Discover the best international health insurance companies in 2026, ranked by coverage options, network size, claims process, and financial stability, and find the ideal plan.
Finding the best international health insurance is essential when moving abroad. However, with numerous excellent and affordable global medical options available, selecting the right one can feel overwhelming. So, how do you find the best plan for your unique needs?
At International Citizens Insurance, we rank the top 10 global insurers each year based on several key factors:
Network size
Range of available benefits
Extra features like telemedicine
Ease of filing claims
Flexibility to adjust premiums with copays and deductibles
A.M. Best rating, which reflects each insurer’s financial stability
Our guide ranks the best global insurers and highlights which plans best suit specific needs, helping you secure the right healthcare at the right price.
Headed Abroad? We’ve Got You Covered
Before you go, compare expert-recommended health insurance plans for expats and find the best coverage for your life abroad.
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.
Cigna Global, BCBS Global Solutions, William Russell, and International Medical Group are all excellent choices for expatriates living and working abroad. Each is best suited for a specific type of global citizen.
Read about each plan below. When you find insurers that interest you, request a free quote.
Cigna Global
The Best Overall International Medical Insurance, Premium
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 flexible 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 premium costs.
Cigna provides excellent access to international doctors and hospitals, making it a favorite among immigrants and expats. It has also earned 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: 68% of our clients opt for Worldwide Coverage excluding the U.S, 46% choose to include the Outpatient module, 30% select Health and Wellbeing, 20% opt for the Medical Evacuation module, and 12% add the Vision and Dental Benefit.
Pro Tip: Ask your insurance advisor about the benefits of the Gold Plan!
Cigna Global Health Coverage
Secure your health abroad with trusted Cigna plans.
BCBS Global Solutions, formerly known as GeoBlue, 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 expats residing in the U.S. Despite these geographic limitations, BCBS Global Solutions ranks number two on our list due to its extensive network, easy claims process, and excellent telehealth services.
Members agree that BCBS Global Solutions’ premium plans are worth the extra cost when you get sick or injured, thanks to their comprehensive coverage and helpful staff. It holds an A- rating from A.M. Best.
When you thoroughly compare benefits, BCBS Global Solutions’ premium plans offer competitive prices that outperform similar policies from other providers.
BCBS Global Solutions Worldwide Premier Plan Highlights
The most comprehensive benefits 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, preventative 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 9 months of coverage in the USA 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.
BCBS Global Solutions Worldwide Health Coverage
Secure your health abroad with trusted BCBS Global Solutions plans.
The Best Global Medical Insurance for Expats on a Budget
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 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 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. The company, part of the Allianz group, 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, 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.
William Russell Global Health Coverage
Secure your health abroad with trusted William Russell plans.
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 USA.
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.
Trawick International
Trawick International offers affordable, short-term plans designed to meet the needs of nomads, families, and adventurers alike.
With options that include coverage for trip cancellation, emergency medical care, and trip interruption, Trawick ensures you are fully protected no matter where your journey takes you.
Their flexible plans can be customized to fit your specific travel needs, making them an ideal choice for budget-conscious travelers seeking dependable coverage.
Allianz International Medical Insurance
One of the world’s largest providers, Allianz is a German company managed by Allianz Worldwide Partners and part of the Allianz Group.
IMG offers reliable, affordable emergency medical and travel insurance through its Patriot Travel Insurance and Student Exchange plans, designed to meet the needs of global nomads and students.
With comprehensive coverage for emergency medical care, trip interruption, and medical evacuation, WorldTrips ensures you’re protected while exploring the globe.
Bupa Global
Bupa Global has been in business for over 65 years, specializing in comprehensive global health insurance.
Its international team of advisers and health experts speaks multiple languages, enabling them to deliver service that exceeds expectations.
Bupa Global offers coverage in the U.K. and select European countries. It holds a B++ rating from A.M. Best.
Headed Abroad? We’ve Got You Covered
Before you go, compare expert-recommended health insurance plans for expats and find the best coverage for your life abroad.
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 six key factors:
Insurer ratings
Cost
Eligibility
Coverage regions
Medical benefits
Healthcare networks
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.
Even if you have a private medical plan from your home country, it will most likely not be accepted abroad if you are hospitalized due to an accident or illness. And even if it is, it will likely be insufficient to cover all the medical costs associated with your recovery.
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.
Ready to Explore the World?
Don’t leave without coverage! Explore the best travel insurance plans and secure peace of mind for your trip.
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.
Our mission is to educate you about the value of global medical, life, and travel plans for individuals and groups.
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.
As one of the largest global brokers in the USA, International Citizens Insurance works with more than 50,000 expats, international citizens, and global nomads every year, advising them on a wide range of plan options and benefits. Our team of licensed advisors includes expatriates, world travelers, and experts on global health coverage. Let us help guide you.
FAQs
Most domestic health policies do not cover you outside of your home country. Typically, a domestic plan will only cover you domestically, in your home country. You may have access to limited emergency medical benefits when traveling abroad. Check with your plan to confirm what coverage they may offer you abroad.
A Global Medical policy can provide you with coverage worldwide. Typically, you will be able to choose a doctor or hospital in any country, including where you are living, as well as in your home country.
If you plan on traveling or moving abroad, you need the best travel insurance for trips or global medical insurance for those living abroad in case you become ill or are injured.
The top five international insurance companies are:
Cigna Global
GeoBlue Global Medical
International Medical Group
William Russell
Now Health International
Our team can help you research, compare, and get pricing for these insurers, as well as others.
The largest international health insurance company in the world offering international private medical plans is Cigna International. Cigna covers over 86 million customers in over 200 different countries. Their global healthcare network is made up of 1.65 million hospitals and healthcare professionals across the world.
Other large insurers include BCBS Global Solutions, AXA, Allianz, and Bupa Global.
Joe Cronin, President of ICI, is a leading expert in international health, life, and travel insurance. An MBA and founder of multiple global businesses, he helps expatriates and travelers access trusted, comprehensive insurance solutions worldwide.
Get free international health insurance quotes and discover which insurer provides the best benefits for your situation and budget. Listed below are our top recommended global medical plans.
Cigna Global offers flexible, comprehensive coverage for expats and global citizens, including international medical care, mental health, and preventive services tailored to your lifestyle abroad.
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.
The IMG Global Medical Plan offers customizable international health coverage for expats and families, including hospitalization, preventive care, emergency evacuation, and flexible deductibles.
William Russell Health Insurance provides high-quality international coverage for expats, including hospital care, mental health, maternity, and optional dental and outpatient benefits worldwide.
IMG Global Prima Medical Insurance offers comprehensive coverage for expats and families, with five plan levels, varied coverage, telemedicine support, and optional pregnancy and dental benefits…
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