APRIL International UK has introduced membership of Best Doctors' second medical opinion service to its international private medical insurance (IPMI) policies.
The insurer said the second opinion service would be particularly useful to expats who may experience language barriers.
April International UK is the first international private medical insurer to offer this service with its policies.
The insurer said that the second opinion service would be valuable for both major operations and any medical intervention where the chance of a full recovery was doubtful.
Sports injuries were given as an example - if an operation can be avoided, significant risk is removed from the treatment.
Second opinions can also encourage the emergence of new thinking on treatments, especially if that knowledge is drawn from an international context, the insurer said.
Joe Thomas, business development director at APRIL International UK said: "Best Doctors represents radical new way to empower the patient and tip the balance back in favour of the most vulnerable party. APRIL International UK is the first major international private medical insurer to offer the service free as a part of all new policies sold."
APRIL International UK offers international health insurance to individuals on a short or long term basis, to employee groups and to students studying around the world.
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