Last Updated on by Lohanna Reis
If you’re contemplating a relocation or planning to settle in a foreign country, obtaining expat/international health insurance is indispensable! However, given the abundance of insurance options available, identifying the optimal choice can be a daunting task. Explore this article to delve into the top alternatives, examining their advantages and disadvantages, and review tables that compare the essential features of each insurance plan.
So, you’re embarking on a thrilling journey abroad… Congratulations! I’m genuinely excited for you!
Residing, working, or pursuing studies in a foreign nation can provide an exhilarating adventure. You’ll be connecting with numerous individuals who, much like yourself, embrace the opportunity to explore the world beyond their native countries. Yet, amid your preparations for visa arrangements and vaccination schedules, there’s a crucial aspect that should not be overlooked: expat/international health insurance.
The Chinese healthcare system is a mix of public and private services. The system has undergone significant reforms in recent years to address various challenges, including access to healthcare, affordability, and quality of services. Keep in mind that healthcare systems can evolve, and there might have been changes since my last update.
Key features of the Chinese healthcare system include:
- Public Healthcare:
- China has a public healthcare system that provides basic medical services to residents. The system is primarily funded through public funding, including government allocations and social health insurance contributions.
- Social Health Insurance:
- Social health insurance programs are a significant component of the Chinese healthcare system. These programs are designed to cover a portion of medical expenses for individuals and families.
- Urban employees, rural residents, and others contribute to social health insurance schemes, which help offset the costs of medical care.
- Public Hospitals:
- Public hospitals play a central role in providing healthcare services. They are often major healthcare providers and are equipped to handle a wide range of medical issues.
- However, public hospitals may face challenges such as overcrowding and disparities in the quality of care between urban and rural areas.
- Primary Care:
- The Chinese government has been working on strengthening primary care services to improve access to basic healthcare services and reduce the burden on large hospitals.
- Community health centers and township hospitals serve as primary care facilities, providing preventive services and basic medical care.
- Private Healthcare:
- In recent years, there has been an effort to encourage the development of the private healthcare sector to provide additional choices for patients and to address the increasing demand for healthcare services.
- Private hospitals and clinics often offer more specialized and premium services. They are typically funded through patient payments and private health insurance.
- Healthcare Reforms:
- The Chinese government has implemented a series of healthcare reforms to address challenges such as uneven distribution of healthcare resources, high out-of-pocket expenses, and the need for improved quality of care.
- Telemedicine:
- China has been exploring the use of telemedicine to enhance healthcare access, especially in rural areas where there may be a shortage of healthcare professionals.
Moreover, should you opt for an international lifestyle, neither of these two plans will extend coverage for your health under any circumstances.
Your health coverage from your home country won’t apply during your long-term stay in another country. Additionally, if you lack citizenship in the country you’re relocating to, you won’t fall under the protection of its public healthcare system.
Table of Contents
- 1 What is expat/international health insurance?
- 2 Why do I need international medical insurance for expats/immigrants and students?
- 3 Why can’t I just make sure I’m healthy before I leave?
- 4 Can I just use travel insurance for healthcare while living abroad?
- 5 Difference between travel insurance & expat/international health insurance
- 6 Expat/international health insurance for immigration and applying for residence permits/visa
- 7 What should I look for in an overseas healthcare plan for expatriates?
- 8 Who do these international health insurances work for?
- 9 Some questions to ask yourself before you buy expat/international medical insurance:
- 10 A complete table comparing these 7 health insurances for expats…
- 11 Planning your next trip?
What is expat/international health insurance?
Health coverage tailored for expatriates and immigrants on a global scale provides safeguarding for your medical expenses during a prolonged stay in a foreign country. Typically, it encompasses a wide range of healthcare services, including medical emergencies and preventive care.
It’s vital to comprehend that international health insurance is distinct from travel insurance, and it is not advisable to forgo it.
Why do I need international medical insurance for expats/immigrants and students?
Similar to the importance of having health coverage in your native country, obtaining health insurance becomes equally crucial if your plan involves residing in another country for a duration exceeding six months. In fact, numerous countries require proof of medical insurance as a prerequisite for issuing visas or work permits (further details can be found in the “expat/international health insurance for immigration” section below).
Living abroad, whether as an expatriate, immigrant, or student, presents unique healthcare challenges. While away from your home base, ensuring access to quality healthcare services and financial protection in unforeseen medical scenarios is imperative.
For expatriates or immigrants, maintaining regular check-ups, promptly addressing health concerns, and being prepared for potential emergencies remain essential. Possessing international medical insurance that extends coverage overseas not only provides peace of mind but also guarantees access to necessary healthcare when the need arises.
For students engaged in studies abroad, international medical insurance holds particular significance. Navigating a new environment may expose you to diverse healthcare systems, potential health hazards, and the need for ongoing medical assistance. Comprehensive coverage ensures access to requisite healthcare services, including routine check-ups, treatment for illnesses, and emergency medical care.
While certain employers may extend healthcare coverage to employees working in foreign locations, this is not universally applicable. It is crucial to inquire with your employer about the availability of an international health plan for you and your family. If such coverage is not provided, obtaining your immigrant/expat insurance plan aligned with the coverage you enjoyed back home is strongly recommended.
The positive aspect is that tailored international health insurance options exist, catering to your specific needs, whether you’re a solo traveler or seeking coverage for your family.
Investing in international medical insurance as an expat, immigrant, or student reflects a responsible decision prioritizing your health and well-being while residing abroad. It ensures readiness for any healthcare requirements that may emerge and offers the necessary support to navigate the healthcare systems of your host country.
Why can’t I just make sure I’m healthy before I leave?
Seeking advice from your healthcare provider before leaving your country of origin is a pivotal measure. However, prioritizing your health while abroad is equally crucial. It’s important to keep in mind that if you have pre-existing conditions or require ongoing medications, their coverage may not extend to another country.
Furthermore, unforeseen incidents can happen during travel, as illustrated by personal anecdotes like fracturing a toe in South Korea or encounters with fellow travelers who have experienced mishaps such as falling off skateboards or suffering from food poisoning. As a result, having appropriate coverage becomes essential for managing unexpected circumstances.
Can I just use travel insurance for healthcare while living abroad?
Usually, travel insurance is not sufficient for prolonged stays in a single country. Its coverage is mainly designed for trips lasting less than 6 months, although there are options for multiple countries if you are a tourist.
To understand the differences between travel insurance and expat/international health insurance, let’s explore additional details below.
Difference between travel insurance & expat/international health insurance
Travel insurance:
- It caters to individuals on tourist visits or temporary travel, not intended for those establishing residence in a new country.
- Typically provides coverage for medical emergencies abroad but frequently omits basic preventative care.
- May encompass incidents like lost baggage and trip cancellations, contingent on the specific policy. In certain zones, like the European Schengen Area, travel insurance might be mandatory for entry.
- For additional insights into travel insurance, we recommend perusing our article highlighting the leading three budget-friendly travel insurance companies.
Expat/international/immigrant/overseas health insurance:
- It is specially tailored for individuals planning to relocate or establish long-term residency in another country.
- Operates similarly to the conventional insurance coverage in your home country.
- Provides comprehensive coverage extending beyond emergency medical assistance, including preventive care, dental services, and vision care.
- May encompass a wide range of services such as pregnancy, cancer treatment, or mental health care, depending on the available plans.
- Often a requirement for visa applications or obtaining resident permits. It is renewable continuously as long as you remain overseas.
- Having international health insurance that provides ongoing coverage is essential for individuals considering a permanent relocation abroad.
Expat/international health insurance for immigration and applying for residence permits/visa
In most countries, it is mandatory to provide evidence of coverage through an international health insurance plan when applying for a temporary or permanent resident visa. It’s crucial to understand that depending solely on travel insurance is generally insufficient for this application.
Due to the intricacies involved in immigration processes, it is paramount to ensure that the expat/international health insurance policy you are obtaining complies with the specific requirements of the immigration office in the country you plan to move to. While this information might be available online, it is recommended to directly contact the immigration office for clarification if it is not readily accessible.
Personal experience using expat/international health insurance for immigration in Sweden (hint: it’s not always easy): When Nikki relocated from the United States to Sweden, upon applying for her temporary residence permit, she faced the requirement of presenting proof of international health insurance to the immigration authorities. Subsequently, she obtained a policy from one of the companies listed below, which was duly accepted by immigration.
However, when she proceeded to apply for her tax identification number via the Swedish tax office, she encountered a situation where the same insurance policy was deemed unacceptable. Consequently, she had to procure a new policy from a different company.
If you anticipate facing a similar situation, it is essential to thoroughly review the cancellation policies of each insurance company. By doing so, even if your current plan is rejected by immigration or other authorities, you can minimize financial loss by canceling your existing policy and obtaining a new one.
What should I look for in an overseas healthcare plan for expatriates?
The selection of a plan depends on the type of coverage you require as an immigrant/expat. Here are some fundamental elements they should encompass:
- Sufficient yearly benefit maximums
- Plan and price flexibility
- Coverage for wellness care and emergency situations
- Inpatient and outpatient hospital visit coverage
- A broad network of doctors and medical facilities to choose from
- Multilingual and 24/7 customer service
Here is a comparison of our top three recommended insurance choices for expats/immigrants, streamlining your decision-making process. These options provide essential coverage for inpatient care, routine doctor’s visits, emergency evacuations, and 24/7 customer service.
Please be aware that additional coverage for dental and vision services may involve extra expenses. If you are anticipating or planning to begin a family while living in another country, opting for more comprehensive plans may be essential to ensure thorough coverage.
It’s essential to keep in mind that lower-cost insurance plans often offer less coverage. Therefore, thorough research is crucial to identify the ideal plan that aligns with your specific needs.
Who do these international health insurances work for?
For these citizens living abroad as expats or immigrants:
- Americans
- Australians
- Chinese
- Germans
- French
- Argentinians
- British
- Swedes
- New Zealanders
And for citizens from almost every other country living abroad
For expats/immigrants living in:
- The United States
- Canada
- China
- Germany
- Sweden
- Spain
- Portugal
- France (European Union/Schengen Area as a whole)
- United Kingdom
- China (and Hong Kong)
- Australia
- Switzerland
And for expats living in almost any other country in the world
In other words, no matter your citizenship or which country you are moving to, most of these international health plans will work for you since they are truly global insurances.
Some questions to ask yourself before you buy expat/international medical insurance:
- Do you need a private room if you’re admitted to a hospital?
- Are you planning on starting a family or expanding your family?
- Do you have any pre-existing conditions or are you on any medications you need to continue while living in another country?
- Are you willing to pay a higher deductible for lower premiums?
Note: If you aren’t really an expat/immigrant but an international student at a school or college/university overseas, then I suggest you take a look at my article with the 3 Best and Cheapest Health Insurance for International Students and Exchanges/Study Abroad.
1. Cigna Global 
What I like:
- You have the choice to opt for one of three plans: Silver, Gold, and Platinum.
- The Silver plan provides essential coverage, including $100 in annual coverage for eye care and specific cancer screenings.
- You can customize your plan, adding outpatient coverage and emergency medical evacuation if needed for treatment outside the country.
- There are flexible deductibles available, giving you control over upfront payments. Customer service is available 24/7 in multiple languages. Payment options include monthly, quarterly, or yearly plans.
- Direct provider billing ensures that Cigna covers your appointments directly, with comprehensive Middle Eastern medical coverage. The plans offer services for organ transplants and kidney dialysis treatments, and this international health insurance has received positive reviews.
- Their website offers information about the financial system, culture, and schools of your host country.
What I didn’t like:
- Substantial personal information is required before obtaining a quote. It’s important to note that the basic plan does not include coverage for maternity care.
- Therefore, if you plan to start a family while residing abroad, opting for a more expensive policy is necessary.
2. IMGlobal
IMG provides a varied range of insurance solutions, including travel insurance, health coverage for students, insurance designed for crew members, and specialized insurance plans for expatriates. When exploring their website, make sure to explore their “Expat / Global Citizen” health insurance category to uncover relevant coverage options.
What I like:
- They offer a selection of 5 plans for your consideration.
- Opting for their services outside the U.S. entitles you to a cash incentive and the potential to waive up to 50% of your deductible.
- With over 29 years of expertise in providing health insurance coverage for immigrants and expatriates, they possess extensive knowledge in the field.
- Their website features an online portal, giving you 24/7 access to emergency medical services. Their network spans 17,000 physicians and facilities globally, and direct billing services are at your disposal.
- They offer both annual international health insurance plans and short-term plans, catering to individuals and families of all nationalities. For their Bronze package, 12-month worldwide coverage with a $250 deductible could cost less than $1000 annually.
What I didn’t like:
- Coverage concludes at the age of 75 (however, if you secure a plan before turning 65 and maintain it, you can participate in their lifetime enrollment program).
- The basic plan does not include coverage for maternity care, and even their most premium plan only covers deliveries and newborn care after a minimum enrollment period of 10 months.
- The company treats COVID-19 in the same manner as any other illness or injury, adhering to the terms and conditions outlined in the policy.
Now Health International is committed to delivering an effective, budget-friendly, and readily available service, as suggested by its name. The company places considerable emphasis on forming a connection with its customers. They articulate plan details with clarity and efficiency, promptly addressing any questions or concerns through their dedicated customer support team.
Now Health plans are carefully designed to address the everyday challenges faced by individuals living abroad, providing guidance and ensuring access to high-quality healthcare services worldwide.
What I like:
- They offer personalized plans tailored to your specific needs.
- Their customer support team provides clear information and exceptional assistance.
- Coverage is available in 194 countries and territories.
- They offer plans with comprehensive coverage for routine maternity care.
What I don’t like:
- There is a 12-month waiting period before you can access maternity coverage.
- Certain procedures may require the use of the company’s reimbursement system, meaning you have to cover the costs of your care initially.
Allianz, a well-regarded German insurance company, unquestionably distinguishes itself as a prominent entity in the global insurance industry. It would be insufficient to overlook their inclusion in our discourse on international health insurance providers.
Here are a few of the things that I appreciate and didn’t like about Allianz.
What I liked:
- Allianz offers continuous international customer support, ensuring aid whenever needed. In many instances, you may not need to directly manage payments with healthcare providers, as Allianz takes charge of settling bills on your behalf, eliminating the need for reimbursement requests.
- Allianz provides extensive coverage spanning all continents and the majority of countries worldwide, ensuring your protection wherever you may be.
- As part of their services, you gain entry to a medical app supporting the prevention and treatment of health issues. Upon completing six months of your contract, you can utilize the app, and expenses of up to €50 are covered.
- Allianz expands its services beyond medical care with a specialized program designed specifically for expats and immigrants.
- This program extends assistance in various aspects beyond healthcare, including guidance on independent living, managing family needs, and navigating the specific challenges of residing in a new country.
What I didn’t like:
- Allianz don’t have many options for plans.
5. Safety Wing
Safety Wing stands as a highly regarded provider of international health insurance, addressing the diverse needs of individuals, including students, digital nomads, and expatriates. Their website features an intuitive interface that streamlines the process of obtaining a quote for their plans. Simply input your age, the duration of your stay, and the countries where you need coverage, and you’ll swiftly receive a personalized quote.
What I like:
- Safety Wing presents a user-friendly website facilitating the quick and effortless generation of insurance quotes.
- They furnish comprehensive coverage for expats, encompassing COVID-19 coverage, with transparent details delineated for each plan.
- You have the flexibility to augment your plan with supplementary services like dental care, maternity care, deductible expenses, physical therapy, and access to a family doctor.
- Safety Wing goes the extra mile by providing coverage of up to $10,000 USD for repatriation following a political evacuation, ensuring your peace of mind.
- In instances where treatment is received in a public hospital without fees or is covered by another insurance, Safety Wing extends payment assistance of US $125 per night for up to 30 nights.
- They also offer thorough coverage and reimbursement for cancer treatments and reconstructive surgeries.
- Families with children under the age of 10 can avail themselves of inclusive insurance coverage at no extra cost. Additionally, Safety Wing provides round-the-clock customer support worldwide to assist you whenever needed.
What I didn’t like:
- Fees for coverage in the United States, Hong Kong, and Singapore can be relatively high.
- Acquiring a quote necessitates creating a login and providing detailed information, and the quotes may not display all fees upfront.
Safety Wing incorporates coverage for COVID-19 in their expat insurance plans, and starting from August 1st, 2020, this coverage is also available for their nomad plans.
It’s crucial to note that COVID-19 tests are covered only when deemed necessary by a doctor. However, antibody tests are not covered as they are considered medically unnecessary.
Global Health, a subsidiary of the Foyer Group, emerges as a distinguished European company providing a varied range of insurance solutions. Their expertise spans multiple coverage types, including travel insurance, expat insurance, and student insurance. With a robust reputation and extensive experience, Global Health has established itself as a reliable and credible entity in the insurance industry. What sets them apart is their wide array of personalized plans, ensuring that individuals can find coverage precisely tailored to meet their unique requirements.
What I like:
- You possess the freedom to customize your insurance protection with Global Health, taking into account factors such as age, country of origin, dental care, vision care, maternity and child care, and more.
- They offer a range of choices for each coverage area, empowering you to pick from zero to maximum coverage based on your preferences. Global Health serves individuals, childless families, and families with children, providing tailor-made insurance options to meet their specific needs.
- Even if you lack health insurance in the United States, Global Health ensures coverage for emergencies during your time on American soil. They present three distinct plan options: ESSENTIAL, SPECIAL, and EXCLUSIVE, each offering varying levels of coverage.
- Obtaining a quote is a quick and uncomplicated process, requiring minimal personal information. Deductible options are at your disposal, enabling you to select a plan that aligns with your financial preferences.
- For short stays in another country, Global Health offers specific plans to fulfill your requirements. They also facilitate plan comparisons, empowering you to make an educated decision about the coverage that suits you best.
What I didn’t like:
- While Global Health provides coverage options for expats throughout Europe, their basic plans may offer limited coverage and might not include essential services such as maternity care and newborn care.
- The customer service provided by Global Health, though functional, may not be as user-friendly or straightforward compared to other companies on this list.
- The clarity of coverage details and limits on the Global Health website could be enhanced, making it somewhat challenging to understand what is covered and what is not.
- Although their website contains information about coronavirus, it remains unclear whether their plans specifically cover COVID-19 tests or complications. Additionally, Global Health imposes a 5 euro fee for emergency support, constituting an additional cost to consider.
Global Underwriters is a well-regarded insurance provider renowned for its exceptional offerings crafted for expatriates and immigrants. Drawing on their extensive experience in the industry, they stand out in creating customized plans for travelers across the globe.
For expatriates, Global Underwriters presents two noteworthy alternatives: Diplomat Long Term and Diplomat International. These plans are meticulously crafted to cater to the unique requirements of individuals residing in foreign countries, delivering comprehensive coverage and instilling a sense of assurance.
What I like: 
- Global Underwriters’ plans include essential features such as medical evacuations, repatriation of remains, and emergency dental coverage.
- These comprehensive benefits offer coverage of up to $1,000,000 for medical expenses and accidental death or dismemberment, providing substantial protection.
- Recognizing the importance of seamless travel experiences, Global Underwriters provides support in the event of trip interruptions due to health issues, as well as assistance for lost luggage. These additional services aim to ensure peace of mind during your journeys.
What I didn’t like:
The Diplomat Long Term plan is not available to residents in New York, Maryland, South Dakota, as well as citizens of Australia and Iran. Additionally, travel to Cuba, Iran, and Afghanistan is not covered under the Diplomat Long Term plan. Lastly, the Diplomat International plan does not encompass coverage for COVID-19.
3 Bonus options for Expat International Insurance plans:
– GeoBlue
GeoBlue is a top-tier insurance provider widely acclaimed for expatriates, making it an outstanding choice for both residents and visitors in the United States. Displaying an unwavering dedication to exceptional quality standards and occupying a prominent position in the industry, GeoBlue distinguishes itself as one of the foremost names in its category.
What I like:
- GeoBlue excels in delivering a service of outstanding quality that surpasses even the highest standards in the industry. Their Xplorer plan is intricately designed to meet the distinctive needs of expatriates, foreign nationals residing in the US, and US citizens living abroad. This plan offers unparalleled flexibility to ensure it aligns with your individual requirements.
- With the Xplorer plan, you can rest assured about standard service deductibles, and it provides unlimited medical coverage, ensuring comprehensive protection. In addition to its extensive coverage, the Xplorer plan includes benefits for extreme sports activities, and it comes with no cancellation fees. For expanded coverage, GeoBlue offers optional dental and vision coverage choices that can be added to your plan.
- GeoBlue provides a range of plans to choose from, allowing you to select the one that best aligns with your specific needs. Their customer service is available 24/7, offering round-the-clock assistance whenever needed. Their plans offer comprehensive coverage, encompassing essential services like evacuation, health consultations, and maternity care, ensuring you are thoroughly protected.
What I didn’t like:
- GeoBlue’s insurance plans are currently not accessible to residents of New York and Washington states.
- To obtain pricing information for their plans, it is crucial to contact a broker who can provide the relevant details.
One notable advantage offered by GeoBlue is unlimited telemedicine consultations, provided at no cost to plan members with inquiries related to Covid-19. Furthermore, if a physician deems it necessary, the company covers the expenses associated with clinical testing and treatment for Covid-19.
– Seven Corners Liaison Majestic
As with IMG, Seven Corners also has medical insurance for travelers, students, faculty, and others.
What I like:
- With a reputable 20-year history in the industry, Global Underwriters has established itself as a dependable provider of international health insurance solutions. Their comprehensive plans extend coverage to pre-existing conditions, providing assurance for individuals with ongoing health needs.
- Beyond robust coverage, Global Underwriters goes above and beyond by assisting you in locating embassies and offering travel advisories, prioritizing your safety and well-being while abroad. Their dedicated 24/7 multilingual travel assistance ensures swift support whenever needed.
- Global Underwriters’ plans provide extensive coverage, including inpatient and outpatient care, dental services, emergency evacuation, and emergency reunion, allowing your loved ones to be present during hospitalization. For adventure enthusiasts, they even offer a hazardous sports rider covering activities such as hang gliding, zip-lining, water skiing, and bungee jumping.
- If affordability is a consideration, Global Underwriters’ basic plans are attractively priced. For example, a single male relocating to Fiji can secure a basic plan with a $250 deductible for approximately $1 per day.
What I didn’t like:
- It’s crucial to note that Global Underwriters does not offer coverage for individuals above 60 years old. Coverage is unavailable if your U.S. address is in Maryland, Washington, New York, South Dakota, or Colorado.
- Global Underwriters does not provide coverage for travel to Iran, Syria, U.S. Virgin Islands, Gambia, Ghana, Nigeria, or Sierra Leone.
- For certain services like inpatient stays, rehab, outpatient surgeries, and home healthcare, precertification is required, involving additional steps and processes.
– Aetna (acquired by Allianz)
Aetna prioritizes customer satisfaction by delivering services tailored to the unique needs of individuals. With a strong emphasis on addressing the diverse requirements of expatriates and citizens residing in various countries worldwide, Aetna provides an extensive range of customized plans.
By taking into account the individual circumstances of their customers, Aetna ensures that their plans are intricately crafted to provide comprehensive coverage and meet the specific healthcare needs of individuals living abroad.
What I like:
- Aetna is a reputable and long-established company with a distinguished history spanning over 50 years. They specialize in providing personalized insurance plans tailored specifically to the unique needs of expatriates and digital nomads.
- With a steadfast commitment to customer service, Aetna ensures round-the-clock support, available 24/7, to assist individuals whenever needed. Their comprehensive plans typically include extensive coverage for hospitalization, emergency evacuation, repatriation, and cancer treatment, offering individuals peace of mind and comprehensive protection.
- Aetna has earned recognition for excellence in the industry, receiving prestigious awards such as “Best International Private Health Insurance Provider” and “Health Insurer of the Year.” They have also developed a user-friendly mobile application that allows individuals to monitor their health and earn rewards points by practicing healthy habits.
- These points can be redeemed for gift cards at popular stores, providing an extra incentive for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Expanding their coverage to over 15 countries and territories worldwide, Aetna ensures accessibility and a broad reach for individuals seeking reliable international health insurance.
What I didn’t like:
- Aetna does not offer travel insurance plans specifically designed for solo travelers or families, which may limit options for certain individuals.
- The website could be improved in terms of clarity and intuitiveness when presenting the available plans, making it easier for individuals to understand and compare their options.
- To determine which plans cover the cost of Covid-19 treatment and testing, such as Medicare, individuals need to contact the company directly, which may require additional effort and time.
Do you consider yourself a “global citizen,” or are you a digital nomad and need medical insurance that will follow you worldwide?
In such a scenario, the featured insurance options align seamlessly with your needs. The seven international health insurance plans offered are meticulously tailored for digital nomads and individuals residing in different countries without a permanent residence. These plans are designed to meet the unique requirements of “global citizens” seeking comprehensive global health coverage. 
To offer a brief overview and simplify comparison, here are the key attributes of the seven international health insurance plans:
| CIGNA | IMGLOBAL | AETNA | GEOBLUE | SAFETY WING | GLOBAL HEALTH FOYER | GLOBAL UNDERWRITERS |
| Silver – $1 million | BRONZE – $1 million | The values of the limits increase depending on the length of the insurance contract | The coverage amounts may change according to your choices | Annual benefit maximum of US $1,000,000 | Personalized plans for you or your family | Maximum annual benefit of $1,000,000.00 |
| Gold – $2 million | SILVER – $5 million | Aetna’s plans may cover cancer treatments when the patient is part of a clinical trial. | Full reimbursement for hospital & cancers treatments, ambulance, and reconstructive surgeries | Value of total coverage is something you can customize per item | Up to $1,000,000 coverage in cases of accidental death or dismemberment | |
| Platinum – Unlimited | GOLD – FOR COVERAGE UP TO 36 MONTHS – $5 million | Value of total coverage is something you can customize per item | ||||
| GOLD – FOR COVERAGE AFTER 36 MONTHS – $5 million | ||||||
| GOLD PLUS – $5 million | ||||||
| PLATINUM – $8 million |
A complete table comparing these 7 health insurances for expats…
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| BENEFIT | LIMIT | LIMIT | LIMIT | LIMIT | LIMIT | LIMIT | LIMIT |
| Benefit Information | |||||||
| 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 | $1,000,000 |
| 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 | Depends on the plan |
| 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 Prescription Drugs | $500 to paid in full depending on the plan | Up to $8,000,000 | Yes | Complete reimbursement | Yes | 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 | 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 coverage in the Diplomat Long Term and Diplomat International plans |
| 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 | ||||
| Amateur Sports | Unlimited | Rider available up to $10,000 | No | Yes | No | No | No |
| Newborn Care | |||||||
| 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 | Can be unlimited depending 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 | ||
| 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 | ||
| Pre-existing Conditions | |||||||
| 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 effective date | Any time prior to effective date | Any time prior to effective date | Any time prior to the effective date | Any time prior to the effective date | Any time prior to the 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 |
Worldwide Medical Insurance / Comparison Chart*
Part of the table courtesy of Tokio Marine HCC
*Note: this table is just for informational purposes and subject to change. It was accurate as of the time we wrote it here, but please check each company’s individual website for updated info.
To sum up…
These are the 7 best international health insurance for expats and immigrants:
- Cigna
- IMG
- Now Health
- Allianz
- Safety Wing
- Foyer Global Health
- Global Underwriters
In conclusion…
Essentially, obtaining an immigrant/expat health insurance plan is crucial when considering living in another country, regardless of the length of your stay.
We understand that choosing the right plan can be a challenging task. Having personally navigated this process, we comprehend any concerns or questions you may have. If you need guidance or believe that we might have overlooked certain aspects, please feel free to leave a comment below. Our goal is to assist and support you!
Do you live abroad and need to receive or send money back home cheaply?
I have a specific article to help you make international transfers as cheaply as possible: The 5 Best Websites for International Money Transfers (send and receive money from abroad).
Planning your next trip?
Then don’t forget travel insurance! You don’t want to get stuck paying a ton of money and ruining your trip if you get sick or have an accident without travel insurance. Our page with The 3 Best and Cheapest Travel Insurance on the Market can help you choose the right plan and will give you some discount coupons for the biggest insurance companies!
Already reserved your hotel or hostel? If not, our article with The 6 Best and Cheapest Websites to Find & Reserve Accommodation can help you out. You’ll also find some promotions and discount codes.
Still haven’t booked your plane ticket and want to save big? Take a look at our page with 16 Tips to Save on Flights where you’ll also find the 4 best websites to buy your plane tickets.
And finally, will you need to rent a car during your trip? Then surely our page with The 5 Best and Cheapest Websites to Compare and Rent Cars Around the World will help you choose the best rental car and find a good deal.
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