Top 10 International Health Insurance Providers
The top ten international health insurance providers include VUMI, Cigna Global, AXA, MSH International, GeoBlue, Allianz Care, IMG Global, April International, Now Health International, and BUPA Global.
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Are you trying to find international health insurance for expats? In this blog post, Pacific Prime will provide key features and benefits of the top ten international health insurance companies. We will focus this list on long-term medical insurance for expatriates living or working abroad.
10 Best International Health Insurance Companies
The ten best international health insurance companies are VUMI, Cigna Global, AXA, MSH International, GeoBlue, Allianz Care, IMG Global, April International, Now Health International, and BUPA Global.
VIP Universal Insurance Group (VUMI) International Health Insurance
VIP Universal Insurance Group (VUMI) is one of the top international health insurance companies because of its direct billing options, flexible coverage options, hospital discounts, and in-house administration and customer service.
VUMI also stands apart from other expat health insurance providers because of its maternity insurance coverage. Its coverage limits tend to be higher than other maternity insurance plans, and the highest plan tier through VUMI includes coverage for infertility treatments.
VUMI has five different coverage tiers with their Global Flex VIP Plans for expats to choose from, including Basic, Standard, Superior, Ultra, and Total.
| VUMI Global Flex VIP Plans Annual Benefit Limits At-a-Glance | |
| Global Flex VIP Plan | Annual Benefit Limit |
| Basic | USD $3,000,000 |
| Standard | USD $3,500,000 |
| Superior | USD $4,000,000 |
| Ultra | USD $4,500,000 |
| Total | USD $5,000,000 |
Cigna Global International Health Insurance
Cigna Global offers international health insurance policies for individuals, families, and expats. Cigna insurance is available in over 200 countries and territories. Customer support is available in more than 50 languages 24/7.
Cigna’s Platinum plan offers expats maternity insurance with coverage for infertility investigation and treatment as well as an unlimited annual benefit limit.
Cigna’s international medical insurance plan options range from their budget-friendly Close Care plan to their most comprehensive protection with the Platinum plan. For expats hoping to find a middle ground between monthly premiums and coverage, check out Cigna’s Silver and Gold plan options.
| Cigna Global Annual Benefit Limits At-a-Glance | |
| Plan | Annual Benefit Limit |
| Close Care | USD $500,000 |
| Silver | USD $1,000,000 |
| Gold | USD $2,000,000 |
| Platinum | Unlimited |
AXA Global Healthcare International Health Insurance
AXA Global Healthcare is a popular international health insurance company because more than 80% of claims are paid to the client within 48 hours of all of the documentation being submitted. This health insurance company has five different levels of coverage for expats to choose from.
AXA’s Foundation plan is their budget-friendly coverage for emergencies. Their Prestige Plus provides the most comprehensive coverage and the highest annual benefit limit.
| AXA Global Healthcare Plans Annual Benefit Limits At-a-Glance | |
| Plan | Annual Benefit Limit |
| Foundation | USD $160,000 |
| Standard | USD $1,600,000 |
| Comprehensive | USD $2,400,000 |
| Prestige | USD $3,200,000 |
| Prestige Plus | USD $8,000,000 |
Keep in mind that AXA does not provide pre-existing condition coverage for individuals or families on international health insurance plans.
MSH International Health Insurance
MSH International offers worldwide health insurance plans with individual and family coverage. Plans through MSH International come with a network of over one million medical providers worldwide. Coverage is provided in zones to optimize the price to quality for insurance.
MSH International offers four different tiers of coverage with their Hospi Plans: Quartz, Pearl, Sapphire, and Diamond.
Their most comprehensive tier, the Hospi Diamond Plan, offers full prescription drug coverage up to the total annual benefit limit, covers up to $5,000 in durable medical equipment annually, and provides coverage for preventative treatments and vaccines.
| MSH International Hospi Plans Total Annual Benefit Limits At-a-Glance | |
| Hospi Plan | Annual Benefit Limit |
| Quartz | USD $625,000 |
| Pearl | USD $1,250,000 |
| Sapphire | USD $2,000,000 |
| Diamond | USD $3,750,000 |
GeoBlue International Health Insurance
GeoBlue is one of the best providers of international health insurance for Americans living or working abroad. GeoBlue boasts one of the largest direct billing networks globally. Members also have free access to the Global TeleMD™ smartphone app.
Coverage is subject to underwriting, but GeoBlue offers some of the best international health and travel insurance for pre-existing condition coverage options for expats who qualify.
GeoBlue offers two plans: Xplorer Essential and Xplorer Premier. Xplorer Premier includes coverage within the United States for citizens for up to nine months of the year. An add-on for United States coverage for short trips home is available with the Xplorer Essential plan.
| GeoBlue Xplorer Plans Total Annual Benefit Limits At-a-Glance | |
| Xplorer Plan | Annual Benefit Limit |
| Essential | Unlimited |
| Premier | Unlimited |
Allianz Care International Health Insurance
Allianz Care is one of the best international health insurance providers for expats because of its efficient claims processing and family-friendly insurance solutions. Allianz Care also provides an Expat Assistance Program (EAP).
Allianz Care’s Expat Assistance Program (EAP) includes access to the following:
- Counseling services for mental health and personal and professional needs
- Legal and financial assistance
- Child and elderly care
- Career services
- Nutrition counseling services
Allianz Care offers expats health insurance with three different plans with different levels of coverage: the Care Plan, the Care Plus Plan, and the Care Pro Plan. The Care Pro Plan is Allianz’s most comprehensive level of coverage.
| Allianz Care Plans Total Annual Benefit Limits At-a-Glance | |
| Plan | Annual Benefit Limit |
| Care Plan | USD $2,500,000 |
| Care Plus Plan | USD $4,000,000 |
| Care Pro Plan | USD $5,000,000 |
IMG Global International Health Insurance
IMG Global offers international health insurance plans with flexible options for coverage. Its plans include coverage for prescription drugs and quality member support. Riders are available on IMG plans for vision, dental, term life insurance, and more.
IMG’s plans come in four different levels of coverage: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. IMG Global’s most comprehensive plan, the Platinum Plan, offers maternity insurance benefits.
| IMG Global Annual Benefit Limits At-a-Glance | |
| Plan | Annual Benefit Limit |
| Bronze | USD $1,000,000 |
| Silver | USD $5,000,000 |
| Gold | USD $5,000,000 |
| Platinum | USD $8,000,000 |
April International Health Insurance for Expats
April International is one of the best international health insurance options for expatriates from outside the United States. The company offers free and unlimited telehealth to its members, no upfront hospital costs, and paperless reimbursement for medical claims in the app.
April International plans include five levels of coverage ranging from emergency-only coverage to comprehensive medical expense coverage with unlimited annual benefits.
| April International Plans Annual Benefit Limits At-a-Glance | |
| Plan | Annual Benefit Limit |
| Emergency Plan | € 250,000 |
| Formule Basic | € 500,000 |
| Essential | € 1,000,000 |
| Comfort | Unlimited |
| Premium | Unlimited |
Now Health International Medical Insurance
Now Health International is one of the top international health insurance providers because of its hassle-free online or in-app claims filing. This company also offers seven different levels of coverage for unbeatable customization.
The insurance plans through Now Health International include policies with their SimpleCare plans and their WorldCare plans. In general, SimpleCare plans offer budget-friendly premiums with stricter coverage limits, and WorldCare plans offer more comprehensive medical coverage.
| NOW Health International Plans Annual Benefit Limits At-a-Glance | ||
| Plan and Coverage Level | Annual Benefit Limit | |
| SimpleCare Plans | Simple Care Core | USD $1,000,000 |
| Simple Care 100 | USD $1,500,000 | |
| Simple Care 250 | USD $1,500,000 | |
| WorldCare Plans | Essential | USD $3,000,000 |
| Advance | USD $3,500,000 | |
| Excel | USD $4,000,000 | |
| Apex | USD $4,500,000 | |
BUPA Global International Health Insurance
Bupa Global is one of the best international health insurance providers because members are free to seek second medical opinions, and there are no referrals required to see specialists. Bupa also offers members a lifetime renewal option.
International medical insurance from Bupa Global is available in four different levels of coverage. There are basic plans to more comprehensive wellness plans. The Major Medical plan is a basic option that provides coverage for sudden and unexpected emergencies and major medical expenses only.
| BUPA Global Annual Benefit Limits At-a-Glance | |
| Plan | Annual Benefit Limit |
| Major Medical | Roughly USD $3,174,200 |
| Select | Roughly USD $1,587,100 |
| Premier | Roughly USD $2,380,600 |
| Elite | Roughly USD $4,761,300 |
Get Personalized Insurance Quotes from a Broker
Expats are always free to purchase health insurance plans directly from the company, but purchasing a plan through a reputable insurance broker has benefits. Insurance brokers help you find and compare quotes from multiple insurance companies without costing you an extra cent.
Insurance brokers are partnered with multiple insurance companies, so they will suggest plans that make the most sense for you. Working with an insurance company’s agent means you will only get quotes from one company, and it may not be the best price available.
Pacific Prime has more than 20 years of experience in the insurance industry. We’re always happy to help expats and their families find international health insurance for their adventures. Contact us online or by calling toll-free 1-800-868-1451.
Group and Corporate International Health Insurance
Group and Corporate international health insurance plans are also available. To learn more about plans for larger groups, contact an insurance broker like Pacific Prime. Group plans come with more flexibility for pre-existing conditions and other insurance benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best international travel insurance company?
The best international travel insurance offers medical coverage while you travel abroad. Find a company that can cover you. Companies may be limited by citizenship or travel destination. Insurance brokers can help you secure a good travel insurance deal.
What is the cost of international health insurance on average?
The cost of international health insurance for a family ranges on average from USD $3,954 in Thailand to $9,817 in the United States annually for an individual. Prices vary depending on the area of coverage and how comprehensive the plan is.
Do domestic health insurance plans cover people internationally?
Most domestic health insurance plans do not cover policyholders internationally. Travelers should secure a travel insurance policy with adequate coverage. Expatriates should purchase an international health insurance policy for medical coverage abroad.
Which country has the most expensive healthcare?
The United States has the most expensive healthcare due to wasteful systems, rising medication costs, medical professional salaries, profit-driven healthcare centers, types of medical practices, and health-related pricing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the best international health insurance company for you depends on where you are from and where you are headed. Some fantastic insurance companies are limited in what regions and specific citizenships they can cover. Using an online quote generator is a great way to compare.
As a leading international health insurance broker, Pacific Prime has over two decades of matching both expats and local citizens to a health insurance plan that matches both their budget range and unique healthcare needs.
Whether you’re an expat living overseas or a local citizen yourself, our team of specialists will be more than happy to help you out. And if you have any further questions, please get in touch with us.
Serena earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of British Columbia, Canada. As such, she is an avid advocate of mental health and is fascinated by all things psychology (especially if it’s cognitive psychology!).
Her previous work experience includes teaching toddlers to read, writing for a travel/wellness online magazine, and then a business news blog. These combined experiences give her the skills and insights she needs to explain complex ideas in a succinct way. Being the daughter of an immigrant and a traveler herself, she is passionate about educating expats and digital nomads on travel and international health insurance.
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Comments
2 Comments
What are some strategies for navigating language barriers when accessing healthcare services in a foreign country? and What additional resources or support services have you found helpful in understanding and utilizing your international health insurance plan?
Hi Rafael!
Navigating language barriers while accessing healthcare abroad can be tough, but there are a few things we find helpful:
Choose Internationally Certified Hospitals: When choosing hospitals for treatment, look for internationally certified ones. Although not every hospital may have English-speaking staff, internationally certified hospitals that are part of your health insurance provider’s network will have doctors on staff who are fluent in English. On top of that, having private health insurance ensures there are no lengthy queues and that services are of higher quality.
Ask for Interpreters: In countries such as Thailand, there are medical interpreter services that can assist over the phone or on site at internationally certified hospitals such as Bamrungrad and Samitivej. Be sure to inquire if there are any medical interpretors on-site prior to seeking treatment.
Always Consult with a Broker: There’s no better way to learn about the ins and outs of your policy than from a broker. Before you travel or relocate for work, always consult with an insurance broker like us about the specifics of your policy! We can provide 24/7 claims support and region-based guidance from our experienced English-speaking staff.
If you need more guidance or help navigating these services, feel free to reach out!
We’re always happy to assist.
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