Last Updated on February 23, 2024 by Talita

If you’re planning to relocate or live overseas, having expat/international health insurance is essential! However, with numerous insurance options available, it can be difficult to determine the right choice. Check out this article to explore the top options, including their advantages and disadvantages, and find tables comparing the key features of each insurance plan.

So, you’re embarking on an exciting journey abroad… Congratulations! I’m thrilled for you!

Living, working, or studying in a foreign country can be an exhilarating experience. You’ll be joining countless individuals who, like you, have the chance to explore the world beyond their home countries. However, as you make preparations for visa arrangements and schedule vaccinations, there’s one crucial aspect you mustn’t overlook: expat/international health insurance.

 

 

Canada’s healthcare system is known as Medicare and it is a public, universal healthcare system. Canada has a government-funded health care system that provides essential medical services to all Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

Medicare is funded primarily by taxes collected by the federal government and by individual provinces and territories. Each province and territory is responsible for administering its own health care system, with guidelines set by the federal government.

The Canadian system is based on a few key principles, including universality, meaning all citizens and permanent residents are entitled to the necessary medical care, regardless of their ability to pay. Furthermore, the system is affordable and free of direct financial barriers for patients, as most medical services are covered by the government.

Medical services in Canada include doctor visits, hospital care, laboratory tests, prescription drugs, emergency care, maternity services and preventive care. However, it’s important to note that not all health services are fully covered by Medicare, such as dentists, eyeglasses, and nonprescription drugs. These services are usually covered by private health plans or paid for by the individual.

Canadians usually have a family doctor, known as a family doctor or general practitioner, who is the initial point of contact for non-emergency medical care. Family physicians refer patients to specialists and hospital services when needed.

While the Canadian healthcare system is praised for its universality and accessibility, it also faces challenges such as waiting times for certain procedures and shortages of healthcare professionals in some areas.

Furthermore, if you decide to live abroad, neither of these two plans will provide coverage for your health under any circumstances.

Your health insurance from back home won’t cover you while you live in another country long-term. And if you aren’t a citizen of the country you will be moving to, you won’t be covered by its public healthcare system.

 

What is expat/international health insurance?

International health insurance for expatriates and immigrants offers coverage for your medical expenses during an extended stay in another country. It typically provides a wide range of healthcare services, including medical emergencies and preventive care.

It’s crucial to understand that international health insurance differs from travel insurance, and it is not recommended to forego it.

 

Why do I need international medical insurance for expats/immigrants and students?

Similar to the importance of having health insurance in your home country, obtaining health insurance becomes equally crucial if you plan on residing in another country for more than six months. In fact, many countries even require proof of medical insurance before granting visas or work permits (more information on this can be found in the “expat/international health insurance for immigration” section below).

Living abroad as an expat, immigrant, or student presents unique healthcare challenges. While away from your home country, it’s essential to ensure access to quality healthcare services and financial protection in the face of unexpected medical situations.

As an expat or immigrant, it’s still necessary to have regular check-ups, address any health issues promptly, and be prepared for potential emergencies. Having international medical insurance that covers you overseas provides peace of mind and the assurance that you can receive the necessary healthcare when needed.

For students studying abroad, international medical insurance is particularly critical. Being in a new environment, you may encounter different healthcare systems, potential health risks, and the need for ongoing medical support. Comprehensive coverage guarantees access to necessary healthcare services, including routine check-ups, treatment for illnesses, and emergency medical care.

While some employers may offer healthcare coverage for employees working in another country, this is not always the case. It’s important to inquire with your employer about the availability of an international health plan for you and your family. If not provided, obtaining your own immigrant/expat insurance plan that aligns with the coverage you had at home is highly recommended.

The good news is that there are international health insurance options available that can be tailored to meet your specific needs, whether you’re a solo traveler or require coverage for your family.

Investing in international medical insurance as an expat, immigrant, or student is a responsible decision that prioritizes your health and well-being while living abroad. It ensures preparedness for any healthcare needs that may arise and provides 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?

Can I just use travel insurance for healthcare while living abroad?

In general, travel insurance is not sufficient for long-term stays in a single country. Its coverage is primarily designed for trips lasting less than 6 months, although there are options available for multiple countries if you are a tourist.

To grasp the difference between travel insurance and expat/international health insurance, let’s explore further details below.

 

Difference between travel insurance & expat/international health insurance

 

Travel insurance:

• It is designed for individuals who are visiting as tourists or traveling temporarily, rather than those who are living in a new country.
• Usually offers coverage for medical emergencies that occur abroad but often excludes basic preventative care.
• May also include coverage for incidents like lost baggage and trip cancellations, depending on the specific policy.
• In certain regions, such as the European Schengen Area, travel insurance may be required for entry.
• For more information on travel insurance, we suggest reading our article featuring the top three affordable travel insurance companies.

 

Expat/international/immigrant/overseas health insurance:

 

Expat/international health insurance for immigration and applying for residence permits/visa

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, she applied for her temporary residence permit, encountered the requirement of providing proof of international health insurance to the immigration authorities. Then, she purchased a policy from one of the companies listed below, and it was accepted by immigration.

However, when she proceeded to apply for her tax identification number through the Swedish tax office, she faced a situation where the same insurance policy was not deemed acceptable. As a result, she had to obtain a new policy from a different company.

If you anticipate facing a similar situation, it is crucial to thoroughly investigate 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?

While the plan you choose will depend on the kind of coverage you need while you live as an immigrant/expat, here are some of the basic things they should include:

• Adequate yearly benefit maximums
• Flexibility in plans and prices
• Wellness care and emergency care
• Inpatient and outpatient hospital visits
• A large 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, making it easier for you to choose. 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 will result in extra costs. If you are pregnant or planning to start a family while living in another country, it may be necessary to select more expensive plans to ensure comprehensive coverage.

It’s important to remember that lower-cost insurance plans often offer less coverage.

Therefore, conducting thorough research is crucial to find the ideal plan that suits 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:

 

 

    2. IMGlobal

 

What I like:

 

 

   3. Now Health International

Now Health International is focused on delivering a streamlined, cost-effective, and easily accessible service, as its name suggests. The company places a strong emphasis on fostering a connection with its customers. They communicate plan details clearly and efficiently and promptly address 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 high-quality healthcare services worldwide.

 

What I like:

• They offer personalized plans tailored to your specific needs.
• Their customer service team provides clear information and excellent support.
• Coverage is available in 194 countries and territories.
• They offer plans with extensive coverage for routine maternity care.

 

 

What I didn’t like:

• There is a 12-month waiting period before you can utilize maternity coverage.
• For certain procedures, you may need to use the company’s reimbursement system, which requires you to initially pay for your care.

 

  4. Allianz Worldwide Care

 

 

Here are a few of the things that I appreciate and didn’t like about Allianz. 

What I liked: 

What I didn’t like: 

• Allianz don’t have many options for plans.

 

 

     5. Safety Wing

 

What I like: 

 

     6. Foyer Global Health

What I like: 

 

   7. Global Underwriters

Global Underwriters is a well-established insurance provider renowned for its exceptional offerings for expatriates and immigrants. With their extensive experience in the industry, they specialize in creating customized plans for travelers around the globe.

When it comes to expatriates, Global Underwriters presents two remarkable options: Diplomat Long Term and Diplomat International. These plans are meticulously crafted to cater to the unique requirements of individuals living in foreign countries, delivering comprehensive coverage and ensuring a sense of security.

 

What I like:

• Global Underwriters’ plans encompass essential features that include 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.
• Global Underwriters understands the importance of seamless travel experiences and offers 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 not available for 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 cover care for COVID-19.

 

3 Bonus options for Expat International Insurance plans:

 

   – GeoBlue

 

What I like:

• GeoBlue excels in delivering an exceptional service that surpasses even the highest quality standards in the industry.
• Their Xplorer plan is specifically designed to cater to the unique needs of expatriates, foreign nationals residing in the US, and US citizens living abroad.
• This plan offers unparalleled flexibility to ensure it meets your individual requirements.
• With the Xplorer plan, you won’t have to worry about deductibles for standard services, 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 there are no cancellation fees associated with it.
• For enhanced coverage, GeoBlue offers optional dental and vision coverage options that you can add 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, providing round-the-clock assistance whenever you need it.
• Their plans offer comprehensive coverage that includes essential services such as evacuation, health consultations, and maternity care, ensuring you are fully protected.

 

 

What I didn’t like: 

• GeoBlue’s insurance plans are currently not available for residents of New York and Washington states.
• To obtain pricing information for their plans, it is necessary to contact a broker who can provide the relevant details.

 

One of the valuable benefits offered by GeoBlue is unlimited telemedicine consultations, which are provided at no cost to plan members who have inquiries related to Covid-19. Furthermore, if a physician recommends it, the company covers the costs 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:

    – Aetna (acquired by Allianz)

Aetna prioritizes customer satisfaction by offering services tailored to the specific needs of individuals. With a strong focus on addressing the diverse requirements of expatriates and citizens residing in various countries around the world, Aetna provides a wide selection of customized plans.

By taking into account the individual circumstances of their customers, Aetna guarantees that their plans are carefully crafted to deliver comprehensive coverage and cater to the specific healthcare needs of individuals living abroad.

 

What I like: 

 

Do you consider yourself a “global citizen,” or are you a digital nomad and need medical insurance that will follow you worldwide?

To provide a quick summary and facilitate 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…

 

	Get a Quote	Get a Quote	Get a Quote	Get a Quote	Get a Quote	Get a Quote	Get a Quote
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:

1. Cigna
2. IMG
3. Now Health
4. Allianz
5. Safety Wing
6. Foyer Global Health
7. Global Underwriters

 

In conclusion…

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.