Medical Plans for Workers Living Abroad
Expat life is not like any other kind of travel. You are not just taking a break from your regular life to experience something new. This IS your regular life – one filled with adventures and relationships and, yes, even work in a new country. Your new life needs a new international health insurance plan that focuses on local and regional care while providing global coverage as needed. It is not realistic, or sometimes even possible, to keep your patient status with your family physician, specialists, dentist, and physiotherapist back home, even if you do manage to travel there once every year or two. If you prefer to keep working with your doctors in your home country, you need a global plan to cover you worldwide. Here are some excellent reasons to have health insurance when working abroad.
Why Buy Comprehensive Global Insurance While Abroad
Building that relationship with healthcare providers in your new country is not about scraping the bottom of the barrel in the name of affordability. True, in many countries, you may be able to affordably pay out of pocket and have access to basic services. But basic care is not what gets you back on your feet quickly and confidently. It’s about taking the time to rest and recover, about feeling confident in your treatment plan, and about having the most relaxing environment possible in trying circumstances. And – let’s be honest – sometimes it is also about having the most optimal care so you can get back to work as soon as possible. Health insurance, while working abroad, is not just about the right diagnosis and the right prescription. A comprehensive health insurance plan has your back, with access to English-speaking doctors, comfortable private rooms, top diagnostic equipment, and a support team to help you get back on your feet.
Also Read: Expat Insurance Plans (The benefits are explained)
Balancing Peace of Mind with Making Peace at the Office
Peace of mind matters not only when you need to access healthcare providers but also when avoiding worry and anxiety. Navigating expatriate life and a new work environment is challenging. There is a long list of culinary precautions to observe in many countries, with foods to avoid and risks with water. Worrying if you might get sick or injured while dining, hiking, or even crossing the street can be stressful. Knowing that you have access to the best doctors and the most comfortable facilities will make those worrisome moments a little less awkward.
Savvy expats know to be wary of water and ice cubes in a developing country, as well as raw fruits and veggies that cannot be washed. But some circumstances cannot be avoided in the name of avoiding awkwardness and demonstrating respect – circumstances like when your boss’s grandmother drops by with a lunch of salads and non-refrigerated meats. Or when a new client insists on taking you to their favorite shop for a very icy iced coffee. In an instance, you have to weigh the risk of offending someone versus offending your digestive tract! No expat can follow 100% of the rules 100% of the time. It is good to have some backup.
When It Comes to Your Health, Play the Long Game.
The odds are in your favor that your expat life will be just as healthy as your life back home. There’s an old saying in medicine: “Common things are common.” If your throat hurts and you cough, you probably have a virus like a cold, not tuberculosis. But though you may be young and healthy and adventurous, that does not mean you are immune to freak accidents, traffic catastrophes, or unexpected pandemics. Or you can neglect your short-term health at the expense of your long-term well-being. You moved overseas to work, not to gamble. Take care of your health, no matter where you are.
Read More: Countries With the Highest and Lowest Life Expectancies in 2025
Best Health Insurance Plans for Individuals Working Abroad
The Cigna Global Medical plan is a great option for most international employees and those working abroad. For US workers in foreign countries, the GeoBlue Xplorer plan is a premier option, providing premium coverage, benefits, and world-class service.
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
Other options:
William Russell Health Insurance
- William Russell plans cover you internationally, both in the country you reside in and wherever you are traveling to (addons required for USA)
- Their network includes 40,000 hospitals around the world.
- Plans have comprehensive cancer coverage, including genome testing.
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
International Life Insurance Plans for Life Abroad
There are two types of international life insurance policies: Term Life and Whole Life. Term life insurance covers you for a fixed amount of time or a “term”, usually starting at ten years. Whole life plans cover you for your entire life after you have paid your premiums over a set period of time.
There are a number of benefits for term insurance. It is more affordable and you are not locked into one coverage amount for your entire life. There are often times in life when you need a large amount of insurance, like when your children are young and your mortgage is large. For some people, permanent or whole life insurance is a better choice. In general, the premiums are much higher.
Read More: International Life Insurance Plans
Travel Insurance for Workers on Shorter International Assignments
For individuals who are on an international assignment and need coverage for a shorter period of time, a travel medical insurance plan might work well. These plans will cover your emergency medical care if you should get sick or injured. Typically, you will maintain coverage in your home country and can be medically transported home if your care requires further treatment.
Use the Contact Us box to the right or the Free Quote button below to request a custom quote for your specific situation. If you have employees who you would like to provide insurance, we have international corporate group health insurance plans.
Do You Need Coverage for Your Employees Working Abroad?
If you are an employer with two or more international employees, we can help you research and secure a group plan providing your organization with global coverage for your expatriate population.
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
Popular Expatriate Health Insurance Plans
- Expat Insurance for Americans Living Abroad
- Health Insurance for Expats Living in China
- Canadian Expatriate Health Insurance
- Medical Insurance in the USA for Expats