Can I take out Life insurance if I am an Australian expat living overseas?

Russell Cain Updated: 10 July 2023

Australian expat living overseas

In relation to expats living overseas, a number of insurers have changed / updated their views on how willing they are to offer life / tpd / trauma or income protection to expat Australians livings aboard.

Firstly: Here are some of the key pieces of information that we would need to know before we could give you a meaningful response.

Secondly: The life insurance company will also take into consideration where you are travelling to /residing in and the travel warning surrounding the country or region.

There are 4 levels of travel warnings:

  1. Exercise normal safety precautions (Green)
  2. High degree of caution (Yellow)
  3. Reconsider your need to travel (Orange)
  4. Do not Travel (Red)
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Generally speaking insurer’s consider the regions marked as Green or Yellow acceptable, regions marked as Orange will require individual consideration and if the region is red, generally speaking they will not be able to offer cover but I would still recommend asking!

For income protection policies you will be best to provide the following as well:

Please note: They will also generally also apply a repatriation clause for Income protection benefits.

Finally: we have recently found that a number of insurers insist that the application must be signed /completed in Australia before the client leaves the country or when the client comes back to visit for business or on holiday and if there are any medical requirements requested by the insurer they must be completed in Australia.

As we help Australian expat living all over the world with their life / TPD / Trauma or income protection requirements therefore please either request a quote by completing a request form or you can contact us on +61 (0)2 99297355 if you are calling from overseas please note we are on Australian Eastern Time Zone UTC+10:00.

Frequently asked questions and answers

  • Can I purchase life insurance if I am an Australian expat living overseas?

    Yes, it is possible to purchase life insurance as an Australian expat living overseas. However, the availability and terms of coverage may vary among different insurers. It’s important to consult with insurance providers specializing in expat insurance to explore your options.
  • What information do I need to provide to get a meaningful response regarding life insurance as an expat?

    To obtain a meaningful response regarding life insurance as an expat, it is essential to provide relevant information. This includes details such as your Australian citizenship status, the duration of your overseas employment or residence, your planned or clear return date to Australia, whether you have a working contract in place, and information about your travel destination or country of residence. These factors help insurers assess your eligibility and tailor the terms and conditions of the life insurance policy to your specific circumstances. By providing this information, you can receive accurate and personalized guidance from insurance providers specializing in expat insurance.
  • Does my Australian citizenship status affect my eligibility for life insurance as an expat?

    Your Australian citizenship status can have an impact on your eligibility for life insurance as an expat. Some insurers may have specific requirements or restrictions based on citizenship status. It’s crucial to discuss your circumstances with insurance providers specializing in expat insurance to understand the options available to you.
  • How does the travel destination or country of residence as an expat impact my ability to buy life insurance?

    The travel destination or country of residence as an expat can influence your ability to obtain life insurance. Insurers assess the risk associated with different countries or regions based on factors such as political stability, safety, and healthcare infrastructure. Generally, regions marked as “Green” or “Yellow” (exercise normal safety precautions or a high degree of caution) are more likely to be considered acceptable by insurers. Regions marked as “Orange” (reconsider your need to travel) may require individual consideration, and regions marked as “Red” (do not travel) will typically pose challenges for obtaining coverage. However, it’s still recommended to inquire with insurance providers as individual circumstances may vary.
  • Are there additional requirements for income protection policies for expats?

    Yes, there may be additional requirements for income protection policies for expats. In addition to standard information such as your occupation, qualifications, and current income, insurers may consider factors specific to expats. This could include details about your employment status (employee or self-employed) and any repatriation clauses that may apply to income protection benefits. It’s advisable to discuss these requirements with insurance providers specializing in expat insurance to ensure you have the necessary information for your income protection policy.

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