Paul Sanchez
If you're planning on living and working abroad, it's important to consider your healthcare options. While not all countries require expatriates to purchase international medical insurance, it's wise to have some level of supplemental coverage. The cost of healthcare abroad can be very expensive, especially in European and Western countries, and you don't want to be caught off guard by unexpected medical bills. Many global citizens, leisure travellers, and business travellers still do not have robust international health insurance protection while overseas. International medical insurance can provide worldwide coverage, international claims specialists, and access to 24/7 emergency assistance services with multilingual capabilities. There are several companies that offer expat medical insurance, including Cigna Global, Now Health International, IMG, GeoBlue, Allianz Care, AXA, and Bupa. These companies offer a range of benefits, such as flexible levels of coverage, comprehensive benefits, optional extras, and access to a large network of medical providers worldwide. When choosing an expat medical insurance plan, it's important to consider your specific needs, budget, and the area of coverage that best suits your travel plans.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Company | Cigna Global, Now Health International, International Citizens Insurance, IMG, GeoBlue, Allianz Care, AXA, Bupa, Health Care International, World Nomads |
| Coverage | Worldwide, Worldwide excluding the U.S., Worldwide excluding the U.S. or Africa only, Multi-country, U.S. |
| Benefits | Preventative care, 24/7 support, Travel alerts, Safety solutions, Maternity, Dental, Vision, Worldwide coverage, International claims specialists, Emergency assistance services, Multilingual capabilities, Mind Health Service, Second Medical Opinion Service, Quick reimbursement, Medical evacuation, Hospital accommodation, Surgery, Continuous coverage for spouse and dependents in the event of subscriber death, Unlimited telemedicine services, Immediate coverage of pre-existing conditions, Prescription coverage, In-patient and day-care treatments, Repatriation benefits, Out-patient, Health and wellbeing |
| Extras | Customizable cost of premium, Worldwide coverage excluding the U.S., Outpatient module, Medical Evacuation module, Vision and Dental Benefit, Health and Wellbeing, Gold Plan, SimpleCare plan, Atlas and StudentSecure Travel plans, Nomad Travel Insurance, Annual Multi Trip, Core plan, Optional plans, 10% off global cover, Small business and corporate medical insurance, Short-term international insurance, Gear cover, Trip cancellation, Lost, stolen or damaged goods |
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What You'll Learn
International health insurance plans: comprehensive benefits and optional extras
International health insurance plans offer comprehensive benefits and optional extras to meet the diverse needs of expatriates and global citizens. These plans typically provide worldwide medical coverage, allowing individuals to access quality healthcare services in their host country or when travelling internationally. Here are some key features and optional extras to consider when choosing an international health insurance plan:
Comprehensive Benefits:
- Worldwide Coverage: Many international health insurance plans offer worldwide coverage, excluding the United States. This ensures that expatriates can access medical care in their host country and while travelling in other countries.
- Hospitalization and Surgery: Most plans cover hospitalization, including surgery and specialist fees. This provides financial protection in case of unexpected medical emergencies or planned surgical procedures.
- Outpatient Care: Outpatient coverage includes visits to doctors, specialists, and clinics for non-emergency medical issues. This is an essential aspect of comprehensive health insurance.
- Emergency Medical Care: International health insurance typically includes coverage for emergency medical situations, providing peace of mind when facing urgent health concerns.
- Maternity Care: Some plans offer maternity coverage and support for expectant mothers, ensuring access to prenatal, delivery, and postnatal care.
- Dental Coverage: Dental insurance is often available as an optional extra, covering dental treatments, surgeries, orthodontics, and routine dental care.
Optional Extras:
- Medical Evacuation: This optional coverage provides assistance in the event of a medical emergency that requires transportation to a different facility or country for treatment.
- Vision and Dental: While some plans include vision and dental benefits, others offer them as optional extras, allowing individuals to add this coverage if needed.
- Outpatient Module: Some insurers, like Cigna Global, offer the option to include an outpatient module, providing coverage for outpatient care.
- Wellness and Preventative Care: International health insurance plans may also offer wellness and preventative care options, promoting overall health and well-being.
- Telemedicine Services: With the rise of telemedicine, some plans include unlimited access to telemedicine services, allowing remote consultations with healthcare professionals.
When choosing an international health insurance plan, it is essential to consider your specific needs, budget, and desired coverage area. By comparing plans and requesting quotes from reputable companies like Cigna Global, Now Health International, and IMG, you can find the right combination of comprehensive benefits and optional extras to suit your expatriate lifestyle.
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Global policies: choose your own hospital or doctor
When it comes to expat medical insurance, there are a variety of options to choose from, each with its own unique features and benefits. One important consideration is the ability to select your own hospital or doctor, which is offered by global policies from select providers. Here are some key details about these global policies:
IMG Global Medical Insurance:
IMG offers global medical insurance plans that provide worldwide coverage, including international claims specialists. One notable feature is the ability to choose your own healthcare provider anywhere in the world. IMG also provides access to a vast network of doctors and "Teledocs", ensuring that you can receive medical evaluations and treatment from your preferred healthcare professionals. Their plans are designed to meet the specific needs of expatriates, including physical health, mental wellness, financial protection, crisis support, and personal property coverage. Additionally, IMG's Travel Intelligence provides location-specific alerts for added safety while travelling.
GeoBlue Xplorer Premier:
GeoBlue offers international travel health insurance, including expat health insurance plans. Their Xplorer Premier plan provides immediate coverage for pre-existing conditions with proof of previous coverage. One of the key features of this plan is the freedom to choose any healthcare provider outside of the United States and access to the Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO network within the US. GeoBlue's international medical insurance is designed to meet the needs of expatriates and their families, ensuring comprehensive coverage worldwide.
AXA Global Healthcare:
AXA Global Healthcare is a leading provider of expat health insurance, offering flexible medical cover worldwide. They provide access to their AXA Select network of hospitals, where treatment costs can be paid directly, eliminating surprise bills. AXA offers five levels of cover, allowing you to choose the option that best suits your needs and budget. Their global health plans ensure that your cover travels with you, whether you're moving between countries or exploring new destinations. AXA's extensive network of recognised medical facilities guarantees that you'll have the medical support you need, no matter where your travels take you.
Cigna Global:
Cigna Global is a popular choice among expatriates, offering international health insurance with flexible levels of coverage. They provide multiple deductible and cost-sharing options, allowing you to customise your premium. With Cigna Global, you can add specific benefits that you need without paying for unnecessary ones. Their excellent access to international doctors and hospitals ensures that you can receive quality healthcare worldwide.
When considering expat medical insurance, it's important to review the specific benefits and limitations of each policy. Global policies offer the advantage of choosing your own hospital or doctor, providing you with the flexibility to seek medical care from your preferred healthcare providers. Be sure to research the available plans, compare their features, and select the one that best aligns with your individual needs and travel destinations.
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Country requirements: when expat insurance is mandatory
While not all countries require expatriates to purchase international medical insurance, it is always wise to have some level of supplemental coverage. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries have started to mandate that visitors have health insurance when they visit. In 2024, there were 43 countries worldwide that required all visitors, including expats, to be covered by a private medical insurance policy on arrival. If you arrive in these countries without the necessary level of insurance, you may be turned away at the border.
Some countries require health insurance for expats as part of the visa or residency process, to ensure they do not burden the public healthcare system. In these cases, not having adequate health insurance could bar you from entering or staying in a foreign country.
For American expats, relying solely on local health insurance in a foreign country is often a risky decision. Local health plans may not include comprehensive coverage for foreign nationals, leaving gaps in essential healthcare services. In countries with expensive healthcare systems, uninsured individuals may face prohibitive medical expenses for both emergencies and routine care.
Therefore, it is important to check the entry requirements of your destination country before you depart. For short stays, tourists and visitors should look at travel insurance, while for longer stays the best option is international health insurance. International health insurance is a specially-designed policy designed to help expatriates seek high-quality medical care while living abroad.
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Travel insurance: medical evacuation and emergency assistance
Travel insurance is a vital component of your travel plans, especially if you are relocating overseas. It is important to note that government-sponsored programs like Medicare do not cover care received in a foreign country, and employer-sponsored health plans rarely cover medical evacuation.
Medical evacuation insurance is typically included in travel insurance policies and is also sold with travel medical expense insurance, which covers emergency medical treatment during your trip. This type of insurance covers medical transportation to the nearest adequate medical facility, like an ambulance ride or air evacuation services. Some plans may also cover the cost of changing your flight or booking new travel arrangements if you need to return home for treatment.
The exact terms of medical evacuation insurance vary by policy and company, and it is important to review the details. For instance, the Platinum plan from AXA Assistance USA and the OneTripPremier Plan from Allianz include up to $1 million in medical evacuation coverage, while the Silver plan from AXA Assistance USA provides $100,000 for emergency evacuation.
In the event of a medical emergency, it is recommended that you first call local emergency services, and then contact your travel insurance company's 24/7 emergency hotline. The assistance team, including emergency room physicians and travel experts, will review your case and determine if emergency medical transport is necessary. They will coordinate with the doctors at your destination and help guarantee payment to the treatment center.
It is important to note that medical evacuation insurance coverage may start at $100,000 per year, but this might not be sufficient for all situations. The national average for an emergency helicopter ride is about $40,000, and flights to remote places could be more expensive. Additionally, your existing insurance may not cover an air ambulance, so it is crucial to review your policy details and choose a plan that suits your needs.
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Cost: how to avoid surprise bills
The cost of healthcare abroad can be very expensive, especially in European and Western countries. It is important to be prepared while living abroad, as you may face massive hospital bills or limited access to medical care in your new country.
Local health insurance is typically the most affordable option for expats who are planning a long-term stay in a single country. These plans often provide basic coverage for general medical care within that country, making them a cost-effective choice for routine healthcare needs. However, while local plans are generally more affordable, they come with limitations that may not suit the needs of all expats. Coverage is often restricted to the host country, which means expats might not be insured when travelling outside the area.
International health insurance plans are tailored for expats and digital nomads who may live or travel in multiple countries throughout the year. These plans offer comprehensive worldwide coverage, allowing individuals to access medical care wherever they go. For those who travel frequently, this kind of flexibility is invaluable, as it offers a seamless healthcare experience across borders.
Short-term travel insurance is designed for individuals who are abroad temporarily and need coverage for unexpected medical needs or emergencies during their stay. These plans are ideal for expats on short-term assignments, business trips, or those who plan to live abroad for only a few months. Short-term insurance can be a cost-effective solution for covering emergency healthcare without committing to a long-term plan.
When choosing an international medical insurance company, it is important to read reviews from existing and prior customers about their service. It is also worth checking third-party rating agencies for more objective feedback. There are several factors to consider besides costs when choosing the best expat health provider.
For complete overseas medical coverage, expat health insurance companies charge an average of $3,700 - $5,000 per year. For just normal travel insurance with emergency assistance services, insurance providers start their monthly plans as low as $50.
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Frequently asked questions
Expat medical insurance is a type of international health insurance that provides medical coverage for individuals who reside in a foreign country for a prolonged period, usually for work-related reasons.
Expat medical insurance offers several benefits such as worldwide medical coverage, 24/7 emergency assistance, comprehensive inpatient and outpatient benefits, dental and vision coverage, maternity benefits, and medical evacuation. It also provides access to a large network of recognised medical facilities and healthcare providers around the world.
The requirement for expatriates to purchase international medical insurance varies by country. While some countries may not require it, it is generally wise to have some level of supplemental coverage when living abroad.
There are several reputable companies offering expat medical insurance plans, including Cigna Global, Now Health International, GeoBlue, IMG, Allianz Care, AXA Global Healthcare, and Bupa. These providers offer flexible coverage options, worldwide access to healthcare providers, and comprehensive benefits tailored to the needs of expatriates.
