Discover the best international health insurance companies, ranked by coverage options, network size, claims process, and financial stability, and find the ideal plan.
Finding the best international health insurance should be at the top of your list of priorities when planning your move abroad. There are many excellent global medical options to choose from, and most of them are very affordable, especially compared to options in the US.
It is essential to carefully review each policy’s terms to determine which insurer and plan best suit your needs. Discuss your options with one of our brokers, who can help guide you through the process by requesting a free quote.
Top Ten International Health Insurance Companies
Below is a comprehensive list of the top 10 international insurance companies that offer the best global health insurance. Each company provides top-notch service, comprehensive benefits, extensive coverage, and affordable rates. The A.M. Best ratings of the providers give you an indication of the financial stability of each insurer.
Cigna Global, BCBS Global Solutions, William Russell, Now Health, and International Medical Group are excellent choices for expatriates relocating abroad for work and living purposes. Read about each plan and request a free quote once you’ve found one that best suits your needs.
#1 Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Insurance is one of the first global health insurance companies to offer insurance cover to expatriates and travelers. Founded in 1982, the company remains one of the leading international insurance providers worldwide. It is an excellent option for many people living abroad as it provides comprehensive coverage in almost any country.
The Cigna Global plan offers flexible international health insurance plans that let you select and customize the benefits you include or exclude as needed. The policy cost can also be further customized with multiple deductibles and cost-sharing options. Its access to international doctors and hospitals is excellent, making it a favorite among travelers and expats.
Cigna Plan Highlights
Three core plans: Silver, Gold, and Platinum
Members can tailor their plan to suit their individual needs.
Cigna customer service is available 24/7/365
Members have access to Cigna Global’s network of trusted hospitals, clinics, and doctors.
Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Solutions (BCBS Global Solutions), formerly known as GeoBlue, is designedfor U.S. citizens living abroad or non-U.S. citizens residing in the U.S. BCBS Global Solutions is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association and offers both short-term travel medical and long-term insurance plans worldwide.
The Worldwide Premier plan offers a premium option for both U.S. citizens living overseas and expats who have been living in the USA. While the company’s base plans are said to be more expensive than some competitors’ options, they are all worth the extra money when you need medical care or are injured.
Upon thorough comparison of benefits, the premium-level options from BCBS Global Solutions offer competitive prices that outpace the competition, providing similarly high levels of coverage.
Worldwide Premier Plan Highlights
Unlimited medical maximum
The most comprehensive benefits in the industry
Members are not required to pay a deductible for standard services such as office visits, preventative care, and outpatient prescriptions
BCBS Global Solutions Worldwide Premier
Unlimited annual and lifetime coverage
Pre-existing conditions covered with prior insurance
For U.S. citizens abroad or foreign nationals in the U.S.
William Russell has been in the healthcare industry for 30 years, specializing in providing private insurance benefits to members in 160 countries.
Whether you are an individual, a family, or a family planning to have children, you can find the right plan with William Russell medical insurance. The company offers four plan tiers, each tailored to your specific needs. They also offer personalized service, with teams available 24/7 to provide support whenever needed.
William Russell’s four plan levels, Gold, Silver, SilverLite, and Bronze, provide members with comprehensive medical coverage, excellent benefits, and a high level of service.
William Russell Highlights
Each plan level provides complete coverage for inpatient care, and most tiers have no limit on outpatient treatment.
Full cancer coverage, including $6,000 for cancer genome treatment.
All plans offer Medevac Basic, with the option to add on Medevac Plus coverage.
William Russell Health Insurance
Worldwide coverage with access to private hospitals and trusted medical networks.
Comprehensive benefits, covering inpatient care, outpatient treatment, mental health, and emergency evacuation.
Flexible plan levels that let expats choose the coverage and budget that fit their lifestyle.
International Medical Group (IMG) offers the broadest range of products among international health insurance companies, including trip cancellation, single-trip, and long-term international medical insurance. For over 20 years, IMG has offered international medical insurance, travel insurance, and affordable coverage to clients worldwide. IMG currently insures people in more than 170 countries globally.
Additional Leading International Medical Insurance Companies
Now Health International
Now Health International offers high-quality medical coverage worldwide, making it easily accessible to foreigners living abroad. One of the company’s best health insurance plans for international clients is the WorldCare plan, which provides comprehensive benefits, including coverage for expats in the United States. A more affordable option is their SimpleCare plan. This plan is ideal for expatriates seeking comprehensive medical coverage that suits their budget and needs. Now Health International has an A+ rating from A.M. Best.
Bupa Global has been in business for over 65 years, specializing in and dedicating its resources to providing the best international health insurance plans. Their global team of advisers and health experts speaks multiple languages, which helps deliver services that exceed expectations.
Allianz is one of the world’s largest insurance providers. It is a German company under the management of the Allianz Worldwide Partners and is part of the Allianz Group. The company is recognized for its extensive service network spanning several countries and for offering the best international medical insurance to its employees.
AXA Global offers its customers exceptional international coverage, providing access to private healthcare whenever needed. AXA is perfect for expatriates living and working in another country or in multiple countries. AXA also offers short-term international insurance coverage for those who do not plan on moving for a long time.
AIA Group has a strong presence in Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. In addition to international health insurance, they offer retirement insurance, life insurance, and accident protection, making them a one-stop solution for many expats. A.M. Best rates AIA Group divisions separately depending on the nation in which they operate.
How to Compare the Best Global Insurance Companies
The place to start is online. There are many resources available to help you make an informed decision before purchasing the best international insurance for your needs.
Select the right insurance company for you by considering six key factors:
Rating
Cost
Eligibility
Coverage Area
Medical Benefits
Healthcare Network
Each international insurance company offers standard benefits, but some offer additional benefits at a competitive price.
To further assist you with your research, we have created acomparison table that highlights four of the top international insurance providers: Cigna, BCBS Global Solutions, William Russell, and IMG.
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Insurer Rating
The A.M. Best ratings of the providers give you an indication of the financial stability of each insurer.
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Plan Cost
Some international insurance companies charge more for their plans than others because they offer more comprehensive benefits.
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Eligibility
Some international insurance companies have age limits, coverage area restrictions, and limitations on pre-existing conditions.
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Coverage Area
Most international insurance companies offer worldwide coverage, including coverage in the U.S., and some offer coverage excluding the U.S.
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Medical Benefits
Most international insurance companies provide an excellent standard of and optional medical benefits for their customers.
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Provider Network
Each international insurance company has a unique medical network comprising excellent doctors and top-notch hospitals.
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.
Best International Health Insurance Companies FAQs
There are many great global health insurance plans available to expatriates and their families. Cigna Global is recognized as one of the best international health insurance companies, along with IMG, William Russell, and BCBS Global Solutions.
Cigna Global was the first company to offer long-term international insurance to expatriates and remains a leading provider in the industry.
If you are looking for top-notch international insurance, get a free Cigna quote now and start building your plan.
Yes, Cigna Global is a leading provider of international health insurance. Expatriates and their families can expect great, comprehensive coverage and a tailored plan that meets all of their needs.
Most domestic health insurance policies do not cover you outside of your home country. If you plan on traveling or moving abroad, it is recommended that you purchase international medical insurance to cover you in case you fall ill or injured.
The top five international insurance companies are:
Cigna Global
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) Global Solutions
William Russell
Now Health International
International Medical Group (IMG)
The largest international health insurance company in the world is Cigna International. Cigna covers over 86 million customers in over 200 different countries. Their international healthcare network is made up of 1.65 million hospitals and healthcare professionals across the world.
Specialty Travel Health Insurance Companies
The primary difference between international health insurance and travel medical insurance lies in the coverage length and the level of benefits included in the policies. Even if you have private medical insurance from your home country, it is unlikely to be accepted abroad when you are hospitalized due to an accident or illness. Even if it does, it will likely be insufficient to cover all the medical costs associated with your recovery.
Seven Corners offers specialty travel health coverage for emergency medical care while living abroad. The Seven Corners Travel Insurance plan is a high-quality option at a more affordable price, as its coverage is not as comprehensive as that of the other plans listed above. Generally, it is a good option for people who are maintaining their national health plan or moving abroad for shorter periods. If you need short-term international health insurance, start building your plan with a free quote from Seven Corners.
Get the Best Plan with The Help of International Citizens Insurance
Our mission is to educate you about the value of global medical, life, and travel insurance. By providing reliable and well-researched resources, you can easily select, compare, and study the plans offered by trusted insurance providers. With this information, you can be assured that you are safe and secure when traveling or relocating overseas.
You can find the very best global health insurance, international life insurance, travel medical insurance, international group plans, and trip cancellation insurance policies here. As always, please review the policy’s terms carefully and discuss them with us so we can guide you through the application process.
If you have questions or need clarification on choosing the best international health insurance plans, please don’t hesitate to contact us for guidance.
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.
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.
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