List of International Health Insurance Companies for Expats

Whether you’re someone who loves adventure, a business person who travels a lot, a family taking a vacation, or a retiree seeing the world, there’s just something amazing about traveling to other countries. You have the opportunity to discover new places, experience different cultures, learn new languages, and gather stories along the way. It’s like stepping into a whole new world.

While planning our trips, it’s crucial to remember the importance of having proper healthcare coverage while away from home. No matter our reason for traveling, unexpected medical situations can arise. And let’s be honest, dealing with healthcare in a foreign country can be overwhelming and expensive if we’re not prepared.

That’s why having the right international health insurance is important, by choosing a reliable insurance provider, you can have peace of mind knowing that you’ll have access to quality healthcare services wherever you go, without worrying about the financial burden.

So, it’s essential to carefully consider and select the best international health insurance company that meets your specific needs and provides comprehensive coverage for your travels.

What does International Health Insurance cover?

International health insurance typically provides coverage for a wide range of medical services and expenses incurred while traveling or living abroad. The exact coverage may vary depending on the insurance provider and the specific plan chosen, but here are some common inclusions:

1. Emergency Medical Care

2. Doctor Visits

3. Prescription Drugs

4. Emergency Medical Evacuation

5. Repatriation of Remains

6. Pre-existing Conditions

7. Maternity Care

8. Mental Health Services

9. Dental and Vision Care

10. Emergency Dental Treatment

11. Medical Assistance Services

How to Choose the Best International Health Insurance Plans

Choosing the right international health insurance plan requires careful consideration of your specific needs and circumstances. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make an informed decision:

1. Understand Your Needs: Take some time to think about what kind of coverage you need. Consider factors like how often you travel, where you go, any pre-existing medical conditions you have, and what type of medical care you might need.

2. Check the Coverage: Look for a plan that covers the medical services you’re likely to need. This includes things like doctor visits, hospital stays, emergency care, prescription medications, and any specific treatments or conditions you require.

3. Consider the Network: Make sure the insurance company has a network of healthcare providers in the countries you’ll be visiting or living in. This ensures you’ll have access to quality medical care wherever you go.

4. Think About Flexibility: Look for a plan that allows you to customize your coverage based on your needs. This might include options for coverage of pre-existing conditions, maternity care, mental health services, dental and vision care, or other specific needs you have.

5. Compare Costs: Consider the cost of the insurance plan, including premiums, deductibles, co-pays, and any other out-of-pocket expenses. Compare these costs against the coverage provided to ensure you’re getting good value for your money.

6. Read Reviews: Before making a decision, read reviews from other people who have used the insurance company’s services. This can give you valuable insights into the quality of their customer service, claims processing, and overall satisfaction.

Best International Health Insurance Companies for Expats

Here’s our list of the best international health insurance companies for expats, each known for their exceptional coverage, global network, and customer service.

1. Cigna Global Insurance

Founded in 1982, Cigna Global Insurance was one of the first global health insurance companies to offer insurance coverage to expatriates and international citizens. Offering three tiers of coverage—Silver, Gold, and Platinum—Cigna caters to individual health insurance needs. Additionally, they extend their services to group health insurance and other insurance solutions across Europe, Asia, and North America.

2. IMG (International Medical Group)

IMG specializes in international and travel health insurance, IMG offers plans for individuals, families, and companies. Their popular plans include Global Medical Insurance, Global Mission Medical Insurance, and Global Crew Medical Insurance.

3. AXA

Headquartered in France, AXA is a leading life and health insurance provider with a global presence. Offering five international insurance policies—Foundation, Standard, Comprehensive, Prestige, and Prestige Plus—AXA ensures comprehensive coverage for its customers worldwide.

4. Generali Global Assistance

Established in 1831, Generali Global Assistance, a part of Europ Assistance, focuses on health insurance for globally mobile employees and employee groups. They offer three core plans—Select, Classic, and Premier—along with three additional outpatient options, compliant worldwide, including North America.

5. GeoBlue

GeoBlue specializes in international medical insurance plans for US employers and individual travelers. With five plan options offering different levels of coverage, including the popular GeoBlue Xplorer plan, GeoBlue ensures comprehensive coverage for its customers.

6. Allianz Worldwide

With a strong global presence, Allianz Worldwide offers three coverage plans—Essential, Classic, and Premier—along with optional add-ons like maternity and dental coverage. Operating across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, the Americas, and Africa, Allianz is a trusted name in the insurance industry.

7. William Russell

Established in 1992, William Russell, now part of the Allianz Group, provides health insurance plans for expatriates worldwide, excluding the USA and Switzerland. Their modern approach to insurance offers flexibility and comprehensive coverage options.

8. Bupa Global

Headquartered in the UK, Bupa Global operates across Australia, EU countries, Latin America, the Middle East, and Asia. Partnering with GeoBlue, they offer health insurance coverage for US citizens traveling abroad or relocating to the US.

9. Expacare Global Healthcare:

With over 35 years of experience, Expacare Global Healthcare offers personalized insurance policies underwritten by Lloyd’s of London. Suited for expats in EU States, their policies cater to individuals, families, international students, and groups and companies.

10. A Plus International Healthcare:

A Plus International, partnered with AXA, offers international medical coverage with four worldwide insurance plans—Hospitalization, Global 80, Global 100, and Global 100 Plus. They also provide Southeast Asia Plans exclusively for residents of specific countries in the region.

Comparing the Best International Health Insurance Plans

To ensure you find the right coverage that meets your needs, seek to understand the various benefits provided by each plan.

Start by considering the type of coverage you require. Are you looking for a comprehensive plan that offers coverage for all medical needs, anywhere? Alternatively, do you only need a basic plan that protects against catastrophic illnesses?

Assessing your specific healthcare needs will help you determine the level of coverage that best suits your situation.

Once you’ve established your coverage preferences, it’s essential to evaluate your budget. While having extensive coverage is desirable, it’s crucial to ensure that it aligns with your financial capabilities.

Are you willing to invest in a comprehensive plan that offers coverage in any country? Or do you prefer a more budget-friendly option that covers essential care and catastrophic illnesses?

By answering these questions, you can narrow down your options and focus on plans that fit within your budgetary constraints.