5 Best Health Insurance Options for Living Abroad
Moving abroad is thrilling—new culture, new opportunities, maybe even a new career path. But along with the adventure comes one not-so-glamorous question: how will you handle healthcare while living overseas?
If you assume your U.S. health insurance or Medicare will protect you, think again. Most domestic plans either don’t cover care abroad or limit it to emergencies. That’s why having the right international health insurance matters—not just for peace of mind, but sometimes for legal visa requirements too.
The good news? There are solid, well-known providers that specialize in expat and international coverage. Below, we break down five of the best options, what they’re known for, and how to decide which one fits your lifestyle and budget.
1. Cigna Global – Flexible and Widely Trusted
If flexibility is your top priority, Cigna Global is hard to beat. They offer modular plans (Silver, Gold, Platinum) so you can customize your coverage. You can choose whether or not to include the U.S. (which massively affects price), and tap into their huge provider network of more than 1.5 million professionals worldwide.
Best for: Expats who want tailored coverage with global reach.
Highlights: Lifetime renewal, telehealth access, and direct billing in many hospitals.
Watch out for: Mixed customer service reviews—always double-check details like deductibles and exclusions.
2. Allianz Care – Comprehensive, Premium Coverage
If you’re looking for top-tier coverage, Allianz Care is a strong choice. They offer three main levels (Care, Care Plus, Care Pro), with benefits that can stretch up to $5 million in coverage per year. Options include outpatient care, maternity, dental, and even wellness programs.
Best for: Families or professionals who want peace of mind with very few gaps in coverage.
Highlights: 24/7 multilingual support, broad global network, and strong evacuation and repatriation services.
Watch out for: Higher premiums—especially if you include U.S. coverage.
3. IMG Global – Flexible for Digital Nomads
Frequent travelers and digital nomads often turn to IMG Global. Their plans are designed for people who move around a lot and don’t always stay in one country. They’re known for covering emergencies and routine care across borders, and their policies are relatively affordable compared to premium providers.
Best for: People moving often between countries or living a nomadic lifestyle.
Highlights: Wide selection of plan types, travel-friendly, accepted in many international clinics.
Watch out for: Some expats report slower claims processing and customer service hiccups.
4. SafetyWing – Budget-Friendly for Young Expats
SafetyWing has made a name for itself with low-cost coverage geared toward younger travelers, freelancers, and remote workers. Their plans are simple, affordable, and easy to manage online. While coverage ceilings are lower than premium insurers, it’s a great starting point if you want peace of mind without a huge monthly bill.
Best for: Students, gap year travelers, or remote workers on a budget.
Highlights: Affordable premiums, digital-first claims, flexible monthly subscription model.
Watch out for: Limited coverage for serious or complex medical needs—better suited for emergencies than long-term care.
5. GeoBlue – Best for U.S. Citizens Abroad
GeoBlue is tied closely to the Blue Cross Blue Shield network, making it particularly appealing for Americans moving overseas. It’s especially useful if you expect to return to the U.S. regularly and want a policy that makes transitions smoother.
Best for: U.S. citizens or permanent residents who need both international and U.S. access.
Highlights: High-quality U.S. standard care abroad, strong ties to American providers.
Watch out for: Among the pricier options, especially if you need broad U.S. coverage.
How to Choose the Right International Health Insurance
The “best” option depends on your unique situation. Ask yourself:
Where will I live? Some plans are global; others have region-specific limits.
Do I need U.S. coverage? Including it raises costs but may be worth it if you’ll return often.
What’s my budget? Premiums can range from $200 to $800+ per month.
Am I covering the family too? Adding dependents changes both price and coverage needs.
Do I need extras? Maternity, dental, or mental health aren’t always included by default.
Pro Tips Before You Buy
Read the fine print. Watch for exclusions, especially pre-existing conditions.
Check emergency evacuation. In some regions, this is critical if advanced care isn’t nearby.
Look at hospital networks. Cashless direct billing saves you from paying upfront.
Get multiple quotes. Prices can vary widely depending on your age, health, and destination.
Match to your visa. Some countries require specific coverage levels for residency.
Final Word
Health insurance abroad isn’t just a formality—it’s the safety net that lets you actually enjoy your time overseas. Whether you’re studying in Europe, working in Asia, or raising a family in South America, choosing the right provider is key.
Pick Cigna or Allianz if you want broad, reliable coverage.
Choose IMG Global if you’re moving frequently.
Opt for SafetyWing if you’re young and budget-conscious.
Stick with GeoBlue if you’re an American who wants continuity of care.
With the right plan in place, you can focus on what really matters: embracing your new adventure abroad.