If you’re considering a move or preparing to establish yourself in a different country, acquiring expat/international health insurance is crucial! However, with the plethora of insurance choices available, pinpointing the best option can be a challenging task. Dive into this article to explore the top alternatives, assess their pros and cons, and peruse tables comparing the essential features of each insurance plan.
So, you’re embarking on an exciting journey overseas… Congratulations! I’m genuinely thrilled for you! 
Residing, working, or pursuing studies in a foreign land can offer a thrilling adventure. You’ll be engaging with numerous individuals who, much like yourself, relish the opportunity to discover the world beyond their native lands. 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 healthcare system in India is diverse and consists of both public and private sectors. Here’s a general overview of how the healthcare system works in India:
- Public Healthcare System:
- Government Hospitals and Clinics: India has a network of government-funded hospitals and healthcare facilities that provide medical services at subsidized rates or, in some cases, for free.
- Primary Health Centers (PHCs) and Community Health Centers (CHCs): These are primary care facilities located in rural and urban areas, serving as the first point of contact for basic healthcare services.
- Private Healthcare System:
- Private Hospitals and Clinics: India has a robust private healthcare sector with a multitude of hospitals, clinics, and healthcare providers offering a range of services. Private healthcare is often preferred for its perceived higher quality and shorter waiting times.
- Specialty Hospitals: Many private hospitals in major cities specialize in specific medical fields, providing advanced and specialized care.
- Health Insurance:
- Government Schemes: The Indian government has implemented various health insurance schemes to provide financial protection to citizens. For example, the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) aims to provide health coverage to economically vulnerable families.
- Private Health Insurance: Many individuals and families opt for private health insurance plans offered by various insurance companies. These plans provide coverage for hospitalization, surgeries, and other medical expenses.
- Primary Care:
- General Practitioners (GPs): Primary care is often provided by general practitioners or family physicians, who offer basic medical services and refer patients to specialists when needed.
- Pharmacies: Access to medications is facilitated through pharmacies, which are widespread and easily accessible.
- Traditional Medicine:
- Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy (AYUSH): India has a long tradition of alternative and traditional medicine systems. The AYUSH system is officially recognized, and practitioners in these fields provide healthcare services alongside allopathic medicine.
- Challenges:
- Access Disparities: Healthcare access and quality can vary significantly between urban and rural areas. Rural populations may face challenges in accessing timely and quality healthcare services.
- Infrastructure Challenges: While there are advanced medical facilities in urban areas, some rural regions may lack adequate infrastructure and healthcare professionals.
- Medical Tourism:
- India has become a popular destination for medical tourism, attracting patients from around the world for cost-effective and high-quality medical treatments.
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…
What is expat/international health insurance?
Health protection designed for expats and migrants worldwide offers security for your medical costs during an extended period in a foreign nation. Generally, it covers a broad spectrum of healthcare services, including medical emergencies and preventive care.
It’s crucial to understand that global health insurance differs from travel insurance, and it is not recommended to neglect it.
Why do I need international medical insurance for expats/immigrants and students?
Similar to the significance of having health coverage in your home country, securing health insurance becomes equally vital if your plans involve residing in another country for a period exceeding six months. In fact, many nations stipulate proof of medical insurance as a prerequisite for issuing visas or work permits (additional details can be found in the “expat/international health insurance for immigration” section below).
Living overseas, 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 expats 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?
Consulting with your healthcare provider before departing from your country of origin is a crucial step. However, placing a high priority on your health while overseas is equally important. It’s essential to remember that if you have pre-existing conditions or need ongoing medications, their coverage may not extend to another country.
Moreover, unforeseen incidents can occur during travel, as evidenced by personal stories such as fracturing a toe in South Korea or encounters with fellow travelers who have faced mishaps like falling off skateboards or suffering from food poisoning. Consequently, possessing adequate coverage becomes indispensable for handling unexpected circumstances.
Can I just use travel insurance for healthcare while living abroad?
Generally, travel insurance may not be comprehensive enough for extended stays in a single country. Its coverage is primarily tailored for trips lasting less than 6 months, although there are options for multiple countries if you are a tourist.
To grasp the distinctions between travel insurance and expat/international health insurance, let’s delve into further 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 many nations, it is obligatory to furnish proof of coverage via an international health insurance plan when seeking a temporary or permanent resident visa. It’s essential to recognize that relying solely on travel insurance is typically inadequate for this application.
Given the complexities inherent in immigration procedures, it is crucial to verify that the expat/international health insurance policy you are acquiring aligns with the precise requirements of the immigration office in the country you intend to relocate to. While this information may be accessible online, it is advisable to reach out directly to the immigration office for clarification if it is not readily available.
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 initiating the application for her temporary residence permit, she encountered the requirement to present evidence of international health insurance to the immigration authorities. Subsequently, she secured a policy from one of the companies listed below, which was duly accepted by immigration.
However, upon applying for her tax identification number through the Swedish tax office, she found herself in a situation where the same insurance policy was deemed unacceptable. As a result, she had to procure a new policy from a different company.
If you anticipate encountering a similar scenario, it is crucial to thoroughly examine 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 acquiring 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 options for expats/immigrants, streamlining your decision-making process. These selections offer vital coverage for inpatient care, routine doctor’s visits, emergency evacuations, and round-the-clock customer service.
Please note that additional coverage for dental and vision services may result in additional expenses. If you are expecting or planning to start a family while residing in another country, opting for more comprehensive plans may be crucial to ensure comprehensive coverage.
It’s important to bear in mind that lower-cost insurance plans often provide less coverage. Therefore, thorough research is essential to pinpoint 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 can choose from three available plans: Silver, Gold, and Platinum. The Silver plan includes fundamental coverage, incorporating $100 in annual coverage for eye care and specific cancer screenings.
- Customization options are available, allowing you to add outpatient coverage and emergency medical evacuation if required for treatment outside the country.
- Flexible deductibles provide control over upfront payments, and customer service is accessible 24/7 in multiple languages. Payment options encompass monthly, quarterly, or yearly plans.
- Cigna ensures direct provider billing, covering your appointments directly, with comprehensive medical coverage in the Middle East.
- The plans encompass services for organ transplants and kidney dialysis treatments, and this international health insurance has garnered positive reviews.
- Their website provides information about the financial system, culture, and schools of your host country.
What I didn’t like:
- Considerable personal information is necessary before obtaining a quote. It’s noteworthy that the basic plan does not include coverage for maternity care.
- Therefore, if you are planning to start a family while residing abroad, selecting a more expensive policy is essential.
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 dedicated to providing an efficient, cost-effective, and easily accessible service, as implied by its name. The company places significant emphasis on establishing a connection with its customers. They communicate plan details with clarity and effectiveness, promptly addressing any questions or concerns through their dedicated customer support team.
Now Health plans are meticulously crafted to tackle the everyday challenges confronted by individuals living abroad, offering guidance and ensuring access to high-quality healthcare services globally.
What I like:
- They provide customized plans designed to meet your individual requirements.
- Their customer service team offers transparent information and outstanding support.
- Coverage is accessible in 194 countries and territories. They provide plans with extensive coverage for routine maternity care.
What I didn’t like:
- There is a 12-month waiting period before you can avail maternity coverage. Certain procedures may necessitate the use of the company’s reimbursement system, requiring you to initially cover the costs of your care.
Allianz, a highly esteemed German insurance company, undeniably sets itself apart as a prominent entity in the global insurance industry. It would be inadequate to disregard their inclusion in our discussion 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 global customer support, ensuring assistance whenever required.
- In many cases, you may not have to directly handle payments with healthcare providers, as Allianz takes care of settling bills on your behalf, eliminating the need for reimbursement requests.
- Allianz provides extensive coverage across all continents and the majority of countries worldwide, ensuring your protection wherever you may find yourself.
- As part of their services, you gain access to a medical app supporting the prevention and treatment of health issues.
- After completing six months of your contract, you can use the app, and expenses of up to €50 are covered. Allianz extends its services beyond medical care with a specialized program crafted specifically for expats and immigrants.
- This program offers 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 is a widely respected provider of international health insurance, catering to the varied needs of individuals, including students, digital nomads, and expatriates. Their website boasts an intuitive interface that simplifies the process of obtaining a quote for their plans. Just enter your age, the duration of your stay, and the countries where you require coverage, and you’ll promptly receive a personalized quote.
What I like:
- Safety Wing offers an easily navigable website that expedites the prompt and effortless generation of insurance quotes.
- They provide comprehensive coverage for expats, including COVID-19 coverage, with clear details outlined for each plan.
- You have the flexibility to enhance your plan with additional services such as dental care, maternity care, deductible expenses, physical therapy, and access to a family doctor.
- Safety Wing goes the extra mile by offering coverage of up to $10,000 USD for repatriation following a political evacuation, ensuring your peace of mind. In cases 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 provide 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 offers 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. Obtaining a quote requires 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 branch of the Foyer Group, stands out as a distinguished European company offering a diverse range of insurance solutions. Their proficiency covers various types of coverage, including travel insurance, expat insurance, and student insurance. With a strong reputation and extensive experience, Global Health has positioned itself as a trustworthy and credible entity in the insurance industry. What distinguishes them is their extensive selection of personalized plans, guaranteeing that individuals can discover coverage precisely tailored to meet their unique requirements.
What I like:
- You have the flexibility to personalize your insurance protection with Global Health, taking into consideration factors such as age, country of origin, dental care, vision care, maternity and child care, and more.
- They provide a variety of choices for each coverage area, empowering you to select from zero to maximum coverage based on your preferences.
- Global Health caters to individuals, childless families, and families with children, offering 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 providing varying levels of coverage. Obtaining a quote is a swift and straightforward process, requiring minimal personal information.
- Deductible options are available, allowing you to choose a plan that aligns with your financial preferences. For brief stays in another country, Global Health offers specific plans to fulfill your requirements. They also facilitate plan comparisons, enabling you to make an informed decision about the coverage that suits you best.
What I didn’t like:
- While Global Health offers coverage options for expats throughout Europe, their basic plans may provide limited coverage and might not include essential services such as maternity care and newborn care.
- The customer service provided by Global Health, while 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 improved, 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 highly respected insurance provider known for its outstanding offerings tailored for expatriates and immigrants. Leveraging their extensive experience in the industry, they excel in designing personalized plans for travelers worldwide.
For expatriates, Global Underwriters offers two notable alternatives: Diplomat Long Term and Diplomat International. These plans are carefully crafted to meet the distinct requirements of individuals living in foreign countries, providing comprehensive coverage and instilling a sense of confidence.
What I like: 
- Global Underwriters’ plans incorporate vital features such as medical evacuations, repatriation of remains, and emergency dental coverage.
- These comprehensive benefits provide coverage of up to $1,000,000 for medical expenses and accidental death or dismemberment, offering substantial protection.
- Acknowledging the importance of seamless travel experiences, Global Underwriters extends support in case 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 unavailable 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 include coverage for COVID-19.
3 Bonus options for Expat International Insurance plans:
– GeoBlue
GeoBlue is a premier insurance provider highly praised for expatriates, rendering it an exceptional choice for both residents and visitors in the United States. Demonstrating an unwavering commitment to exceptional quality standards and holding a prominent position in the industry, GeoBlue sets itself apart as one of the foremost names in its category.
What I like:
- GeoBlue excels in delivering a service of exceptional quality that exceeds even the highest standards in the industry. Their Xplorer plan is meticulously crafted to meet the unique 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 have peace of mind regarding 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 variety 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, providing round-the-clock assistance whenever needed. Their plans offer comprehensive coverage, including essential services like evacuation, health consultations, and maternity care, ensuring you are thoroughly protected.
What I didn’t like:
- GeoBlue’s insurance plans are presently unavailable to residents of New York and Washington states.
- To obtain pricing information for their plans, it is essential to reach out to a broker who can furnish the relevant details. A noteworthy benefit provided by GeoBlue is unlimited telemedicine consultations, offered at no cost to plan members with inquiries related to Covid-19.
- Additionally, 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 positioned itself as a reliable provider of international health insurance solutions. Their comprehensive plans extend coverage to pre-existing conditions, offering assurance for individuals with ongoing health needs.
- Beyond robust coverage, Global Underwriters goes the extra mile by assisting you in locating embassies and providing travel advisories, prioritizing your safety and well-being while abroad. Their dedicated 24/7 multilingual travel assistance ensures prompt support whenever needed.
- Global Underwriters’ plans provide extensive coverage, encompassing 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 instance, 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 places customer satisfaction at the forefront by providing services customized to the unique needs of individuals. With a robust focus on addressing the diverse requirements of expatriates and citizens residing in various countries worldwide, Aetna offers an extensive range of personalized plans.
By considering the individual circumstances of their customers, Aetna ensures that their plans are meticulously crafted to offer comprehensive coverage and meet the specific healthcare needs of individuals living abroad.
What I like:
- Aetna is a reputable and well-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 encompass 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 enables 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 additional 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 showcased insurance options align seamlessly with your needs. The seven international health insurance plans provided are carefully crafted for digital nomads and individuals residing in various countries without a permanent residence. These plans are formulated to meet the distinctive requirements of “global citizens” seeking comprehensive global health coverage. 
To provide a brief overview and facilitate 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…
Fundamentally, securing an immigrant/expat health insurance plan is essential when contemplating residence in another country, regardless of the duration of your stay.
We acknowledge that selecting the appropriate plan can be a daunting task. Having personally traversed this process, we understand any concerns or questions you may have. If you require guidance or suspect that we might have missed certain aspects, please do not hesitate to leave a comment below. Our objective is to aid 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).