Comparing Global Health Insurance: 2026 Plans and Costs
Key Takeaways
- Global medical insurance policy maximums reach unlimited on Cigna Global and Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Solutions, $8 million on IMG Global Prima and $5 million on William Russell.
- Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Solutions accepts only United States citizens living outside the United States and non-United States citizens living in the United States, up to age 74.
- Maternity care carries a 12-month waiting period on Cigna Global Gold and Platinum, Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Solutions and William Russell Gold, and 10 months on IMG Global Prima.
- William Russell's plan covers up to 45 days in the United States under its Zone 1 area.
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
Blue Cross Blue Shield (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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Premier Plan with Rich Benefits
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 Medical 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.
Considerations when Comparing International Health Insurance Plans
Answer these questions before comparing specific benefits. Your answers will quickly narrow the options.
1. How Long Will You Be Abroad?
Global medical plans are designed for stays of one year or longer. The key benefit is that they are automatically renewed each year to ensure continuous coverage.
2. Do You Need U.S. Coverage?
Worldwide coverage, including the U.S., generally costs more than coverage excluding it. Some other countries may be more expensive than others.
3. What Is Your Budget While Living Abroad?
Compare premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket costs together. Ask your advisor to help select coverage that meets your budget.
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 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Why Choose This Plan |
Most Customizable
|
Strongest U.S. Network
| Family-Friendly Options
| Most Budget Flexibility
|
| Policy Maximum | Up to Unlimited | Unlimited | Up to $5M | Up to $8M |
| Coverage Area |
Worldwide
Including or excluding the U.S.
|
Worldwide
Including or excluding the U.S.
|
Six Coverage Zones
Zone 1 includes up to 45 days of U.S. coverage
| 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 | Available to U.S. citizens living outside the U.S. and non-U.S. citizens/residents living in the U.S. Up to age 74 | All Nationalities Up to age 76 | All Nationalities Up to age 74 |
| U.S. Provider Network | Cigna Healthcare PPO | BCBS PPO | Global Network Up to $50,000 for emergency treatment while on temporary trips to the U.S. | 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 limit | 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.
Joe Cronin, President of International Citizens Insurance
What Does International Medical 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 Global 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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Global medical plans provide comprehensive, renewable medical coverage for people living abroad long-term. Travel insurance is generally designed for shorter trips and unexpected emergencies.
Read: Travel Insurance vs. Global Medical Insurance for a detailed comparison of these two options.
Some clients will purchase a travel insurance plan to cover them for a short period until they can get on a local plan in their new country. While this is cost-effective, there is a risk that you will need more comprehensive medical care during that period.
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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. Otherwise, your application may be denied if your pre-existing conditions are significant according to the insurer you apply with.
Read: How Pre-existing Conditions Affect Your Global Health Plan.
After you request a quote, your advisor at International Citizens Insurance can walk you through your options, including which insurers may be more accepting of your condition.
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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.
If you plan on living in the US during your coverage period, US coverage will be included automatically. Some plans will offer limited coverage in the US for a specific period each year. Ask your advisor which plans offer what coverage options. For example, the BCBS Global plans offer “essential US coverage,” which is less than what you get in their premier plan but is more affordable.
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Many international plans are portable, but eligibility, pricing, and coverage areas can change. Confirm the move with your broker or advisor before relocating. Some plans provide limited coverage or are not available in select countries.
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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.
The licensed global insurance brokers at International Citizens Insurance will be able to walk you through the various pros and cons of different insurers. They are experts in a variety of international health and travel insurance plans, so you will receive quality, unbiased advice tailored to your needs, budget, and goals.