International Health Insurance

The average annual cost of an international medical insurance plan is $5,500 per year.* However, plans range from as low as $500 with limited benefits to as much as $8,000 - $10,000, or more, for a comprehensive policy that includes coverage in the USA.

Premiums are based on a policyholder’s age, medical history, area of coverage, deductible, and maximum coverage selected.

Global policies typically offer various levels of coverage, with some being more expensive than others. These include:

• Worldwide
• Worldwide, excluding the US
• Europe only
• Home and residence countries only

Excluding countries with high healthcare costs like Hong Kong, the US, and Singapore will make your plan more affordable.

Request a quote to get custom pricing from multiple providers. 

*Cost estimates are based on 8,000+ historical sales to our clients in over 100 countries over the previous 18 months.

International Medical Insurance Costs by Country of Residence

The most popular destinations for expats also happen to have the most expensive healthcare services. As a result, insurance policies for international citizens residing in those countries are more expensive.

Here are the average premiums for immigrants and expats based on country of residence:

This is an average based on more than 8,000 sales to clients worldwide. Premiums vary for each client.

Costs of Global Medical Plans by Age

Younger clients pay less for coverage as they usually are healthier and need less care. As you age or start a family, the cost of your plan will increase dramatically. Below are the average per year costs in USD by age:

As you can see, the cost of a policy will vary widely by demographics, location, provider, and plan type. 

For example, older clients who decide to retire in Costa Rica may face higher policy costs as the average age of applicants and residence country drive up prices. 

See the example below for an explanation of how the discussed factors affect the cost of worldwide medical insurance plans. 

Example: For a husband and wife (ages 62 and 60), IMG's Global Medical Insurance (GMI) plan offers the following coverage options:

1. Worldwide, excluding the US, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, and Taiwan or
2. Worldwide, including all countries

IMG’s policy would cost $2,950 per year for a policy excluding the US and other countries with a  $10,000 deductible.

Conversely, it could cost $60,476 for worldwide coverage and a $100 deductible.

Benefits provided under Silver, Gold, and Platinum plan levels also differ, including maximum benefit limits. The level of coverage is another factor affecting the price.

Make it easier to select the most suitable provider for you and your family. Request a quote today to get a custom estimate from multiple providers.

If you’re planning to live abroad for an extended period, purchasing an international health plan is highly advisable. Your health plan in your home country will not cover care received overseas, and some countries still require health coverage as part of their visa requirements.

Without medical insurance, you may face costly medical bills or be limited to local health services that may not offer the standard of care you require. In a worst-case scenario, an uninsured person may be unable to be transported back to their home country. 

A global health insurance plan, on the other hand, protects you by ensuring you have access to world-class care — no matter what happens on the road. You will have peace of mind knowing that you can access care worldwide, see the doctor or healthcare provider of your choice, and not have to pay out of pocket for medical expenses.

International health insurance works similarly to domestic insurance but on an international scale, allowing access to healthcare services worldwide through a global network of doctors, clinics, and hospitals.

When you need care, you can start by finding a local healthcare provider accredited under your plan. If there is no local service provider, you can file a claim with the insurer and wait for reimbursement for the covered expenses you incurred.

In case you need other services, including emergency medical evacuation, repatriation of remains, maternity benefits, vision, or dental care, your international healthcare insurance plan can cover them, provided they are included in your policy.

Learn more: How Does International Health Insurance Work?

The common eligibility criteria for most international health insurance plans is that you should live or be living in a foreign country for at least 3 months per year. There are underwriting requirements, so you will be asked to provide your medical history and additional medical information upon application.

Some insurance providers may not be able to sell policies to individuals who are coming from or going to a few select countries. These countries have local insurance regulatory rules or compliance laws that prohibit insurers from providing coverage within the territory.

Our agents can help you find coverage for almost any situation. For expert guidance, consult with one of our trusted insurance experts. Get started by requesting a quote. 

Are there age restrictions on expatriate plans?

Yes, seniors may need to be aware of age limitations and restrictions when applying for international health plans.

GeoBlue will not allow anyone over the age of 74 to apply for a new Xplorer policy. However, if you have a plan in place before age 75, they will continue coverage up to age 84. 

IMG will allow you to apply up to age 74 and terminate coverage at 75. If you have had a plan with them before your 65th birthday and have maintained coverage through age 75, they provide a Senior Plan option to allow you to continue coverage. This plan has fewer benefits and lower maximum coverage amounts, but it is an option.

Cigna Global will allow customers of any age to apply and will provide coverage for life.

Yes, you can purchase foreign health insurance through a local insurance company, international insurance provider, or even through an employer. Public insurance systems, on the other hand, are typically reserved for citizens, permanent residents, and immigrants after a waiting period.

Some expats opt for local private insurance in their country of residence; however, foreign health insurance will not cover you in your home country or any other countries to which you travel.

For those who plan to live and work abroad for extended periods, it’s advisable to purchase an international health plan from a trusted insurer such as those featured here.

With an international plan, you’ll be covered whether you are in your host country, home country, or anywhere else you may travel. That means you have not only the peace of mind that comes with global coverage, but also the freedom to choose where you receive care.

Read: Compare International Medical Plans

Yes. Due to the wide variance in healthcare costs between countries, health insurance costs more in some places.

Plans that include US coverage are the highest due to the exorbitant cost of care. You can also expect costly premiums in:

• France
• Germany
• The Netherlands
• Japan
• Singapore
• Hong Kong
• South Korea

Likewise, if you are living in a place where the cost of care is relatively low, you may see lower rates when requesting policy quotes. Note, however, that many countries with low healthcare costs also have fewer healthcare services and resources available, making a comprehensive international policy all the more important.

Check out the OECD website to see which countries have a high cost of care.

Yes, medical underwriting is required by international healthcare companies when you apply for one of their global plans.

If you are applying for an international family health insurance plan, all family members must provide their history.

For US citizens familiar with the benefits and protections of the Affordable Care Act (aka Obamacare), take note that it does not apply here. You can be turned down or denied coverage.

During the underwriting process, your prospective insurer will review your medical history. It is not overly burdensome, and most providers can complete the process in 3 to 5 business days.

It's a great question without a simple answer. Many applicants with pre-existing medical conditions have difficulty finding a suitable plan. For minor pre-existing conditions like allergies, your policy may not be affected. In other cases, pre-existing conditions might prohibit coverage from a provider.

Other issues in your medical history can be managed with adjustments to the plan, which could include:

• Higher premiums
• Modified coverage limits
• Exclusions for certain conditions
• Waiting periods for the treatment of pre-existing conditions

GeoBlue’s Xplorer Plan, a policy for US Citizens living abroad and foreigners living in the US, has a process to address pre-existing conditions. Depending on the length of previous coverage, prior creditable coverage can be applied to reduce or eliminate the waiting period for these conditions.

Learn more: Pre-existing Conditions in International Health Plans

Yes. Most international medical care plans now treat the illness as any other. Check with your agent or review the terms of your policy to be sure.

Read more: Coronavirus and International Health Plans

Choosing the best global medical insurance plan will depend on your specific health needs and budget.

Many international health insurance companies have various plans to choose from, but they are not all created equal. Some provide benefits and add-ons that others do not, and some have a larger coverage area and countries included in their policies.

You may need an affordable option with minimum coverage or a comprehensive family plan with a wide range of benefits.

We work with the best international health insurance companies with a proven track record in delivering excellent healthcare service to their clients, families living abroad, expatriates, and global nomads. Together with our expert team, we can help you decide on a plan that is right for you.

Start by requesting a quote to let us know what is important to you and our expert agents can discuss your needs and budget.