2024’s Best Global Health Insurance Providers for Expats and Global Citizens
When you're moving abroad, you want the best international health insurance. There are many excellent global medical options to choose from, most of which are affordable. But it can be overwhelming to try to pick one. How do you find the best global health plan for your needs?
Each year, we rank the top 10 global insurers based on several key factors.
- Network size
- The breadth of benefits available
- Added features such as telemedicine
- Ease of filing a claim
- The ability to adjust your premium through copays and deductibles
- A.M. Best rating, which indicates the financial stability of each insurer
This guide also identifies which plans are best for particular needs so you can find the one that will give you the right healthcare at the right price. Use our free tool to compare global health insurance plans for even more detailed information.
Once you've narrowed down your options, it’s essential to review each policy's terms carefully to determine which insurer and plan are best suited to your needs. Discuss your options with one of our brokers, who can help guide you through the process. Start by requesting a free quote.
Top Ten International Medical Insurers
Below is a list of the top ten international insurers that offer the best global health insurance plans for expatriates, immigrants, and international citizens. These are global insurers that provide comprehensive annual plans for citizens of almost any country living abroad for a year or longer.
| Rank | Insurance Carrier | Best For | |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Cigna Global | Expats who want an extensive network and highly customizable benefits | Free Quote |
| #2 | GeoBlue Xplorer | U.S. citizens moving abroad and people moving to the USA | Free Quote |
| #3 | IMG Global Medical Insurance | Customers who need a wide array of options at a budget-friendly price | Free Quote |
| #4 | William Russell | People who want a personal touch and do not need extensive USA coverage | Free Quote |
| #5 | Bupa Global | Citizens of select countries that want the reassurance of the Bupa brand | Free Quote |
| #6 | Now Health International | People who want an economical plan with simple options and little or no USA coverage | Free Quote |
| #7 | Integra Global | Expats seeking a bespoke plan tailored to their needs | Free Quote |
| #8 | Allianz International Medical Insurance | People who want the backing of one of the largest companies in the world | Free Quote |
| #9 | AXA Global Healthcare | People who want a large global company with staff around the world | Free Quote |
| #10 | AIA Group | Expats moving to countries in Asia such as China and Singapore | Free Quote |
#1 Cigna Global Medical
Best for expats who want an extensive network and highly customizable benefits
Get a Free Quote#2 GeoBlue Xplorer
Best for U.S. citizens moving abroad and people moving to the USA
Get a Free Quote#3 IMG Global Medical Insurance
Best for customers who need a wide array of options at a budget-friendly price
Get a Free Quote#4 William Russell
Best for people who want a personal touch and do not need extensive USA coverage
Get a Free Quote#5 Bupa Global
For citizens of select countries that want the reassurance of the Bupa brand
Get a Free Quote#6 Now Health International
Best for people who want an economical plan with simple options and little or no USA coverage
Get a Free Quote#7 Integra Global Health Insurance
Best for expats seeking a bespoke plan tailored to their needs
Get a Free Quote#8 Allianz International Medical Insurance
For people who want the backing of one of the largest companies in the world
Get a Free Quote#9 AXA Global Healthcare
For people who want a large global company with a global team
Get a Free Quote#10 AIA Group
For expats moving to countries in Asia, such as China and Singapore
Get a Free Quote
What Is the Best Global Health Insurance?
Cigna Global ranks as the best global health insurance on our list. But the best global health insurance for you depends on your specific needs. Cigna Global, GeoBlue, William Russell and International Medical Group are all excellent choices for expatriates moving abroad to work and live. Each one is best for a specific type of global citizen.
Read about each plan below. When you identify insurers that interest you, request a free quote.
Best Overall International Medical Insurance, Premium
Cigna Global Insurance was one of the first global health insurance companies to offer insurance coverage to expatriates and other international citizens. Founded in 1982, the company is still 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.
Get your free Cigna quote today!
The Cigna Global plan offers flexible levels of international health insurance, with modules to add specific benefits you need without paying for something you won’t use. That’s just one of the factors that earned them the top slot on our list. Multiple deductible and cost-sharing options allow you to customize the cost of your premium. Cigna’s access to international doctors and hospitals is excellent, making it one of the favorites among travelers and expats. They have earned an A rating from A.M. Best.
Cigna Plan Highlights
- Three core plans: Silver, Gold, and Platinum
- Comprehensive plans that can be tailored to suit each client's individual needs
- Cigna customer service is available 24/7/365
- Coverage options include: Outpatient, Worldwide (or Cover Excluding the USA), Health and Wellbeing, Medical Evacuation, and Vision/Dental
Key Insights: 67% of clients choose to include the Outpatient module, 46% choose Worldwide coverage, 37% choose Health and Wellbeing, 26% opt into the Medical Evacuation module, and 16% add the Vision and Dental Benefit.
Pro Tip: Ask your agent about the benefits of the Gold Plan!
Interested in learning more about Cigna?
Get a FREE Cigna quote today and start building your plan!
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Best Health Plan for US Citizens Abroad, Premium
GeoBlue’s Xplorer plan is ideal health insurance for U.S. citizens living overseas and health insurance for foreigners in the USA. GeoBlue is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association and offers both short-term travel medical and long-term insurance plans worldwide.
Get your free GeoBlue quote today!
The GeoBlue Xplorer plan is a premium option available to both US citizens living overseas and expats living in the USA. Despite these geographic limitations, GeoBlue made number two on our list for their extensive network, ease of filing a claim and excellent telehealth services. Members agree that GeoBlue’s premium plans are worth the extra money when you get sick or injured because of their comprehensive coverage and helpful staff. GeoBlue has an A- rating from A.M. Best.
If you thoroughly compare the benefits, the premium level options from GeoBlue have competitive prices that outmatch the policies offered by the competition with similarly high levels of cover.
Xplorer 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
Key Insights: The GeoBlue Xplorer plan is the most comprehensive plan with unlimited medical benefits worldwide. For US citizens abroad, you have access to up to 9 months of coverage in the USA each year.
Pro Tip: Consider Essential US coverage if you are only making a few short trips to the US each year to save on premium.
Interested in learning more about GeoBlue?
Get a FREE GeoBlue quote today and start building your plan!
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Best Global Medical Insurance for People on a Budget
International Medical Group (IMG) offers the widest range of products among international health insurance companies, from trip cancellation to their long-term international medical plan IMG Global Medical. For more than 20 years, IMG has provided international medical insurance, travel insurance, and affordable coverage to clients worldwide. IMG currently insures people in more than 170 countries globally.
IMG earned the fourth spot on this list due to its wide array of plans, excellent preventative care coverage, and pricing options that allow you to fine-tune your premium cost. They also offer add-on coverage for global term life insurance, terrorism, sports, and more. IMG has an A- rating from A.M. Best.
Get your free IMG quote today!
IMG Plan Highlights
- Four plan options and additional optional modules
- Choice of coverage areas to reflect your geographical area of need
- New: Europe Only Coverage Available!
- Freedom to choose your health care provider wherever you are in the world
Key Insights: IMGs Gold level plan offers the best combination of coverage, benefits, and price. Premiums are available in US Dollar, British Pounds, or Euros.
Pro Tip: Ask for Europe Only coverage if you will be living in Europe and doing minimal travel abroad each year.
Interested in learning more about IMG?
Get a FREE IMG quote today and start building your plan!
Get a Free Quote
Best Policies for Expats in Asia
William Russell has been in the healthcare business for 30 years, specializing in providing members with private insurance benefits in 160 countries. Whether you are an individual, a family, or an individual planning a family, you can find the right policy with William Russell medical insurance.
The company offers four plan tiers, each one built around your specific needs. They have excellent benefits, including top-notch coverage for cancer care and extensive preventive care coverage. Their rates can be customized via the deductible you choose and your selected area of coverage. (Plans do not include USA coverage, but limited U.S. coverage for trips up to 90 days can be added.) Their highly personalized service and 24/7 customer service earned them the third spot on this list. William Russell has an A+ rating from A.M. Best.
Get your free William Russell quote today!
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 gives full cover for inpatient 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.
Key Insights: William Russell has a strong presence in the Far East, Middle East and East Africa.
Pro Tip: Ask about the Gold plan if you need coverage for maternity.
Interested in learning more about William Russell?
Get a FREE William Russell quote today and start building your plan!
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Additional Leading Global Health Insurers
Bupa Global
Bupa Global has been in business for over 65 years, specializing and dedicating its resources to providing the best global health policies. Their global team of advisers and health experts speak multiple languages, which helps in providing service that exceeds expectations. They offer coverage in the U.K. and select European countries. A.M. Best has given Bupa Global a B++ rating.
Get your free Bupa Global quote today!
Now Health International
Now Health International provides quality medical coverage worldwide that foreigners living abroad can easily access. One of the company’s best health insurance plans for international clients is the Now Health WorldCare Plan which provides comprehensive benefits, including cover for expats in the USA. A more affordable option is their SimpleCare plan. SimpleCare is perfect for expatriates seeking extensive medical coverage that fits their budget. Now Health International has an A+ rating from A.M. Best.
Get your free Now Health quote today!
Integra Global Health Insurance
Integra Global, based in the UK, has service offices worldwide including several countries in Europe, North America, and Asia. The company specializes in providing health plans to individuals, corporations, and organizations with unique protection needs. Integra covers expatriates, marine professionals, jet setters, and other people with specialized risks. It aims to develop unique international health insurance options that offer outstanding protection, excellent value, and hands-on unbeatable personal service. Integra Global has earned an A rating from A.M. Best.
Get your free Integra Global quote today!
Allianz International Medical Insurance
One of the biggest insurance providers in the world is Allianz. It is a German company under the management of Allianz Worldwide Partners and is part of the Allianz Group. The company is known for its global network and for providing businesses with international medical insurance for employees. Allianz Group has an A+ rating from A.M. Best.
AXA offers its customers superb international cover, which provides access to private healthcare whenever they need it. Their plans work well 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 being overseas for a long time. A.M. Best has given AXA Global an A+ rating.
AIA has a strong presence in Asia, Australia and New Zealand. In addition to international health insurance, they also offer retirement insurance, life insurance and accident protection, which makes them a one-stop solution for many expats. A.M. Best rates AIA Group divisions separately depending on the nation they are operating in.
Interested in learning more?
Get a FREE quote today and start building your plan!
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How to Compare the Best Global Insurance Companies
There are many resources online to help you make your decision before purchasing the best international insurance for you.
Choose the right insurance company for you by looking at six key factors: rating, cost, eligibility, coverage area, medical benefits, and healthcare network. Each international insurance company offers standard benefits, but some offer a bit more than others at a great price.
To further help you with your research, we have created acomparison table highlighting four of the top international insurance providers, Cigna, GeoBlue, William Russell and IMG.
You can also request a free quote, which will allow you to compare several plans tailored to your specific needs.
Insurer Rating
The A.M. Best ratings of the providers give you an indication of the financial stability of each insurer.
Coverage Area
Most international insurance companies offer worldwide coverage including the US and excluding the US.
Plan Cost
Some international insurance companies charge more for their plans than others because they have more to offer.
Medical Benefits
Most international insurance companies provide great standard and optional medical benefits for their customers.
Eligibility
Some international insurance companies have age limits, coverage area restrictions, and pre-existing conditions limitations.
Healthcare Network
Each international insurance company has a different medical network full of fantastic doctors and exceptional hospitals.
Review and Compare your Options:Compare Health Insurance
Learn more aboutInternational Health Insurance for comprehensive annual cover.
Best International Health Insurance Companies FAQs
Does your health insurance cover you internationally?
Most domestic health insurance policies do notcover you outside of your home country. Typically, a domestic insurance 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 type of coverage they may offer you while 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.
Who are the top 5 health insurance companies?
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.
Who is the largest international health insurance company in the world?
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 GeoBlue, AXA, Allianz, and BUPA.
Short Term Global Health Plans
[]The difference between international health insurance and travel medical insurance is the length of coverage provided and the level of benefits included in the policies.
Even if you have private medical insurance from your home country, it most likely will not be accepted abroad when you get hospitalized due to an accident or illness. Even if it does, it will probably be insufficient to cover all the medical costs for your recovery.
If you are traveling out of the country on a shorter trip, travel insurance is a necessity. Read our guide to the best travel insurance companies and get the best plan for you.
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 international group 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
Get a Group Quote
Need a Group Plan? Visit: Group International BenefitsReady to Start? Request a Group Quote
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. Using our 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're safe and secure when you travel or relocate overseas.
You'll find the best global health insurance, international life insurance, travel medical insurance, international group plans, and trip cancellation insurance policies at International Citizens Insurance. 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 want help choosing the best international health insurance plan for you, request a quote and we will help you find the best plan to suit your needs.
As the largest international health insurance broker in the USA, International Citizens Insurance works with more than 4,000 expats, international citizens, and global nomads every month to advise them on a wide range of plan options and benefits. Our team of licensed advisors is made of of expatriates, world travelers, and experts on global health plans. Let us help guide you.
Interested in learning more?
Get a FREE quote today and start building your plan!
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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.
