International Private Medical Insurance – IPMI
Are you planning to live overseas for an extended period? If so, investing in a high-quality international health insurance plan is smart.
An international health insurance plan can be your lifeline if something happens while you're abroad and you need to seek treatment.
Without a global health plan, you may be on the hook for costly medical bills — particularly if you require medical evacuation or repatriation. Some countries require coverage to get a visa, while others may not have adequate health facilities for the kind of care you need.
Here, you'll find a guide to choosing an international plan that works for you. These policies are ideal for expatriates, digital nomads, immigrants, and international citizens living abroad for most of the year.
Are you planning to live overseas for an extended period? If so, investing in a high-quality international health insurance plan is a smart move.
An international medical insurance plan can be your lifeline if something happens while you're abroad and you need to seek treatment.
Without a global health plan, you may be on the hook for costly medical bills — particularly if you require medical evacuation or repatriation. Some countries require coverage to get a visa, while others may not have adequate health facilities for the kind of care you need.
Here, you'll find a guide to choosing an international plan that works for you. These policies are ideal for expatriates, digital nomads, immigrants, and international citizens living abroad for most of the year.
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What is International Health Insurance?
International medical insurance plans cover your healthcare costs wherever you are. This type of insurance offers comprehensive health coverage for those living outside their home country for a year or longer.
When living abroad for extended periods, you won't be covered by either public or private health plans in your home country, and you may not have access to the national health insurance program in your destination country.
With an international health plan, you can get healthcare anywhere — including your host country, home country, or wherever your life may take you.
Global policies are often renewable annually or until your specified termination date.
While traditional health insurance may limit you to certain providers, a comprehensive global policy allows you to choose the hospital or doctor for your medical evaluation and treatment.
Additionally, with expat health insurance, you can choose a private hospital over a public facility and receive faster, more comprehensive, and better international healthcare.
Global Medical Insurance Plan Benefits
Each global health plan is different. Choose one that works for you and customize it to your needs.
Depending on your plan, benefits may include:
- Hospitalization, incl. surgery and specialist fees
- Outpatient care for visits to doctors, specialists, and clinic
- Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation
- Prescription drugs
- Maternity care
- Telemedicine
- Preventative care for routine checkups, vaccinations, and wellness screenings
- Mental health services
- Dental and vision care
- Chronic condition management
- Rehabilitation following injury or surgery
The best plans offer:
- Inpatient and outpatient international medical care
- Freedom to choose any hospital, clinic, or doctor
- 24-hour emergency assistance and helpline
- Worldwide coverage, including your home country
- Choice of multiple currencies for payment
Ready to choose a global health plan? Compare and Review Global Medical Plans
Additional Benefits and Optional Coverage
Most basic plans include the cost of emergency and non-emergency medical care. However, you can opt for more coverage by purchasing additional benefits such as dental, vision, maternity, prescription drugs, and other options.
Some more comprehensive plans might include these benefits in the base plan, while other insurers offer them as optional add-ons that come with an additional premium.
For example, Cigna Global lets you choose various options and benefits to design a policy suited to your specific needs.
Request a quote today to get customized estimates from multiple providers
Watch Our Video Explaining Global Health Insurance Plans
Which Worldwide Health Insurance Plan Is Right for You?
Each plan has strengths and weaknesses, and choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. During your search, ask yourself the following questions:
- What is your budget for health insurance, and how much could you potentially pay out-of-pocket in an emergency?
- For which services will you need coverage? (e.g. dental, vision, prescriptions, mental health)
- Which countries will you be living in, and what are their healthcare standards?
- For how long will you need coverage?
- Do you have any pre-existing medical conditions for which you might need care?
- Do you need coverage for routine check-ups and preventative care, or is the cost of care reasonable in your destination country?
- What is the claims process like, and how accessible is customer support?
- Do you need travel coverage?
Our goal is to help you find the plans best suited to your needs and budget. Our site and brokers make it easy to discover a variety of possible health plans that align with your needs.
With a curated selection of quality health plans from established insurers, you'll be able to perform a side-by-side comparison and choose the one that works for you. You can also add and remove benefits to customize your plan. Request a quote now.
Our Recommended Global Medical Plans
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
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
Need more options? Check out our list of the Best Health Insurance Companies
Does International Health Insurance Cover Care in Other Countries?
Yes. Unlike traditional health insurance, international plans cover care in other countries so that you can access care anywhere in the world with peace of mind. Some plans allow you to exclude specific regions or countries where healthcare is expensive (such as the US) to reduce costs. In this case, you should ask if your plan includes emergency medical coverage in other countries.
If you move abroad for less than a year, consider international travel medical insurance or a trip cancellation plan designed for short-term coverage. These travel insurance policies cover individuals and families outside their home country.
Featured Global Health Insurance Plans
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
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
Group Options for International Medical Coverage
If you’re an employer with international employees, 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 the best group global 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
Need a Group Plan? Visit: Group International Insurance Ready to Start? Request a Group Quote
Affordable Worldwide Medical Insurance Coverage
IMG Global's bronze plan offers catastrophic coverage for emergency medical issues. While less comprehensive, it is more affordable and may be suitable for healthy individuals living in countries with low care costs.
To start, Request an IMG quote today to compare options and pricing.
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
Global Medical Coverage and Pre-Existing Conditions
After you apply for insurance, a team of underwriters will review your application and any pre-existing conditions you have indicated. They may also require a copy of past healthcare records.
After reviewing your application, they will either deny it, exclude a condition or charge an additional fee to mitigate the risk. Once your application has been approved, you should review the plan's exclusions as specified in the policy schedule.
Also Read: Overseas Insurance Coverage
How to Apply for an International Health Insurance Plan
If you don't have private insurance in your home country, you need to know what to expect when you apply for worldwide health insurance. Even if you do have private insurance, you may find that this application process works a bit differently. Here's what you need to know.
Eligibility for International Medical Cover
To be eligible for a global health policy, you must already have a plan to reside outside of your home country on or before the policy's effective date (with some exceptions).
Most global plans require you to apply 30 to 45 days before your departure date. This application time is necessary to evaluate your application and complete the approval process.
Remember that if you decide to apply earlier or move the effective date to another time, you may need to provide an updated health declaration. Your insurer will want to know that there is no new health condition that was not included in the initial application. You must work with your healthcare provider to get this declaration.
Compare Global Health Insurance Plans
When planning to live or reside abroad for a year or more, whether for work or personal reasons, it’s best to work with a licensed broker who can walk you through the pros and cons of various plans to find the best policy for your specific needs.
Working with a broker does not incur additional costs—it is just an additional level of service with an experienced, independent professional taking care of your needs.
If you need assistance choosing a global plan, our expert and licensed international insurance agents are available to walk you through the process, explain the differences among providers, and help you apply. Contact us today for a free quote.
Start by Requesting Quotes:
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
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
Frequently Asked Questions
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:
| Rank | Country of Residence | Cost Per Year |
| 1 | Hong Kong | $11,265 |
| 2 | United States | $7,205 |
| 3 | Singapore | $6,668 |
| 4 | Costa Rica | $6,193 |
| 5 | Mexico | $5,893 |
| 6 | China | $5,669 |
| 7 | United Kingdom | $5,651 |
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:
| Age Range | Cost Per year |
| 18 to 24 | $2,019 |
| 25 to 34 | $2,965 |
| 35 to 44 | $4,986 |
| 45 to 64 | $6,779 |
| 65 Plus | $9,344 |
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:
- Worldwide, excluding the US, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, and Taiwan or
- 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.
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:
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.
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Author / Editor: 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.