International Health Insurance
Gain valuable insights and practical tips for navigating international health insurance while living abroad. From coverage details to expert advice, this comprehensive guide helps travelers…
Why Work With an International Insurance Broker?
An international insurance broker helps you compare plans from multiple insurers, understand differences in coverage and costs, and find a suitable option for your needs. They can also provide support after you enroll. There is typically no extra fee for this service, as brokers are generally compensated by insurance companies. Here’s how they work, the benefits they provide, and what to consider when choosing one.
What Is an International Insurance Broker?
An international insurance broker is a licensed professional who helps individuals and organizations find and compare coverage for living, working, or traveling outside their home country. Unlike a captive agent that generally represents a single insurer, a broker can work with multiple insurance companies and help you compare available plans.
A broker uses their expertise to identify coverage options that fit your needs, budget, destination, and circumstances. They compare plans and explain differences in benefits, costs, deductibles, exclusions, geographic coverage, and provider networks so you can understand the trade-offs before choosing a policy.
Brokers can help with several types of coverage, including:
- International health insurance
- Travel insurance
- International life insurance
- Group global benefits and insurance
How Does an International Insurance Broker Work?
The process typically starts with discussing your coverage needs with a broker. They identify suitable options and walk you through the differences before you apply. They can also provide support after you enroll, including assistance with policy questions, renewals, and claims-related issues.
If you need to make a claim, your broker can explain the claims process, help you identify the appropriate contacts, and assist with claims-related questions. At International Citizens Insurance, our Customer Success team can also help with renewals, payments, and other policy issues after you enroll.
However, the insurer remains responsible for underwriting, issuing, and administering the policy, including processing claims and making coverage decisions under the terms of the policy.
Insurance Broker vs. Insurance Company: What’s the Difference?
The main difference is their role and the options they provide. An insurance company provides its own policies, while an insurance broker works with multiple insurers and helps you evaluate available options.
Feature | International insurance broker | Buying directly from an insurer |
Plans available | Options from multiple insurers | That insurer’s plans |
Comparison help | Can compare plans across insurers | Limited to that insurer’s products |
Personalized guidance | Helps evaluate options across insurers based on your needs | Provides guidance on its own products |
Ongoing support | Consistent point of contact for policy, renewal, and claims-related questions | Provides support for its own policies |
Should You Use an Insurance Broker or Buy Direct?
Consider using a broker if you are unsure which coverage you need, want guidance on your options, or need help understanding how insurance works across different countries.
A broker can be particularly helpful for:
- Expatriates and families moving or living abroad
- International travelers
- Retirees living overseas
- Employers with internationally based employees
- Nonprofit and volunteer organizations
- Other organizations with employees or members in multiple countries
For global employers, a broker can also help compare group health insurance and employee benefit options, including differences in benefits, geographic coverage, eligibility requirements, and plan costs.
Buying direct may make sense if you already know exactly which insurer and policy you want. However, working with a broker can help you compare suitable alternatives before you decide.
Connect with a Group Global Benefits Advisor
- Experts in sourcing and implementing global benefits plans
- We’ve built steadfast partnerships with carriers worldwide
- Licensed in Health, Life, Accident, and more
What Are the Benefits of Using an Insurance Broker?
Working with a broker can save you time, make it easier to compare plans and understand policy differences, and give you access to support after you buy a policy.
- Compare plans from multiple insurers: Unlike an advisor who represents a single insurer, a broker can help you review suitable options from multiple companies. If one insurer does not offer the coverage you need, your advisor may be able to identify suitable alternatives.
- Get help understanding your coverage: Licensed advisors can explain differences in benefits, deductibles, exclusions, geographic coverage, and other policy terms. They can also help you understand the trade-offs between plans rather than comparing policies based on price alone.
- Save time comparing plans: Instead of contacting several insurers separately, you can discuss your needs and budget with one advisor who can help narrow down the available options.
- Get support after you buy your policy: A broker can continue to assist with policy questions after enrollment.
Does It Cost More to Use an Insurance Broker?
In most cases, no. Brokers are generally compensated by insurers rather than charging clients an extra fee for their services. For instance, at International Citizens Insurance, you do not pay a fee for our brokerage service, as we receive a commission from the insurer when you buy an eligible policy through us.
In fact, working with a broker may also help you save money. Because brokers can compare options from multiple insurers, they may be able to identify a lower-cost option that still meets your needs or help you adjust your coverage to better fit your budget.
However, a lower premium is not always the better value. It may come with a higher deductible, fewer benefits, or exclusions that could result in higher out-of-pocket costs later. A broker can explain these trade-offs so you can compare overall value rather than price alone.
How Do You Choose a Good International Insurance Broker?
Look for a licensed broker that specializes in international insurance, works with multiple insurers, and gives you enough information to make your own decision.
A good broker should ask about your circumstances and coverage requirements before recommending options. They should help you compare suitable plans and explain differences in benefits, costs, limitations, and exclusions. They should also give you time to ask questions and understand the trade-offs. If you feel rushed or pressured, consider working with another broker.
You should also understand which insurers and products the broker can offer and verify that the broker holds the appropriate license. In the United States, you can typically verify insurance producer licensing through the NAIC’s State Based Systems (SBS).
What Should You Watch Out for When Choosing a Broker?
Be cautious if a broker:
- Does not ask about the type of coverage you need
- Offers only one option without explaining why
- Does not clearly explain important differences between plans
- Pressures you to make a quick decision
- Avoids or cannot clearly answer your questions
Why Choose International Citizens Insurance?
For more than two decades, International Citizens Insurance has specialized in helping individuals, families, and organizations find coverage for life, work, and travel abroad. Our licensed advisors combine international insurance expertise with personalized service to support clients from initial comparison through enrollment and beyond.
- Experienced international insurance specialists: Our licensed advisors have extensive experience helping expats, international travelers, families, employers, and organizations understand their options and choose coverage that fits their needs and budget.
- Access to multiple established insurers: We work with a range of international insurers, allowing you to compare plans, benefits, coverage levels, and costs rather than relying on a single insurer.
- No brokerage service fee: You do not pay a fee for our brokerage service. When you purchase an eligible policy through us, we receive a commission from the insurer.
- Support beyond enrollment: Our Customer Success team can assist with renewals, payments, claims-related questions, and other policy issues throughout your coverage period.
We Are Trusted by Clients Worldwide
Thousands of international clients have turned to International Citizens Insurance for help finding and managing coverage abroad. Explore our client reviews to learn about their experiences with us.
Excellent
4.9 out of 5
900+ reviews
Rande Blackman
Verified Customer
Brennan and his colleagues made the process very straightforward. They were always available if we had any issues with the portal or questions about the process and walked us through the quotes and health care options. An excellent experience, would recommend to anyone!
Jeff Mosier
Verified Customer
Carolina did a half-hour video conference with my wife and me and couldn’t have been nicer or more knowledgeable. She has followed up via email with more helpful information. We are very glad we chose ICI to help us choose our plan.
Sarah Prinsloo
Verified Customer
Valentina was super helpful in finding the right policy to fit my needs. Great value for the cost. Would highly recommend.
Lydia Adams
Verified Customer
Working with Will was a great experience. He found the plan that met our deductible and coverage needs at the price point we desired. Would highly recommend.
Harry Jannetta
Verified Customer
Jordan Richey was a pleasure to deal with, very knowledgeable about the service and took the time to explain the coverage.
Samantha Collette
Verified Customer
Michael was very helpful with listening to what I was looking for and providing options within my budget. He also helped me through filling out the forms for the insruance I went with to make sure I understood all of the different sections, options, and wording. Thank you!
Andy Ho
Verified Customer
I had an excellent experience working with International Citizens Insurance, particularly with Nancy Saeteurn and Andrew. From the very beginning, they demonstrated genuine enthusiasm and a willingness to help—even with the smallest queries or requests. It’s rare to encounter a team that combines professionalism…
Bridget Martin
Verified Customer
My experience signing up was very positive. Not only was Andrew Blomberg and the team very responsive, I was able to get my policy underwritten and into effect within days.
Kelly Glynn
Verified Customer
I worked with Brennan McDonnell to find health insurance that fit my changing needs. He was professional and knowledgable. It was so great to talk to a real person who understood how to best help me. He was great on follow up and made the entire process pain free. What a relief!
Roaa Baker
Verified Customer
Carolina was so responsive and very helpful. She helped expedite my process and helped me with all the questions I had. Spectacular worker and very very helpful. Recommend to everyone I know. She’s just the best.
Grace Olson
Verified Customer
Will Smith was incredibly helpful and guided me in the best direction for my insurance. He was very honest about the best plans for my requirements.
Anonymous
Verified Customer
We worked with Jordan at International Citizens Insurance to understand our options for a global health insurance for our family as we head into a complicated year with multiple family members across multiple countries. Jordan advised us of the options and trade-offs between carriers. He was quick, reliable, and clear when…
Christopher Branyord
Verified Customer
Michael was very efficient and effective. He listened to our requirements and fulfilled the expectations outlined. His pricing was less than commercial researched pricing. Overall, we are very satisfied with our service.
Tricia Ross
Verified Customer
Valentina was a wonderful agent. Very kind and super helpful. I appreciated her expertise.
Our Credentials, Awards, and Recognition
International Citizens Insurance is a licensed insurance agency with National Producer Number 17178617 and a BBB Accredited Business with an A+ rating.
Our industry awards and recognition include:
- Cigna Global Top Global Broker: 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025
- BCBS Global Solutions (Formerly GeoBlue Sales) Excellence Award: 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025
- IMG Platinum Producer: 2019–2025
- Inc. 5000 List: 2019, 2020, and 2021
Explore Coverage Options
The right type of coverage depends on where you are going, how long you will be abroad, and who or what you need to protect. Explore the options below to find a plan that fits your situation.
International Health Insurance
For people living, working, or retiring abroad who need ongoing medical coverage:
- International Health Insurance
- Compare Global Health Insurance Plans
- Best International Health Insurance Companies
Travel Insurance for Shorter Stays
For international trips and shorter stays abroad:
International Life Insurance
For people living abroad who want financial protection for their families:
- International Life Insurance
- International Life Insurance for Foreigners Living in the US
- International Life Insurance for US Citizens Living Abroad
- The Importance of a Life Insurance Review for Expats
International Group Insurance
For employers and organizations that need coverage for internationally based employees or members:
- Group Global Benefits and Insurance
- International Group Health Insurance Plans
- Group Travel Insurance for Organizations
- Group International Life Insurance
International Insurance Brokers FAQs
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No. A broker may work with multiple companies, but that does not mean they offer plans from every insurer. The insurers and products available can vary by broker, your location, and the type of coverage you need. Ask your broker which insurers and plans they can offer before making a decision.
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It depends on the insurer and plan. A policy bought through a broker is issued and administered by the insurer, but you should not assume it is identical to a policy offered directly by the insurer. Compare the premium, benefits, exclusions, and policy terms, or ask your broker to explain any differences before you buy.
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Yes. Your broker can help you review available options if your circumstances change, such as moving to another country or requiring a different type or level of coverage. They can also assist with questions at renewal. The options available will depend on your insurer, policy, eligibility, and coverage requirements.