Raising a Family Abroad: Stability, Schooling & Healthcare
Moving abroad with children is one of the most transformative things a family can do. It is also one of the most complex to plan. This guide covers everything you need to know.
540,000+
UK expat families living abroad
55+
Countries with family nomad visas
£6,000–£30,000/yr
International school fees range
87%
of expat children report positive experience
Schooling Options for Expat Families
🏫 International Schools
Follow IB, British, American, or national curricula. Taught in English (or your home language). Excellent for continuity when moving between countries.
Advantages
- +Recognised qualifications globally
- +Strong expat community
- +Smooth re-integration to home system
Considerations
- –Expensive: £6,000–£30,000+/year
- –Less local immersion
- –Variable quality
Best for: families with multiple planned moves, children in exam years
🏠 Home/Online Schooling
Parents deliver the curriculum (or hire tutors) using structured programmes like Khan Academy, Acellus, Oak National Academy, or bespoke tutoring arrangements.
Advantages
- +Maximum flexibility
- +No fixed location needed
- +Highly customisable pace
Considerations
- –Requires one parent's significant time
- –Less peer socialisation
- –Discipline can be challenging
Best for: full-time travelling families, children who thrive in self-directed learning
📚 Local State Schools
Enrol in the local public school system. Children learn in the local language, build genuine local friendships, and experience full cultural immersion.
Advantages
- +Free or very low cost
- +Deep cultural integration
- +Native language acquisition
Considerations
- –Language barrier initially
- –Curriculum may not transfer home
- –Requires stable long-term base
Best for: families staying 2+ years in one place, younger children
🔀 Hybrid Approach
Combine a few hours of structured home curriculum in the morning with local activities, language classes, and social programmes in the afternoon.
Advantages
- +Balances flexibility with structure
- +Wide social exposure
- +Curriculum continuity maintained
Considerations
- –Complex to coordinate
- –Requires research in each destination
Best for: slow travellers spending 3–6 months per destination
Healthcare for Families Abroad
Healthcare is the area that causes the most anxiety for families moving abroad — and for good reason. Without the NHS (or its equivalent), a simple child's broken arm or an asthma episode can cost thousands.
Short-stay families (under 6 months)
Family travel insurance with medical cover and medical evacuation. WorldNomads or SafetyWing Family Plan covers all family members under one policy.
Medium-stay families (6–24 months)
International health insurance — Cigna Global, Bupa International, or Aetna. These cover routine care, specialist referrals, maternity (if applicable), and emergency evacuation.
Long-stay/permanently settled families
A combination of local private health insurance (often mandatory for visa holders) plus an international top-up policy for major treatments or evacuation to preferred facilities.
Travel Insurance
Protect your trip
Family travel insurance covers the whole family. Most policies include free child cover and comprehensive medical protection.
- Medical emergency coverage
- Trip cancellation protection
- Lost luggage assistance
We receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What schooling options are available for children abroad?
Families abroad typically choose between: international schools (following a national or IB curriculum), local state schools (best for language immersion), online/homeschooling programmes (maximum flexibility for travelling families), or a hybrid approach combining structured curriculum with local activities.
How do we access healthcare for our children abroad?
For short to medium stays, a family travel insurance policy or international health insurance is essential. For long-term residency, many expats combine private international health insurance (Cigna Global, Bupa International, AXA) with access to the local public health system where available.
Are there child-friendly nomad visa routes?
Yes. Most digital nomad visas cover dependent spouses and children. Portugal D8, Spain, Costa Rica, and Croatia explicitly include family dependants. Some countries also require proof of educational provision for school-age children.
How do I maintain stability for my children while moving?
Child development research suggests that children adapt well to international moves when: routines are maintained (mealtimes, bedtime), they have social connections (regular video calls with home, new local friendships), and transitions are explained positively. Slow travel — spending 3–12 months per destination — is significantly better for children than frequent moves.
What is the best age to move abroad with children?
There is no single answer. Under 3s adapt most easily as they have no established school friendships. Ages 7–11 can benefit enormously from language immersion and cultural exposure. Teenagers (14+) often find the transition hardest due to established social networks. Most expat families find middle primary years (7–10) an excellent window for an international move.
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