Expats covered by 33% of UK insurers

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British expatriates can get life insurance products from 33% of UK insurers, a survey by Unusual Risks has found.

The survey of UK life insurers asked if they offered products to Britons who spend more than six months of the year abroad - finding 8% offering critical illness in certain circumstances.

Among insurers who would consider applications from British Expats, several had rules about the maximum number of years an applicant can spend outside the UK.

As the majority of expatriates cannot confirm how long they will be outside the UK, this means that many providers' products would be unsuitable.

Chris Morgan, lead financial adviser of Unusual Risks, said: "Obtaining life assurance and critical illness cover for British Expatriates living abroad continues to be extremely difficult, with only a limited number of UK Life Assurance Companies now prepared to offer cover to applicants.

"Many of UK iInsurance companies require an applicant to be resident in the UK for at least six months of the year'.

"There are many groups of British Expatriates that have genuine reasons for needing a UK based life assurance plan, such as those with property interests, outstanding mortgages or tax interests in the UK.

"We have also met British Expatriates who require life assurance to protect family members and financial dependents still resident in the United Kingdom."

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