Expat Insurance – An Overview
Expatriates have unique and serious considerations when choosing both an expatriate insurance provider and a plan to cover themselves and their families. There is a variety of international health, travel, and trip insurance plans. For this section, we will focus on international plans that are especially important for expatriates. Specifically, this section provides detailed information on expat insurance coverage for foreigners living abroad for multiple years.
Best Insurance Plans for Expats
Many expats are not covered under a corporate or group insurance plan. For those individuals (or families), an international health insurance plan should be purchased. These policies provide either worldwide or regional medical coverage and also can include components of trip insurance, evacuation services, and repatriation benefits. The best providers have global networks of healthcare providers that you can access and will “direct-pay” to hospitals & caregivers.
GeoBlue for US Expats Abroad or Internationals Living in the USA
GeoBlue’s Xplorer plan is a premier plan for expats in the USA or US expats living abroad. GeoBlue provides access to the Blue Cross / Blue Shield network of doctors and hospitals in the USA and an exclusive list of providers worldwide. As with all of the plans listed, you do have the option to choose any doctor anywhere in the world for your care. For US citizens living abroad, the GeoBlue Xplorer plan will provide you with up to 9 months of coverage in the USA, which is the most available from these international medical plans.
Xplorer Worldwide Medical Plan
- Premium Benefits, Coverage and Service
- Define your deductible and prescription benefits
- For Foreigners in the US or US Citizens Abroad
Cigna Global Plan for all Expatriates
The Cigna Global Insurance plan is a great expat health insurance option for many reasons. Expatriates like the modular plan design which allows you to pick certain benefit packages that you need while excluding certain benefits that you do not. Additionally, the service is excellent – which is what you are really paying for. Claims are processed quickly. Finally, the global network of doctors and hospitals is very strong.
Cigna Global Insurance Plan
- The flexibility to tailor a plan to suit your individual needs
- Access to Cigna Global’s network of trusted hospitals, clinics, and doctors
- The convenience and confidence of 24/7/365 customer service
Aetna International Plan for Expats
Aetna is a world-leading in xpat insurance and offers a high-quality plan that is priced well and backed by excellent service and a strong network of hospitals. Aetna International offers a variety of coverage tailored to internationals residing in various countries throughout the world. Plans are determined by where you are coming from and where you are moving to. Aetna is not available for expatriates living in the USA, China, Australia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Ireland, Japan, Russia, Singapore, Switzerland, Thailand, Vietnam, and select other countries. Request a Quote today and we will let you know if you qualify.
Aetna Global Expat Health Cover
- Fortune 100 company with more than 800,000 members
- Access to Annual Health Exams & Medications
- Coverage for Covid-19, Ask about 20% Discount in May and June
Additional Specialty Expatriate Health Insurance Plan Providers
IMG – IMG offers the widest range of products, from trip cancellation to long-term international medical plans (IMG Medical). IMG’s plans are affordable and best suited for younger clients or global nomads. For more than 20 years, IMG has provided expat health insurance, travel insurance, and affordable coverage to the international community insuring clients in more than 170 countries worldwide. Free IMG Quote / Apply
IntegraGlobal, a U.K. company that has service offices strategically placed worldwide in Europe, North America, and Asia, specializing in providing health plans to organizations and individuals with unique protection needs, such as expatriates, marine professionals, and specialized risks. IntegraGlobal’s goal is to develop unique international health plans that offer you outstanding protection, excellent value, and hands-on unbeatable personal service. Integra: Integra Quote / Apply Links
How Much do Expat Insurance Plans Cost
Premium, or cost, calculations are typically based on a policyholder’s country of origin, age, medical history, and country of coverage. Typically these insurance plans will offer two areas of cover; a) Worldwide, excluding the USA or, the more comprehensive option, b) Worldwide coverage. Other companies may have separate pricing by region and will possibly exclude certain areas of high risk. Providers are looking at both the risks associated with living in certain areas and the costs of healthcare in those areas when determining the price. Most providers will rank countries by the cost of medical care and will adjust premiums accordingly.
The cost of an expatriate insurance plan can range from as little as $50 per month, for a basic plan with in-patient hospital benefits only, to more than $1,000 a month for a comprehensive medical plan covering most, if not all, of your medical expenses. Below are a few sample costs for one of our more popular medical insurance plans. Prices below can with additional deductibles or by adding or removing benefits as desired.
Premiums: How Much Does Expat Health Insurance Cost
 |  |  |
| Who: A 25-year-old from Canada teaching English language in Colombia. Plan: Silver plan including Emergency Medical Evacuation | Who: UK couple in their early 30’s and their 2-year-old son living and working in UAE Plan: Platinum plan including International Outpatient, and Health and Wellbeing | Who: A Retired couple from the U.S., both 65, residing in Costa Rica. Plan: Gold plan including Emergency Medical Evacuation and US Cover |
| $158.51/mo | $1,488.22/mo | $1,755.70/mo |
What is Covered – Expatriate Insurance Overview
Expatriates are a unique group of customers and want the best expatriate medical insurance plan to meet their specific needs. We are happy to provide more than twenty variations from four of the top insurance companies offering international health insurance for global citizens throughout the world. Coverage and benefits in and expat plan include the following:
Medical Benefits in an Expat Plan
- Maximum Coverage (Per Year or Per Lifetime of the Plan
- Wellness and Basic Medical Benefits
- Inpatient and Day Care Cover
- Emergency Treatment and Evacuation
- Includes Cancer Treatment, Oncology, MRI and CTI
- Prescription Benefits
Out-Patient Services
- Outpatient care and treatment
- Outpatient pathology, x-rays, prescribed drugs and dressings
- The ability to access our direct settlement network globally
- Optional cover available within the United States
- Increased range of excess levels available
Optional Additional Coverage
- Evacuation, Repatriation,
- Maternity benefits, which include pre and postnatal checkups
- Dental benefits, which include routine checkups, cleaning, and simple non-surgical extractions
- The ability to access our direct settlement network globally
- Optional cover available within the United States
- Mental health Services
- International Mobile App for Services on Demand
Group International Medical offer similar benefits combined to cover your employees or group members.
Exclusions in Expatriate Medical Insurance Plans
As with all plans we offer, it is strongly advised that you review the details of the plan before purchasing it. You should be able to review the policy certificate or plan rules before making the final decision. These documents will detail everything that is covered and, just as importantly, what is excluded.
Although many plans don’t specifically list pre-existing conditions as an exclusion, certain conditions may be excluded from the plan during the underwriting process.
Additional Features to Look for in an Expat Insurance Plan
You want a plan from a global provider with a large network of international hospitals and healthcare facilities within its network of service providers. For example, Cigna Global Plan has over 1 million hospitals, doctors, and healthcare facilities within its global network.
Make sure the provider offers 24/7 access to an emergency hotline that you can call for emergency assistance and medical advice. All of the leading expatriate plans will have this.
Finally, look for a plan that offers a choice. You should be able to purchase a plan that meets your needs. If you don’t think you will use your plan frequently and don’t need comprehensive benefits, you should purchase a lower-cost plan with limited benefits. Other customers want the highest quality of service and benefits and are willing to pay for that. Choose a plan that allows you to get the benefits and options that are the right mix for your specific needs.
We have a great tool to review and compare international medical plans.
Best Expat Insurance Plans
Here are the three of the best expat health insurance plans for individuals living abroad. Cigna Expat Plan and Aetna International are available to most individuals living abroad. GeoBlue expat health insurance USA is available to US citizens living abroad or to internationals living in the USA.
Cigna Global Insurance Plan
- The flexibility to tailor a plan to suit your individual needs
- Access to Cigna Global’s network of trusted hospitals, clinics, and doctors
- The convenience and confidence of 24/7/365 customer service
Xplorer Worldwide Medical Plan
- Premium Benefits, Coverage and Service
- Define your deductible and prescription benefits
- For Foreigners in the US or US Citizens Abroad
Aetna Global Expat Health Cover
- Fortune 100 company with more than 800,000 members
- Access to Annual Health Exams & Medications
- Coverage for Covid-19, Ask about 20% Discount in May and June
Our Review: Best International Health Insurance Companies
Expatriate Healthcare – Portability and Maintenance of Cover
Expat healthcare insurance plans are typically portable – meaning they will cover you for periods of time in all countries. As expatriates are more likely to be traveling to multiple countries throughout the year, a global policy provides for continuous coverage regardless of where their sickness occurs (typically limited after returning to your home country). If you need coverage in your home country as well, make sure you find a provider that can provide worldwide coverage.
How to Apply for Expat Insurance: Application and Underwriting
Underwriting is, simply put, the process through which your expat insurance application is reviewed (approved or denied), and your premium is determined. Typically, medical underwriting is where the insurance provider asks a series of medical questions during the application process and provides the applicant with details of what they will and will not be prepared to cover. The applicant will usually be required to get documentation from their doctors as well as other expat healthcare providers. Occasionally, if the applicant is symptom and treatment free of any medical issues for a specified period, they may be offered coverage on the understanding that they will be underwritten every time they claim against their policy.
Shorter Term Coverage for Expats Traveling Abroad
If you are abroad for shorter periods, consider a travel medical insurance plan which can provide assistance during emergency medical situations abroad. These policies are less expensive as they are time specific rather than annual policies, this allows the policyholder to precisely tailor the plan to the exact length of their trip. You can typically get coverage for a single trip or multiple trips (annual trip insurance) insurance.
We always recommend you do your research so that you understand how your policy will assist you should you need urgent medical care while abroad. Countries have varying levels of quality in their hospitals and expat healthcare facilities. Many will require immediate payment for services before assisting you. The best plans include emergency hotlines to help you understand where you should go for care, talk with providers on your behalf, and cover up-front expenses, so you don’t have to.
Insurance for expats is an essential and complex purchase. If you need help with securing expatriate insurance plan, please do not hesitate to contact licensed international insurance agents who will be happy to assist you. We work with many premium providers across the globe and can find the best plan for your specific needs.
Request a Quote for Expatriate Medical Insurance
Cigna Global offers an affordable insurance plan with a modular plan design. The modularity of their coverage allows you to choose the coverage you want and not pay for benefits you don’t need. Use the request a quote button below to get an online price for the Cigna Global health insurance for expatriates. Once you have a quote for this plan, our agents can provide you with comparable quotes from other providers so you can compare various options.
Cigna Global Insurance Plan
- The flexibility to tailor a plan to suit your individual needs
- Access to Cigna Global’s network of trusted hospitals, clinics, and doctors
- The convenience and confidence of 24/7/365 customer service
Recommended Plans Based on Where you are Moving From
A list of the Xpat Insurance Plans for People Moving from the Following Countries.
Recommended Plans for Specific Regions:
- Canadian Citizens Abroad: Health Insurance and Overseas Coverage
- Insurance for Australians Expats Living Abroad
- International Insurance for Japanese Citizens Abroad
- Medical Insurance for US Citizens Living Abroad
Also Read:
- ACA, Obamacare and US Expats Abroad
- What is an Expatriate – A Definition of Expat Life
- China Health Insurance
- Visitors Insurance for Travelers
- Overseas Insurance Advice
Written by Joe Cronin. Joe Cronin is an expert in the areas of global health and international insurance, with specific expertise in advising individuals and groups on international health insurance plans. Follow Joe @Joe_Cronin_Jr
