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7 Best International Health Insurance for Immigrants & Expatriates in the USA

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Are you planning to live in the United States and aren’t sure which international health insurance policy is right for you? Then read on below for the 7 best and cheapest plans and companies that offer international health insurance plans for expats. 

Living in another country is an unforgettable experience which can change your entire vision of the world and open the door to many learning opportunities. 

The problem is that, in order to get to this point, there’s a lot of things you have to plan for. 

Applying for your visa, figuring out how to deal with finances while you’re overseas, booking your flights, finding accommodation… 

 

 

Not to mention, choosing an international health insurance plan! And given the absurd cost of healthcare in the United States (more than 60% of bankruptcies each year are caused by medical bills…), this is NOT a country where you want to be left without insurance. 

So as someone who has lived in the United States as an expat myself, I wanted to create this list to help others with the most popular international health insurance companies for immigrants and expats in the U.S. 

This way, you can compare the pros and cons of each plan to choose the one that’s right for you.  

But first, I put together some relevant info to help you in your search. 

 

 

Why bother getting an international health insurance plan in the United States? 

If you’re going to become a resident of the United States (or any other foreign country), it’s very important that you and your family are protected if any emergencies happen. 

But unfortunately, many people just don’t realize how important it is to buy an insurance policy before you move abroad. 

To help you understand why, here’s two of the most important reasons to get a health insurance plan while living in the United States.

 

How having an international health insurance plan can protect you from bankruptcy in the United States 

Even if having an insurance policy isn’t a requirement to enter the United States (like it is to enter the European Union, for example), it’s highly recommended to get one. 

(Note: just remember that you need to buy this policy BEFORE you arrive since you often can’t buy a policy after you’ve begun your trip)

If it’s a good idea to have a good insurance plan to visit everywhere else in the world, it’s an urgent need in the United States. 

 

 

Since the United States has some of the highest healthcare costs in the world, there are many stories of Americans, tourists, and expats that went bankrupt thanks to the enormous hospital costs (I’m not kidding here – as I said above, 60% of all bankruptcies in the United States are caused by medical bills). 

Unlike most other countries in the world, the US does not have a public healthcare system. Which means that any service you seek will be private and thus very expensive. 

 

How having international insurance can give you peace of mind 

If the financial benefits of having an insurance plan haven’t convinced you, then keep in mind that a plan can also give you peace of mind. 

Especially when you’re living in a new country and are unfamiliar with the healthcare system or unsure how to go about seeking out recommendations for doctors/hospitals, your insurance provider can help. 

 

Questions to ask yourself before choosing an international health insurance plan for expats in the United States 

Choosing an insurance policy is not an easy task. 

With this in mind, here are some questions to ask yourself when it comes to choosing your policy: 

 

Here’s a bit more info about each of these considerations. 

 

How much coverage does each international health plan offer? 

When it comes to health insurance, one of the most important things to look at is the coverage amount. 

To determine if the coverage is enough for you or not, here are a few more questions to consider: 

 

What is the level of customer service each company offers?

Here, I’m not talking about the customer service provided by a doctor’s office or a hospital. I’m talking about the customer service offered by the insurance company itself. 

It’s worth taking a look to see how easily you can get a hold of them (only by phone? By email? By live chat?), as well as making sure they have 24/7 support so you can get help with anything you need anytime you need it. 

 

Does the plan cover any specific health issues that you or your family have? 

If you or your family have any pre-existing conditions, you’ll need to make sure that the plan you’re looking at covers them. 

Unfortunately, few insurance companies offer complete coverage for pre-existing conditions (or even coverage for pregnancy and maternity care). 

So if you do have a condition, you’ll want to be careful with your research and be prepared to spend a bit more for a better plan that covers what you need. 

 

How many partner hospitals and doctor’s offices are covered by the plan?

The last question I recommend you ask is about the number of medical offices around the world covered by your plan. 

The more options you have, the greater chance you’ll have of getting quick care that’s close to where you live. Not to mention, you’ll also have more choice in where you go. 

One other thing to pay attention to is that there are some plans that will pay the hospital/medical provider directly when you go in for your appointment. In other words, you won’t have to pay anything for medical services. 

Other plans work with a reimbursement system, which means that you’ll need to pay for the service yourself and then afterwards request the money back from your insurance provider (which honestly can be a bit of a pain). 

In sum, the more medical providers covered by your plan, the better. And be sure to check if they pay the medical provider directly or if you have to request a reimbursement. 

 

Who do these international health insurance services cover?

The health insurances on this list serve these citizens who live in the US:

And for citizens of almost every other country in the world

 

In addition to expatriates/immigrants residing in the United States, these insurances also serve those who reside in:

And for expats living in almost any other country in the world

 

Simply put, regardless of your citizenship or which country you plan to move to, most of these international health plans will work for you.

 

The 7 Best & Cheapest International Health Insurance Plans for Expats in the United States 

Below, you’ll find a full breakdown of the best health insurance policies for expats, digital nomads, and immigrants in the U.S., as well as why I believe them to be good options.

Attention: I always recommend that you make a quote with all the companies listed below. Despite the work and time it will take, you can save a staggering amount of money just by doing good research.

 

   1. Cigna

Cigna is one of the largest international health insurance companies in the world.  Originally founded in the United States, today they have expanded globally and have 189 million clients to date.

Cigna’s plans tend to have really ample coverage. So if you want to be prepared for any situation, give Cigna plans a look. 

I’ve purchased Cigna plans before and I’ve found the process very easy and straightforward. However, I’ve never had to file a claim with them so I can’t comment on their customer service.  

 

 

Pros of a Cigna plan as an expat in the United States: 

 

 

 

Cons of a Cigna plan as an expat in the United States: 

 

 

   2. IMG

IMG is another great option for expats and digital nomads. 

One reason is that they are focused on helping individuals who are proving to another country, the U.S. included. Because of this, they have a variety of plans designed especially for these types of customers. 

I’ve personally purchased the “Patriot America Plus” and “Global Medical Insurance” plans a few times, and was happy with the service. But like Cigna, I never had to file a claim so I can’t offer an opinion on their process here. 

 

 

Pros of an IMG plan as an expat in the United States: 

 

 

 

Cons of an IMG plan as an expat in the United States: 

 

 

   3. Aetna

Aetna is a solid company and has been a worldwide leader in insurance for more than 50 years. 

One of Aetna’s standout factors is their prioritization of customer service. Because of this, they have a well-trained team available to answer questions and help you with emergencies 24/7. 

 

 

Pros of an Aetna plan as an expat in the United States: 

 

 

 

Cons of an Aetna plan as an expat in the United States: 

 

 

   4. GeoBlue

GeoBlue’s plans include extensive coverage, partner institutions and doctors with quality care, and a 24/7 customer service team available to help with any emergency. 

One of the biggest benefits of working with GeoBlue is that they have a wide variety of plans to choose from. Another highlight is that they have personalized plans for teachers, students, boat & yacht crew members, missionaries, and, of course, expats and immigrants. 

 

 

Pros of a GeoBlue plan as an expat in the United States: 

 

 

 

Cons of a GeoBlue plan as an expat in the United States: 

 

 

   5. SafetyWing

SafetyWing is one of the best options out there when it comes to international insurance for digital nomads, expats, and remote workers living overseas. 

Beyond the usual medical coverage, SafetyWing also covers 30 days in your home country for every 90 days that you stay overseas. It’s hard to find this with any other insurance providers! 

Another nice benefit of SafetyWing is their portal, which allows you to solve problems quickly and easily (and thus avoid the delays and bureaucracies that many other insurance companies have). 

 

 

Pros of a SafetyWing plan as an expat in the United States: 

 

 

 

Cons of a SafetyWing plan as a expat in the United States 

 

 

   6. Foyer Global Health 

Foyer Global Health is part of the Foyer Group, a well-known European company that has many insurance plans available for clients around the world. 

 

 

Pros of a Foyer Global Health plan as an expat in the United States: 

 

 

 

Cons of a Foyer Global Health plan as an expat in the United States: 

 

 

   7. Global Underwriters

Global Underwriters is an expert when it comes to medical insurance. They have different plans to meet different traveler profiles, including expatriates living in the United States.

GU’s Diplomat America plan is designed specifically for foreign residents of the US. Perfect for exchange students, digital nomads, business travelers, missionaries or those who want to take a long trip across the US.

 

 

Pros of a Global Underwriters plan as an expat in the United States: 

 

 

Cons of a Global Underwriters plan as an expat in the United States: 

 

 

Bonus:

 

 – Allianz Care

Allianz Care is a German company that we can’t leave off our list. Although it’s a more traditional insurance company than some of the others here, they have quite a few advantages that are worth mentioning. 

Here are some of what I did and didn’t like about Allianz’s plans. 

 

 

Pros of an Allianz Care plan as an expat in the United States 

 

Cons of an Allianz Care plan as an expat in the United States

 

 

 – Now Health

Now Health is another excellent international health insurance option for expatriates, this company’s main mission is to provide quality service with efficiency and clarity to its customers.

Now Health’s differential is, of course, its customer service. It is possible to contact the company through several channels and resolve all your doubts and pending issues in a simple way.

All Now Health plans are customizable and designed especially for new international residents, helping its users to experience the challenges of life in a new country.

 

 

Pros of an Now Health plan as an expat in the United States 

 

Cons of an Now Health plan as an expat in the United States

 

 

Comparison table of the best international health insurance for expats in the United States 

If you still have any doubts about where to begin your search, take a look at the table below for some help comparing all the options I listed above. 

 

Cigna Global

IMG

Aetna

GeoBlue

SafetyWing

Foyer Global Health

Global Underwriters
BENEFIT LIMIT LIMIT LIMIT LIMIT LIMIT LIMIT LIMIT
Medical Maximum Unlimited (for the Platinum plan) $8,000,000 The site doesn’t specify  Unlimited US$1,000,000 per year The site doesn’t specify  Depending on the plan, can be up to $1 million
U.S. In-Network Coinsurance You choose. From 70%(100% thereafter) to 100% 100% No 60% for maximum coinsurance and then 100% Yes, for higher fees Only in emergencies Yes
U.S. Out-of-Network Coinsurance You choose. From 70%(100% thereafter) to 100% 90% to $5,000 (100% thereafter) Yes, for higher fees 100% 100% 100% 100%
Mental Health Availability No waiting period 12-month waiting period Co-payment of $25 per visit, waived deductible 75% up to 40 visits / 60% after that No Waiting period of 10 months Yes
Mental Health Benefit Inpatient and Outpatient: $5,000 lifetime maximum to paid in full depending on the plan Inpatient and Outpatient: $50,000 lifetime maximum Co-payment of $250 after deductible 100% up to 60 days International and ambulance: limit not specified Inpatient, outpatient, and therapy: limit not specific
Inpatient Prescription Drugs $500 to paid in full depending on the plan Up to $8,000,000 Yes Complete reimbursement Yes
Outpatient Prescription Drugs None, unless you buy the International Outpatient Option Up to $8,000,000 Complete reimbursement Yes Yes
Evacuation and Repatriation of Remains Paid in full Up to $8,000,000 Yes Up to $25,000 No Up to 10,000 euros  Yes
Accidental Death & Dismemberment Depends on the plan Rider available, limit depends on age. $50,000 It depends on the plan
Emergency Dental Paid in full Up to $8,000,000 Optional 1,000 per year, $ 200 per tooth Yes, however you need to pay an extra fee on top of your plan Depending on the plan, it’s unlimited It has limitations depending on the plan 
Treatment Necessary as Result of Terrorism Up to the amount of the coverage Rider available up to $50,000-lifetime maximum Clause available up to maximum of $50,000 in lifetime payments N/A
Amateur Sports Unlimited Rider available up to $10,000 No Yes No No N/A
Routine Nursery Care of a Newborn Child of a Covered Pregnancy $25,000 to $156,000 depending on the plan $1,000 additional deductible, $50,000 lifetime maximum, $200 wellness benefit for first 12 months Yes Depends on the plan Can be unlimited depending on the plan Depends on the plan
Children born as a result of fertility treatment (such as IVF or surrogacy) Only after the baby is 90 days old Excluded Depends on the plan Excluded No No
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Check website for updated information $250,000 maximum for first 31 days No Up to $250,000 for the first 31 days  No Depends on the plan
Pre-existing condition exclusion period Conditions that are fully disclosed on the application and have not been excluded or restricted by a rider will be covered as any illness Conditions that are fully disclosed on the application and have not been excluded or restricted by a rider will be covered as any illness Conditions that are fully disclosed on the application and have not been excluded or restricted by a rider will be covered as any illness Conditions that are fully disclosed on the application and have not been excluded or restricted by a rider will be covered as any illness Conditions that are fully disclosed on the application and have not been excluded or restricted by a rider will be covered as any illness Conditions that are fully disclosed on the application and have not been excluded or restricted by a rider will be covered as any illness Conditions that are fully disclosed on the application and have not been excluded or restricted by a rider will be covered as any illness
Pre-existing condition look back period Any time prior to effective date Any time prior to plan effective date Any time prior to plan effective date Any time prior to plan effective date Any time prior to plan effective date Any time prior to plan effective date Any time prior to plan effective date
Pre-existing annual maximum once covered Unlimited depending on the plan Up to $8,000,000 Unlimited depending on the plan Unlimited depending on the plan Full reimbursement Unlimited depending on the plan Unlimited depending on the plan
Pre-existing lifetime maximum once covered Unlimited depending on the plan Up to $8,000,000 Unlimited depending on the plan Unlimited depending on the plan Full reimbursement Unlimited depending on the plan Unlimited depending on the plan

 

Note: this table is subject to change. At the moment of writing this article, all info was correct and up-to-date. Check with the insurance provider for the most up-to-date information.

 

In conclusion… 

Beginning a new life in a foreign country may not be the easiest task, but it’s certainly one of the most enriching and unforgettable! 

That said, I hope that this comparison above has helped you in your search for the best policy, or at least given you a better idea of what your options are. 

I’ve spent a lot of time living in the United States as an expat…so if you have any other questions about expat insurance for the United States or have any other questions about living overseas in general, let me know in the comments area below and I’ll get back to you!  

 

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