If you’re planning to relocate or live abroad, having expat/international health insurance is essential! However, with a wide range of insurance options available, it can be difficult to make the right decision. Check out this article to find the best options for you, including their advantages and disadvantages. You’ll also find tables comparing the key features of each insurance plan.
So, you’re about to embark on an incredible journey overseas… Congratulations! I’m genuinely excited for you!
Living, working, or studying in a foreign country can be an incredibly enriching experience. You’ll be joining a diverse group of individuals who, like yourself, have the chance to discover and embrace the world beyond their home nations. But amidst all the visa arrangements and vaccinations, there are other challenges of living abroad, such as get an expat/international health insurance.
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is a document issued by the countries of the European Union, as well as some countries of the European Economic Area, which allows citizens of these countries to receive necessary health care during their temporary travel in other participating countries.
The EHIC is designed to provide holders with access to medical care on an equal basis with local residents of the country they are visiting. It covers both emergency medical care and necessary medical treatments for pre-existing conditions. However, the exact coverage and services offered may vary by specific country.
The EHIC is issued free of charge and is valid for a limited period, usually for a period of two to five years, depending on the issuing country. It can be obtained by citizens of participating countries who are entitled to state-funded health care. This includes citizens of the European Union as well as citizens of countries in the European Economic Area such as Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland.
Owning the EHIC makes it easy to access healthcare services while traveling in Europe, eliminating the need to pay for medical care in advance and seek reimbursement later. However, it is important to note that the EHIC does not cover private treatment or non-medical care costs, such as transport back to your home country.
It is essential that travelers with the EHIC also obtain additional travel insurance, as the EHIC does not cover all eventualities such as medical evacuations, healthcare in non-participating countries or comprehensive coverage for all medical expenses.
The EHIC was replaced by a new document called the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) for British citizens after Brexit. However, the basic principle of providing access to healthcare in European countries remains the same core idea.
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.
Table of Contents
- 0.1 What is expat/international health insurance?
- 0.2 Why can’t I just make sure I’m healthy before I leave?
- 0.3 Can I just use travel insurance for healthcare while living abroad?
- 0.4 Difference between travel insurance & expat/international health insurance
- 0.5 Expat/international health insurance for immigration and applying for residence permits/visa
- 0.6 What should I look for in an overseas healthcare plan for expatriates?
- 0.7 Who do these international health insurances work for?
- 0.8 1. Cigna Global
- 0.9 2. IMGlobal
- 0.10 3. Now Health International
- 1
- 2
- 3 – Aetna (acquired by Allianz)
What is expat/international health insurance?
International health insurance for expatriates and immigrants ensures that your medical expenses are covered while residing in a foreign country for an extended duration. It provides a wide array of healthcare services, encompassing both emergency medical care and preventive treatments.
It is crucial to understand that international health insurance differs from travel insurance, and it is strongly advised not to forgo 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, it is equally vital to have health insurance when planning to reside in another country for a period exceeding six months. In fact, many countries require proof of medical insurance as a prerequisite for granting visas or work permits (more details 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 is crucial to ensure that you have access to high-quality healthcare services and financial protection in the event of unforeseen medical circumstances.
As an expat or immigrant, it is important to prioritize regular check-ups, address health issues promptly, and be prepared for potential medical emergencies. Having international health insurance that covers you overseas will provide peace of mind, ensuring that you can receive the necessary healthcare you require.
For students studying abroad, international medical insurance is especially essential. Being in a new environment exposes you to different healthcare systems, potential health risks, and the need for ongoing medical support. Comprehensive coverage will guarantee 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 is crucial to check with your employer to determine if they provide an international health plan for you and your family. If not, it is highly recommended to obtain your own immigrant/expat insurance plan that mirrors the coverage you had at home.
The good news is that there are customizable international health insurance options available to cater to your specific needs, whether you are 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?
Prioritizing your well-being while abroad is just as important as seeing your doctor before leaving your home country. It is crucial to be aware that if you have pre-existing conditions or require ongoing medications, they may not be covered in another country.
Additionally, accidents can happen anywhere, even while traveling (I can relate—I once broke my toe in South Korea, and I’ve met fellow travelers who have experienced falls from skateboards or suffered from food poisoning). Therefore, it is vital to have adequate coverage in place to protect against unforeseen circumstances.
Can I just use travel insurance for healthcare while living abroad?
In general, travel insurance is not suitable for providing comprehensive coverage for extended stays in a single country. Its main purpose is to cater to trips lasting less than 6 months, although there are options available for multiple countries if you are a tourist.
To better understand the differences between travel insurance and expat/international health insurance, let’s explore the details further below.
Difference between travel insurance & expat/international health insurance
Travel insurance:
- Primarily designed for individuals who are visiting as tourists or traveling temporarily, rather than those who are establishing residence in a new country.
- It typically offers coverage for medical emergencies that occur abroad but often excludes basic preventative care.
- Depending on the specific policy, travel insurance may also provide coverage for incidents such as lost baggage and trip cancellations.
- In certain regions, such as the European Schengen Area, travel insurance may be mandatory for entry.
- For more information on travel insurance, we recommend reading our article highlighting the top three affordable travel insurance companies.
Expat/international/immigrant/overseas health insurance:
- It is specifically designed for individuals who are relocating or planning to reside long-term in another country.
- Functions similarly to your regular insurance coverage in your home country. Provides coverage beyond emergency medical care, including preventative care, dental, and vision services.
- The coverage can encompass a wide range of services, such as pregnancy, cancer treatment, or mental health care, depending on the specific plans available.
- It is often a prerequisite for visa applications or obtaining resident permits.
- You can renew the insurance continuously as long as you remain overseas.
- Having international health insurance that offers ongoing coverage is crucial for individuals seeking permanent relocation abroad.
Expat/international health insurance for immigration and applying for residence permits/visa
In most countries, it is mandatory to provide proof of coverage under an international health insurance plan when applying for a temporary or permanent resident visa. It is important to be aware that travel insurance alone is generally not accepted for this purpose.
Considering the intricacies often involved in immigration procedures, it is crucial to ensure that the expat/international health insurance policy you are obtaining fulfills the specific requirements of the immigration office in the country you plan to relocate to. While you may find this information online, if it is not readily available, it is advisable to directly contact the immigration office for clarification.
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 sought to obtain her temporary residence permit, she found herself required to provide proof of international health insurance to the immigration authorities. 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 deemed unacceptable. As a result, she had to obtain a new policy from a different insurance company.
If you anticipate encountering a similar issue, it is crucial to thoroughly investigate the cancellation policies of each insurance company. This way, even if your current plan is rejected by immigration or other authorities, you can minimize financial loss by canceling your existing policy and obtaining a new one.
What should I look for in an overseas healthcare plan for expatriates?
The plan you select as an immigrant/expat will depend on the type of coverage you require while living abroad. However, here are some fundamental aspects that the chosen plan should include:
- Adequate yearly benefit maximums
- Flexibility in plans and pricing
- Coverage for wellness care and emergency care
- Inpatient and outpatient hospital visits
- Access to a wide network of doctors and medical facilities
- Multilingual and 24/7 customer service
To assist you, we have provided a comparison of our top three recommended expat/immigration insurance options below. These options offer essential 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 come with additional costs. If you are pregnant or planning to start a family while residing in another country, you might need to opt for more comprehensive plans to ensure adequate coverage.
Remember that lower-cost insurance plans usually provide less coverage. Therefore, conducting thorough research is crucial to identify the ideal plan that meets your specific needs.
Who do these international health insurances work for?
For these citizens living abroad as expats or immigrants:
- Canadians
- Australians
- Chinese
- Germans
- French
- Argentinians
- British
- Swedes
- New Zealanders
And for citizens from almost every other country living abroad
For expats/immigrants living in:
- The United States
- Canada
- China
- Germany
- Sweden
- Spain
- Portugal
- France (European Union/Schengen Area as a whole)
- United Kingdom
- China (and Hong Kong)
- Australia
- Switzerland
And for expats living in almost any other country in the world
In other words, no matter your citizenship or which country you are moving to, most of these international health plans will work for you since they are truly global insurances.
Some questions to ask yourself before you buy expat/international medical insurance:
- Do you need a private room if you’re admitted to a hospital?
- Are you planning on starting a family or expanding your family?
- Do you have any pre-existing conditions or are you on any medications you need to continue while living in another country?
- Are you willing to pay a higher deductible for lower premiums?
Note: If you aren’t really an expat/immigrant but an international student at a school or college/university overseas, then I suggest you take a look at my article with the 3 Best and Cheapest Health Insurance for International Students and Exchanges/Study Abroad.
1. Cigna Global 
What I like:
- You have the option to choose from three plans: Silver, Gold, and Platinum.
- The Silver plan offers essential coverage, including an annual eye care benefit of $100 and specific cancer screenings.
- If desired, you can customize your plan to include outpatient coverage and emergency medical evacuation for treatment outside the country.
- Flexible deductibles are available, giving you control over upfront payments.
- Customer service is available 24/7 in multiple languages.
- Payment options include monthly, quarterly, or yearly.
- Cigna ensures direct provider billing, meaning they pay for your appointments directly.
- Middle Eastern medical coverage is also included.
- The plans cover services such as organ transplants and kidney dialysis treatments. This international health insurance has received positive reviews.
- Their website provides information about the finance system, culture, and schools of your host country.
What I didn’t like:
- Before obtaining a quote, you will be required to provide significant personal information.
- It’s important to note that the basic plan does not include coverage for maternity care.
- If you plan to have a baby while residing abroad, you will need to purchase a more expensive policy.
2. IMGlobal
IMG provides a variety of insurance options to cater to different needs. Their offerings include travel insurance, health insurance tailored for students, insurance for crew members, and a dedicated insurance package designed specifically for expatriates. If you are navigating their website, make sure to explore their “Expat / Global Citizen” health insurance category for relevant coverage options.
What I like:
- They offer a range of 5 plans for you to consider. By utilizing their facilities outside of the U.S., they provide a cash incentive and can waive up to 50% of your deductible.
- With over 29 years of experience in offering health insurance coverage for immigrants and expatriates, they possess extensive expertise in this field.
- Their website provides an online portal, granting you round-the-clock access to emergency medical services.
- Their network includes 17,000 physicians and facilities worldwide.
- Direct billing services are available.
- They offer both annual international health insurance plans and short-term plans.
- Coverage is provided for individuals and families of all nationalities.
- For their Bronze package, you may find that 12-month worldwide coverage with a $250 deductible costs less than $1000 annually.
What I didn’t like:
- Coverage ceases 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 comprehensive plan only covers deliveries and newborn care after a minimum enrollment period of 10 months.
- The company treats COVID-19 like any other illness or injury, adhering to the terms and conditions outlined in the policy.
3. Now Health International
Now Health International is dedicated to providing a seamless, affordable, and easily accessible service, and there’s no better time than now to experience it.
The company places a strong emphasis on building a strong connection with its customers. Plan details are communicated in a clear and efficient manner, and any inquiries or concerns are promptly handled by their dedicated customer support team.
Now Health plans are carefully designed to address the unique challenges faced by individuals living abroad, offering guidance and ensuring excellent healthcare worldwide.
What I like:
- Now Health International offers customized plans tailored to your specific needs.
- They provide clear information and have an excellent customer service team.
- Their coverage extends to 194 countries and territories.
- They offer plans with extensive coverage, including routine maternity coverage.
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 means you would initially have to pay for your care.
Allianz, a renowned German insurance company, is undoubtedly one of the leading players in the global insurance industry. It would be incomplete to overlook their presence when discussing international health insurance companies.
Here are a few of the things that I appreciate and didn’t like about Allianz.
What I liked:
- Allianz provides 24/7 international customer support, ensuring assistance is available whenever you need it.
- They handle payments directly with healthcare providers in many cases, eliminating the need for reimbursement requests.
- Allianz offers comprehensive coverage across all continents and the majority of countries worldwide, providing protection wherever you are.
- As part of their services, you have access to a medical app that supports the prevention and treatment of health issues.
- After 6 months of your contract, you can utilize the app, and expenses of up to €50 are covered.
- Allianz goes beyond medical care by offering a specialized program tailored for expats and immigrants.
- This program provides assistance in various aspects beyond healthcare, including guidance on independent living, managing family needs, and navigating the specific challenges of living in a new country.
What I didn’t like:
- Allianz don’t have many options for plans.
5. Safety Wing
Safety Wing is a well-known provider of international health insurance, catering to a diverse range of individuals, including students, digital nomads, and expats. Their website features a user-friendly interface that enables you to effortlessly obtain a quote for their plans. You can input factors such as your age, duration of stay, and the countries you require coverage in to receive a tailored quote.
What I like:
- Safety Wing is known for its user-friendly website that allows for quick generation of insurance quotes.
- They provide comprehensive coverage for expats, including coverage for COVID-19, with transparent details outlined for each plan.
- In addition to their standard coverage, Safety Wing offers optional enhancements such as dental care, maternity care, deductible expenses, physical therapy, and access to a family doctor.
- They also provide up to $10,000 USD for repatriation following a political evacuation.
- Safety Wing understands the importance of financial assistance during hospital stays.
- They offer payment assistance of US $125 per night for a maximum of 30 nights in cases where treatment is received in a public hospital without fees or is covered by another insurance.
- Coverage and reimbursement for cancer treatments and reconstructive surgeries are also provided.
- Families with children under the age of 10 can enjoy inclusive insurance coverage at no additional cost.
- Additionally, Safety Wing offers round-the-clock customer support worldwide.
What I didn’t like:
- Coverage for the United States, Hong Kong, and Singapore may have higher fees. To obtain a quote, you’ll need to create a login and provide detailed information, but some fees may not be fully displayed in the quotes.
- When it comes to COVID-19 coverage, Safety Wing covers necessary COVID-19 tests as determined by a doctor. However, antibody tests are not covered as they are not considered medically necessary.
6. Foyer Global Health
Global Health, a subsidiary of the Foyer Group, is a renowned European enterprise that provides a diverse range of insurance options.
They have expertise in various types of coverage, such as travel insurance, expat insurance, and student insurance.
With a solid reputation and extensive experience, Global Health is a trusted and reliable company in the insurance industry. One of their key strengths is their wide selection of personalized plans, ensuring that individuals can find coverage tailored to their specific needs.
What I like:
- Global Health offers flexibility in customizing your insurance coverage to meet your specific needs.
- You can personalize your plan based on factors such as age, country of origin, dental care, vision care, maternity and child care, and more.
- With Global Health, you have the freedom to choose the desired level of coverage for each area, ranging from zero to maximum coverage.
- Whether you are an individual, a family without children, or a family with children, Global Health provides insurance options tailored to your unique circumstances.
- Even if you do not have health insurance in the United States, you will still be covered for emergencies while on American soil.
- Global Health offers three distinct plan options: ESSENTIAL, SPECIAL, and EXCLUSIVE, each offering different levels of coverage. Obtaining a quote is quick and easy, requiring only minimal personal information. There are also deductible options available, allowing you to select a plan that aligns with your financial preferences.
- For short-term stays in another country, Global Health provides short-term plans to accommodate your needs. They also allow for plan comparisons, empowering you to make an informed decision and choose the option that best suits your requirements.
What I didn’t like:
- Basic plans may have limited coverage and may exclude important services like maternity care and newborn care. Additionally, 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 Global Health’s customer service is functional, it may not be as user-friendly or straightforward compared to other companies on this list. It’s also unclear from their website whether their plans specifically cover COVID-19 tests or complications. Lastly, Global Health charges a 5 euro fee for emergency support, which is an additional cost to consider.
7. Global Underwriters
Global Underwriters is a trusted insurance provider renowned for its outstanding options tailored for expatriates and immigrants. With a wealth of experience in the industry, they specialize in offering personalized plans for travelers across the globe.
When it comes to expatriates, Global Underwriters offers two exceptional plans: Diplomat Long Term and Diplomat International. These comprehensive plans are meticulously crafted to cater to the unique requirements of individuals living in foreign countries, ensuring extensive coverage and a sense of security.
What I like: 
- Global Underwriters’ plans feature essential elements including medical evacuations, repatriation of remains, and emergency dental coverage.
- With generous benefits, you can enjoy up to $1,000,000 in coverage for medical expenses, as well as accidental death or dismemberment benefits.
- Moreover, Global Underwriters offers support in case of trip interruptions due to health issues and provides assistance for lost luggage, ensuring a seamless and worry-free travel experience.
What I didn’t like:
- The Diplomat Long Term plan is not available for citizens residing in New York, Maryland, South Dakota, Australia, and Iran.
- The Diplomat Long Term plan excludes coverage for travel to Cuba, Iran, and Afghanistan.
- The Diplomat International plan does not cover care for COVID-19.
3 Bonus options for Expat International Insurance plans:
– GeoBlue
GeoBlue is a highly regarded insurance provider specifically designed for expatriates, making it an excellent choice for both residents and visitors in the United States. With its commitment to exceptional quality standards and its prominent position in the industry, GeoBlue is recognized as one of the leading providers in its category.
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 tailored to meet the unique needs of expatriates, foreign nationals residing in the US, and US citizens living abroad.
- This plan offers remarkable flexibility and comprehensive coverage.
- With the Xplorer plan, you won’t have to worry about paying any deductibles for standard services, and there is no cap on medical expenses, ensuring peace of mind.
- Moreover, the Xplorer plan extends its coverage to include extreme sports activities, and it comes with the added benefit of no cancellation fees.
- To enhance your coverage, GeoBlue offers optional dental and vision coverage options for your convenience.
- With a range of plans available, you can choose the one that perfectly aligns with your specific requirements.
- GeoBlue’s customer service is available round the clock, providing prompt assistance 24/7. Their plans offer full coverage, encompassing essential services such as evacuation, health consultations, and comprehensive maternity care.
What I didn’t like:
- Residents of New York and Washington states are unfortunately not eligible for GeoBlue’s insurance plans.
- To obtain pricing information, it is necessary to contact a broker who can assist you in exploring the available options.
GeoBlue offers a valuable benefit to its plan members by providing unlimited telemedicine consultations at no cost, specifically for inquiries related to Covid-19. Additionally, if a physician recommends it, the company covers the costs of clinical testing and treatment for Covid-19, ensuring comprehensive coverage and peace of mind.
– Seven Corners Liaison Majestic
As with IMG, Seven Corners also has medical insurance for travelers, students, faculty, and others.
What I like:
- With a solid 20-year reputation in the industry, Global Underwriters is a highly reliable provider of international health insurance solutions. Their comprehensive plans are designed to offer peace of mind, including coverage for pre-existing conditions, ensuring that individuals with ongoing health needs are well taken care of.
- Global Underwriters goes above and beyond by providing assistance in locating embassies and offering travel advisories, prioritizing your safety and well-being while you are abroad. Their 24/7 multilingual travel assistance ensures that prompt support is available whenever you need it.
- The plans offered by Global Underwriters provide extensive coverage, encompassing inpatient and outpatient care, dental services, emergency evacuation, and emergency reunion, allowing your loved ones to be by your side during hospitalization. Adventure enthusiasts can also benefit from their hazardous sports rider, which covers activities such as hang gliding, zip-lining, water skiing, and bungee jumping.
- For those seeking affordable coverage, Global Underwriters offers attractively priced basic plans. For example, a single male relocating to Fiji can obtain a basic plan with a $250 deductible for approximately $1 per day.
What I don’t like:
- Please note that Global Underwriters’ plans are not available for individuals with a U.S. address in Maryland, Washington, New York, South Dakota, or Colorado.
- Coverage is not provided for individuals above 60 years old.
- Additionally, Global Underwriters does not offer coverage for travel to Iran, Syria, U.S. Virgin Islands, Gambia, Ghana, Nigeria, or Sierra Leone.
- It’s important to be aware that precertification is required for certain services such as inpatient stays, rehabilitation, outpatient surgeries, and home healthcare.
– Aetna (acquired by Allianz)
Aetna prioritizes customer satisfaction by tailoring their services to meet the specific needs of individuals. They are committed to addressing the diverse requirements of expatriates and citizens residing in various countries around the world, offering a wide selection of personalized plans.
With a deep understanding of their customers’ unique circumstances, Aetna ensures that their plans provide extensive coverage and cater to the specific healthcare needs of individuals living overseas.
What I like:
- Aetna is an esteemed company with a long-standing legacy spanning over five decades.
- They specialize in crafting customized insurance plans specifically tailored to the needs of expatriates and digital nomads, ensuring that their unique requirements are met.
- With a strong focus on customer service, Aetna provides round-the-clock support, available 24/7.
- Their comprehensive plans typically encompass a wide range of coverage, including hospitalization, emergency evacuation, repatriation, and cancer treatment, offering individuals a sense of security and tranquility.
- Aetna has earned a well-deserved reputation for excellence, being honored with 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 proactively monitor their health and earn rewards points by adopting healthy habits.
- These points can be redeemed for gift cards at popular stores.
- Expanding their reach to over 15 countries and territories worldwide, Aetna extends their coverage to expatriates and foreign residents, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity 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.
- The website could be more intuitive and transparent when presenting available plans.
- To determine which plans fully cover the cost of Covid-19 treatment and testing, contacting the company directly is necessary.
Do you consider yourself a “global citizen,” or are you a digital nomad and need medical insurance that will follow you worldwide?
If that applies to you, the mentioned insurance options are well-suited to your requirements too. The seven international health insurance plans featured are specifically tailored for digital nomads or individuals living in different countries without a permanent address. These plans are designed to meet the needs of “global citizens” who seek extensive global health coverage. 
To provide a concise overview and simplify the comparison process, here are the primary characteristics 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…
In essence, obtaining an immigrant/expat health insurance plan is crucial when you intend to live in another country, whether for a short period or long-term.
We recognize that choosing the right plan can be overwhelming. Having gone through this process ourselves, we understand any apprehensions or questions you may have. If you need any assistance or if you believe there are any aspects we may have missed, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below. We are here to assist 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).