Top 10 Best Travel Insurance Companies

April International, VUMI Travel VIP, IMG GlobeHopper, MSH International, and Cigna are among the top 10 best travel insurance companies expats can look for. All ten of these companies offer medical and nonmedical benefits for international travelers and expats.

Are you looking for the best health insurance for your international trip? Keep reading to compare ten of the best travel insurance companies offering medical benefits abroad. Whether you’re heading on vacation or planning to live and work in another country, there’s a policy for you!

We’ll discuss the ten best travel insurance companies and compare their medical benefits, including coverage areas, deductibles, and the length of time that coverage is available. We’ll also include links and information to make selecting a policy convenient!

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Best Travel Insurance Companies with International Health Coverage

Some of the best travel insurance companies with international health coverage include April International, Cigna, Allianz Care, and more. Since medical emergencies can quickly become the most expensive travel mishap, it is crucial that you have a health insurance plan you can rely on.

The following sections will give you an idea of the benefits offered from these top providers so you can make a quick comparison of what international health coverage you need. Here are the ten providers we will highlight:

• April International
• VUMI Travel VIP
• IMG GlobeHopper
• Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Solutions
• MSH International
• Cigna
• Allianz Care
• Bupa Global
• NOW Health International
• AXA Global Healthcare

Time Span For Coverage 

For a single journey, travelers can select a plan designed for just that trip. Those with multiple trips on their horizon may find an annual plan more convenient. If you’re a digital nomad or an expat living and working abroad, a longer-term policy will likely be necessary.

Each plan offers a maximum time span for coverage, so we’ll explain the different options here. 

Areas Of Coverage

One way to save money on your international insurance plan is to customize coverage. Excluding coverage in the United States can reduce your travel insurance premiums, but ensure you are covered in all of your destinations.

April International 

April International insures travelers and expats across Asia, Africa, Europe, the Americas, and Oceania. While they cover a vast number of countries (180+), specific exclusions might apply based on the chosen plan and current geopolitical situations.

VUMI Travel VIP 

VUMI Travel VIP insures travelers from across the globe including the Americas, Europe, Middle East/Asia, Africa, and Oceania.

IMG GlobeHopper

IMG GlobeHopper policy holders can choose areas of coverage from three options: Europe, Worldwide excluding the U.S. and Canada, and Worldwide. Unless you purchase your policy with a rider, the coverage is excluded in your home country.

Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Solutions

Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Solutions offers coverage across the globe, including Asia, Africa, Europe, the Americas, and Oceania. They boast the largest direct billing network of any travel insurance provider worldwide, facilitating easier access to healthcare in numerous countries.

MSH International 

MSH International offers two options for areas of coverage, including Worldwide and Worldwide excluding the U.S. and Canada.

Cigna

Cigna offers different levels of coverage, often allowing you to select worldwide coverage, including or excluding the U.S., depending on the specific plan. Their network spans across the globe.

Allianz Care

Allianz Care provides various coverage options, typically offering worldwide coverage. Some plans allow for the exclusion of certain regions, such as the U.S., to potentially reduce premiums.

Bupa Global

Bupa offers international health insurance plans with several geographical coverage options. You can often choose plans that include or exclude the U.S., impacting the premium.

NOW Health International

NOW Health International generally provides worldwide coverage with their international health insurance plans. Some plans may offer options to exclude certain regions.

AXA Global Healthcare

Offers a range of plans with varying geographical coverage. Many provide worldwide coverage, and some may have options to tailor coverage to specific regions, potentially excluding the U.S.

Our Recommended International Health Insurance Plans

• Worldwide Coverage (excluding the US)
• Access to Cigna's trusted global network of hospitals and doctors
• 4 Core Insurance Plans

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• Lifetime Renewal Possibilities
• 24/7 Medical Help via Global Virtual Care
• Direct Billing Options

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Deductibles/Excess

A deductible, also called an excess, is the amount you have to pay out of pocket for medical care. Some travel insurance plans offer plans without any deductibles, and other plans allow you to customize your deductible amount. 

For individuals and families with low risk, choosing a higher deductible can save you money on your premiums. For others with higher risk, like those with serious medical conditions, lowering or eliminating the deductible could save money.

Non-Medical Benefits

Sometimes bundling travel insurance policies is a great way to save money. However, some travelers may have nonmedical benefits through a travel credit card or other means. In that case, they may save money by focusing on plans with medical benefits.

April International 

April International offers the following nonmedical benefits: legal assistance, assistance for loss or theft of personal effects, return of mortal remains, emergency accommodation, personal liability, and returning home in the case of death or hospitalization of a family member.

VUMI Travel VIP 

VUMI Travel VIP offers the following nonmedical perks: coverage for the delay, theft, loss, or damage to baggage; missed flights; travel delay; and theft of passport or cash.

Other benefits include personal liability insurance for property damage or bodily injury. VUMI Travel VIP also has a daily hospital benefit, an accidental death and dismemberment policy, and legal assistance.

IMG GlobeHopper 

IMG GlobeHopper offers coverage up to USD $5,000 for trip interruption. It also has an accidental death and dismemberment policy, lost luggage coverage, and extra riders with their Enhanced Accidental Death and Dismemberment plan.

Add-on riders can offer additional benefits like coverage for evacuation expenses in a natural disaster. 

Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Solutions

Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Solutions focuses on medical benefits for travelers. Plans offer access to the largest direct billing network worldwide.

MSH International 

MSH International offers a variety of nonmedical benefits. These include personal accident insurance for death or disability; coverage for loss, theft, delay, or damage of baggage; theft of passport coverage; and coverage for travel delay and missed flight connection.

MSH International also covers personal liability for property damage and bodily injury. Their policy includes security and legal assistance. For adventurers, search and rescue in seas, mountains, and deserts is also covered.

Cigna

Cigna’s nonmedical benefits can vary depending on the specific plan chosen. Some plans may include coverage for trip cancellation or interruption, baggage loss or delay, personal liability, and emergency evacuation (medical and nonmedical).

Allianz Care

Allianz Care offers various nonmedical benefits depending on the plan. These can include coverage for trip cancellation and curtailment, baggage delays or loss, personal liability, and travel assistance services. Specific benefits vary by plan.

Bupa Global

Bupa Global primarily focuses on health and medical coverage. While their core offering centers around medical benefits, some plans may include certain assistance services like emergency evacuation. Review specific plan details for nonmedical benefits.

NOW Health International

NOW Health International’s primary focus is on international health insurance, emphasizing medical coverage. Nonmedical benefits like trip cancellation or baggage loss are generally not core features. Consult specific plan details for any included nonmedical coverage.

AXA Global Healthcare

AXA Global Healthcare offers a range of nonmedical benefits in some of their plans. These can include coverage for travel delays, lost or stolen baggage, personal liability, and emergency travel assistance. The availability of these benefits depends on the specific plan selected.

More Plan Comparisons

If you would like a more in-depth comparison of each option for travel insurance, we have articles with more details about each of our top five travel insurance company picks. You can review plan offerings from each of the companies.

• For more information about April International, see this article.
• For more information about VUMI Travel VIP, see this article.
• For more information about IMG GlobeHopper, see this article.
• For more information about Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Solutions, see this article.
• For more information about MSH International, see this article.
• For  information about Cigna, see this article. 
• For information about Allianz Care, see this article. 
• For more information about Bupa Global, see this article. 
• For more information about NOW Health International, see this article. 
• For more information about AXA Global Healthcare, see this article.

Cost Comparisons

The best way to compare the cost of plans is to get free quotes online. Collect your personal information and travel plans. Using that information, you can obtain a free quote from each company and compare the premiums for your selections.

To get your free quote, select “Buy Online Now.” You’ll be able to review the free quote without purchase. If there is a quote you are happy with, you can complete the application and purchase online without paper forms!

Or you can click here for more in-depth information about travel insurance and short-term insurance plans.

Do I Need International Health Insurance?

We recommend finding international health insurance plans with high maximum benefits. This will protect you financially from medical emergencies like illness or injury. These plans also offer coverage for medical evacuation if you need to return home due to your medical emergency.

Won’t My Health Insurance Cover Me Abroad?

Most domestic health insurance plans will not cover you abroad. Even if your health insurance does offer coverage outside your home country, this coverage is severely limited and insufficient. 

Get a Quote Today!

Make sure you have international, short-term, or travel insurance, whether you’re traveling on vacation or planning to work abroad. We recommend plans through top insurers like April International, VUMI Travel VIP, IMG GlobeHopper, Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Solutions, and more.

If you have more questions, or if you would like to speak with a customer service representative, contact Pacific Prime for assistance with plans.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is COVID-19 infection covered by travel insurance?

Some travel insurance companies offer coverage that automatically includes coverage in the event of COVID-19 infection, but many do not. Be sure to ask the travel insurance company if it is built into existing coverage or if there is a rider available.

What is excluded from travel insurance policies?

Travel insurance policies exclude intentional damage or harm on the part of the insured. Some policies may also exclude acts of terrorism or natural disasters. Make sure you are familiar with the coverage and its limitations.

Does travel insurance cover rental cars?

Some travel insurance companies offer a policy rider to cover a rental car, and some credit card companies also offer rental car coverage as a cardholder benefit. These policies often exclude expensive, recreational, or luxury vehicles.

Does travel insurance cover medical expenses?

Many travel insurance policies offer coverage for medical expenses. Sometimes this coverage is limited or minimal. Selecting a travel insurance company that specializes or focuses on medical benefits will provide the most comprehensive medical benefits.