Life cover abroad
UK life policies don't always keep up with a move abroad: some insurers restrict cover for non-residents, and some new policies can't be taken out once you live overseas. International term life plans are designed to follow you between countries, while local insurers in the UAE and Spain may suit you if you plan to stay put. Here are some options to discuss with an adviser.
Providers to compare
Last checked November 2026. Listed in no particular order.
Zurich International Life (Middle East)
International term cover for UAE residents
Zurich International Life Limited is part of Zurich Insurance Group and operates through UAE branches. Its term protection is usually arranged through financial advisers and bank partners.
Visit Zurich International Life (Middle East)Friends Provident International
Adviser-arranged life and critical illness cover in the Gulf
Its International Protector Middle East plan offers life cover, critical illness cover or both to residents of the UAE and other Gulf states. It is sold only through financial advisers, and UAE applications must go through DIFC-regulated advisers.
Visit Friends Provident InternationalWilliam Russell
Life cover that stays with you as you move
Expat life insurance with cover of up to US$2 million (or the sterling or euro equivalent) and optional riders, underwritten by an Allianz group company. It says premiums are the same wherever you live; generally for people living outside their country of nationality.
Visit William RussellMetLife UAE
Straightforward term life bought online in the UAE
Its Live Life Now term plan is for UAE residents aged 21 to 60, with terms of 5 to 30 years and cover of AED 200,000 to AED 1,000,000. MetLife says the plan continues if you leave the UAE.
Visit MetLife UAELife5
Spanish life cover online, in English
Online life insurance broker in Spain, registered with the DGSFP, with policies underwritten by AXA Aurora Vida. It describes its service as fully in English for expats, which may help with Spanish mortgage requirements.
Visit Life5What to look for
- Whether cover continues if you move country again or return to the UK
- The currency of the policy (GBP, USD, EUR or AED) and the currency your family would need
- Term length and sum assured, and whether it is level or decreasing (for a mortgage)
- Optional critical illness or disability cover
- Who the underwriter is and where it is regulated
- Whether you need to buy through a regulated adviser in your country of residence
We list these companies for information only. We don't receive payment from them, a listing isn't a recommendation, and we don't give financial, legal or insurance advice. Prices, products and regulation change, so check the details directly with each provider.
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