Best International Health Insurance Companies of 2026

Your Guide to the Top Global Medical Providers

Finding the right coverage is essential when moving abroad. However, with numerous premium and affordable options available, selecting the right one can feel overwhelming. So, how do you find the best plan for your unique needs?

The best plan still depends on your goals, coverage requirements, nationality, country of residence, age, medical history, and budget.

Global Health Company and Plan Rankings

Below is a list of the top international insurers that offer the best global health plans for expatriates, immigrants, and international citizens. These providers offer comprehensive annual plans for international citizens planning to live abroad for at least one year.

Why Trust this Guide?

International Citizens Insurance (ICI) is a leading international health insurance broker with decades of experience helping expats, global professionals, and international organizations find the right coverage.

• ICI works with top global insurers, including Cigna Global, BCBS Global Solutions, IMG, Allianz, and William Russell
• 4.9/5 client rating from 800+ reviews, having served more than 75,000 people worldwide
• Provides no-obligation plan comparisons, free consultations, and expert guidance

At International Citizens Insurance, our team of licensed agents and experts ranks the top insurers each year based on several key factors, including benefits, eligibility, application process, the ease of filing claims, network size and availability, and financial stability.

Rankings also consider feedback from our clients and advisors. Because eligibility, benefits, and underwriting vary by applicant and country, the highest-ranked company may not be the best option for every customer.

Which Global Health Insurance Is Best for Your Needs?

Cigna Global ranks as the best global health insurance on our list. However, the best international health plan for you depends on your specific needs. BCBS Global Solutions and IMG are also popular, but for different reasons.

Each of these providers offers strong international coverage, but the right choice depends on your specific situation. Below, we break down each option and explain how to choose the best plan for your needs.

Read about each plan below. When you find insurers that interest you, request a free quote. Our licensed agents will walk you through the process of comparing plans, getting a final quote, and completing your application. Our success team will be available to support you during your policy term.

Cigna Global

The Best Overall for Customizable International Coverage

Cigna Global was one of the first international health insurance companies to offer coverage for expatriates and other global citizens. Founded in 1982, the company remains one of the world’s leading providers. It’s an excellent option for many living abroad, as it offers comprehensive coverage in nearly every country.

The Cigna Global plan offers different levels of international health benefits, with modular options that let you add only the coverage you need – without paying for extras you won’t use. This is just one of the factors that earned them the top spot on our list. They also offer multiple deductible and cost-sharing options, allowing you to customize your plan costs.

For those with pre-existing conditions, depending on the condition and underwriting decision, Cigna may offer coverage with an exclusion, premium adjustment, or other terms. In the last two years, Cigna Global has added 6 new conditions under which they can make exceptions and approve applications.

Cigna provides excellent access to international doctors and hospitals, making it a favorite among immigrants and expats.

The plan’s underwriter, Cigna Global Insurance Co., Ltd., has an A rating from A.M. Best, reflecting strong financial stability.

Cigna Plan Highlights

• Three core plans: Silver, Gold, and Platinum
• Comprehensive, customizable plans to suit your needs
• Worldwide customer service available 24/7
• Coverage options: Outpatient, Health & Wellbeing, Medical Evacuation, and Vision & Dental

Key Insights: 50% of our clients opt for worldwide coverage excluding the U.S., 56% choose to include the Outpatient module, 28% select Health and Wellbeing, 37% opt for the Medical Evacuation module, and 9% add the Vision and Dental Benefit (as of July 2026).

Pro Tip: Ask your insurance advisor about the benefits of the Gold Plan!

Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Solutions Worldwide Premier

The Best Health Plan for U.S. Citizens Abroad

The Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) Global Solutions Worldwide Premier plan, formerly GeoBlue Xplorer, is ideal for U.S. citizens living abroad and global citizens residing in the U.S.

BCBS Global Solutions is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association and offers long-term and short-term travel medical plans worldwide.

It is a premium option available to U.S. citizens living overseas and to foreigners residing in the U.S. Despite these geographic limitations, BCBS Global Solutions ranks number two on our list for its extensive network, easy claims process, flexible underwriting, and excellent telehealth services.

Clients choose BCBS Global Solutions’ premium plans for their comprehensive coverage, including an unlimited medical maximum, access to a U.S. network, and member support from helpful staff.

Plans are underwritten by BCS Insurance Co., which holds an A rating from A.M. Best.

When you thoroughly compare benefits, BCBS Global Solutions’ comprehensive plans offer competitive prices when compared to plans with similar benefits and coverage levels.

BCBS Global Solutions Worldwide Premier Plan Highlights

• The comprehensive benefits included in the Premier Plan are among the strongest in the industry
• Unlimited medical maximum
• Premier plan members have access to the Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO Network
• No deductible owed for office visits, preventive care, and outpatient prescriptions

Key Insights: The Worldwide Premier plan offers the most comprehensive coverage with unlimited medical benefits worldwide. For U.S. citizens abroad, it includes up to nine months of coverage in the U.S each year.

Pro Tip: Consider the Outside U.S. plan if you only make a few short trips to the U.S. each year to save on premiums.

International Medical Group (IMG)

The Best Value for Budget-Conscious International Citizens

International Medical Group (IMG) offers the broadest range of products among international health insurers, from trip cancellation to their long-term international medical plan, IMG Global Medical.

For over 20 years, IMG has provided international medical, travel health, and affordable coverage to clients worldwide. They currently insure people in more than 170 countries.

IMG earned the third spot on our list thanks to its wide array of plans, excellent preventive care coverage, and flexible pricing options that let you fine-tune your premium.

They also offer add-on coverage for global term life, terrorism, sports, and other specialized options.

IMG plans are underwritten by Sirius Point Specialty, which holds an A- rating from A.M. Best.

IMG Global Medical Plan Highlights

• Four plan levels and optional add-on modules to choose from
• Choice of coverage area to reflect your geographical area of need
• All plan tiers include prescription coverage with varying limits
• Freedom to choose your healthcare provider wherever you are in the world

Key Insights: The IMG Gold level plan offers the best combination of coverage, benefits, and price. Premiums are available in USD, British Pounds, and Euros.

Pro Tip: If you’ll be living in Europe and traveling abroad only occasionally, consider purchasing IMG Global Prima with Europe-only coverage to save on premiums.

William Russell

Best for Foreigners Living in Africa and Asia

William Russell has been in the healthcare business for over 30 years, specializing in providing private medical benefits to members in 160 countries. Whether you are an individual, a family, or planning to start a family, you can find the right policy with William Russell medical insurance.

The company offers four plan tiers, each tailored to meet your specific needs. They provide excellent benefits, including top-notch coverage for cancer care and extensive preventive care.

Their rates can be customized based on your chosen deductible and coverage area. (Plans do not include U.S. coverage, but you can add limited coverage for trips of up to 45 days in the U.S.)

William Russell’s highly personalized, 24/7 customer service earned it the fourth spot on our list.

William Russell’s plans are underwritten by the Allianz Group, which holds an A+ rating from A.M. Best.

William Russell Plan Highlights

• Each plan level provides full coverage for inpatient care, and most tiers have no limit on outpatient treatment
• All plan levels offer Medevac Basic, with the option to include Medevac Plus coverage
• The Gold tier offers robust maternity coverage abroad, while other tiers provide coverage for pregnancy complications
• Full cancer coverage, including full cover for cancer genome testing, and cover for preventive cancer treatment on Silver and Gold plans

Key Insights: William Russell is a second-generation, family-owned business, but the insurer behind its policies is part of the Allianz group. This means you get the customer experience of a smaller company with the financial security of a multinational insurer.

Pro Tip: Ask about the Gold plan if you need maternity coverage, or coverage in zones 4 and 5 if you’re living in Africa.

Now Health International

Best for Tech-Savvy, Cost-Conscious Clients

Now Health International offers high-quality medical coverage worldwide, making it easily accessible to foreigners living abroad.

One of the company’s best health plans for international clients is the Now Health WorldCare plan, which provides comprehensive benefits, including coverage for expats in the U.S.

A more affordable option is the SimpleCare plan, ideal for expatriates seeking comprehensive medical coverage on a budget.

Now Health is rated A+ overall by A.M. Best.

Now Health offers a proprietary direct-billing network that is somewhat smaller than other providers. The company provides reliable access to global medical facilities through its WorldCare and SimpleCare tiers.

Key Insights: Now Health is known its their intuitive online tools and client portal, making self-service easy for clients, along with efficient and transparent customer support.

Pro Tip: Compare WorldCare (comprehensive global coverage including the U.S.) with SimpleCare (budget-friendly plans excluding US coverage) to ensure you have the right coverage.

Allianz International Medical Insurance

Best for Clients in Europe and the Middle East

One of the world’s largest providers, Allianz is a German company managed by Allianz Worldwide Partners and part of the Allianz Group. Their individual plan, Allianz Care, provides excellent coverage throughout Europe.

The Allianz Care plans come in three tiers, Base, Enhance, and Signature, with medical limits ranging between $1.35 MM to $5 MM, along with enhanced benefits within each tier.

The company is recognized for its extensive global network, which is strongest in Europe and the Middle East and more limited in other regions, and for providing medical coverage to its global employees.

Allianz Group has an A+ rating from A.M. Best.

Key Insights: Allianz is known for their reasonably priced coverage, flexible underwriting, especially for those with chronic conditions, and three strong plan options for different price points.

Pro Tip: Consider Allianz if you need more comprehensive family related benefits built into every plan.

Bupa Global

Best for Those Seeking Premium Coverage at a Higher Price Point

Bupa Global has been in business for over 65 years, specializing in comprehensive global health insurance.

Serving clients in more than 180 different countries, its international team of advisers and health experts speaks multiple languages, enabling them to deliver service that exceeds expectations. Coverage is not available for foreigners moving to the U.S.

Bupa Global offers coverage worldwide, with a focus on the U.K., South America, and select European countries. Coverage in other countries is available through local affiliates, making the application process more difficult and confusing. Coverage is not available for foreigners residing in the U.S.

The plan’s underwriter, Bupa Insurance Company, holds a B++ rating from A.M. Best, the lowest rating in this grouping.

Key Insights: Bupa’s comprehensive coverage and quality customer service comes at a relatively high price. If you can afford this coverage, you will get pemium service and benefits, including direct access to specialists and 24/7 telemedicine.

Pro Tip: Consider Bupa if you can afford their more comprehensive benefits and high quality customer service.

How to Compare the Best Global Insurance Companies

There are numerous reputable online resources to help you choose the best insurer. When evaluating options, consider these seven key factors:

1. Customer Service
2. Medical benefits
3. Cost
4. Eligibility
5. Coverage regions
6. Healthcare networks
7. Insurer ratings

While most companies offer standard benefits, some providers deliver enhanced options or additional features at competitive prices.

To assist your research, we’ve created a comprehensive comparison table featuring four leading providers: Cigna, BCBS Global Solutions, IMG, and William Russell.

For a more personalized comparison, you can also request a free quote to explore tailored plans that meet your specific needs.

Short-Term Global Health Plans

The main difference between international health and travel medical plans lies in the length of coverage and the level of benefits. Short-term health insurance, or a travel medical policy, can meet visa requirements and provide emergency medical protection worldwide while you wait to enroll in a local plan in your new country.

A well-planned travel itinerary is essential for a shorter trip abroad. Please read our guide to the best travel insurance companies to find the best plan for you.

Group Options for Global Medical Coverage

If you are an employer with international employees, part of an organized group, or involved in a non-profit agency, and are interested in group insurance options, we can help.

To support you, we’ve compiled a list of international group medical insurance plans, featuring a variety of global medical programs tailored for organizations like yours.

Get the Best Plan With the Help of ICI

Our mission is to educate you about the value of global medical, life, and travel plans for individuals and groups. Our team will then provide expert consultations guiding you through the research and application steps. Our success team is available during your policy period to support you as needed.

Using our reliable and well-researched resources, you can easily select, compare, and study plans offered by trusted providers. With this information, you can be assured that you’re safe and secure when traveling or relocating overseas.

If you need help choosing the best international health plan, request a quote, and we will assist you in finding the option that suits your needs.

FAQs

How to Choose the Right International Health Insurance

1. Identify where you need coverage (single country vs worldwide)
2. Consider your nationality and access needs (especially U.S. coverage)
3. Set your budget and choose a deductible level
4. Compare provider networks in your destination
5. Review coverage for outpatient care, prescriptions, and evacuation

These rankings were evaluated by our licensed global brokers, reviewed and edited by Joe Cronin, President, in July 2026. External resources include AM Best, IPMI Global, and IPMI Magazine. As brokers, we offer all of these products and receive a commission on sales. Our goal has always been to find the best product for our clients, regardless of commissions, to ensure their satisfaction with our service, resulting in a 4.9/5 rating on Google and Review.io.

As one of the largest global brokers in the U.S., International Citizens Insurance has worked with more than 75,000 expats, international citizens, and global nomads, providing quotes and advising them on a wide range of plan options and benefits. Our licensed advisors include expatriates, world travelers, and experts on global health coverage. Let us help guide you.