If your family travels regularly, whether it's for extended trips or shorter visits, it's worth looking into international family health insurance that will keep your loved ones safe and save you money in the long-run. Despite its many benefits, international family health insurance is often overlooked, with most people favouring travel insurance instead. However, international family health insurance usually provides greater cover for frequent or long-term journeys.

Going abroad often involves a range of challenges, any of which increases your risk of illness or poor health. Driving abroad, for example, is a heightened risk due to the rigours of right-hand drive cars and the often unfamiliar layouts of foreign roads. Although much of this falls under the remit of travel insurance, international health insurance gives you a greater cover and provides options that basic travel insurance does not. For example, travel insurance will often cover emergency medical bills and nothing else, whereas international health insurance will usually pay for you to be repatriated if necessary, meaning you will be brought back home for further treatment. This process allows you to be treated in the comfort of your home country, with access to the proper medical treatments and under your domestic health insurance plan.

International family health insurance is an ideal option if you or a member of your family is living and working abroad, even if only for a short time. Travel insurance often will only cover you if the purpose of your journey is based on travelling, rather than on staying in one place. For example, if a member of your family gets a summer job somewhere other than the UK, international health iInsurance will allow him to see a doctor and get medical treatments without the fear of costly bills. If you work abroad, then it is unlikely that basic travel insurance will cover you, even if you regularly travel between the UK and another country. For individuals who spend large amounts of time living in two countries, then international health insurance is usually the best option.

The medical and financial benefits of international family health insurance are many, but the peace of mind it provides is also worth mentioning. When living, working or visiting a foreign country, having peace of mind regarding medical coverage is often invaluable. For example, if one of your children is planning a gap year or is studying in another country, then just knowing that their medical needs are taken care of can help prevent you from worrying while they're away.

Thus, international family health insurance is certainly worth considering prior to travelling abroad. As with many forms of insurance, choosing the cheaper option may look good on paper, but if you or a family member needs medical attention, having a more comprehensive option quickly pays for itself.

The author of this article is a part of a digital marketing agency that works with brands like Bupa. The views and opinions expressed within this article belong to the writer and are not necessarily reflective of those of Bupa. The contents of this article are of a general nature only and do not constitute specific advice. This article does not take into account your circumstances or needs and must not be relied upon in place of appropriate professional advice.