Working in international insurance abroad: what is it, why would you do it, and where is the best place to go?

What is working in international insurance abroad like?

• You don't find yourself standing in the mud or on a tropical beach every day, but you still encounter it in your work: international insurance involves real risks, adventurous people, and sometimes truly large sums of money.
• From expats and digital nomads to volunteers and interns, when something goes wrong, someone like you steps in to help.
• Working in international insurance means dealing with risks across national borders. Think of healthcare costs abroad, accidents during work or internships, liability, repatriation, or loss of income.
• You can find work with international insurers, specialized expat insurers, intermediaries, NGOs, or international organizations like JoHoInsurances, or in policy, compliance, and product development.
• You often work at the intersection of law, healthcare, finance, and international travel.
• Responsibilities: Depending on your role, you could be involved in:
  • Assessing and handling claims.
  • Advising clients or organizations about coverage.
  • Developing or improving insurance products.
  • Policy and compliance with international legislation.
  • Contact with medical services, emergency response centers, and partners.
  • Risk assessments for work, travel, or deployment.
• Employment conditions: often full-time, sometimes project-based. Regular office-based work, but with an international focus.
• Salary is local and depends on the position and specialization.
• Sometimes there are opportunities for advancement in policy, management, or a specific specialization.

What are the reasons for working in international insurance abroad?

• To learn to analyse: you learn to assess risks in different countries, contexts, and legislations.
• To feel involved: your advice or decision has a direct impact on people working or traveling abroad.
• To work results-oriented: clear policy conditions and good coverage make a real difference when things go wrong.
• To develop a bird's-eye view: you connect medical, legal, financial, and cultural aspects.
• To experience meaning: you help people at their most vulnerable moments, such as during illness, accidents, or emergencies.

What skills and motivations do you need to work in international insurance abroad?

• Careful working: Small details in terms and conditions or regulations can have major financial consequences.
• Communicate: You must be able to clearly explain complex insurance matters to non-specialists.
• Resilience under pressure: Claims, emergencies, and deadlines require calmness and clarity.
• Analytical thinking: You weigh risks, costs, and coverage.
• Networking: Collaboration with medical services, lawyers, emergency response centers, and international partners is crucial.

What are the best countries and locations to work in international insurance abroad?

• Countries with many international insurers and headquarters: the Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany, the United Kingdom.
• Countries with many emergency response centers and claims handling: the Netherlands, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Spain, Ireland.
• Countries with many organizations employing staff deployed worldwide: Belgium, Switzerland, the United States, France, Kenya.

What are the risks of working in international insurance abroad, and are you insured against those risks? 

• What are the risks of working in international insurance abroad?
  • You may have to make decisions under high time pressure what can lead to stress and burn-out: in medical emergencies or evacuations, every minute counts.
  • You may encounter emotionally challenging situations: illness, accidents, or death require professionalism and mental resilience.
  • You may work in countries where the risk of illness is higher.
• Are you insured while working in international insurance abroad?
  • There may be several reasons why you need separate insurance when working abroad.
  • Local employers generally offer limited or no supplementary insurance.
  • There is a risk of accidents, for example, because you are doing work with which you have little experience.
  • During work, internships, or volunteering abroad where you receive compensation or a salary, your own health insurance coverage in your home country may be cancelled.
  • See the pages on: insuring international Insurances for working abroad, for internships abroad, for volunteering abroad, or for expats and emigrants.