International Health Insurance Plans

One of the first questions we often get: “How much does international health insurance cost?”. Eligibility and premiums are based primarily 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. The reason for this is that 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.

The annual cost of an international health insurance plan for a US citizen, male age 45, living abroad 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.

Costs by Age Grouping

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.

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.

As you can see from the examples above, the cost of an international insurance plan will vary widely by 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:

1. Worldwide excluding the U.S., Canada, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Macau, Singapore, and Taiwan or
2. 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 CignaGlobal 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.

Read: Pre-existing Conditions in International health Plans

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.

Read: Compare International Medical Plans

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.

Related:

• How Does International Health Insurance Work?

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.

Request a quote for international health insurance.

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.