Last Updated on February 23, 2024 by Talita

If you’re relocating or residing overseas, then expat/international health insurance is a must-have! However, with numerous insurance options available, it can be challenging to determine the right choice. Take a look at this article to discover the best options, complete with their advantages and disadvantages, along with tables comparing the key features of each insurance plan.

So you’re embarking on a 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 opportunity to explore the world beyond their home countries. However, as you prepare for visa arrangements and schedule vaccinations, there’s one crucial aspect you shouldn’t overlook: expat/international health insurance.

 

The US healthcare system is complex and consists of various insurance programs and systems. Two of the main government programs are Medicare and Medicaid. Let me explain each of them:

   1. Medicare: Medicare is a government-administered health insurance program in the United States. It was established in 1965 and is primarily intended for individuals aged 65 and older, as well as certain individuals with permanent disabilities or end-stage renal disease. Medicare is funded through tax contributions paid by workers during their working years.

Medicare is divided into several parts:

• Part A: Also known as “Hospital Insurance,” it covers hospitalization, post-hospital care, hospice care, and some home healthcare services.
• Part B: Known as “Medical Insurance,” it covers doctor visits, lab tests, preventive services, durable medical equipment, and other necessary medical services.
• Part C: Also called “Medicare Advantage,” it is a managed health care plan offered by private insurers approved by Medicare. These plans include coverage from Parts A and B, along with additional benefits like prescription drug coverage.
• Part D: It is the Medicare prescription drug plan. It provides coverage for prescription medications, usually through private prescription drug plans, which can be purchased separately or as part of a Medicare Advantage plan.

 

   2. Medicaid: Medicaid is a jointly funded health care program by the federal government and states, intended for low-income individuals. Eligibility for Medicaid varies based on income and other criteria established by states. States have some flexibility in designing and administering their own Medicaid programs, subject to certain federal requirements.

Medicaid offers a range of health services to low-income individuals and families, including:

• Doctor visits and hospitalization.
• Prescription drugs.
• Emergency care.
• Mental health services.
• Long-term care in institutions or at home.
• Preventive and child health services.

In addition to Medicare and Medicaid, many Americans obtain health insurance through their employers or purchase private insurance on their own. The Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare, implemented in 2010, brought significant changes to the US healthcare system, expanding access to health insurance and establishing minimum requirements for health coverage.

It is worth noting that the US healthcare system is often criticized for being expensive and complex, with high medical treatment costs and disparities in access to healthcare services.

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 expats and immigrants provides coverage for your medical expenses while living in another country for an extended period. Typically, it offers a comprehensive range of healthcare services, including both medical emergencies and preventative care.

It’s important to note that international health insurance is distinct from travel insurance, and skipping it is not advisable.

 

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

Just like you need health insurance at home, you also need health insurance if you plan on living in another country for more than 6 months. And many countries also require proof of medical insurance before they grant you a visa or work permit (you’ll find more about this in the “expat/international health insurance for immigration” section down below).

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

As an expat or immigrant, you’ll still need to have regular physicals, treat any health issues when they arise, and be prepared for potential health emergencies. Having international medical insurance that works overseas will give you peace of mind and the assurance that you can receive the necessary healthcare you need.

For students studying abroad, international medical insurance is especially crucial. Being in a new environment, you may face different healthcare systems, potential health risks, and the need for ongoing medical support. Having comprehensive coverage will ensure that you can access necessary healthcare services, whether it’s routine check-ups, treatment for illnesses, or emergency medical care.

While some employers may provide healthcare coverage for employees working in another country, this is not always the case. It’s important to check with your employer to find out if they offer an international health plan for you and your family. If not, obtaining your own immigrant/expat insurance plan that mirrors the coverage you had at home is highly recommended.

The good news is that there are international health insurance options available that can be customized to fit your specific needs, whether you are a single 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 that you are prepared for any healthcare needs that may arise and provides you with 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?

Typically, travel insurance does not provide adequate coverage for long-term stays in a single country. It is primarily designed for trips that are shorter than 6 months in duration, although there are options available for multiple countries if you are a tourist.

To understand the distinction between travel insurance and expat vs international health insurance, let’s delve into further details below.

 

Difference between travel insurance & expat/international health insurance

 

Travel insurance:

• It is intended for individuals who are visiting as tourists or traveling temporarily, rather than those who are residing in a new country.
• Typically provides coverage for medical emergencies that occur abroad, but often excludes basic preventative care.
• May also offer coverage for incidents such as lost baggage and trip cancellations, depending on the specific policy.
• In certain regions, like the European Schengen Area, travel insurance may be mandatory for entry.To gain further insights into travel insurance, we recommend 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

In the majority of countries, it is a requirement to demonstrate coverage under an international health insurance plan in order to obtain a temporary or permanent resident visa. It’s important to note that travel insurance alone is typically not accepted for this purpose.

Given the complexities often associated with immigration procedures, it is crucial to ensure that the expat/international health insurance policy you are purchasing meets the specific requirements of the immigration office in the country you intend to move to. You may be able to find this information online, but if not, 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 encountered the requirement of providing proof of international health insurance to the immigration authorities in order to obtain her temporary residence permit. 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, and she had to acquire a new policy from a different company.

If you anticipate encountering a similar issue, it is essential to thoroughly investigate the cancellation policies of each insurance company. By doing so, even if your current plan is rejected by immigration, 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

Below, we have provided a comparison of our top three recommended expat/immigration insurance options for your convenience. All these options offer fundamental 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 will incur extra costs. If you are pregnant or planning to start a family while residing in another country, you may need to opt for the more expensive plans to ensure adequate coverage.

It is important to keep in mind that the lower the cost of the insurance plan, the less coverage it typically provides.

Therefore, conducting thorough research is essential to identify 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:

• 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:

 

What I didn’t like:

• Before obtaining a quote, you will be required to provide substantial personal information.
• It’s important to note that the basic plan does not include coverage for maternity care. Therefore, if you intend to have a baby while residing abroad, you will need to purchase a more expensive policy.

 

 

    2. IMGlobal

 

What I like:

• They provide a selection of 5 plans for you to consider.
• By opting for their facilities outside of the U.S., they offer a cash incentive and can 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 offers an online portal, granting you 24/7 access to emergency medical services.
• Their network encompasses 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, 12-month worldwide coverage with a $250 deductible could cost 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 provide coverage for maternity care, and even their most expensive plan only includes coverage for deliveries and newborn care after a minimum enrollment period of 10 months.

The company treats COVID-19 as they would any other illness or injury, adhering to the terms and conditions outlined in the policy.

   3. GeoBlue

 

What I like:

• GeoBlue offers an exemplary service that surpasses the highest quality standards.
• Their flexible Xplorer plan is specifically crafted for expatriates and foreign nationals residing in the US, as well as US citizens living in other countries. It provides remarkable flexibility to cater to their unique needs.
• With the Xplorer plan, you won’t have to pay any deductible for standard services, and there is an unlimited medical cap, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
• The Xplorer plan also extends coverage to include extreme sports activities, and there are no cancellation fees associated with it.
• For added convenience, optional dental and vision coverage options are available to enhance your plan.
• GeoBlue offers a range of plans to choose from, allowing you to select the one that best fits your requirements.
• Their customer service operates round the clock, providing assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Their plans offer full coverage, encompassing essential services like evacuation, health consultations, and maternity care.

 

 

What I didn’t like: 

• GeoBlue’s insurance plans are not accessible for residents of New York and Washington states.
• To obtain pricing information, it is necessary to get in touch with a broker.

 

GeoBlue provides a valuable benefit of unlimited telemedicine consultations at no cost for plan members who have inquiries related to Covid-19. Additionally, if recommended by a physician, the company covers the costs of clinical testing and treatment for Covid-19.

 

 

  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: 

What I didn’t like: 

• The coverage for United States, Hong Kong, and Singapore has quite high fees 
• You need to create a login and fill out a lot of information before getting a quote 
• Quotes don’t show all fees 

 

Safety Wing also covers COVID-19 in their expat insurance plans. And as of August 1st, 2020, this coverage is available for their nomad plans. 

However, COVID-19 tests are only covered when they are deemed necessary by a doctor. Antibody tests, on the other hand, are never covered as they are not medically necessary.

 

     6. Foyer Global Health

What I like: 

• You have the flexibility to customize your insurance coverage based on factors such as your 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 of these areas, ranging from zero to maximum coverage.
• Whether you are an individual, a family without children, or a family with children, Global Health offers insurance options tailored to your specific needs.
• Even if you do not have health insurance in the United States, you will still be covered for emergencies while you are on American soil.
• In addition to the aforementioned personalization, you can select from 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 deductible options available, allowing you to choose a plan that aligns with your financial preferences.
• If you are planning a short-term stay in another country, Global Health provides short-term plans to accommodate your needs.
• To assist you in making an informed decision, Global Health allows for plan comparisons, enabling you to evaluate and choose the option that best suits your requirements.
• With coverage options available for expats throughout Europe, Global Health ensures that expatriates across the continent have access to comprehensive health insurance.

 

What I didn’t like: 

• The basic plans offered by Global Health have limited coverage and may exclude important services like maternity care and newborn care.
• While the customer service provided by Global Health is functional, it 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 more challenging to understand what is covered and what is not.
• Although the Global Health website contains information about coronavirus, it is unclear whether their plans specifically cover COVID-19 tests or complications.
• It is worth noting that Global Health charges a 5 euro fee for emergency support, which is an additional cost to consider.

 

   7. Global Underwriters

Global Underwriters is a reputable insurance provider that offers excellent options for expatriates and immigrants. With years of experience in the industry, they specialize in providing tailored plans for travelers worldwide.

For expatriates, Global Underwriters offers two standout plans: Diplomat Long Term and Diplomat International. These comprehensive plans are specifically designed to meet the needs of individuals residing in foreign countries, providing extensive coverage and peace of mind.

 

What I like:

• Global Underwriters’ plans include essential features such as medical evacuations, repatriation of remains, and emergency dental coverage. With generous benefits, you can receive up to $1,000,000 in coverage for medical expenses as well as accidental death or dismemberment.
• In addition, Global Underwriters provides support in the event of trip interruptions due to health issues and offers assistance for lost luggage, ensuring a seamless and worry-free travel experience.

What I didn’t like: 

• The Diplomat Long Term plan does not serve citizens residing in New York, Maryland, South Dakota, as well as residents of Australia and Iran
• The Diplomat Long Term plan does not cover 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:

 

   – Now Health International

As the name suggests, Now Health International’s objective is to provide a streamlined, cost-effective, and readily available service, and there’s no better time than the present for it.

Consequently, the primary emphasis of this company revolves around the customer connection. Plan details are communicated clearly and efficiently, and any potential questions or concerns are promptly addressed by the company’s dedicated customer support team.

Now Health plans are meticulously crafted to address the everyday obstacles faced by individuals residing overseas, delivering guidance and ensuring top-notch healthcare worldwide.

 

What I like:

• Customized plans according to your needs
• Clear information and excellent customer service team
• Provides coverage in 194 countries and territories
• Plans with high coverage routine maternity coverage

 

What I don’t like:

• You must wait a 12-month grace period to use maternity coverage.
• In some procedures, it is necessary to use the company’s reimbursement system, which means that you would have to pay for your care initially

 

Get your Now Health quote here

    

 

   – Seven Corners Liaison Majestic

As with IMG, Seven Corners also has medical insurance for travelers, students, faculty,  and others. 

 

What I like:

  

What I don’t like:

• You can’t get a plan if your U.S. address is in Maryland, Washington, New York, South Dakota or Colorado
• Can’t get coverage if you’re above 60 years old
• They don’t provide coverage in if you’re going to Iran, Syria, U.S. Virgin Islands, Gambia, Ghana, Nigeria, or Sierra Leone
• You need to have precertification for certain services like inpatient stays, rehab, and outpatient surgeries, and home healthcare

 

    – Aetna (acquired by Allianz)

Aetna is a customer-centric company dedicated to offering services that align with the specific needs of individuals. With a focus on meeting the diverse requirements of expatriates and citizens residing in different countries worldwide, Aetna offers a range of customized plans.

By understanding the unique circumstances of their customers, Aetna ensures that their plans are designed to provide comprehensive coverage and meet the specific healthcare needs of individuals living abroad.

 

What I like: 

What I didn’t like: 

• They do not offer travel insurance plans for solo travelers or families
• Website could be more clear and intuitive when presenting available plans

Aetna International fully covers the cost of Covid-19 treatment and testing for members of some of its plans, such as Medicare. To find out which plans are covered, you need to contact the company.

 

 

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

If that’s the case, the mentioned insurance options are suitable for your needs as well. The seven international health insurance plans listed are specifically designed for digital nomads or individuals who reside in various countries without a fixed place of residence. These plans cater to the needs of “global citizens” who require comprehensive global health coverage.

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. Geo Blue
4. Allianz
5. Safety Wing
6. Foyer Global Health
7. Global Underwriters

 

In conclusion…

In essence, acquiring an immigrant/expat health insurance plan is essential when you’re planning to reside in another country, whether temporarily or permanently.

We understand that selecting the appropriate plan can be daunting. Having personally experienced this process, we empathize with any concerns or queries you may have. Please feel free to leave a comment below if you require any assistance or if you believe there are any aspects we may have overlooked. We’re here to help!

 

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.