International Health Insurance Plans for Expatriates & Global Citizens
When you are moving abroad or already living overseas as an expatriate or global nomad, it is vital that you buy an international health insurance plan. A plan that will cover you and your family members. International medical care is a key part of any financial plan and provides you access to urgent and preventative medical care both locally and globally.
A global health insurance policy that is designed for expatriates and secured by a well-known global insurance provider is your lifeline to international healthcare. International insurance is also now required by many expat destination countries to secure a visa and permanent residence abroad. It is critical to buy an international health insurance plan that is designed for expatriates, global nomads, international citizens and digital nomads living abroad for more than 6 months of the year.
How Does International Health Insurance Work?
International health insurance works much the same as American health insurance and many private health plans around the world. But these plans are set up to cover expatriates living abroad on a global basis. Under the coverage, you can get benefits like wellness, out-patient, in-patient, dental, vision and several such treatments, alongside advantages aplenty. Mostly, these plans can be renewed for life, or till the time you specify the termination date. Learn more…
How to Benefit from International Health Insurance
International health insurance provides basic or comprehensive coverage for expats living abroad, the majority of their time outside their country of citizenship. Usually, these international citizens are not eligible for domestic health plans or the local coverage and policies are lacking for their globally mobile needs. The best international health insurance plans offer:
- Hospital and out-patient medical treatment when you need it
- Several levels of coverage to meet almost any expat health insurance budget
- Multiple deductible options to keep your premiums low
- Choice of global medical care excluding or including the USA
- Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation, especially in countries with limited medical care
- 24/7 medical advice and support along with telehealth
- Preventative and wellness care
- Maternity coverage if required after 12 month waiting period
- A large medical network around the globe for direct reimbursement via an international medical insurance card
- Wide choice of premium payment via USD, Euro or GBP for payment and reimbursement
- Freedom to choose your hospital or doctor
- Telehealth for virtual expat healthcare and advice
- Coverage for Covid-19!
To learn more and help you choose the best international health insurance policy, download our international health insurance guide.
What is the Best International Health Insurance?
Obtaining the best possible health insurance is a priority for expatriates, global nomads and international citizens. You need a plan that meets your global healthcare needs and fits your budget. Please find below a list of the best expat health insurance providers that we offer. Click on the plans to assess the features. You can also get a fair idea about the quote and thereby apply online, if it matches your criteria:
International Health Insurance Plans for Expatriates
One of the largest and well-known global insurance companies, Cigna offers excellent services and lifetime coverage for expatriates. You can either include or exclude coverage for the USA. At Cigna, it doesn’t matter if you’re someone who’s living abroad, a working expat or have retired abroad.
There are wide-ranging medical insurance plans and policies, tailor-made for almost every situation. So if you want quality care that focuses on ensuring customers’ wellbeing and health, then it’s wise to choose an appropriate health plan from Cigna International. You can include or exclude coverage for the USA. It is our best international health insurance policy. Get quote, if you want an expat health plan from Cigna International
The Allianz Worldwide Care plan is high quality and is available for some local nationals residing in select countries outside the USA & Canada. Click HERE if you are an expat residing in Europe, Africa or Asia and want coverage from a very well-known and respected European insurer. Allianz understands how residing in an outside nation can be a daunting experience. Hence, there are a series of tools and coverage plans on offer that customers can choose from.
Wants an international health insurance plan from an American provider which is administered using HIPAA guidelines from GeoBlue. Click HERE if you are an American citizen residing abroad.
The William Russell global health insurance plans is a great policy for expatriates and global nomads who want a nimble and creative policy from a UK based provider. They offer lots of coverage options for expats and global nomads.
How to Apply for International Health Insurance
If you are already abroad or about to live abroad, it is important to get a quote for international healthcare coverage. The process is actually quite easy. After you get an online quote from one of our international insurance providers, you can proceed with the application process. If approved, then you can pay online with your credit card, wire or have the premiums deducted from your bank account online. Most plans are in GBP, USD or Euro. We can give you tips on how to reduce your international health insurance premiums as well.
If you have any questions about medical insurance plans or you want to discuss your needs and produce a customized quote. You receive the same rates and direct service from the insurer when you obtain a quote plus our added support and service at no cost.
Who is Eligible for International Health Plans?
For most of the global health insurance providers in the market, you have to be an expatriate living outside your country of citizenship for 6 months or more per year. To be eligible for these portable global medical plans, you have to be living abroad OR about to move abroad in the next 45 days before your departure. You can get a quote months or even a year before you move abroad, save your quote and reactivate it 45 days prior, but note that your premiums may be higher given your age and possible rate changes & health changes.
International Health Insurance for Local Nationals
If you are not an expatriate, Expat Financial might be offer health insurance plans for some local citizens who want portable and international coverage. Many local nationals want to obtain insurance that will allow for treatment in foreign countries, such as the USA, England, and Australia. Other locals may live in countries that have a limited or insolvent insurance industry and want to deal with a large global company. Contact us for a list of plans available for local nationals in select countries – the Allianz plan is one plan that can cover locals in a select number of countries.
Why Choose an Independent Insurance Broker
As a top global medical insurance resource, we don’t merely focus on a single insurance company plan. Rather, buyers’ interests are first placed by checking at the marketplace for a plethora of plans that would meet the needs and budget. From local to international health insurance plans, you will be covered with anything that you opt for. No fee is charged for availing of the health insurance services, as the compensation comes via the insurer you choose. The insurer charges the same rates if you purchase directly. Same rates and your premiums and claims are direct with the insurance provider.
When you live abroad, one of the most important financial considerations is how to protect you and your family’s health. Without proper coverage, an illness or injury abroad can turn into a financial disaster. Expat Financial (division of TFG Global) doesn’t represent just one insurance company plan. Instead, we place your interests first by shopping the marketplace for the plan that meets your needs and budget. We often advocate for clients during the life of their global health insurance policy.
From basic to deluxe expat health insurance plans, we’ve got you covered. We do not charge a fee for our expat health insurance services as we are compensated by the insurer you choose – the insurer charges the same rates if you purchase directly. Learn why you should work with a broker when you purchase global healthcare.
Why Buy International Health Insurance via Expat Financial?
Expat Financial offers different international health insurance plans for expatriates across the world. Expatriates and global citizens can choose from several international insurance companies. These global health insurance policies are designed for foreign nationals living outside the country for which they hold a passport. We also offer excellent service before and after you purchase your insurance plan – this includes answering questions, providing advice and even assisting with underwriting where needed.
Is Buying International Health Insurance via Expat Financial a Wise Choice?
For expatriates across the world, we offer different international health insurance plans. Expatriates and global citizens can choose from several international insurance companies and their global health insurance policies. All of which are designed for foreign nationals living outside the country and having a valid passport. Whether before or after you purchase your insurance plan – services are always dispensed timely, including answering questions, providing advice and even assisting with underwriting where needed.
Corporate International Health Insurance Policies
For companies with 3 or more expatriates – there should be provisions for even more extensive coverage and that with volume discounts. Expatriate Group Insurance Coverage for example is a great option for expatriate employers. These international group health plans and covers usually offer superior coverage, services and rates for organizations having more than three expat employees.
Large organizations ensure that a fixed sum is provided to the employee, which contains an insured amount that covers the cost of hospitalization, in case illnesses or accidents occur. Some expatriates will also want to individual International Life Insurance and disability income protection as well.
Short Term Coverage Abroad
For individuals wanting Short Term Travel Insurance under 12 months can check out the emergency-only Travel Insurance page. For online policy information and even the ability to purchase protection online using a secure server connect with us.
If you are interested in learning more, have questions or would like a quotation. Please contact Expat Financial via email or visit our Quote Request page. We will need your date of birth, location, citizenship, whether you want coverage for any dependents (include same info) & if you want the optional Medical Emergency Evacuation coverage.
FAQ
What is International Health Policy?
International health policy comprises some of the most critical decisions, actions, and strategies implemented at the global level to address different health challenges, while also aiding overall well-being around the world. The process involves collaboration between a large number of countries as well as international organizations that together deal with infectious diseases and health issues. They come up with policies and interventions which are directed towards improving global health outcomes, easing access to healthcare services, and fostering cooperation in dealing with shared health concerns. Read More….
What does International Insurance Cover?
International insurance coverage varies, depending on a certain policy and its provider. However, in general, it offers protection and financial help to individuals who travel or reside outside their home country.
Listed below are some common areas that international insurance often covers:
- Medical Expenses: International insurance usually covers all kinds of medical costs for injuries, illnesses, and emergency medical care while staying abroad. This can include doctor visits, hospitalization, surgical procedures, prescribed medications, and medical evacuation as and when needed.
- Emergency Medical Evacuation Services: International insurance includes emergency medical evacuation coverage, which means arranging means of transportation to the nearest registered medical facility, or a trip back to the policyholder’s home country for treatment if the local facilities are insufficient.
- Repatriation of Mortal Remains: In the event of the policyholder’s death abroad, international insurance can cover the costs associated with arranging the return of the remains to the home country.
- Trip Cancellation/Interruption: Some international insurance plans provide coverage for trip cancellation/interruption due to certain unforeseen circumstances like illness, injury, or some death in the family, natural disasters, or other events covered under the insurance.
- Loss of Personal Belongings: International insurance provides coverage for lost, stolen, or damaged baggage, or other personal belongings during travel.
- Travel Assistance Services: Many international insurance policies cover 24/7 travel assistance services, such as access to multilingual support, medical referrals, assistance with lost documents, legal referrals, and other travel-related support.
It’s important to review the terms and conditions of your international insurance policy carefully in order to understand the coverage details, limitations, exclusions, and additional benefits covered by the policy.
Will my Health Insurance Cover Me in Some Other Country?
Most conventional health insurance policies issued in the United States do not offer comprehensive coverage for medical expenses that are incurred in other countries. So, it is advisable to review your policy coverage or contact your insurance provider so that you can understand the extent of coverage available for international travel. Consider purchasing add-on travel medical insurance or an international health insurance policy to secure adequate coverage while living abroad.
How does International Health Insurance Work?
International health insurance provides comprehensive coverage for medical expenses and other related services to individuals who often travel or reside outside their home country. Policyholders have to pay a regular premium and can choose from different coverage options. When seeking medical care abroad, policyholders need to pay upfront and then go for a claim sometime later. The insurance provider screens the claim and reimburses against the eligible expenses as per the policy terms.
International health insurance typically covers medical expenses, including doctor visits, hospitalization, as well as any level of emergency care. Some plans let you access a network of providers, while others offer more flexibility in choosing your healthcare providers. Additional benefits can include emergency medical evacuation and travel assistance services. Not that claim procedures and claim specifics may differ, so it’s important to read them before committing.
How much does International Health Insurance Cost Per Month?
International health insurance plans vary in their cost depending upon how much they cover. The factors that matter while determining this cost could be age of the person insured, the scope of coverage, the destination country, medical conditions and their severity, or even the duration of the stay.
To get the best deal, it’s essential to seek insurance quotes from different providers and compare them to determine what you can go for to get the best out of your plan.
Why is International Health Insurance Important for Expats?
International health insurance provides expats access to quality healthcare services along with financial protection while they are living abroad. There are different healthcare systems, language barriers, and even unfamiliar medical practices followed in different countries that they may not be familiar with. International health insurance plans ensure that they have the right coverage needed for covering medical expenses, doctor visits, hospitalization, and emergency care, within or outside the country, without bearing hefty financial burdens. Read More….
What are the Eligibility Requirements for International Health Plans?
Eligibility requirements for international health insurance plans vary based on the insurance provider and the chosen plan. The eligibility criteria often include factors like age, residency, purpose visit, and so on. Most international health plans are drafted for people living outside their own country, including expats, global nomads, students, and occasional travelers.
These insurance plans typically provide coverage for different kinds of medical expenses, emergency medical evacuation as and when needed, repatriation, and other critical healthcare services. It’s vital to assess the eligibility requirements of several international health plans so that you know that they align with your specific needs before you go for them. Read More…
What are the Benefits of International Healthcare?
International healthcare plans offer a range of benefits for people living, working, or traveling to another country. These benefits include obtaining quality medical care in those countries, covering medical expenses, going for emergency medical evacuation, and access to 24/7 multilingual customer support. Additionally, there may be certain plans that cover dental and vision care, maternity care, mental health, and other wellness programs. Read More….
What are the Steps Involved in the Process of Insurance Underwriting?
Insurance underwriting comprises assessing the risks and screening the premium costs for insurance plans. The process includes the following:
- The insurance company reviews the applicant’s information, including their age, medical history, lifestyle, coverage sought, etc.
- The underwriters evaluate these details to assess the risk involved in covering the person. They consider factors like applicant’s occupation, their pre-existing conditions, visiting country, duration of stay, etc.
- Once the risk assessment is done, the underwriters determine the scope of insurability of the applicant and designate the premium accordingly.
Insurance underwriting also involves carefully analyzing and considering several other factors to ensure fair and accurate coverage.
What is the Difference Between Travel Medical Insurance and International Health Insurance?
The two insurance plans vary greatly. For instance, travel medical insurance provides short-term insurance coverage in cases of unexpected illnesses/injuries or medical emergencies while traveling abroad. These need to be purchased for every trip and are valid for the duration of that trip only. Medication evacuation or even repatriation are covered under such plans for the same duration.
International health insurance works differently and is designed for people who are traveling to another country for the purpose of staying or working there on a long-term basis. It covers ongoing medical treatment, which can include preventive care, routine check-ups, treatment of chronic diseases/conditions, and similar. In other words, they are tailor-made for global citizens and expatriates. Read More….
About International Medical Group (IMG) Global Medical Plan
The IMG Global Medical Insurance plan is for international citizens and expatriates who want:
- Flexible, comprehensive medical coverage as noted in the brochure.
- Coverage for individuals and families
- Four unique plan designs – Silver, Gold, Gold Plus and Platinum
- Optional riders: Global Term Life Insurance, Global Daily Indemnity, Dental, Maternity, Terrorism, Sports
- Choose your area of coverage (worldwide or worldwide excluding the U.S., Canada, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Macau, Singapore, and Taiwan)
- Select from multiple deductible options
- Family premium covers the first two children between 14 days and 9 years at no additional cost for the first year
- Choose from several payment modes
- Multiple underwriting options to fit your needs
- Freedom to choose your provider
- Access to two extensive provider networks
- Emergency Medical Evacuation and other evacuation benefits
- Medical Concierge Program
- Medical professionals to coordinate your care
- 24-hour access to information
Get Instant Quote and Purchase Online Now!
OR HERE if you are a missionary interested in the IMG Missionary Plan
For all the information in HTML format that you can print off your browser, click here.
Other plans are also available on request, if the above don’t meet your needs. Make sure that you fully read plan brochure and terms and conditions before applying..
Applications can be sent direct to insurance company address as stated in brochures / applications or direct to:
Expat Financial
c/o TFG Global Insurance Solutions Ltd.
#1500 – 701 West Georgia Street
Vancouver, BC V7Y 1C6
Canada
Note that the actual plan design, terms and conditions, deductibles, limits vary from plan to plan and company to company and are subject to change at any time without notice.
If you need assistance in discussing your global health insurance needs, you can contact one of our experts to discuss your requirements, explain the process and differences among the various global health insurance providers. We welcome your call or email and hope we can assist you soon.
Note: The policies we offer are not available via TFG Global Insurance Solutions Ltd. or its related web sites to local citizens who intend on residing in Canada or the USA. Coverage for expats in the USA and Canada can be available. Also note that the health plans are offered via our site are designed to cater for globally mobile expatriates. As such, they do not meet all the requirements for health insurance plans set out in US healthcare law or local laws in your country of residence, including the Affordable Care Act (ACA), HIPAA or COBRA. You may wish to seek legal advice if you are uncertain as to whether and how these requirements apply to you.
Best Global Health Plans Based On The Most Popular Expat Destinations
Here are some comprehensive guides and articles for global citizens living in some key countries abroad:
