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Is Your International Protection Adequate?

A 27-point checklist to assess whether your cover is fit for purpose as an expat or internationally mobile professional. 8 items are marked critical — these represent the most common causes of protection failure at the point of claim.

Critical items — marked with a red flag below — represent the most common reasons protection policies fail to pay out at claim: a UK-only policy held while living abroad, no beneficiary nominated, or employer cover that lapsed on departure. Address these first.

Life Assurance

I have an internationally valid life assurance policy (not a domestic UK policy that requires UK residency)

CRITICAL — address this first

My current insurer has been notified of my country of residence

CRITICAL — address this first

My sum assured is sufficient to replace my income for 10+ years

My sum assured covers my outstanding mortgage and other debts

My sum assured covers expected education costs for dependants

My death benefit is denominated in the currency my estate will need

Critical Illness Cover

I have critical illness cover that will pay out in my current country of residence

CRITICAL — address this first

My CI policy covers at least the 10 core conditions (cancer, heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, organ transplant, MS, paralysis, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, severe burns)

My CI sum assured would cover private medical treatment costs abroad if needed

My CI policy uses a "full" definition of covered conditions, not a narrowed-down list

Income Protection

I have income protection that covers income earned outside the UK

CRITICAL — address this first

My income protection uses an "own occupation" definition (not "any occupation")

CRITICAL — address this first

My income protection deferred period is matched to my emergency fund (I can fund the gap)

My benefit period runs to retirement age, not just 2 or 5 years

My IP benefit level covers at least 60% of my gross income

Trust & Beneficiary Structures

My life assurance policy is written in an appropriate trust (not held personally, outside my estate)

CRITICAL — address this first

My trust has named trustees who are aware of their role and responsibilities

Beneficiary nominations are up to date and reflect my current family situation

CRITICAL — address this first

My trust structure has been reviewed following any major life change (marriage, divorce, birth of a child, death of a named beneficiary)

Business & Employer Cover

I am not relying on employer death-in-service cover that will lapse when I leave or change jobs

CRITICAL — address this first

If I am a company director, I have considered a relevant life policy for tax-efficient cover

If I have a business partner, a buy-sell agreement funded by life or keyman cover is in place

Any business loans that could be called in on my death or serious illness are covered by appropriate protection

Review & Maintenance

I have reviewed my protection cover in the last 12 months

My cover has been reviewed following any major financial change (new property, increased income, new dependant)

I know how to make a claim on each policy I hold, and my family knows too

My financial adviser has copies of or references to all my policies

How many boxes can you tick?

If you cannot tick all of the critical items, you have a significant protection gap that needs addressing now — not when your circumstances change. We offer a free 30-minute protection review that audits your existing cover, identifies the gaps, and recommends the most appropriate international solution.

Book a free protection review Take the needs assessment →

Useful next steps

Universal Life Insurance

Permanent cover with investment element — 15 use cases for HNW expats.

International Term Life

Cost-effective cover for income replacement, mortgage protection, and family protection.

Critical Illness Cover

Lump sum on diagnosis of 30+ serious conditions — pays while you are still alive.

Income Protection

Monthly income replacement if illness or injury prevents you from working.

All Protection Guides

In-depth technical guides on every aspect of international protection insurance.

Cover Gap Calculator

Calculate your recommended cover level and see your current gap in seconds.

This checklist is for general guidance only and does not constitute a personal recommendation or financial advice. Protection needs are individual — this checklist identifies common risk areas but cannot substitute for a full review of your specific circumstances by a qualified independent adviser. Product terms and eligibility criteria change.

Book a free international protection review

Our advisers audit your existing cover, identify gaps — especially for expats holding UK-only policies — and recommend appropriate international solutions. No obligation, no product push.