and mid-term changes, and we can assist with claims escalation by coordinating with the insurer—while respecting the responsibilities of the client-facing broker where applicable.

Send us a message via the Brokers & Partners form with your company details and what you need. We’ll come back with next steps, the most suitable collaboration setup, and (if relevant) the agreement to sign.