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Top 10 Health Insurance Providers in Australia for Expats

For expats living in or planning to move to Australia, you’ll need reliable health insurance coverage during your stay. The top 10 insurance companies for expats in Australia include Bupa Global, Allianz, AXA, Cigna, William Russell, GeoBlue, IMG, April International, NOW Health, and AIG. These companies offer comprehensive coverage for medical care, including inpatient and outpatient services, dental, emergency evacuations, and more.

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Each insurer provides a variety of plans tailored to the specific needs of expatriates, ensuring that your health and wellbeing are fully protected while in Australia. You can choose from flexible, customizable plans that suit your budget and coverage requirements. 

In this Pacific Prime article, we’ll go into detail on each insurer, their coverage types, and why expats should consider working with brokers to secure their health insurance. 

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Top 10 Insurance Providers for Expats in Australia

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The top 10 insurance companies in Australia for expats are Bupa Global, Allianz, AXA, Cigna, William Russell, GeoBlue, IMG, April International, NOW Health, and AIG. These companies provide expats with the coverage they need during their stay in Australia.

Below is a list of the top 10 insurers in Australia with their brief descriptions: 

  • Bupa Global: Known for its extensive global network and excellent customer support.
  • Allianz Worldwide Care: Renowned for its robust network and reliable customer service.
  • AXA: Offers multiple international health insurance plans, including extensive health coverage for medical treatments, dental care, and emergency evacuation services.
  • Cigna Global: Provides customizable health insurance plans with comprehensive health benefits, medical evacuation, routine check-ups, and dental and vision care.
  • William Russell: Specializes in health insurance for expats, offering plans that cover medical expenses, maternity care, dental care, and emergency medical evacuations.
  • GeoBlue: Offers medical evacuation, inpatient and outpatient coverage, and health insurance plans with worldwide coverage.
  • IMG Global: Provides comprehensive coverage tailored to expats’ needs.
  • April International: Known for offering flexible health insurance plans that cater to the needs of expatriates and travelers, including comprehensive medical and emergency evacuation coverage.
  • NOW Health International: Known for its international network and strong customer service support.
  • AIG: Provides a wide range of international health insurance plans designed to cover various medical expenses, including emergency medical evacuation, hospitalization, and outpatient care.

1. Bupa Global: Comprehensive Global Health Coverage for Expats

Bupa Global offers comprehensive international health insurance plans that include coverage for medical care, dental, maternity, mental health, and emergency evacuations. They have extensive global networks and provide excellent customer support, which is crucial for expats.

Listed below are the health insurance plans offered by Bupa Global:

Select Global Health Plan

  • Annual Limit: USD $1,587,100
  • Coverage: Health screenings and wellness checks (after a waiting period), medical evacuation.

Premier Global Health Plan

  • Annual Limit: USD $2,380,600
  • Coverage: Worldwide coverage, health screenings, wellness checks (after a waiting period), vaccinations, dental, and optical coverage.

Major Medical Global Health Plan

  • Annual Limit: USD $3,174,200
  • Coverage: Worldwide coverage, medical evacuation, sudden unexpected emergencies and major medical expenses and repatriation.

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2. Allianz Worldwide Care: Trusted Plans with Robust Networks

Allianz offers various health insurance plans with global coverage, including Essential, Classic, and Premier plans. These plans cover inpatient and outpatient treatments, dental care, and medical evacuations. Allianz is known for its robust network and reliable customer service.

Listed below are the health insurance plans offered by Allianz Worldwide Care:

Allianz Care Plan:

  • Annual Limit: USD $2,500,000
  • Coverage: Semi-private inpatient/day-care room, oncology, medical evacuation, nursing at home, rehabilitation treatment, emergency out-patient treatment.

Allianz Care Plus Plan:

  • Annual Limit: USD $4,000,000
  • Coverage: Private inpatient/day-care room, oncology, medical evacuation, nursing at home, rehabilitation treatment, emergency out-patient and dental treatment.

Allianz Care Pro Plan:

  • Annual Limit: USD $5,000,000
  • Coverage: Private inpatient/day-care room, oncology, medical evacuation, nursing at home, rehabilitation treatment, emergency out-patient and dental treatment, preventive surgery, laser eye treatment.

3. AXA: International Health Plans with Extensive Coverage

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AXA provides many plans for international health insurance, including Foundation, Standard, Comprehensive, Prestige, and Prestige Plus plans. They offer extensive health coverage, including medical treatments, dental care, and emergency evacuation services, making it a reliable choice for expats.

Listed below are the health insurance plans offered by AXA: 

Foundation Plan

  • Annual Limit: USD $160,000
  • Coverage: Inpatient hospital charges and surgeries, emergency care, medical evacuation and repatriation, cancer treatments, ambulance transport, optional outpatient treatment and drugs.

Standard Plan

  • Annual Limit: USD $1,600,000
  • Coverage: All Foundation plan benefits, plus dental care (not check-ups), an increased annual limit, optional outpatient treatment, and drugs.

Comprehensive Plan

  • Annual Limit: USD $2,400,000
  • Coverage: All Standard plan benefits, plus chronic conditions, eye tests and prescription glasses, outpatient treatment, tests, and vaccinations.

Prestige Plan

  • Annual Limit: USD $3,200,000
  • Coverage: All Comprehensive plan benefits, plus routine pregnancy care, annual health checks, and an increased annual limit.

Prestige Plus Plan

  • Annual Limit: USD $8,000,000
  • Coverage: Includes all Prestige plan benefits with the highest annual limit offered by AXA.

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4. Cigna Global: Flexible Health Insurance Plans for Expats

Cigna offers customizable health insurance plans with levels such as Silver, Gold, and Platinum. These plans include comprehensive health benefits, medical evacuation, routine check-ups, and dental and vision care. Cigna’s extensive global network and flexibility make it ideal for expats.

Listed below are the health insurance plans offered by Cigna Global: 

Silver Health Insurance Plan

  • Annual Limit: USD $1,000,000
  • Coverage: Coverage includes core medical benefits such as inpatient and outpatient care, specialized cancer care, and mental health care up to $5,000. You will also have access to private hospital rooms, transplant services, and palliative care. 

Gold Health Insurance Plan

  • Annual Limit: USD $2,000,000
  • Coverage: Includes all Silver plan benefits, as well as routine maternity care up to $7,000, and coverage for pregnancy complications and newborn care. Additionally, it encompasses advanced imaging, rehabilitation services, home nursing, treatment for obesity, and care for congenital conditions.

Platinum Health Insurance Plan

  • Annual Limit: Unlimited
  • Coverage: Includes all Gold plan benefits with most benefits paid in full. It provides full coverage for inpatient, and outpatient care, as well as comprehensive cancer care and full mental and behavioral health care. Routine maternity inpatient care is covered up to $14,000. 

Close Care Health Insurance Plan

  • Annual Limit: USD $500,000
  • Coverage: Includes core medical benefits, cancer care, and semi-private rooms for inpatient and outpatient care. It also provides emergency hospitalization coverage for short trips, up to $40,000. Please note that the plan excludes medical evacuation, maternity care, and travel safety services.

5. William Russell: Tailored Health Insurance for Expats

William Russell specializes in health insurance for expats, offering plans such as: Bronze, SilverLite, Silver, and Gold. These plans cover medical expenses, maternity care, dental care, and emergency medical evacuations. 

Listed below are the health insurance plans offered by William Russell: 

Bronze

  • Annual Limit: USD $1,500,000
  • Coverage: The Bronze plan provides semi-private rooms with the option to upgrade to a private room. It offers full coverage for hospital treatment, parent accommodation, and advanced diagnostic tests. Local ambulance services are fully covered.

SilverLite

  • Annual Limit: USD $1,500,000 
  • Coverage: The SilverLite plan also includes semi-private rooms with the option to upgrade to a private room. It covers hospital treatment, parent accommodation, and advanced diagnostic tests in full. Local ambulance services are covered up to USD $1,600.

Silver

  • Annual Limit: USD $2,500,000
  • Coverage: The Silver plan features private rooms as standard. It provides full coverage for hospital treatment, parent accommodation, and advanced diagnostic tests. Local ambulance services are fully covered. The hospital cash benefit is up to USD $200 per night, with a maximum of 60 nights.

Gold

  • Annual Limit: USD $5,000,000
  • Coverage: The Gold plan includes private rooms. It offers full coverage for hospital treatment, parent accommodation, and advanced diagnostic tests, as well as local ambulance services. The hospital cash benefit is up to USD $350 per night, with a maximum of 60 nights.

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6. GeoBlue: Reliable Global Health Insurance for Expats

GeoBlue is a prominent provider of international health insurance, catering to the needs of global travelers, expatriates, and international students. With a vast network of providers and reliable customer service, GeoBlue is a trusted option for individuals living or traveling abroad.

Here are some of the health insurance plans available from GeoBlue:

Xplorer Essential Plan

  • Annual Limit: Unlimited
  • Coverage: Offers comprehensive medical benefits for both inpatient and outpatient care, emergency medical evacuations, and prescription drug coverage. Ideal for expatriates seeking extensive health coverage abroad.

Xplorer Premier Plan

  • Annual Limit: Unlimited
  • Coverage: Includes all the benefits of the Xplorer Essential Plan, plus additional coverage for preventive care, mental health services, and wellness programs. This plan provides premium benefits for those seeking extensive health coverage.

Navigator Plan

  • Annual Limit: Unlimited
  • Coverage: Designed for international students and faculty, this plan covers inpatient and outpatient care, emergency medical evacuations, and repatriation services. It ensures that students and educators are well-protected while studying or working abroad.

Voyager Choice Plan

  • Annual Limit: Based on selected options
  • Coverage: Suited for short-term travelers, this plan covers emergency medical care, hospital stays, and medical evacuations. Perfect for individuals taking short trips outside their home country.

7. IMG Global: International Coverage with Flexible Plans

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IMG focuses on international and travel health insurance for individuals, families, and companies. Their plans, such as Medical Insurance, offer comprehensive coverage tailored to expats’ needs.

Listed below are the health insurance plans offered by IMG:

Bronze

  • Annual Limit: USD $1,000,000 
  • Coverage: Includes physician visits, hospitalization, surgery, lab & X-rays, physical therapy, and partial coverage for specialist visits. 

Silver

  • Annual Limit: USD $5,000,000
  • Coverage: Includes physician visits, hospitalization, surgery, lab & X-rays, physical therapy, and partial coverage for specialist visits. 

Gold

  • Annual Limit: USD $5,000,000
  • Coverage: Includes full coverage for physician visits, hospitalization, surgery, lab & X-rays, physical therapy, and partial coverage for specialist visits. 

Platinum

  • Annual Limit: USD $8,000,000
  • Coverage: Includes full coverage for physician visits, hospitalization, surgery, lab & X-rays, physical therapy, and partial coverage for specialist visits. 

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8. April International: Customizable Health Insurance for Expats

April International offers a variety of international health insurance plans designed to provide comprehensive coverage for expatriates and global travelers. If you’re looking for comprehensive coverage and superb customer service, April is for you. 

Here are some of the health insurance options available from April International:

MyHealth International

  • Annual Limit: USD $3,000,000
  • Coverage: Includes inpatient and outpatient care, prescription medications, emergency medical evacuations, repatriation, and preventive care. This plan is ideal for expatriates seeking extensive health coverage worldwide.

MyHealth Essential

  • Annual Limit: USD $1,500,000
  • Coverage: Provides essential medical coverage, including inpatient and outpatient care, emergency medical evacuations, and repatriation services. This plan is designed for those seeking robust coverage with manageable premiums.

MyHealth Comprehensive

  • Annual Limit: USD $2,000,000
  • Coverage: Offers comprehensive coverage for inpatient and outpatient care, prescription medications, emergency medical evacuations, repatriation, and preventive care. This plan also includes coverage for routine health checks and vaccinations.

MyHealth Plus

  • Annual Limit: USD $4,500,000
  • Coverage: Includes all the benefits of the MyHealth Comprehensive plan, plus additional coverage for dental care, vision care, and maternity benefits. This plan is ideal for those seeking premium health benefits.

MyHealth Global

  • Annual Limit: USD $5,000,000
  • Coverage: Provides extensive global coverage, including inpatient and outpatient care, emergency medical evacuations, repatriation, preventive care, dental and vision care, and wellness programs. This plan is perfect for individuals seeking the highest level of coverage.

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9. NOW Health International: International Plans with Strong Support

NOW Health International provides global health insurance plans with extensive coverage for medical care, emergency evacuation, and wellness programs. Their international network and strong customer service support are advantageous for expats in Australia.

Listed below are the health insurance plans offered by NOW Health International:

WorldCare Essential

  • Annual Limit: USD $3,000,000
  • Coverage: For those who need coverage for major in-patient medical events, Now Health International offers the WorldCare Essential plan. If you need coverage for both in-patient and out-patient medical care, this is the most affordable option. 
  • Note: Please note that home country coverage excludes the USA.

WorldCare Advance

  • Annual Limit: USD $3,500,000
  • Coverage: The WorldCare Advance plan from Now Health International pays for all types of medical care, including in-and out-patient visits, as well as those to primary care physicians and specialists.  
  • Note: Please note that home country coverage excludes the USA. 

WorldCare Excel

  • Annual Limit: USD $4,000,000
  • Coverage: When compared to WorldCare Advance, the benefits of Now Health International’s WorldCare Excel plan for inpatient, outpatient, and day treatments are superior. It covers both basic and advanced dental treatment after a nine-month waiting period. 
  • Note: Please note that home country coverage excludes the USA. 

WorldCare Apex

  • Annual Limit: USD $4,500,000
  • Coverage: There is no more all-inclusive plan than WorldCare Apex from Now Health International. It goes above and beyond WorldCare Excel in covering in-patient, out-patient, and routine maternity care, as well as other types of treatment. 
  • Note: Please note that home country coverage excludes the USA. 

10. AIG: Diverse Health Insurance Plans for Expats in Australia

AIG offers a variety of international health insurance plans that cater to the needs of global travelers, expatriates, and international students. If you’re in need of a reputable insurer who offers comprehensive coverage, AIG is for you. 

Here are some of the health insurance options available from AIG:

AIG Premier Health Plan

  • Annual Limit: USD $8,000,000
  • Coverage: Comprehensive global health coverage, including inpatient and outpatient care, physician visits, hospitalization, surgery, lab tests & X-rays, emergency medical evacuation, repatriation, and wellness benefits. This plan is ideal for those seeking extensive health coverage worldwide.

AIG Select Health Plan

  • Annual Limit: USD $5,000,000
  • Coverage: Extensive coverage for major medical expenses, physician visits, hospitalization, surgery, lab tests & X-rays, preventive care, and wellness benefits. This plan also includes emergency medical evacuation and repatriation services.

AIG Essential Health Plan

  • Annual Limit: USD $3,000,000
  • Coverage: Provides essential medical coverage, including inpatient and outpatient care, physician visits, hospitalization, surgery, lab tests & X-rays, and emergency services. This plan is designed for those seeking robust coverage with manageable premiums.

AIG Basic Health Plan

  • Annual Limit: USD $1,500,000
  • Coverage: Basic yet comprehensive medical coverage, including physician visits, hospitalization, surgery, lab tests & X-rays, outpatient care, and emergency services. This plan is ideal for those seeking affordable health protection.

AIG Travel Guard Plan

  • Annual Limit: Based on selected options
  • Coverage: Tailored for short-term travelers, this plan covers emergency medical care, hospital stays, and medical evacuations. It is perfect for individuals taking short trips outside their home country.

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How a Broker Can Assist with Your Healthcare Needs

Working with a broker can significantly simplify the process of matching your budget to your healthcare needs and managing pre-existing conditions. They offer valuable services such as policy clarity, personalized coverage, policy and claim support, after-sale assistance, and local expertise.

Here are several benefits of working with a broker:

  • Policy Clarity: Brokers are responsible for clearly explaining the details of available insurance policies. This enables expats to confidently select plans that maximize their benefits.
  • Personalized Coverage: A broker can help identify the best health insurance policy tailored to your specific needs and budget, allowing for customized coverage that fits your personal requirements and financial constraints.
  • Support with Policies and Claims: Collaborating with an insurance broker provides assistance with filing claims, renewing policies, and managing other necessary paperwork with your insurer.
  • Post-Sale Support: The level of service provided by an insurance broker is greatly influenced by their after-sales support. Expats can rely on brokers to address any questions or concerns about their health insurance throughout their stay abroad.
  • Local Knowledge and Cultural Insight: Insurance brokers possess extensive knowledge of the Australian insurance market, regulations, and healthcare providers. This expertise enables them to recommend insurance plans that best match your specific healthcare needs and preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best health insurance companies for expats in Australia?

Expats in Australia can choose from ten of the best insurance providers: Bupa Global, Allianz, AXA, Cigna, William Russell, GeoBlue, IMG, April International, NOW Health, and AIG. For the duration of their stay in Australia, these businesses offer expats the necessary health coverage.

What should expats include as part of their medical insurance coverage? 

When choosing medical coverage as an expat in Australia, consider comprehensive plans that cover inpatient and outpatient care, surgeries, and specialist consultations. Ensure your plan includes emergency medical evacuation and repatriation and preventive care like check-ups and vaccinations.

How can expats secure health insurance for life in Australia? 

Expats in Australia can buy private or employer-provided health insurance. Private health insurance can be acquired from insurance brokers, offering numerous benefits over public options, including broader coverage, access to private healthcare facilities and after-sales support.

Conclusion 

Choosing the right health insurance as an expat in Australia can be a daunting task. The top 10 insurance companies, including Bupa Global, Allianz, AXA, Cigna, William Russell, GeoBlue, IMG, April International, NOW Health, and AIG, offer a variety of plans tailored to the needs of expatriates. 

With over 1,000 employees and insurance expertise across four continents, Pacific Prime ensures that expats

Content Writer/Marketer at Pacific Prime
Piyanat is a Marketer and SEO Content Writer with an affinity for storytelling and marketing. He works with a team of experienced professionals at Pacific Prime who create a range of engaging and informative content aimed at helping both individuals and companies understand the importance of and benefits of insurance.

Upon graduating from Mahidol University International College’s International Relations program, he spent his career in marketing and business development, working for an international subcontractor, a marketing research firm, an international news agency, a software development company, and a creative agency. His journey now continues at Pacific Prime, where he hopes to make an impact by simplifying insurance and writing a gargantuan amount of SEO articles to draw in billions of leads.

In his free time, Piyanat is an avid martial artist and musician, spending most of his time at boxing gyms in Nakhon Pathom and music studios with his friends in the music industry.
Piyanat Jantharot