International Private Medical Insurance - IPMI
If you plan to live or reside abroad for an extended length of time, you will want to make sure you invest in a high-quality international health insurance plan for the period you are overseas, outside of your home country, in case something happens and you need to seek global medical treatment. For most countries around the world, it may also be a requirement of your visa (if you need one) to show proof of adequate coverage. These healthcare plans are ideal for Expatriates, Global Nomads or International Citizens who are abroad for the majority of each year.
What is International Health Insurance?
An International Health Insurance plan offers comprehensive worldwide coverage and international healthcare for individuals and families living abroad for a year or longer. Coverage should include in-patient, out-patient, wellness, evacuation, dental, vision, and select other benefits. Plans are renewable each year for life or until your specified termination date. The primary advantage of having a global plan is that you have the option of receiving care anywhere in the world, including in your country of residence or back in your home country. You get to choose the hospital or doctor for your medical evaluation and treatment. Additionally, with worldwide medical insurance, you can also choose a private hospital over a public facility to receive faster, and often higher quality, care.
Global Medical Plan Benefits
International Health Plans offer comprehensive coverage for those living outside of their home country for a year or longer. The best plans offer:
Inpatient and outpatient international medical care
Freedom to choose any hospital, clinic, or doctor
24 Hour emergency assistance and helpline
Emergency evacuation, repatriation, hospitalization
Worldwide coverage, Including home country
Choice of GBP, Euro, and USD currencies for payment
Or You Can Compare: Compare and Review Global Medical Plans
Additional Benefits and Optional Coverage
Plans may offer additional benefits such as dental, vision, maternity, prescription drugs, and other coverage options. Some of these are included in the base plan. Other times they are optional add-ons that come with an additional premium. For example, Cigna International Medical Plan allows you to pick and choose various options (Wellness, Dental, and Vision, etc.) and benefits to design a plan that meets your specific needs.
Request a Quote today to get a custom quote from multiple providers.
Watch our Video Explaining International Medical Plans

Which Global Health Insurance Plan Is Right for You?
This is a more complicated question as each plan comes with different strengths and weaknesses. The goal is to find the best plan for your specific needs and budget. We would suggest you start with a large international insurance company with a strong presence both in the country you will be living in as well as your home country.
You should then have your broker generate a few quotes from two or more providers which you can then compare side by side. As cost is an essential factor, you need to consider carving out benefits that you don't need. Some plans, like Cigna Global, are modular in design and you can pick and choose benefits to include or remove. Other medical insurance plans are comprehensive but will allow you to adjust certain benefits as well as deductible amounts to lower your premiums. Simply choosing the low-cost provider is fine - but understand that it may end up costing you more if something goes wrong.
Our Recommended International Medical Insurance Plans

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 Benefits
- Fortune 100 company with more than 800,000 members
- Access to Annual Health Exams & Medications
- Coverage for Covid-19, Comprehensive Worldwide Cover
Covid-19 Update. Is Coronavirus, or Covid-19, covered in a global health plan? The short answer is yes, but not with all plans. In most cases, if you are covered and get sick, most international medical care plans will treat the illness as any other illness. Check with your agent or review the terms of your policy to be sure. Read: Coronavirus and International Health Insurance
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Frequently Asked Questions
The annual cost of an international health insurance plan will range from as low as $500, with limited benefits, to as much as $8,000 for a comprehensive global medical plan, including coverage in the USA. The average cost is $5,000 per year. Costs, or premiums, are based on a policyholder’s age, medical history, and area of coverage (typically not on an individual’s claims history), as well as the deductible and maximum coverage selected. Plans will normally offer two areas of cover; Worldwide or Worldwide excluding the USA. Excluding cover in the USA will save significant costs. With some plans you have the option of excluding countries like Canada, Hong Kong, and other more expensive countries for treatment. Treatment in these countries is more expensive. At times, international insurance providers (i.e., GeoBlue and Cigna) will rank countries by medical costs and have premiums adjusted accordingly. Request a Quote online to get custom pricing from multiple providers.
*Costs estimates are based on historical sales over the previous 18 months for clients in over 100 countries.
International Medical Insurance Costs by Country of Residence
Some of the most popular countries for expats also have the most expensive healthcare. As a result, health insurance for people residing in those countries will be more expensive. Here are average global medical premiums for expats living in the following countries.
Rank | Country of Residence | Cost Per Year |
1 | Hong Kong | $12,175 |
2 | Singapore | $7,232 |
3 | Costa Rica | $7,153 |
4 | United States | $6,973 |
5 | United Kingdom | $6,189 |
6 | China | $5,936 |
7 | Mexico | $5,658 |
Global Health Insurance Costs by Age
Younger clients will pay less for their coverage as they typically are healthier and need less medical care. As you age, the cost of your plan will increase dramatically. Below are average per year costs in US$ by select age groupings.
Age Range | Cost Per year |
18 to 29 | $2,404 |
30 to 39 | $3,401 |
40 to 49 | $5,795 |
50 to 59 | $7,274 |
60 to 69 | $8,295 |
70 plus | $10,734 |
As you can see from the examples above, the cost of an international insurance plan will vary widely by demographics, provider, and plan type. You can purchase a comprehensive plan, which will be more expensive, or a more affordable plan that will cover only the bare minimum. Again, other factors including age and the deductible amount you choose, will further impact costs. For example, maybe older clients retire to Costa Rica so the average price there is driven up by the average age of applicants.
Example: For a husband and wife, ages 62 and 60, one plan, IMG Global Medical, offers the following coverage options:
- Worldwide excluding the U.S., Canada, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Macau, Singapore, and Taiwan or
- Worldwide coverage (including the US, etc.).
IMG’s plans would cost (ages 60 and 62) as little as $2,260 per year for a plan excluding the US and other countries with a $10,000 deductible. On the flip side, it could be as much as $41,546 for Worldwide coverage and a $100 deductible. Benefits for these plans – Silver, Gold, and Platinum – differ as well, including maximum benefit limits.
GeoBlue Xplorer (for US Citizens or internationals residing in the USA) offers two options. Worldwide coverage including the US, is the more expensive option. Worldwide coverage excluding the US is the less expensive plan. The Cigna Global Medical plan will adjust pricing based on where you are going to be living, and it varies by country.
Request a Quote today to get a custom quote from multiple providers.
In general, yes - where you are living will affect the cost of your plan. Plans will always cost more if you want US coverage – medical costs and rates are highest in the US. If you are going to be living in a country like Singapore or France, again - medical costs there are higher so your insurance premium may be higher. Likewise, if you will be living in places where the cost of medical care is less, you may see lower rates when generating quotes.
Medical underwriting (a review of your medical history) is required by international healthcare companies when you apply for one of their global medical plans. For US Citizens familiar with the protections and benefits of the Affordable Care Act (AKA Obamacare), it does not apply here. You can be turned down or denied coverage.
The underwriting process is generally to obtain and review the medical history of the applicant. It is not overly burdensome (most providers can complete underwriting in 3-5 business days) unless some unusual circumstances arise.
A great question without a simple answer. Many applicants who come with pre-existing conditions have a difficult time finding a suitable plan. In some cases, pre-existing conditions would prohibit coverage from a provider. Other issues in your medical history can be managed with adjustments to the plan (riders, exclusions, or cost adjustments) or the cost of the coverage might be adjusted.
GeoBlue’s Xplorer Plan (for US Citizens) has a nice benefit to address pre-ex; from GeoBlue’s website: “If you were previously covered by a group or individual U.S. health plan that issues you a Certificate of Creditable Coverage, GeoBlue would apply this prior coverage to the pre-existing conditions waiting period, provided you meet GeoBlue’s medical underwriting criteria. GeoBlue will also consider private health insurance issued in other countries as creditable coverage with certain limitations. If you have six or more months of creditable coverage, your waiting period may be eliminated. If you have less than six months of creditable coverage, your waiting period may be reduced by the number of months you had creditable international health insurance coverage. For example, if you have two months of creditable coverage, your waiting period will be reduced from six months to four months.”
Some foreign countries offer a local national plan that is only available to citizens. In some cases, after you have resided in that country for a pre-set amount of time, you can apply for the local health insurance plan offered by the government. As an alternative, you are often able to buy local private insurance in your host country. This type of plan would cover your care in that country but will not cover you in other countries - or your home country.
A more comprehensive insurance for medical treatment would be to buy a global medical plan from one of the providers on our website. This international health care plan will cover you in your country of residence, your home country, and any other country in the world where you would like to be treated. The primary benefit of a global plan is providing you a choice in where you are able to access care.
It sounds like a very daunting challenge to cover an individual or family anywhere in the world. In fact, it is. However, insurers have created international networks of doctors and hospitals, similar to how your insurance plan works in your home country, and make their service available globally. So once you purchase a plan, you are covered both at home and worldwide. To access care, visit a doctor, or get taken care of in a local hospital, you are able to contact your insurance provider and they will help you find a local health care provider that is covered under your plan. If there are no local providers, they will work with you to cover your medical expense at your provider of choice and make an attempt to pay any medical costs directly to the provider. Alternatively, you can file a claim with the insurance company and be reimbursed for any of your medical expenses.
Should you need other services, including emergency medical evacuation, repatriation, vision, or dental care, that can be covered as well. You need to make sure that when you purchase a plan it includes all the benefits you desire so that your plan covers everything you want to be covered. You then need to coordinate service with your insurer so they can facilitate payment to your service provider.
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Eligibility for most international plans is that the applicant is living in a foreign country for at least 3 months per year. There are underwriting requirements so you will be asked to provide your medical history and additional medical information when applying. Some insurers may not be able to sell policies to individuals coming from or going to select countries due to local insurance regulatory rules or compliance regulations. Our agents are able to help you find coverage for almost any situation so after you request a quote, follow up with your agent for expert guidance.
Are There Age Restrictions on Expatriate Plans?
There may be limitations and restrictions based on age when applying for international health plans. GeoBlue will not allow anyone over the age of 74 to apply for a new Xplorer policy. However, if you have a plan in place with them before age 75, they will allow you to continue with coverage to age 84.
IMG will allow you to apply up to age 74 and coverage will terminate after you turn 75. If you have had a plan with them before your 65th birthday and have maintained coverage through age 75, they provide a Senior Plan option to allow you to continue coverage. This plan has fewer benefits and lower maximum coverage amounts – but it is an option.
Cigna Global will allow customers of any age to apply and will provide coverage for life.
This is a question that you will have to answer for yourself. Most local or national health plans that are available in your home country do not cover you while you are living abroad. In some cases, they may provide limited coverage for emergencies only. So if you do not have a quality international health insurance plan, you may not be covered at all.
Health insurance is an investment in your future health. It will cover you anywhere in the world should you get sick or injured and need medical care. It also provides additional benefits including vision, dental, medical transport, etc. If you were to get sick or injured while abroad, your bills may run into the thousands of dollars. We strongly recommend to our clients that they have a plan that covers their needs, reduces their risks, and helps to provide peace of mind while living in their new country.
One benefit most people appreciate with an international health plan is access to private doctors and hospitals. The insurance companies will have close relationships with the best hospitals and doctors around the world. Having a quality health insurance plan means you have access to the facilities through your relationship with the insurer.
There are many different international health insurance companies with various plans to chose from - but they are not all the same. The best international health insurance plan will vary depending on your specific needs and budget. Some clients need an affordable option with minimum coverage. Other individuals need a comprehensive family plan with comprehensive benefits. We work with the best health insurance companies and can help you decide on a plan that is right for you. Start by requesting a quote to let us know what is important to you and our expert agents can discuss your needs and budget.
Does International Health Insurance Cover Travel to Other Countries
Yes. If you purchase an international medical plan it can cover travelers anywhere in the world. Some international medical insurances allow you to purchase coverage excluding the US or select other countries and, in that case, you should ask if you get emergency medical coverage for travel abroad. Otherwise, if you are traveling abroad for less than a year, you might consider a travel medical or a trip cancellation insurance plan. These travel insurance plans cover individuals and families traveling abroad. Typically, your domestic plan will offer little to no coverage when traveling.
Featured Global Health Insurance Plans

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 Global Expat Health Benefits
- Fortune 100 company with more than 800,000 members
- Access to Annual Health Exams & Medications
- Coverage for Covid-19, Comprehensive Worldwide Cover
Need a Group Plan? Visit: Group International Insurance Options
Affordable Worldwide Medical Insurance Coverage
One option that is more affordable is the IMG Global plan. This plan offers four different levels of cover, including their bronze plan which is primarily catastrophic coverage (it only covers emergency global medical). As a result, their plans can be more affordable than some of the larger named insurers. Request an IMG quote today to compare options and pricing.

IMG Global Medical Plan
- Four plan options and additional optional coverages
- Choice of the coverage area to reflect your geographical area of need
- Freedom to choose your health care provider wherever you are in the world
Global Medical Coverage and Pre-Existing Conditions
Individual international health insurance plans are purchased by one person or a family. Typically, the plan is purchased because there is a risk of some medical issue soon (maternity is a typical example). Therefore, these plans come with added risks that an insurer will try to minimize through a process called underwriting. After you apply, a team of underwriters will review your application and any pre-existing conditions. They may require a copy of past medical records. After their review, they will typically either deny your application, exclude that condition, or charge an additional fee to cover the additional risk. Be sure to review a plan's exclusions as specified in the policy schedule.
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How to Apply for Global Health Plan
When living abroad for a period of six months, to a year or more, there are many steps that should be taken to plan and prepare a safe and healthy experience ahead of time. Properly preparing will mean you are not left scrambling, panicking, or frustrated during what could be a stressful event. One of your top priorities should be a good worldwide health insurance plan. Below are some considerations for when to apply, and what else you need to do to prepare.
Eligibility for International Medical Cover
To be eligible for global health plan, you must be planning to reside outside of your home country on or before the effective date of your plan (with some exceptions), which is why it is important to start your research early for coverage. Most plans will require that you apply 30 to 45 days prior to the departure date. This application time is necessary for the approval process of the insurance company as well as a medical evaluation. Keep in mind that if you decide to apply earlier or move the effective date to another time, you may need to provide an updated health declaration and new information from your international healthcare provider to ensure that there is no new health condition that was not included in the initial application.
Compare Global Health Insurance Plans
When planning to live or reside abroad for an extended period (a year or more), whether for work or leisure, It is best to work with a licensed worldwide health insurance broker who can walk you through the pros and cons of various plans to find the best plan for your specific needs. There are no additional costs for working with a broker, just an added level of service with an experienced professional who is looking after your needs.
Plan Ahead When Applying for International Health Insurance
The best advice we can offer is to start early and be prepared when applying for global medical coverage. Start researching your international health plans today.
If you need assistance choosing a global medical insurance company, our expert and licensed international insurance agents are available to walk you through the process, explain the differences among providers and help you apply. Contact us today for a free quote.
Start by Requesting Quotes

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 Benefits
- Fortune 100 company with more than 800,000 members
- Access to Annual Health Exams & Medications
- Coverage for Covid-19, Comprehensive Worldwide Cover
Best International Health Plans Based on Where You Will Be Living
Guides to the best health insurance for international citizens or expatriates living in specific countries based on the top destination countries of people living abroad.
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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