If you’re contemplating a relocation or preparing to live overseas, obtaining expatriate/international health insurance is essential! However, with the abundance of insurance options available, identifying the best choice can be daunting. Explore this article to explore the top alternatives, outlining their advantages and disadvantages, and examine tables that compare the essential features of each insurance plan.
So, you’re starting a thrilling venture overseas… Congratulations! I’m excited for you! 
Living, working, or engaging in studies in a foreign country can provide a thrilling experience. You’ll be interacting with numerous people who, like yourself, embrace the chance to explore the world beyond their home countries. However, amid your preparations for visa arrangements and vaccination schedules, there’s a crucial aspect that should not be overlooked: expatriate/international health insurance.
The Brazilian healthcare system is a mix of public and private services. It operates under the Unified Health System, known as “Sistema Único de Saúde” (SUS), which was established by the 1988 Brazilian Constitution. Here are some key aspects of how the Brazilian healthcare system works:
- Unified Health System (SUS): SUS is the public healthcare system in Brazil, providing free healthcare services to all residents, including foreigners. SUS is funded through taxes at the federal, state, and municipal levels. It covers a wide range of medical services, from preventive care to complex surgeries.
- Primary Care: The emphasis of the Brazilian healthcare system is on primary care, provided through a network of public health clinics and family health units. These facilities offer basic healthcare services, vaccinations, and health education.
- Specialized Services: SUS also provides specialized services, including surgeries, hospital care, and treatments for complex medical conditions. However, due to the high demand and limited resources, waiting times for some procedures can be long.
- Private Healthcare: In addition to the public system, Brazil has a robust private healthcare sector. Many Brazilians, especially those with higher incomes, opt for private health insurance plans, which offer faster access to medical services and a broader range of options.
- Health Insurance: Private health insurance is widely used in Brazil, and individuals or employers can purchase plans from various providers. These plans often cover additional services, private hospitals, and allow patients to choose their healthcare providers.
- Out-of-Pocket Expenses: While SUS is designed to provide free healthcare, some services may require out-of-pocket payments. Private healthcare plans also often have co-payments and deductibles.
- Health Challenges: Brazil faces challenges in its healthcare system, including regional disparities in access to medical services, shortages of healthcare professionals in some areas, and the need for ongoing investments in infrastructure and technology.
- Pharmaceuticals: Medications are available through both public and private healthcare facilities. In the public system, essential medications are provided free of charge, but there might be limitations on the availability of some drugs.
It’s important to note that the Brazilian healthcare system is continually evolving, and reforms are periodically implemented to address challenges and improve the overall quality and accessibility of healthcare services. Anyway, you will still need a health insurance!
Table of Contents
- 1 What is expat/international health insurance?
- 2 Can I just use travel insurance for healthcare while living abroad?
- 3 Difference between travel insurance & expat/international health insurance
- 4 Expat/international health insurance for immigration and applying for residence permits/visa
- 5 What should I look for in an overseas healthcare plan for expatriates?
- 6 Who do these international health insurances work for?
- 7 Do you consider yourself a “global citizen,” or are you a digital nomad and need medical insurance that will follow you worldwide?
- 8 A complete table comparing these 7 health insurances for expats…
- 9 To sum up…
- 10 In conclusion…
What is expat/international health insurance?
Health coverage crafted for expats and immigrants on a global scale provides safeguarding for your medical expenses during an extended stay in a foreign nation. Typically, it covers a wide range of healthcare services, including medical emergencies and preventive care.
It’s essential to recognize that international health insurance varies 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 plans involve living in another country for a period exceeding six months. In fact, numerous countries require evidence 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).
Residing abroad, whether as an expatriate, immigrant, or student, poses unique healthcare challenges. While away from your home territory, ensuring access to quality healthcare services and financial protection in unforeseen medical circumstances is imperative.
For expats or immigrants, maintaining regular check-ups, promptly addressing health issues, and being prepared for potential emergencies remain essential. Having international medical insurance that extends coverage overseas not only provides peace of mind but also ensures 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 necessary healthcare services, including routine check-ups, treatment for illnesses, and emergency medical care.
While some 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 doctor before leaving your country of origin is a vital measure. Nevertheless, prioritizing your health while overseas is equally crucial. It’s important to remember that if you have pre-existing conditions or require ongoing medications, their coverage may not extend to another country.
Furthermore, unexpected accidents can happen during travel, as illustrated by personal anecdotes such as breaking a toe in South Korea or stories from fellow travelers who encountered mishaps like falling off skateboards or suffering from food poisoning. Consequently, having appropriate coverage becomes essential for handling unforeseen situations.
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 specifically designed for individuals planning to relocate or establish long-term residency in another country.
- Functions similarly to traditional insurance coverage in your home country. Offers comprehensive coverage that goes 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 stay abroad.
- Having international health insurance that provides continuous coverage is essential for individuals considering a permanent move abroad.
Expat/international health insurance for immigration and applying for residence permits/visa
In most countries, it is mandatory to provide proof 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 usually inadequate for this application.
Considering the intricacies involved in immigration procedures, 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 relocate to. While this information may be accessible online, it is recommended to directly contact 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 applying for her temporary residence permit, she faced the requirement of providing proof of international health insurance to the immigration authorities. Subsequently, she obtained a policy from one of the companies listed below, and it was duly accepted by immigration.
However, when she proceeded to apply for her tax identification number through the Swedish tax office, she encountered a situation where the same insurance policy was considered unacceptable. Consequently, she had to secure a new policy from a different company.
If you anticipate encountering a similar situation, 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 mitigate 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 selections provide essential coverage for inpatient care, regular doctor’s visits, emergency evacuations, and 24/7 customer service.
Please be aware that additional coverage for dental and vision services may result in extra expenses. If you are anticipating or planning to start a family while living in another country, selecting more comprehensive plans may be necessary to ensure comprehensive 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 optimal 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 are presented with a choice among three packages: Silver, Gold, and Platinum. The Silver package provides essential coverage, including $100 annually for eye care and specific cancer screenings.
- You have the freedom to customize your package, adding outpatient coverage and emergency medical evacuation if needed for treatment abroad. There are flexible deductibles available, giving you authority over initial payments.
- Customer service is accessible around the clock 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 packages offer services for organ transplants and kidney dialysis treatments, and this global health insurance has received favorable 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 necessary before receiving a quote.
- It’s important to highlight that the basic package does not include coverage for maternity care.
- Therefore, if you plan to start a family while living abroad, choosing a more expensive policy is essential.
2. IMGlobal
IMG provides a wide range of insurance solutions, including travel insurance, health coverage designed for students, insurance specifically crafted 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 explore relevant coverage options.
What I like:
- They offer a selection of 5 plans for your consideration.
- Choosing their facilities outside of the U.S. makes you eligible for a cash incentive and the possibility to waive up to 50% of your deductible.
- With over 29 years of experience in providing health insurance coverage for immigrants and expatriates, they possess extensive expertise in the field.
- Their website includes an online portal, granting you 24/7 access to emergency medical services. Their network spans 17,000 physicians and facilities globally. Direct billing services are available to you.
- 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 (though 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 similarly to any other illness or injury, following the terms and conditions outlined in the policy.
Now Health International is committed to delivering an effective, budget-friendly, and easily reachable service, as indicated by its name. The company places a substantial focus on forging a connection with its customers. They convey plan details with precision and efficiency, promptly addressing any inquiries or concerns through their dedicated customer support team.
Now Health plans are carefully designed to address the daily challenges faced by individuals residing abroad, providing guidance and ensuring access to high-quality healthcare services worldwide.
What I like:
- They offer personalized plans designed to meet your specific needs. Their customer service team provides clear information and exceptional support.
- Coverage is available in 194 countries and territories. They offer plans that include extensive coverage for routine maternity care.
What I didn’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 initially cover the costs of your care.
4. Allianz Worldwide Care 
Allianz, a renowned German insurance company, unquestionably distinguishes itself as a prominent entity in the global insurance industry. It would be insufficient not to include their mention in our conversation about 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 24/7 international customer support, ensuring assistance whenever you need it. In many instances, you won’t have to directly handle payments with healthcare providers, as Allianz takes care of settling the bills on your behalf, eliminating the need for reimbursement requests.
- Allianz provides comprehensive coverage across all continents and the majority of countries globally, ensuring your protection wherever you may be. As part of their services, you gain access to a medical app supporting the prevention and treatment of health issues.
- After completing 6 months of your contract, you can utilize 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 highly respected provider of global health insurance, serving a diverse range of individuals such as students, digital nomads, and expatriates. Their website features a user-friendly interface that streamlines the process of acquiring a quote for their plans. Simply input your age, the duration of your stay, and the countries you need coverage for, and you will promptly receive a customized quote.
What I like:
- Safety Wing offers an intuitive website that facilitates the quick and seamless generation of insurance quotes.
- They provide comprehensive coverage for expatriates, 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 above and beyond 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 benefit from 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.
- Acquiring a quote requires creating a login and providing detailed information, and the quotes may not display all fees upfront.
Safety Wing includes coverage for COVID-19 in their expatriate 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, stands out as a distinguished European company providing a diverse range of insurance solutions. Their expertise spans multiple coverage types, including travel insurance, expatriate insurance, and student insurance. Supported by a strong reputation and extensive experience, Global Health has established itself as a dependable and credible entity in the insurance industry. What sets them apart is the extensive range of personalized plans, ensuring that individuals can find coverage precisely tailored to meet their unique requirements.
What I like:
- You have the freedom to customize your insurance coverage 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 variety of options for each coverage area, allowing you to choose from zero to maximum coverage based on your preferences.
- Global Health caters to individuals, families without children, and families with children, providing insurance options tailored to 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 introduce three distinct plan options: ESSENTIAL, SPECIAL, and EXCLUSIVE, each with varying levels of coverage. Obtaining a quote is a swift and straightforward process, requiring minimal personal information.
- Deductible options are available, enabling you to choose a plan that aligns with your financial preferences. For short stays in another country, Global Health offers specific plans to meet your requirements. They also facilitate plan comparisons, empowering you to make an informed decision about the coverage that suits you best.
What I didn’t like:
- While Global Health provides coverage options for expatriates throughout Europe, their basic plans may have limited coverage and might not include crucial services like maternity care and newborn care.
- The customer service offered 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 comprehend 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 respected insurance provider recognized for its exceptional offerings designed specifically for expatriates and immigrants. Drawing on their extensive experience in the industry, they excel in creating customized plans for travelers worldwide.
For expatriates, Global Underwriters presents two notable options: Diplomat Long Term and Diplomat International. These plans are carefully crafted to meet the unique needs of individuals residing in foreign countries, offering comprehensive coverage and instilling a sense of security.
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 significant 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 citizens residing in New York, Maryland, South Dakota, as well as residents 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 top-tier insurance provider highly acclaimed for expatriates, making it an outstanding choice for both residents and visitors in the United States. Displaying an unwavering dedication to exemplary quality standards and holding a prominent position in the industry, GeoBlue distinguishes itself as one of the foremost names in its category.
What I like:
- GeoBlue excels in providing a service of exceptional quality that exceeds even the highest standards in the industry.
- Their Xplorer plan is meticulously designed to address 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 be confident 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 enhanced 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 currently not accessible for 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 of the notable benefits 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 provide coverage for pre-existing conditions, offering 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 offer 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 provide a hazardous sports rider covering activities like 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 essential to highlight that Global Underwriters does not provide coverage for individuals beyond 60 years old. Coverage is not available if your U.S. address is in Maryland, Washington, New York, South Dakota, or Colorado.
- Global Underwriters does not offer coverage for travel to Iran, Syria, U.S. Virgin Islands, Gambia, Ghana, Nigeria, or Sierra Leone.
- For specific services such as inpatient stays, rehab, outpatient surgeries, and home healthcare, precertification is necessary, involving additional steps and processes.
– Aetna (acquired by Allianz)
Aetna prioritizes customer satisfaction by offering 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 globally, Aetna provides a broad range of customized plans.
By taking into account the individual circumstances of their customers, Aetna ensures that their plans are carefully designed to provide comprehensive coverage and cater to 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 specifically tailored to the unique needs of expatriates and digital nomads.
- With a strong commitment to customer service, Aetna ensures round-the-clock support, available 24/7, to assist individuals whenever they need it. 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 been recognized for its excellence in the industry and has received 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, adding an extra incentive for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
- Expanding their coverage to over 15 countries and territories worldwide, Aetna ensures accessibility and a wide 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 that scenario, the highlighted insurance options align well with your needs. The seven international health insurance plans offered are specifically tailored for digital nomads and individuals residing in various countries without a permanent residence. These plans are designed to meet the unique needs of “global citizens” seeking comprehensive global health coverage. 
To offer a brief overview and ease comparison, here are the key features 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 residing in another country, regardless of the duration of your stay.
We recognize that choosing the right plan can be a challenging task. Having gone through this process ourselves, we understand any concerns or questions you may have. If you need any guidance or feel that we might have overlooked certain aspects, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below. Our goal is to help 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?
