The British insurer with top market share, Bupa, clocked up 5pc growth last year. A top continental medical insurer, Denmark's International Health Insurance, claims to have been growing at up to five times the Bupa figure while many small British companies point to double-digit growth. Some of this is due to increasing numbers of expatriates and some is down to increased awareness of the need for protection, insurance advisers say. But there are a host of other factors to weigh up. It is essential to study the small print.
Independent advisers can be helpful.
When it comes to choosing an insurer you can glean prices and benefit details from the internet, ring round insurers and haggle with the one you like. Local providers may offer a better deal but buyers should be aware of transferability of cover in the event of policyholders' permanent return to their home country. Premiums vary markedly. There may be good reasons for this - for example, cover for chronic illness. Or it may simply be that the insurer is not keen for business in the relevant geographic zone.