International Private Medical Insurance - IPMI
Are you planning to live overseas for extended periods? If so, investing in a high-quality international health insurance plan to cover your medical needs is a good idea.
An international medical insurance plan can be your lifeline if something happens while you are abroad and you need to seek treatment for an illness or emergency. For most countries, coverage may also be required to get a visa (if you need one) – in many cases, you must show proof you have adequate health coverage.
These global health insurance policies are ideal for expatriates, digital nomads, immigrants, and international citizens who are living abroad for most of the year.
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What is International Health Insurance?
International medical insurance plans cover your healthcare costs wherever you are. Coverage usually includes in-patient, out-patient, wellness, evacuation, dental, and vision treatment, along with premium other benefits. Global policies are often renewable annually for life or until your specified termination date.
The primary advantage of having a policy is getting health care wherever you are, both at home and outside of your home country. You will enjoy the benefit of being covered in the country where you reside and any country you travel to, including your home country.
Having a comprehensive global policy gives you the advantage of being able to choose the hospital or doctor for your medical evaluation and treatment. Additionally, with expat health insurance, you can choose a private hospital over a public facility and receive faster, more comprehensive, and better international healthcare.
Global Medical Insurance Plan Benefits
Worldwide health insurance offers 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, and hospitalization
Worldwide coverage, Including your home country
Choice of multiple currencies for payment
To help you choose the best insurers and their global policies, Compare and Review Global Medical Plans
Additional Benefits and Optional Coverage
These plans may offer additional benefits such as dental, vision, maternity, prescription drugs, and other coverage options. Some of these benefits are included in the base plan, while some are optional add-ons that come with an additional premium.
For example, Cigna Global lets you choose various options (Wellness, Dental, Vision, etc.) and benefits to design a policy suited to your specific needs.
Request a Quote today to get a custom quote from multiple providers.
Watch our Video Explaining Global Health Insurance Plans

Which Plan Is Right for You?
Selecting the best insurer can be tough, as each plan they offer has different strengths and weaknesses. The aim is to find the best coverage for your specific needs and budget. To help narrow your search, we suggest you start with an established company with a strong presence both in the country where you will be living and in your home country.
As your broker, we can generate quotes from two or more global insurers, which you can compare side-by-side. If you want to control costs, you can review the plans and potentially remove benefits you do not need or change other elements.
Some plans are highly customizable, allowing you to pick and choose the benefits to include or remove in the policy. Other global policies are comprehensive but will allow you to adjust certain benefits and deductible amounts to lower your premiums.
The premium charged for your plan plays a big role in selecting a service provider. Simply choosing the provider offering the lowest rates is fine, but understand that your choice may cost you more if something goes wrong. Pick one that can cover all your international healthcare needs when the time comes.
Our Recommended Global Medical Plans

Cigna Global Insurance Plan
- The flexibility to tailor a plan to suit your individual needs
- Access to Cigna Global’s trusted network of hospitals 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

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
Need more options?
- Check out our list of the Best Health Insurance Companies
Covid-19 Update. Is Coronavirus, or Covid-19, covered in a global plan? The short answer is yes, but not with all insurers. 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 Plans
Frequently Asked Questions
The annual cost of an international medical insurance plan will range from as low as $500, with limited benefits, to as much as $8,000 for a comprehensive global medical insurance policy, including coverage in the USA.
The average cost is $5,500 per year. Costs, or premiums, are based on a policyholder’s age, medical history, area of coverage, and the deductible and maximum coverage selected (typically not on an individual’s claims history).
Policies will normally offer various areas of cover; Worldwide, Worldwide excluding the USA, Europe only, or even in your home and residence countries only. Excluding cover in the USA will save significant costs. You can exclude countries like Canada, Hong Kong, and other more expensive countries for treatment with some plans. Treatment in these countries is more expensive. At times, international providers (i.e., GeoBlue and Cigna) will rank countries by healthcare costs and have premiums adjusted accordingly.
Request a Quote online to get custom pricing from multiple providers.
*Cost 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
Often, the most popular countries and destinations for expats also happen to have the most expensive healthcare services. As a result, insurance policies for international citizens residing abroad in those countries will be more expensive.
Here are the average premiums for immigrants and expats living in the following countries.
Rank | Country of Residence | Cost Per Year |
1 | Hong Kong | $12,154 |
2 | United States | $7,205 |
3 | Singapore | $6,668 |
4 | Costa Rica | $6,193 |
5 | Mexico | $5,893 |
6 | China | $5,669 |
7 | United Kingdom | $5,651 |
This is a general average and premiums vary for each client.
Costs of Coverage by Age
Younger clients will pay less for their coverage as they typically are healthier and need less care. As you age or possibly start a family, the cost of your plan will increase dramatically. Below are the average per year costs in US$ by select age groupings.
Age Range | Cost Per year |
18 to 24 | $2,019 |
25 to 34 | $2,965 |
35 to 44 | $4,986 |
45 to 64 | $6,779 |
65 Plus | $9,344 |
As you can see from the examples above, the cost of a policy will vary widely by demographics, provider, and plan type. You can purchase either a comprehensive policy that will be more expensive or a more affordable option that will cover only the bare minimum.
Factors such as age and the preferred deductible amount will also further impact the cost of the policy. For example, older clients who decide to retire in Costa Rica may have to face higher policy costs because the price there is driven up by the average age of applicants.
See the example below for an explanation of how the discussed factors affect the cost of worldwide health insurance plans.
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 policy would cost (ages 60 and 62) as little as $2,950 per year for a policy excluding the US and other countries with a $10,000 deductible. Conversely, it could cost $60,476 for Worldwide coverage and a $100 deductible. Silver, Gold, and Platinum benefits for these plan levels also differ, including maximum benefit limits.
Premiums are typically in US Dollars, Euros, or GBP.
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 option. The Cigna International plan will adjust pricing based on where you live and your nationality.
Make it easier to select the most suitable provider for you and your family. Request a Quote today to get a custom estimate from multiple providers.
Some foreign countries offer a local insurance plan only available to their citizens, residents, or immigrants after a waiting period. In some cases, after you or your family have resided in that country for a certain length of time, you can apply for the local health insurance plan offered by the government.
In any case, an alternative is to buy local private insurance in your host country. However, this type of plan would only cover your medical expenses in that country but will not cover costs in other countries. Once you become an expatriate, the said local insurance will most likely not be accepted in your home country.
The best option to get comprehensive insurance for your healthcare is to buy an international plan valid abroad from one of the trusted providers we recommend here. The international plans these providers offer will cover the medical expenses you incur whether you are in your country of residence, your home country, or any other country worldwide; the choice of where you would like to be treated can be left to your preference. The primary benefit of a worldwide health insurance plan is to provide you with the choice of when and where you can readily access healthcare services.
In general, yes. When it comes to international health insurance costs, where you are living will have a huge impact on the policy.
Plans will always cost more if you want US coverage since costs and rates are highest in the US. If you are going to be living in a country like Singapore or France, expect to also face costlier premiums since medical costs there are higher compared to other countries. Likewise, if you are living in a place where the cost of care is relatively low, you may see lower rates when requesting policy quotes.
Countries with High Cost of Medical Care
The United States has the highest cost of healthcare in the world, as the country spends significantly more per capita on its medical welfare than anywhere else in the world.
In Europe, Switzerland leads the way in terms of cost of care, with the Netherlands and Germany close behind.
In Asia, Japan, China, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Korea have higher than average costs to treat their patients. Often, international patients are treated differently than local patients, and there may be an associated cost difference in those situations.
Check out the OECD website to know which countries spend high on health care. You can see how other countries in this list, including Iceland and Australia fare, compared to others.
Medical underwriting, which pertains to the review of your medical history, is required by international healthcare companies when you apply for one of their global plans.
If you are applying for an international family health insurance plan, all family members will have to provide their history.
For US citizens familiar with the benefits and protections of the Affordable Care Act (AKA Obamacare), take note that it does not apply here. You can be turned down or denied coverage.
The underwriting process is generally done to obtain and review your medical history. It is not overly burdensome as most providers can complete the underwriting process in 3 to 5 business days. However, the process may take longer in case 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, a policy for US Citizens living abroad and foreigners living in the USA, has a process 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 underwriting criteria. GeoBlue will also consider private health insurance issued in other countries as creditable coverage with certain limitations.
Your waiting period may be eliminated if you have six or more months of creditable coverage. 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.”
With other providers, if you have pre-existing conditions, your condition will typically be handled in one of four ways.
- The pre-existing condition will be covered as any other illness. This is usually the case with a minor pre-existing condition such as allergies.
- The pre-existing condition will be excluded.
- The policy will cover the condition, but you may be charged a "rate up" to cover the additional costs associated with that condition, or specific limits will be placed on any associated costs.
- Your application will be denied.
It is a tough challenge to provide cover to individuals and families wherever they want to go. To answer the increasing needs of people to be protected against the expenses stemming from medical concerns, insurers have created a vast, international network of doctors, clinics, and hospitals worldwide. They created a system similar to how insurance plans work in your home country and then widened it to a global scale. The result is a reliable global system that can cover you both at home and in foreign lands.
International health plans benefit you by letting you access healthcare services, visit a doctor, and get admitted to a local hospital when needed. Contact your insurance provider and they will help you find a local health care provider accredited under your plan. If there is no local service provider, the insurer will cover your expenses at the provider of your choice. Alternatively, you can file a claim with the insurer and wait for reimbursement for the covered expenses you incurred.
In case you need other services, including emergency medical evacuation, repatriation of remains, vision, or dental care, your international health insurance plan can cover them as well. You just need to make sure that when you purchase the plan, it includes all the benefits you desire and covers everything you want to be covered.
Having a valid international medical plan while abroad can make your life easier. When everything is in place, all you need to do is coordinate service with your insurer so they can facilitate payment to your service provider.
The common eligibility criteria for most international health insurance plans is that you should live or be 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 upon application.
Some insurance providers may not be able to sell policies to individuals who are coming from or going to a few select countries. These countries have local insurance regulatory rules or compliance laws that prohibit insurers from providing coverage within the territory. Do not worry because our agents can help you find coverage for almost any situation. Just make sure that after you request a quote, you follow up with the agent you talked to 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.
Most local and national health plans that provide coverage in your home country do not protect you when you go overseas. In rare cases that they do, they will most likely have limited coverage designed for emergencies only. So, you may not be protected if you do not have a reliable international health insurance plan that includes overseas coverage.
A quality global health insurance plan is an investment toward your future health. Having health insurance valid abroad will cover you and your family wherever you are should you get sick or injured, either of which requires medical care. An international health insurance plan also provides additional benefits, including vision, dental, and medical transport, to name a few.
If you were to get injured or ill while living overseas, your bills might run into thousands of dollars that can become out of hand. We strongly recommend that our clients get an international health insurance plan that covers their needs, reduces risks, and helps provide peace of mind while living in another country.
One benefit that people appreciate of an international health plan is how it gives access to private doctors and hospitals. Established insurance companies usually have close relationships with the best hospitals and doctors worldwide. A quality global health insurance plan means you get access to world-class facilities and trustworthy doctors through your relationship with the insurer.
There are many different international health insurance companies with various plans to choose from, but they are not all the same. Some provide benefits and add-ons that others do not, and some have a larger coverage area and countries included in their policies.
Choosing the best global medical insurance plan will depend on your specific health needs and budget. You may need an affordable option with minimum coverage or a comprehensive family plan with a wide range of benefits.
We work with the best health insurance companies with a proven track record in delivering excellent health care service to their clients, families living abroad, expatriates, and global nomads. Together with our expert team, we 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 a health insurance international plan, it can provide coverage almost anywhere in the world. Some plans allow you to exclude certain regions or countries where healthcare is expensive (such as the USA) to reduce costs. In this case, you should ask if you can get emergency medical coverage for travel abroad.
If you travel abroad for less than a year, consider medical insurance for travelers or a trip cancellation plan designed for short-term coverage. These travel insurance policies provide coverage to individuals and families who travel outside their home country.
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 trusted network of hospitals and doctors
- The convenience and confidence of 24/7/365 customer service

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
Group Options for International Medical Coverage
If you have international employees and are an employer, part of an organized group, involved in a non-profit agency, or otherwise interested in group options, we can help. For this purpose, we have compiled our list of the best group global medical insurance plans, listing various global medical programs for your organization.

Global Benefits for Organizations
- Offering group plans for international health, life and travel
- Request a quote from the leading insurers around the globe
- A licensed agent will provide quotes and expert advice
Need a Group Plan? Visit: Group International Insurance Ready to Start? Request a Group Quote
Affordable Worldwide Medical Insurance Coverage
One more affordable option is the IMG Global plan. This plan offers four different levels of coverage, including their bronze plan, which is primarily catastrophic coverage (it only covers emergency medical issues). As a result, their plans can be more affordable than some of the other insurers.
To start, 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
After you apply for insurance, a team of underwriters will review your application and any pre-existing conditions you have indicated. They may also require a copy of past healthcare records. After reviewing your application, they will either deny it, exclude a condition or charge an additional fee to mitigate the risk. Review the plan's exclusions as specified in the policy schedule once your application has been approved.
Also Read: Overseas Insurance Coverage
How to Apply for an International Medical Insurance Plan
If you don't have private insurance in your home country, you need to know what to expect when you apply for worldwide health insurance. And even if you do have private insurance, you may find that this application process works a bit differently. Here's what you need to know.
Eligibility for International Medical Cover
To be eligible for a global health policy, you must already have a plan to reside outside of your home country on or before the policy's effective date (with some exceptions). Most global plans require you to apply 30 to 45 days before your departure date. This application time is necessary for the approval process of the insurance company. This also gives them time to evaluate your application.
Remember that if you decide to apply earlier or move the effective date to another time, you may need to provide an updated health declaration. Your insurer will want to know that there is no new health condition that was not included in the initial application. You must work with your healthcare provider to get this declaration.
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 broker who can walk you through the pros and cons of various plans to find the best policy for your specific needs. There are no additional costs for working with a broker, just an additional level of service with an experienced professional looking after your needs.
If you need assistance choosing a global plan, 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 trusted network of hospitals 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

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
Best International Health Plans Based on Where You Will Be Living
Here are guides for people living in some of the top destinations overseas.
Related International Health Resources
- US Dept. of State Advice on Global Health Plans
- Best International Health Insurance Companies
- Compare Global Medical Insurance
Author: Joe Cronin, Founder and President of International Citizens Insurance. Mr. Cronin, a former expat, is an authority in the areas of international travel, and global health, life, and travel insurance, with expertise in advising individuals and groups on benefits for today's global workforce. Follow him on LinkedIn or Twitter.