Best International Health Insurance Companies
Discover the best international health insurance companies, ranked by coverage options, network size, claims process, and financial stability, and find the ideal plan.
International medical cover for expats and their families.
Medical and trip cancellation coverage for international travel.
Life insurance for globally mobile individuals living or working abroad.
Comprehensive international medical coverage for groups.
Medical, accident, and liability protection for global travel.
Financial protection for employees worldwide.
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The BCBS Global Solutions Health Plan provides comprehensive worldwide coverage for expats and travelers, including medical care, preventive services, and access to an elite global network of doctors.
Important Update: GeoBlue is Now Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Solutionsâ„
GeoBlue has rebranded to Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Solutions. The company name, plan names, and logo are getting a refresh, but the benefits you count on haven’t changed.
Plan Name Update: The plan previously known as Xplorer Premier is now called Worldwide Premier and Outside U.S. The coverage and benefits remain the same—only the name has changed.
As updates roll out, you may see both names and logos. We’re in the process of updating everything, and we appreciate your patience during this transition.
The Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Solutionsâ„ (BCBS Global Solutionsâ„ ) Worldwide Premier and Outside U.S., formerly known as GeoBlue Xplorer Premier and Essential, offers comprehensive international health coverage for expatriates, global citizens, and families residing abroad. These plans provide access to a premier global network of doctors and hospitals, exceptional customer service, and flexible benefit options tailored to your specific needs.
Widely regarded as one of the best international health insurance solutions available, the Long Term plan combines robust worldwide benefits with advanced medical assistance services. Subscribers can use powerful online and mobile tools to easily locate providers, schedule care, and manage healthcare expenses worldwide.
BCBS Global Solutions offers you the flexibility to access high-quality medical care both within and outside the United States. If you only need coverage outside the U.S., the Long-Term Outside U.S. plan is an excellent option.
BCBS Global Solutions has no waiting periods for preventive services, such as doctor office visits and routine physicals.
BCBS Global Solutions offers its policyholders unlimited annual and lifetime maximum coverage.
BCBS Global Solutions does not require you to pay a deductible for standard services, including office visits, preventive care, and outpatient prescriptions.
Blue Cross Blue Shield is the most extensive insurance network in the US. This benefit is only accessible through the Worldwide Premier plan.
If you had primary U.S. health insurance during the six months before the start date of your plan, BCBS Global Solutions will waive the six-month pre-existing condition waiting period.
You can cancel the policy at any time without incurring a cancellation fee.
Secure your health abroad with trusted BCBS Global Solutions plans
The video provides key information for expatriates to consider before purchasing BCBS Global Solutions international health insurance coverage. Visit our YouTube channel to watch this video and several other informative videos on global health insurance coverage!
The BCBS Global Solutions Worldwide Premier plan offers the most comprehensive coverage and the highest benefits.
It is the ideal insurance plan for U.S. citizens living abroad, as it offers the most comprehensive coverage among U.S.-based global insurance providers. The plan includes 9 months of benefits for U.S. citizens per policy period.
The Worldwide Premier plan is highly recommended for individuals and families seeking maximum coverage in the United States and worldwide, with minimal limitations. It is also an ideal premium insurance plan for foreigners living in the U.S., as the benefits, coverage, and service levels are among the best in the industry.
The Long Term Outside U.S., formerly known as GeoBlue Xplorer Essential, is a health insurance plan that offers the same benefits as the Worldwide Premier plan, except it does not include coverage in the U.S.
This is an excellent option if you do not plan to frequently return to the U.S. It will also save you money compared to plans that include coverage in the United States.
This add-on is available only with the Outside U.S. plan. It provides coverage limited to emergency medical care, illness, prescription needs, and accidental injuries while you are temporarily visiting the United States. It is valid only for a maximum of three trips of 21 days each per calendar year.
If you are a U.S. citizen who is continuing your U.S. health insurance plan while you are living overseas, then you may qualify for the Outside U.S. Select plan, which covers you outside the United States. It has a simplified underwriting process that asks fewer medical questions. It also has a shorter decision turnaround time compared to the competition. The benefits are very similar to those of the Outside U.S. plan.
Secure your health abroad with trusted BCBS Global Solutions plans
Benefit | Outside the U.S. | U.S. (In Network) | U.S. (Outside Network) |
Benefit maximum per insured person | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
Preventive care Newborn-Age 18 | 100% | 80% to coinsurance maximum, then 100% | 60% to coinsurance maximum, then 100% |
Preventive care Age 19 and older | 100% | 80% to coinsurance maximum, then 100% | 60% to coinsurance maximum, then 100% |
Primary care physician | All except $10 copay per visit | All except $30 copay per visit | 60% to coinsurance maximum, then 100% |
Inpatient medical emergency | 100% | 80% to coinsurance maximum, then 100% | 60% to coinsurance maximum, then 100% |
Ambulance service | 100% | 80% to coinsurance maximum, then 100% | 60% to coinsurance maximum, then 100% |
Accidental dental | $1,000 per calendar year, $200 per tooth | $1,000 per calendar year, $200 per tooth | $1,000 per calendar year, $200 per tooth |
Outpatient mental health | 100%, no deductible, $10 copayment | 100%, no deductible, $10 copayment | 60% to coinsurance maximum, then 100% |
Basic prescription drug Subject to $3,500 maximum per insured person per calendar year | 100% of actual charges | 100% of actual charges | 100% of actual charges |
Medical evacuation | Up to $250,000 | N/A | N/A |
Repatriation of mortal remains | Up to $25,000 | N/A | N/A |
Accidental death and dismemberment | $50,000 | $50,000 | $50,000 |
Benefit | Outside the U.S. Only |
Benefit maximum per insured person | Unlimited |
Preventive care Newborn-Age 18 | 100% |
Preventive care Age 19 and older | 100% |
Primary care physician | All except a $10 copay per visit |
Inpatient medical emergency | 100% |
Ambulance service | 100% |
Accidental dental | $1,000 per calendar year, $200 per tooth |
Outpatient mental health | 100%, no deductible, $10 copayment |
Basic prescription drug Subject to $3,500 maximum per insured person per calendar year | 100% of actual charges |
Optional Limited U.S. Coverage maximum per insured person | $1,000,000 $500 maximum for pre-existing medical conditions |
Medical evacuation | Up to $250,000 |
Repatriation of mortal remains | Up to $25,000 |
Accidental death and dismemberment | $50,000 |
The Enhanced Prescription Medication Benefit provides a more accessible and efficient method for acquiring your prescriptions while traveling and offers a $25,000 maximum limit.
The deductible does not apply to dental services. Select dental treatments are covered up to a maximum of $1,500 per calendar year.
The Vision benefit is an optional add-on that reimburses 70 percent of eligible eye care expenses not related to an injury or illness, up to a maximum of $250.
Basic travel accident and sickness coverage inside the U.S. for short trips to the U.S. up to $1,000,000 per insured person.
Outside U.S. Plan Only
The Worldwide Premier and Outside U.S. plan rates are based on deductible, age, coverage area, and additional benefits. BCBS Global Solutions offers three coverage options: No U.S. Benefits, Limited U.S. Benefits, and Comprehensive/Full U.S. Benefits. Adding limited U.S. coverage to the Outside U.S. plan will increase the price. Therefore, we recommend that you do not purchase U.S. coverage if you do not plan to travel to or live in the U.S.
Deductible options are based on medical coverage outside the U.S., U.S. In Network, and U.S. Outside of Network. The Worldwide Premier and Outside U.S. plan deductibles range from $0 to $5,000. The Worldwide Premier plan also has the option to add co-insurance.
Secure your health abroad with trusted BCBS Global Solutions plans
The Worldwide Premier and Outside U.S. plans are designed for U.S. citizens moving abroad and non-U.S. residents moving to the United States. Policyholders must be 74 years or younger at the time of application. An employee of a U.S. company is also eligible if the company is domiciled in a U.S. state and the company pays the insurance premium.
Policyholders must reside outside their home country for at least 3 months. BCBS Global Solutions’ long-term plans are extendable as long as eligibility requirements are continuously met.
Geographic restrictions:
Eligible dependents:

Not eligible for the BCBS Global Solutions Long Term plan? Compare other international health insurance options and find the right plan for you.
BCBS Global Solutions offers a suite of group insurance solutions tailored for employers, nonprofits, and international organizations. Whether you’re covering long-term expats, short-term travelers, or third-country nationals, we can help you find the right plan for your team.
The Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Solutions Long Term plan will cover you if you are sick or injured and need medical care worldwide. It is a comprehensive medical plan for U.S. citizens living abroad and internationals residing in the USA.
Medical benefits Include:
Coverage is worldwide and includes every country you may be in at the time you are sick or injured. If you are a U.S. citizen living abroad, you are covered for care in all countries, including the USA for a limited period of time. If you are a foreigner residing in the USA, you will also be covered worldwide.
However, the Long Term plan is not available to people who will be residing in (rather than visiting) these countries:
No, it is not a guaranteed issue plan. Each application is medically underwritten.
Your application may be:
For a guaranteed issue plan, consider the BCBS Global Solutions Single Trip plan.
The underwriting time frame depends on the medical history listed on the application. Turnaround can be as quick as one day or as long as one month. Our commitment is to respond to a submission in writing within 3-5 business days. This may mean that we send a request for additional information to the applicant, such as a specific medical questionnaire, or notify the applicant that they erroneously missed a question on the application form.
Occasionally we have to obtain medical records from hospitals or providers. Our turnaround time in these situations will depend on how quickly the provider responds to our request.If we receive the application before the requested effective date, we can honor the effective date even if the approval comes through thereafter.
Deductibles reflected in the Global Citizen plan grid are per person deductibles. For a family, the maximum deductible and coinsurance are increased by a factor of 2.5., regardless of the size of the family. For example, a family covered under the 1000 plan pays a maximum deductible of $2,500, calculated by multiplying $1000 (per person) by 2.5.
The coinsurance maximum is $10,000, calculated by multiplying the coinsurance maximum of $4,000 (per person) by 2.5. The family’s annual out-of-pocket expenses limit is $12,500 ($2,500 + $10,000).
The policy does not automatically renew. You will be notified of your new plan rate at least 30 days prior to your policy expiration date. You must confirm your new policy rate in writing or by accepting the rate when logged in to BCBS Global Solutions secure website.
Plan rates are based on age at the time of enrollment and are impacted by medical inflation. You will not be asked any medical questions and your personal health history will not determine your new rate. BCBS Global Solutions Long Term rates are standard rates for all re-enrolling members. Rates are reviewed and approved by state insurance regulators, which protects your rights and guarantees fairness. By contrast, offshore/surplus lines insurers are not required to file rates for approval.
National or Public Health Insurance can be very different from what most Americans are used to and can be of limited service for mobile citizens. Many public plans offer less in terms of medical services than what is covered under a private plan. In particular, public plans generally only cover you in your host country or region. For an expatriate that travels for business or returns home throughout the year, benefits stop at the border. When covered under a national plan you may not have access to leading private facilities or specialists. You may experience different treatment protocols or long waiting periods for elective surgeries. It is unlikely you will be covered for medical evacuation benefits under a public health plan.
With Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Solutions you are covered all around the world with comprehensive coverage and access to the best treatment options. If you are a U.S. citizen and select a BCBS Global Solutions plan that includes U.S. coverage, you are free to return home for treatment and to convalesce. You can also keep the coverage for up to 9 months upon repatriation, guaranteeing future insurability. Expat policies offer better benefits, unrivaled networks, and a high degree of consumer protection.
If you were previously covered by a group or individual U.S. health plan that issues you a Certificate of Creditable Coverage, BCBS Global Solutions will apply this prior coverage to the pre-existing conditions waiting period, provided you meet the medical underwriting criteria. BCBS Global Solutions will also consider private health insurance issued in other countries as creditable coverage. The company does not consider surplus lines insurance sold in the U.S. as creditable coverage. The number of months of coverage shown on the Certificate will reduce or eliminate the six-month pre-existing condition waiting period. If you have six or more months of creditable coverage, your waiting period will be eliminated. If you have less than six months of creditable coverage, your waiting period will be reduced by the number of months you had creditable coverage. For example, if you have two months of creditable coverage, your waiting period will be reduced from six months to four months.
The optional pharmacy benefit provides coverage inside the U.S. and a higher benefit limit outside the U.S. BCBS Global Solutions offers members the convenience of a direct billing service inside the U.S. so that the member is only responsible for co-payment at participating pharmacies. Most major pharmacies participate in this program administered by Universal RX. Outside the U.S., members pay the pharmacy directly and then submit a claim for reimbursement. The optional pharmacy benefit is not subject to the deductible or to the co-insurance on the plan. Within the United States, members pay $10 for generic drugs and $25 for brand-name medications. Members are also eligible to use mail-order pharmacy service.
The evacuation benefit pays for a medical evacuation to the nearest hospital, appropriate medical facility, or back to the U.S. Transportation must be by the most direct and economical route. All evacuations require written certification by the attending physician that the evacuation is medically necessary.
After 364 days of continuous coverage, BCBS Global Solutions members are eligible to enroll in a new plan that covers maternity costs in the same way as all other conditions. Members do not need to submit a new health statement.
This plan does not provide Minimum Essential Coverage and therefore does not meet the requirements of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). It is filed as a limited duration policy designed specifically for international living.
There is no tax penalty for purchasing this policy if you are outside the U.S. for 330 days or more in a calendar year.
Note: International Citizens Insurance is an authorized agent of Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Solutions Insurance and is licensed to sell their international health insurance plans along with the BCBS Global Solutions Travel Insurance plans.
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) Global Solutions is the trade name of Worldwide Insurance Services, LLC (Worldwide Services Insurance Agency, LLC in California and New York), an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. BCBS Global Solutions is the administrator of coverage provided under insurance policies issued by 4 Ever Life International Limited, Bermuda, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.