What are the best options for expat health insurance in the USA?
In this article, we will examine the best global healthcare options for expats living in the USA. We have worked with numerous expats moving to the USA over the years. There are many options for global healthcare there as you may not be eligible for a domestic health plan, especially if you are not employed there.
Global Benefit Plans – Expat Employers
We have sourced global benefit plans for foreign employers in the USA who send employees there. These plans can provide comprehensive healthcare and dental that covers the employees both in the USA and back home. A group plan pools the risk, so the rates are much lower than individual policies, and these plans can often fully cover pre-existing medical conditions for both employees and their dependents.
Several expat health insurance options are available for those living in or travelling to the USA. These plans cater specifically to the needs of expatriates, whether they are foreign nationals residing in the U.S. or U.S. citizens living abroad who need coverage when they return. The options vary based on coverage levels, duration of stay, and specific needs like pre-existing conditions or maternity coverage.
International Insurance Providers for Expats in the United States
We definitely recommend that expats and expat employers choose only a very capable and established global insurance company when living in the USA or sending employees there for long term assignments. Here are some of the most popular international insurance providers and options for expats residing in the USA:
Cigna Global
- Overview: A well-known provider with flexible, modular plans tailored for expats. They offer worldwide coverage, including or excluding the U.S., based on preference.
- Features: Customizable plan with amazing access to an extensive network of healthcare providers and global coverage for in-patient and out-patient care, mental health, and wellness. We work with Cigna for both individual expats and corporate clients with expat employees stationed in the USA and beyond.
Allianz Care
- Overview: Another top global insurer, Allianz, offers expat health plans with comprehensive coverage options, including coverage in the U.S.
- Features: Emergency medical evacuation, Outpatient treatment Maternity and dental coverage (optional)24/7 access to a support helpline. Allianz is not able to cover individual expats in the USA, but can often assist on a corporate expat benefit plan.
Aetna International
- Overview: Aetna is known for its robust coverage options, providing expat insurance that includes both the U.S. and other countries.
- Features: Preventative care, wellness benefits, and international provider network plans for expat groups. We recommend Aetna Global for only global benefit plans, not for individual expats.
Geo-Blue
- Overview: Offers expat health plans with access to the Blue Cross Blue Shield network in the U.S. and internationally.
- Features: Wide network of providers in the U.S. and globally high-quality U.S. healthcare coverage options for short-term or long-term plans coverage for repatriation and evacuation.
IMG (International Medical Group)
- Overview: Offers a variety of international health insurance plans, including coverage for expats in the U.S. They are known for more affordable, customizable plans.
- Features: Plans for individuals, families, and groups. They are a great choice for short-term coverage in the USA and have a wide range of travel medical insurance plans via this website. Some plans include coverage for adventure sports.
What About Covering Trailing Dependents in the USA?
In many cases, most individual expats who are Americans will include the USA as a coverage option as they want to be able to seek treatment there. Note that many expats who go abroad may leave their partner and children back in the USA, so note that individual expat health plans won’t be able to cover those trailing American dependents in the USA, but some global benefit plans can.
Key Considerations for Choosing an Expat Health Plan in the USA:
- Coverage Area: As you would expect, covering the USA will be more expensive, and if you are living in the United States as an expat, you will need worldwide coverage.
- Pre-existing Conditions: Check if the insurance provider covers pre-existing conditions and the waiting period associated with it. Individual expat plans have medical underwriting and are offshore plans, so they are not locally complained about in the USA and are not available to American citizens who remain in the USA.
- Maternity and Family Coverage: If you’re planning a family or need coverage for dependents, look for plans that include maternity care and comprehensive family coverage. Note that individual plans have a 12-month waiting period if maternity is an option. Most global benefit plans that we have sourced will fully cover pregnancies without a waiting period.
- Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation: Many expat health plans offer emergency medical evacuation and repatriation services, which are essential in case you need medical care not available locally. Of course, some of the best healthcare is in the USA, but you may be in a remote part of the country or may need repatriation, so it may still be wise to include the coverage.
- Dental and Visioncare: Many expats living in American will want to buy coverage for dental and vision as part of their health plan because the costs there are quite expensive. You should also remember that maintaining your dental health does have a big impact on your overall health.
- Duration of Stay: Some plans are tailored for short-term stays (less than a year), while others are designed for long-term expatriates.
As you can tell, there are a lot of considerations when considering healthcare as a foreigner in the USA, whether you are living there as an individual expat or as a company employee sent there by a foreign employer. Because of the complexities involved, it is wise to contact us to discuss your requirements in more detail so you get the right coverage at the best possible price. The bottom line is that you don’t travel or live in the United States without adequate healthcare coverage.