If you’re evaluating an IPMI broker & partner programme, you’re usually not looking for “more marketing”. You’re looking for a partner that can handle real-world underwriting, multi-country clients, and operational load — without blurring compliance lines or taking over your client relationship.
IPMI distribution looks straightforward until you’re chasing pre-underwriting questionnaires, coordinating medical evidence across time zones, and keeping an internationally mobile client confident during underwriting and renewals.
For IPMI-specialised brokers, the constraint is often capacity and responsiveness. For brokers who aren’t specialised, the challenge is doing it safely: staying within licensing scope (jurisdiction dependent), avoiding accidental regulated advice, and still delivering a consistent client experience.
For non-broker partners (relocation, immigration, family office, HR, corporate services), the need is similar but the rules are different: you want a dependable referral programme that helps your client quickly — without you stepping into insurance distribution activities you’re not authorised to perform.
BIG Insurance Brokers (BIG) works with 820 clients worldwide, with clients based across 52 countries, and collaborates with 210 active brokers/partners. The model is designed to complement professional intermediaries — not replace them.
- Three clearly defined statuses: IPMI-specialised brokers, general brokers, and non-broker partners (introducers) — with different role boundaries.
- Operational support at scale: built around 820 clients worldwide and a network of 210 active brokers/partners.
- Multilingual support: service support in English, Italian, Spanish, French, Russian and Ukrainian.
- Market-leading response times: we aim to respond quickly and keep momentum where feasible (timelines still depend on underwriting and case complexity).
- Clear agreements: a written commission agreement between BIG and the partner company, aligned to jurisdictional rules and disclosures.
- Commission on every placed policy: remuneration applies on each policy placed under the relevant agreement (no public rates/percentages).
- Insurer access + continuity: direct access to leading international health insurers and one dedicated point of contact for claims and policy management.
- Workflow fit: tailored collaboration adapted to your workflow/client journey; you stay informed and we keep you copied on key communications (subject to consent).
- Why partner with a specialist IPMI broker
- Overview of BIG’s partner programme (support, commissions, languages)
- Onboarding steps (we sign the agreement contract)
- Added value for IPMI broker
- Added value for brokers not specialised & added value for partners
- Case studies (anonymised)
- How to get started
Why partner with a specialist IPMI broker
International Private Medical Insurance (IPMI) sits at the intersection of underwriting, claims servicing, and cross-border distribution. In the EU/EEA, insurance distribution is regulated under the Insurance Distribution Directive (IDD), which sets conduct expectations for distributors and distribution activities.[1]
Cross-border activity adds another layer: firms operating across EU/EEA member states may need to consider host-country “general good” rules in addition to the IDD baseline.[2] Outside the EU/EEA, local licensing and conduct expectations can also apply, depending on where the client is based and what distribution activity is performed.
Underwriting questions arrive late, medical evidence is incomplete, and renewal changes need careful explanation. A specialist IPMI partner can reduce operational load while helping you keep your client relationship intact.
Where licensing is required, unlicensed parties should not provide regulated insurance advice. Structuring a clear responsibility split helps reduce the risk of “drift” into regulated activities.
Clients may live, work or travel across several countries. Communication needs to be clear, consistent, and often multilingual — especially in claims and policy servicing.
In practice, the best partnerships are operationally explicit: who collects what information, who explains what to the client, how remuneration is documented, and how sensitive data is handled (health data is typically treated as “special category” in GDPR frameworks).[8]
This is an operational guide to how BIG collaborates with (1) IPMI-specialised brokers, (2) brokers not specialised in IPMI, and (3) non-broker partners under a lead/introducer agreement. It’s not a promise of outcomes, and it doesn’t replace your local compliance advice.
Overview of BIG’s partner programme (support, commissions, languages)
BIG’s partner programme is designed for professional intermediaries and introducers who want to place or support IPMI — without building an internal IPMI back-office. The core principle is simple: you keep your client relationship, while BIG provides specialist support and operational capacity.
- Support in English, Italian, Spanish, French, Russian and Ukrainian
- Market-leading response times (we aim to respond quickly; timing depends on underwriting, insurer processes and case complexity)
- A clear commission agreement between BIG and the partner company
- Commission on every placed policy (no rates/percentages published)
- Direct access to leading international health insurers
- One dedicated point of contact for claims and policy management
- Tailored collaboration adapted to partner workflow/client journey
- Partner stays informed; BIG keeps them copied on key client communications (subject to consent)
First: choose the right status (three clearly distinct tracks)
The programme supports three partner “statuses”. They share the same Premium workflow, but the role boundaries are not the same. Your status usually depends on authorisation (are you a licensed insurance broker?) and the scope of activity you want to perform.
You already advise on IPMI and want operational leverage: underwriting coordination, insurer liaison, and a reliable servicing/claims contact — without handing over your client relationship.
Typical agreement: broker-to-broker collaboration agreement (two regulated intermediaries), with a clear split of “advice vs placing” and responsibilities.
You’re a licensed broker, but IPMI is not your core line. You want a safe, structured way to support occasional IPMI needs (expats, founders, internationally mobile families, cross-border SMEs).
Typical agreement: broker collaboration agreement, but with BIG handling most of the IPMI workstream (and clear boundaries to avoid scope creep).
You are not a registered insurance intermediary. You introduce clients who need IPMI, obtain consent to share details, and BIG conducts the regulated distribution activities (needs analysis, advice, product presentation, placement and servicing).
Typical agreement: lead/introducer agreement; role is limited to introduction and cannot include insurance advice or placement activity.
Shared points vs. what changes by status
| Topic | Shared across all statuses | What changes depending on your status |
|---|---|---|
| Client ownership | You remain the relationship owner in your role (broker or professional adviser) | Specialised brokers often lead advice; general brokers may prefer BIG to lead the IPMI advice; non-broker partners should not advise and typically only introduce. |
| Agreement type | Clear written agreement and remuneration framework | Broker collaboration agreement (broker-to-broker) vs lead/introducer agreement (non-broker partner). |
| Communications | Partner stays informed; we can keep you copied on key communications (subject to consent) | You choose whether you lead communications, BIG leads, or a hybrid model (especially useful for non-specialised brokers). |
| Servicing & claims | One dedicated point of contact for claims and policy management | For specialised brokers, this is usually “back-office leverage”; for partners, it becomes a predictable escalation point for client support. |
| Data handling | Share only what’s necessary; obtain consent; protect sensitive data appropriately[6][8] | Non-broker partners should limit data transfer to contact details + high-level need description until BIG confirms next steps and consent is documented. |
Partner benefits table
| Benefit area | What BIG provides (Premium workflow) | How it helps you operate |
|---|---|---|
| Support model | Dedicated point of contact for claims and policy management | Continuity across quoting → servicing → claims touchpoints, with fewer handoffs |
| Languages | Support in English, Italian, Spanish, French, Russian and Ukrainian | Reduces misunderstandings in underwriting/claims documentation and client updates |
| Operations | Market-leading response times (aimed for; no fixed SLAs) | Helps keep momentum in active cases, especially when timelines are tight |
| Commercial structure | Clear written commission agreement; commission on every placed policy | Predictable, contract-based remuneration framework (subject to local rules and disclosures) |
| Market access | Direct access to leading international health insurers | Option set without you needing separate insurer appointments for each case |
| Workflow fit | Tailored collaboration; you stay copied on key communications (subject to consent) | You can keep your client journey consistent while using BIG as specialist execution support |
Roles & responsibilities (clear split to reduce compliance risk)
This split is intentionally explicit. It helps reduce misunderstandings and makes it easier to stay compliant (especially where licensing rules differ by jurisdiction).
| Stage | Specialised IPMI broker (you) | General broker (not IPMI-specialised) | Partner (non-broker introducer) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Status & scope | You are typically authorised to advise and distribute IPMI (jurisdiction dependent). | You are a broker, but may not be comfortable advising on IPMI without specialist support. | You are not an insurance intermediary; you should not advise or present products. |
| Client intake | You lead discovery and advice; you send BIG the summary and underwriting sensitivities. | You introduce the client and set expectations; BIG can lead the IPMI process where appropriate. | You obtain consent and share the lead; BIG conducts the needs analysis and advice where required. |
| Quoting & underwriting coordination | BIG can run the operational pack-building and underwriter liaison; you steer strategy. | BIG runs A-to-Z IPMI workstream and keeps you copied (subject to consent). | BIG runs the full workstream; you stay informed at a high level (subject to consent). |
| Policy placement | You confirm client decision; BIG coordinates issuance steps with insurers and servicing contacts. | BIG coordinates placement; you remain relationship owner and confirm client intent. | BIG handles placement; you do not participate in regulated steps. |
| Claims & servicing | BIG provides a dedicated contact for claims/policy management; you oversee client relationship. | BIG provides dedicated servicing; you keep oversight and support the relationship. | BIG provides servicing contact; you support your main engagement (relocation, legal, HR, etc.). |
| Remuneration & disclosure | You handle client disclosures required in your market; agreement documents remuneration between firms.[4] | Same principle: disclosures depend on your market; we keep agreements clear and auditable.[5] | Introducer remuneration (where permitted) is contractual and may need disclosure depending on local rules and your professional standards. |
| Data handling | Both sides share only what’s necessary; health data requires extra care.[6][8] | Same; we typically start with a minimal dataset and request more only when needed. | Start with minimal lead data + explicit consent; avoid transmitting medical details unless requested and securely handled. |
If you want the formal programme summary, start here: Brokers & Partners.
Onboarding steps (we sign the agreement contract)
Onboarding is designed to be practical: clarify roles, set communication expectations, and ensure the commercial and compliance basics are in place. The goal is to reduce friction when the first case lands.
Step 0: Confirm which agreement applies
A broker-to-broker collaboration agreement typically assumes you are a registered insurance intermediary and can perform distribution activities within your authorisation. It also tends to formalise a split between advisory responsibilities and placement/servicing responsibilities.
(Operationally aligned with broker collaboration contract structures.)
A lead agreement is designed for non-broker partners. Your role is limited to introducing prospects and obtaining consent to share contact details. You do not present products, analyse needs, advise, negotiate, handle policies, manage claims, or collect premiums.
(Operationally aligned with lead/introducer agreement structures.)
Step-by-step onboarding (applies to all statuses)
-
Intro call (fit + scope)
We discuss your client profile (individual, SME, corporate), geographies, and preferred workflow. If you operate cross-border in the EU/EEA, we flag that host-country “general good” rules can apply in addition to IDD requirements.[2] -
Agreement stage
We sign the relevant agreement (broker collaboration or lead agreement). This covers collaboration scope, communication norms, and remuneration structure. (We don’t publish rates or percentages.) -
Compliance alignment (high level)
We align on: who provides regulated advice, how disclosures are handled, and how roles are communicated to the client. In regulated markets, remuneration disclosure and conflicts management expectations can apply.[4][5] -
Operating model (how we work together)
We agree what you will send us, how we will keep you copied, and what the client will experience (subject to consent). We also define an escalation path for urgent underwriting/claims issues. -
Go-live
You can send a first case for quoting or use BIG for a technical second opinion on an active IPMI opportunity.
Onboarding checklist (documents & information)
- Company details: legal entity name, registration info, operational contact(s)
- Status confirmation: broker (regulated intermediary) vs non-broker partner (introducer)
- Operating geographies: where your clients are based and where you operate (helps identify cross-border considerations)
- Preferred communication model: you lead / BIG leads / hybrid; plus “copy me on key communications” approach (subject to consent)
- Data-sharing approach: consent capture + secure exchange; share only what’s necessary (data minimisation)[6]
- Disclosure approach: how you handle remuneration/conflicts disclosures where required[4][5]
What you’ll rely on
- Multilingual support (English, Italian, Spanish, French, Russian, Ukrainian)
- Dedicated point of contact for claims and policy management
- Direct access to leading international health insurers through BIG
- Tailored collaboration adapted to your workflow and client journey
- Copy on key communications (subject to consent) to maintain oversight without duplicating operational work
- Commission agreement documented contractually, including commission on every placed policy (no public %)
Regulations vary by country. In the EU/EEA, the IDD provides a baseline framework for insurance distribution activities and cross-border operation.[1] EIOPA also notes that host-country “general good” provisions may introduce additional national requirements for cross-border distribution.[2]
Professional competence expectations exist in many markets. Under IDD, a 15-hours-per-year training benchmark is referenced for staff involved in insurance distribution activities.[3]
Data handling matters: the data minimisation principle requires collecting personal data that is “adequate, relevant and limited” to what is necessary for the purpose.[6] Health data may require additional conditions and safeguards under GDPR frameworks.[8]
Added value for IPMI broker
If you already specialise in IPMI, you typically don’t need a partner to “teach you the basics”. You need operational leverage: responsiveness, technical back-office coordination, and a clean escalation path — while you retain the client relationship.
Two common pain points (and how BIG addresses them)
The time sink is rarely “quoting”. It’s chasing missing evidence, clarifying medical notes, managing insurer follow-ups and translating client answers into underwriter-ready packs.
How BIG helps: we can coordinate the underwriting workstream end-to-end, consolidate underwriter questions into a clear request set, keep you copied on key updates (subject to consent), and escalate appropriately to insurer contacts when progress stalls.
Multi-country client bases create time-zone pressure, language needs, and a steady stream of servicing questions that aren’t “value-add” for senior advisers — but still matter to the client.
How BIG helps: multilingual support and a dedicated point of contact for claims/policy management can reduce repeated touchpoints and help you maintain a consistent cadence with clients.
Operational workflow: how we slot into your process (without taking over)
The cleanest model for IPMI-specialised brokers is “specialist back-office support”: you own the advisory relationship and the commercial strategy; BIG owns the operational execution where you want us to.
- Triage: you send a short case summary (client profile, geography, timeline, underwriting sensitivities). We confirm what additional info is needed.
- Submission coordination: BIG handles insurer submissions and consolidates underwriting queries into a manageable set for the client.
- Insurer communications: BIG liaises with underwriters and keeps you copied on key updates (subject to consent), so you can intervene strategically when needed.
- Renewal cadence: we align servicing touchpoints so you can deliver renewal advice with context (claims history, plan changes, client travel changes).
- Claims support: your client knows who to contact; BIG provides a dedicated contact for claims/policy management and can escalate with insurers when appropriate.
Concrete examples of “added value” that preserve your client relationship
Before submission, BIG can review the completeness of the underwriting pack (questionnaires, timelines, consistency checks), so you’re not caught in repeated “one missing item” loops that slow the case.
When a case stalls, escalation is more effective when it is structured: what is outstanding, what’s been provided, what decision is needed, and by when. BIG can manage the escalation narrative with insurer contacts while you decide how to position options with the client.
When the client is more comfortable in a non-English language, servicing and claims updates can become high-friction. Multilingual support can reduce misunderstandings — especially where documentation is involved.
“Market-leading response times” is an operational aim, not a guarantee. In practice, we can often help keep cases moving by tightening the information loop (fewer incomplete submissions, fewer back-and-forth cycles). Underwriting timelines still depend on insurer processes and case complexity.
Added value for brokers not specialised & added value for partners
This section is split into two practical tracks: (A) brokers who don’t specialise in IPMI and (B) non-broker partners who regularly encounter IPMI needs (HNW clients, founders, internationally mobile employees).
A) For brokers not specialised in IPMI
If IPMI is not your core line, the biggest risks are time loss and compliance drift: you can spend hours on underwriting admin, and it’s easy to blur advice boundaries if you’re not authorised or not confident in a given jurisdiction.
Two common pain points (and how BIG addresses them)
IPMI isn’t just “health insurance but international”. Practical differences show up in underwriting style, geography, networks, portability, and servicing expectations. Even one “unusual” case can absorb disproportionate time.
How BIG helps: BIG can handle the IPMI workstream from quote coordination through underwriting liaison and policy servicing — while you keep the relationship and oversight via copied communications (subject to consent).
Distribution rules and disclosure expectations vary. In regulated markets, remuneration disclosure and clear communication about services can be expected or required.[4][5]
How BIG helps: we clarify responsibilities and communication norms upfront, so you can introduce safely and avoid giving regulated advice in areas where you’re not authorised or not comfortable.
“Simple and safe” workflow (what you send, what BIG does, how you stay in control)
| You send (minimum viable intake) | BIG does (IPMI workstream) | You stay informed (oversight) |
|---|---|---|
| Client basics + timeline + geography + consent to share data / copy emails | Coordinates insurer access, gathers underwriting info, manages follow-ups, explains the IPMI process steps | Copied on key communications (subject to consent) so you remain the trusted relationship owner |
| Context: travel patterns, employer/SME info (if relevant), decision timeline, known underwriting sensitivities (high level) | Structures submissions, consolidates underwriter questions, liaises with insurers and keeps the process moving where feasible | Receives milestone updates (quote issued / underwriting questions / offer / policy issued) |
| Preference on communications: you lead vs BIG leads vs hybrid | Adapts collaboration to your workflow and client journey; keeps messaging consistent and documented | Maintains client experience continuity without you carrying the admin burden |
BIG and the partner company sign a clear commission agreement, and commission applies on every placed policy under that agreement. Your local rules may require you to disclose remuneration and your role to clients (for example, remuneration disclosure frameworks in FCA-regulated contexts).[4]
B) For partners (non-brokers) under a lead agreement
Many professional advisers see IPMI needs before the client even thinks of “insurance”: visas, cross-border hiring, second homes, family relocation, or frequent travel with dependents.
If you are not licensed/authorised to advise on insurance, you should not provide regulated insurance advice or carry out distribution activities. A compliant model is typically: introduce → obtain consent → BIG handles regulated distribution steps.
Two common pain points (and how BIG addresses them)
Your client wants an answer quickly. But if you start explaining insurers, benefits or suitability, you may unintentionally stray into regulated territory.
How BIG helps: you introduce the client and share the minimum intake with consent; BIG takes over the insurance process end-to-end (needs analysis, advice where required, insurer liaison, placement, policy servicing and claims support).
Your client’s health information is sensitive. You typically don’t want medical documents in your inbox, and you may not have systems built for it.
How BIG helps: we follow data minimisation practices and request medical details directly from the client when needed.[6] Health data may require additional conditions and safeguards in GDPR frameworks.[8] With consent, we can keep you copied on key process milestones without forwarding medical documentation.
Partner playbook (what you can say vs what to avoid)
| Do (safe and helpful) | Avoid (can create compliance risk) |
|---|---|
| “BIG is the specialist IPMI broker. With your consent, I can introduce you and they’ll guide you through options and underwriting.” | “This insurer is best for you” / “Choose Plan X” / comparing benefits as a recommendation. |
| Collect only: name, contact details, country of residence, timing, and a high-level description of the need (with consent). | Collecting and forwarding medical reports or detailed health history unless BIG requests it and you have an agreed secure process. |
| Set expectations on process: “there may be underwriting questions; respond promptly to keep momentum.” | Negotiating terms, promising acceptance, or implying you represent an insurer or BIG. |
Professions that commonly influence IPMI decisions (and practical workflows)
Below are common partner profiles. Each includes two real-world pain points and a simple workflow that preserves role boundaries.
- Pain point 1: Clients need insurance in place quickly to avoid timeline slippage.
- Pain point 2: Lawyers want to avoid stepping into insurance advice/distribution.
Solution/workflow: lawyer introduces the client → consent captured → BIG runs insurance process and documentation → lawyer stays copied on key milestone updates (subject to consent) for timeline visibility.
- Pain point 1: Insurance admin becomes a bottleneck against fixed move dates.
- Pain point 2: Multi-language communication creates repeated follow-ups.
Solution/workflow: relocation manager shares itinerary + dates (with consent) → BIG coordinates IPMI placement and servicing → multilingual support helps client comms → relocation firm remains the client’s move coordinator.
- Pain point 1: Clients expect high-touch servicing with minimal noise.
- Pain point 2: Data sensitivity is high; avoid unnecessary sharing.
Solution/workflow: adviser introduces → BIG handles underwriting and policy servicing with a dedicated claims/policy contact → data minimisation applied to what is collected and shared.[6]
- Pain point 1: Cross-border employment creates benefit expectations that differ by country.
- Pain point 2: HR teams need a clean escalation path for claims/servicing issues.
Solution/workflow: HR partner introduces group context → BIG liaises with insurers and manages policy/claims communications via a dedicated contact → HR partner stays informed on key steps (subject to consent where individual data is involved).
- Pain point 1: Clients ask insurance questions outside the adviser’s remit.
- Pain point 2: Advisers want a controlled, minimal-data referral process.
Solution/workflow: adviser introduces for insurance handling → BIG manages regulated distribution steps → adviser remains focused on tax work, with minimal data transfer aligned to data minimisation.[6]
- Pain point 1: Founders/CEOs want decisions fast with minimal operational drag.
- Pain point 2: The adviser is often not licensed to recommend insurance products.
Solution/workflow: adviser introduces and frames BIG as the specialist broker → BIG runs underwriting coordination and insurer liaison → adviser stays copied (subject to consent), keeping the client experience consistent.
The value is primarily a better client solution: a specialist broker handles distribution steps and ongoing servicing. Where contractually permitted and compliant with local rules, an introducer/referral remuneration arrangement may apply — documented via agreement and disclosed as required.
For US group health plan contexts, the Department of Labor has issued guidance on broker/consultant compensation disclosure expectations under ERISA section 408(b)(2)(B), as amended by the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2021.[7]
Case studies (anonymised)
The scenarios below are illustrative scenarios. They are written to show how these partner statuses can work operationally. They are not performance guarantees and do not imply specific outcomes for your business.
Illustrative scenario 1 (Specialised IPMI Broker): back-office leverage without losing client ownership
A specialist IPMI broker manages a growing portfolio across multiple regions. Senior advisers are being pulled into underwriting follow-ups and servicing escalations.
How collaboration worked: the broker retained advisory ownership and commercial positioning. BIG coordinated underwriting packs, consolidated insurer questions, and provided a dedicated point of contact for policy management and claims. The broker was copied on key communications.
Operational impact: fewer duplicated touchpoints and a cleaner escalation path, freeing specialist adviser time for client strategy and renewals.
Illustrative scenario 2 (General Broker): occasional IPMI requests handled safely
A general broker (life/employee benefits focus) receives occasional requests from clients relocating abroad. The team is concerned about product complexity and regulatory boundaries.
How collaboration worked: the broker introduced the client and obtained consent to share data and copy communications. BIG handled the IPMI quoting, underwriting liaison, and policy issuance steps, while keeping the broker informed at milestones.
Compliance note: the broker avoided product recommendations outside their authorised scope; BIG handled regulated distribution steps where required.
Illustrative scenario 3 (Partner — Immigration): insurance becomes a predictable part of the visa timeline
An immigration practice supports executives moving across jurisdictions. Health insurance documentation is a recurring blocker, but the firm is not licensed to advise on insurance.
How collaboration worked: the lawyer introduced the client and set expectations, capturing consent for data sharing. BIG handled insurer liaison and next steps. The lawyer stayed copied on key milestone updates to manage the overall timeline.
Illustrative scenario 4 (Partner — Relocation): multilingual support reduces repeated follow-ups
A relocation firm supports a family moving from one country to another with a tight start date. The family prefers communication in a non-English language.
How collaboration worked: the relocation manager introduced the family and shared move dates. BIG provided multilingual support, coordinated underwriting requirements, and established servicing contacts for post-inception needs.
Operational impact: fewer misunderstandings and less “back-and-forth” during the move, while BIG handled the insurance workstream.
How to get started
If you’re ready to evaluate the IPMI broker partner programme in a transactional way, the simplest approach is to start with one real case. That makes it easy to test responsiveness, communication style, and the “what we do / what you do” split for your specific status.
- Review the programme overview on Brokers & Partners and note any questions about workflow, communications and disclosures.
- If you have an active opportunity, ask us to contact you back asap via Callback
- Prepare onboarding basics: your status (broker vs partner), operating geographies, and your preferred “you lead / we lead / hybrid” model.
- If you want more context on BIG, review About us.
Further reading (optional): Choosing the right insurer for international health insurance and Preparing life abroad.
