Compare Global Health Insurance Plans
See How the Leading Plans Differ at a Glance
These plan summaries highlight common strengths before you review the full benefit details, eligibility rules, and underwriting requirements.
Flexible Plan Design
Cigna Global
Flexible plan levels and modular benefits for individuals and families seeking broad international coverage.
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Three core plan levels
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Outpatient and wellness modules
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Worldwide coverage or excluding the U.S.
Best For U.S. Access
BCBS Global Solutions
Strong access to the Blue Cross Blue Shield network for U.S. citizens abroad and internationals in the U.S.
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Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO access
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Unlimited policy maximum
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Strong fit for U.S. citizens abroad and non-U.S. citizens in the U.S.
Multiple Budget Tiers
IMG Global Prima
Multiple plan tiers and deductible options for international citizens looking to balance benefits and cost.
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Four plan levels
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Policy maximums up to $8 million
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Europe-only area of coverage option available
Family-Friendly Options
William Russell
Comprehensive private medical benefits with flexible worldwide coverage zones and family-friendly options.
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Multiple coverage zones
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Bundle with life insurance and income protection
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Flexible underwriting options
What Is International Health Insurance?
International health insurance is long-term private medical coverage for people living, working, or studying outside their home country. It can cover routine care, specialist visits, hospitalization, prescriptions, preventive care, and ongoing treatment worldwide.
Who Is It Best For?
People planning to live abroad for at least 1 year.
Expatriates
Families
Digital Nomads
Retirees
International Students
Global Employees
How to Choose the Right International Health Insurance
Answer these questions before comparing specific benefits. Your answers will quickly narrow the options.
1. How Long Will You Be Abroad?
Long-term international health insurance is usually designed for stays of one year or longer.
2. Do You Need U.S. Coverage?
Worldwide coverage, including the U.S., generally costs more than coverage excluding it.
3. What Is Your Budget While Living Abroad?
Compare premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket costs together.
4. Do You Need Any Specific Benefits?
Look closely at maternity, mental health, dental, vision, and preventive care.
5. Do You Have Medical History?
Pre-existing conditions are typically reviewed through medical underwriting.
6. Which Network Fits Your Location?
Confirm direct billing and provider access in the countries where you expect care.
Compare Leading International Medical Plans
Compare benefits, coverage areas, provider networks, policy maximums, deductibles, and eligibility side by side to narrow your options.
| Comparison Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Key Plan Features | Modular plan design
| Access to the BCBS PPO Network
| Choice of Coverage Zones
| Choice of Plan Levels and Deductibles
|
| Policy Maximum | Unlimited | Unlimited | Up to $5M | Up to $8M |
| Coverage Area |
Worldwide
Including or excluding the U.S.
|
Worldwide
Including or excluding the U.S.
| Choice of Coverage Zones Zone 1 includes up to 45 days of U.S. coverage, limited to $50,000 per member per policy year. | Worldwide Including or excluding the U.S.; Europe-only option available |
| Deductible Options | $0-$10,000 | $0-$10,000 | $0-$10,000 Per claim or annual options | $0-$7,500 |
| Eligibility | All Nationalities All ages | Eligible applicants include U.S. citizens and U.S. permanent residents living abroad, and legal U.S. residents - including foreign nationals - applying from within the U.S. Up to age 74 | All Nationalities Up to age 76 | All Nationalities All ages |
| U.S. Provider Network | Cigna Healthcare PPO | BCBS PPO | Global Network Restricted U.S. treatment coverage under Zone 1 (see Coverage Area) | First Health PPO and UnitedHealthcare PPO |
| Doctor Visits | Included in Optional Outpatient Module Subject to deductible if elected |
Included
Deductible waived
| Varies by Plan Included in Silver and Gold plans | Included |
| Mental Health | Up to Full Coverage As part of inpatient, daypatient, or outpatient treatment; Limited to up to 90 days | Included | 12-Month Waiting Period | Varies by Plan Included in Gold and Platinum plans; Up to $10,000 each year |
| Emergency Evacuation | Included in Optional Medical Evacuation Module | Included $250,000 maximum per trip. This separate benefit limit applies despite the unlimited overall medical maximum. | Included | Included |
| Maternity Care | 12-Month Waiting Period Gold and Platinum plans | 12-Month Waiting Period | 12-Month Waiting Period Gold plan only | 10-Month Waiting Period |
Cigna Global 
BCBS Global Solutions 
William Russell
IMG Global Prima 
Expert Insight
One of the most common mistakes is buying travel medical insurance for a long-term relocation. International health insurance is designed for renewable, ongoing medical care, while travel insurance generally focuses on unexpected emergencies during shorter trips.
What Does International Health Insurance Cover?
Coverage varies by insurer and plan level, but comprehensive policies commonly include:
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Hospitalization, surgery, and emergency treatment
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Doctor visits, specialist care, and diagnostics
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Prescription medication and cancer treatment
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Medical evacuation and repatriation
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Optional maternity, dental, vision, and wellness benefits
How Much Does International Health Insurance Cost?
Premiums depend on age, destination, coverage area, deductible, benefit level, and medical history. Plans that include coverage in the U.S. generally cost more.
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Choose a higher deductible to reduce premiums
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Exclude U.S. coverage when it is not needed
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Add only the benefits relevant to your situation
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Compare total out-of-pocket exposure, not price alone
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions About Comparing Global Health Plans
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International health insurance provides renewable medical coverage for people living abroad long term. Travel insurance is generally designed for shorter trips and unexpected emergencies.
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Some conditions may be covered after medical underwriting, while others may be excluded, subject to waiting periods, or covered under special terms.
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Choose U.S. coverage when you expect to receive treatment there. Excluding the U.S. can reduce premiums when you do not need regular access to American healthcare.
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Many international plans are portable, but eligibility, pricing, and coverage areas can change. Confirm the move with the insurer before relocating.
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Compare the same coverage area, deductible, benefits, policy maximum, provider access, and exclusions. A lower premium is not always the lower-cost option after claims.