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International Health Insurance: Coverage Abroad
International health insurance provides peace of mind knowing that your medical conditions will be promptly taken care of. Depending on the plan you secured, you are covered virtually anywhere.
No matter your moving purpose, living abroad and adapting to local culture is stressful enough. As you navigate the challenges of the new environment, you should not have to worry about your health.
We offer free international insurance quotes to help you compare and find the best policy. So if you plan to move abroad, let us assist you.
Our Recommended International Health Insurance Plans
The best international health insurance plans are customizable. This means you can choose and tailor the plans to suit your own and your loved ones' unique health needs.
Bupa Global International Private Health Insurance
- Extensive Network of Providers
- Direct Billing Options
- 24/7 Medical Help via Global Virtual Care
- Lifetime Renewal Options
- Maximum Annual limit up to USD $4,764,300
Cigna Global Insurance Plan
- Worldwide Coverage (excluding the US)
- Access to Cigna’s trusted network of hospitals and doctors
- Numerous Deductible Options
- 24/7 Customer Support
- 4 Core Insurance Plans
How Much Does International Health Insurance Cost?
Costs of International health insurance vary according to the plan level, insurance provider, and your geographic location.
| Rank | Country | Individual Plan (USD) | Family Plan (USD) |
| 1 | United States | 9,817 | 28,250 |
| 2 | Hong Kong | 7,810 | 22,067 |
| 3 | Singapore | 7,028 | 20,351 |
| 4 | Dubai | 5,687 | 17,637 |
| 5 | Taiwan | 5,532 | 15,396 |
| 6 | Israel | 5,521 | 15,303 |
| 7 | Switzerland | 5,441 | 15,121 |
| 8 | Mexico | 5,386 | 15,209 |
| 9 | UK | 5,314 | 14,723 |
| 10 | Brazil | 5,289 | 15,073 |
*These figures are taken from Pacific Prime’s Cost of Health Insurance Guide.
Note: Other factors like age, health status, coverage limits, added benefits, the geographical scope of coverage, and deductible amount* determine.
Table of Contents
- International Health Insurance: Coverage Aboard
- Our Recommended International Health Insurance Plans
- How Much Does International Health Insurance Cost?
- Benefits of International Health Insurance
- Who Does International Health Insurance Cover?
- Is International Health Insurance Required as an Expat?
- Comparing International Health Insurance Providers
- Applying for International Health Insurance
- Eligibility Requirements for International Health Insurance
- Pre-existing Conditions
- Why Choose an International Health Insurance Broker to Help You Secure a Plan?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Contact us
Benefits of International Health Insurance
International health insurance provides various benefits, including inpatient, outpatient, medical emergency and evacuation coverage, and more. Here is a list of benefits available:
- Inpatient and outpatient coverage
- Medical emergency coverage
- Medical evacuation and repatriation coverage
- Direct billing
- Worldwide coverage (can include your home country)
- 24-hour emergency assistance
- Renewable policies
- Flexibility in choosing providers
You can reduce coverage by choosing only inpatient coverage, or expand coverage by adding premium benefits.
Vision, dental, maternity, and preventative care are also available in additional benefits for most plans. You can customize your plan to suit your needs, such as purchasing maternity coverage if you plan to try for children soon.
Most of these benefits have waiting periods, which is the time elapsed after enrolling into your policy. Depending on the provider, waiting periods range from 6 months to 2 years. Take the time to assess your health needs and evaluate whether you need these benefits.
Who Does International Health Insurance Cover?
International health insurance can cover individuals, families, and groups. Different policies with ranging benefits and premiums are available for these specific categories.
Individuals
Individual expats and global travelers alike can purchase international health insurance policies for themselves as they journey abroad. These plans can vary in coverage from basic inpatient coverage to more premium plans with benefits like dental and vision.
Specific individuals benefit greatly from these plans, like students or business professionals who travel frequently for work.
Families
Families living abroad can purchase a policy to cover all their loved ones. Plans are available to cover all family members, from the elderly to the young.
Groups
Group international health insurance is designed for organizations looking to provide insurance benefits to a group of individuals, whether they be employees or members. Coverage for these plans ranges across providers.
Group insurance policies often use cost-sharing arrangements between employers and employees, which helps distribute the financial burden of health insurance premiums.
Start by Comparing Insurance Plans Online
Compare Between 50,000 International Health Insurance Plan Options.
Is International Health Insurance Required as an Expat?
International health insurance is not required for expats but it is strongly recommended. Domestic plans from your home country will not cover you during your time in a foreign country. International health plans allow expats access to private doctors and hospitals. Your global insurance provider should have a close relationship with the best hospitals globally and connect you with the best medical facilities during your time abroad.
Some countries may require international health insurance coverage as an entry or visa requirement. International health insurance plans can grant you coverage for these requirements, preventing you from having to search for coverage from a local provider. This can be especially helpful for expats who may not be familiar with the country’s language yet.
Comparing International Health Insurance Providers
You can compare international health insurance providers to find the best plan for you. Pacific Prime is partnered with the top international medical insurance providers, and our experts are ready to help you compare their plans and benefits to find a policy that works best for you.
We will discuss plan details on some of our top insurers.
Bupa Global
Bupa Global offers customizable plans and guaranteed lifetime renewal on their policies. Key benefits of their plans are:
- Extensive Network of Providers
- Direct Billing Options
- 24/7 Medical Help via Global Virtual Care
- Lifetime Renewal Options
- Maximum Annual limit up to USD $4,764,300
Cigna
Cigna has Silver, Gold, and Platinum plans with different levels of coverage and limits. These three plans share key benefits:
- Worldwide Coverage (excluding the US)
- Access to Cigna’s trusted network of hospitals and doctors
- Numerous Deductible Options
- 24/7 Customer Support
- 4 Core Insurance Plans
Allianz
Allianz offers a variety of plans with different levels of coverage and prices. The key benefits shared across their plans include:
- World-leading Health Insurance Provider for Expats
- Extensive Network With Over 1.9 Million Medical Providers
- Quick and Efficient Claims Process
- Maximum Plan benefit up to USD $5,000,000
AXA
AXA Global offers five categories of coverage with their Foundation, Standard, Comprehensive, Prestige, and Prestige Plus plans. Some examples of shared coverage by all AXA insurance plans include:
- Experienced Personal Support 24/7
- Easy Online Access
- Virtual Doctor Service
- Mind Health Support
- Maximum Annual Benefit Limit up to USD $8,000,000
NOW Health International
NOW Health International provides SimpleCare and WorldCare plans with different levels of coverage and premiums. The shared benefits across the plans are:
- Quick and Hassle-free Claims Filing
- Customer Service Support in Multiple Language
- Maximum Benefit Limit up to USD $4,500,000
GeoBlue
Geoblue offers an Xplorer health insurance plan that comes in Essential or Premier. These plans were created for expats traveling from the United States for business, leisure, or study trips. Expats can choose plans that include the United States in their coverage or not.
- Diagnostic lab work and X-rays
- Surgery
- Inpatient medical emergencies
- Emergency evacuation and repatriation
- Yearly physicals
If you’re interested in comparing more plans, check out our quote comparison tool here.
Start by Comparing Insurance Plans Online
Compare Between 50,000 International Health Insurance Plan Options.
Applying for International Health Insurance
You can apply for a plan by completing an online application and sending your insurance provider or broker any necessary documents. It is important that you research the eligibility requirements for the plan, as they vary across policies.
The Underwriting Process and Expat Healthcare Plans
Medical underwriting is a process insurance companies use to determine your health status and is required when applying to an international plan. This process helps the company decide whether they can offer you coverage and within what limits.
When you apply for international health insurance, you may be required to fill out a detailed health questionnaire. This will gather information on your medical history that will be used during the underwriting process.
The underwriting process takes around 3 - 5 business days but may take longer if there are special circumstances. All family members will need to supply their medical history if you are applying for a family international plan.
Eligibility Requirements for International Health Insurance
A common eligibility requirement for international health insurance is living in a foreign country for at least three months of the year. Some other things that can affect your eligibility are where you currently live, your age, and your medical history, including any pre-existing conditions.
Some plans will not allow anyone over the age of 74 to apply for new plans, but not every provider has this requirement. As always, you can contact a trusted insurance broker with any questions on plan age requirements.
Pre-existing Conditions
Pre-existing conditions can affect your eligibility for some plans, but solutions are still available. Some of these solutions include selecting a plan with a pre-existing condition exclusion, a moratorium, or coverage with loading.
- Exclusion: Choosing a plan with an exclusion means the insurer won't reimburse the policyholder for medical bills related to the pre-existing condition.
- Moratorium: In this scenario, the insurance company provides health coverage but excludes pre-existing conditions. Instead, there is a waiting period, typically around 24 months, during which the company assesses the pre-existing condition before deciding on coverage.
- Coverage with loading: Some insurance companies may offer coverage for pre-existing conditions but at higher premiums. Not all pre-existing conditions qualify for this type of coverage, and not all insurance providers offer this option.
Why Choose an International Health Insurance Broker to Help You Secure a Plan?
Insurance brokers can help you find a plan that works best for you by comparing quotes from a long list of providers and policies. Brokers do not work for one specific insurance company, allowing them to give you unbiased advice over what plan would work best for you.
They can help you compare the pros and cons of each plan and provider and tailor-make a plan suited to your needs. Working with a broker does not cost you extra, as they are paid by the insurance companies instead of by the customer.
Pacific Prime has developed long-standing relationships with several major health insurers, allowing for reduced rates compared to directly dealing with the insurer. Reach out to our team of insurance experts today with any questions you may have, or begin comparing plans directly by using our free tool.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does travel insurance differ from international health insurance?
Travel insurance was created for short-term travel, such as vacations, while international health insurance was created for long-term travel. Travel insurance usually covers basic emergency medical treatment, and international health insurance covers a more comprehensive list of medical benefits.
Will Medicare cover me outside the U.S.?
Medicare does not cover anyone outside the U.S. or its territories. Unless you purchase an international health insurance plan, you will be unprotected during your time abroad. This means you must pay any medical bills you acquire in full.
What is the best international health insurance
The best international health insurance plan will offer inpatient coverage, emergency coverage, 24-hour help, and any other premium benefits you may need. Contact an insurance expert today to find the best international health insurance for your specific needs.
Contact us
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