Top 10 International Health Insurance Companies (2024)

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2023’s Best Global Health Insurance Providers for Expats and Global Citizens

Top 10 International Health Insurance Companies (1)When you're moving abroad, you want the best international health insurance. There are many excellent global medical options to choose from, most of which are affordable. But it can be overwhelming to try to pick one. How do you find the best global health plan for your needs?

Each year, we rank the top 10 global insurers based on several key factors.

  • Network size
  • The breadth of benefits available
  • Added features such as telemedicine
  • Ease of filing a claim
  • The ability to adjust your premium through copays and deductibles
  • A.M. Best rating, which indicates the financial stability of each insurer

This guide also identifies which plans are best for particular needs so you can find the one that will give you the right healthcare at the right price. Use our free tool to compare global health insurance plans for even more detailed information.

Once you've narrowed down your options, it’s essential to review each policy's terms carefully to determine which insurer and plan are best suited to your needs. Discuss your options with one of our brokers, who can help guide you through the process. Start by requesting a free quote.

Top Ten International Medical Insurers

Below is a list of the top ten international insurers that offer the best global health insurance plans for expatriates, immigrants, and international citizens. These are global insurers that provide comprehensive annual plans for citizens of almost any country living abroad for a year or longer.

Rank Insurance Carrier Best For
#1 Cigna Global Expats who want an extensive network and highly customizable benefits Free Quote
#2 GeoBlue Xplorer U.S. citizens moving abroad and people moving to the USA Free Quote
#3 IMG Global Medical Insurance Customers who need a wide array of options at a budget-friendly price Free Quote
#4 William Russell People who want a personal touch and do not need extensive USA coverage Free Quote
#5 Bupa Global Citizens of select countries that want the reassurance of the Bupa brand Free Quote
#6 Now Health International People who want an economical plan with simple options and little or no USA coverage Free Quote
#7 Integra Global Expats seeking a bespoke plan tailored to their needs Free Quote
#8 Allianz International Medical Insurance People who want the backing of one of the largest companies in the world Free Quote
#9 AXA Global Healthcare People who want a large global company with staff around the world Free Quote
#10 AIA Group Expats moving to countries in Asia such as China and Singapore Free Quote
  • #1 Cigna Global Medical

    Best for expats who want an extensive network and highly customizable benefits
    Get a Free Quote

  • #2 GeoBlue Xplorer

    Best for U.S. citizens moving abroad and people moving to the USA
    Get a Free Quote

  • #3 IMG Global Medical Insurance

    Best for customers who need a wide array of options at a budget-friendly price
    Get a Free Quote

  • #4 William Russell

    Best for people who want a personal touch and do not need extensive USA coverage
    Get a Free Quote

  • #5 Bupa Global

    For citizens of select countries that want the reassurance of the Bupa brand
    Get a Free Quote

  • #6 Now Health International

    Best for people who want an economical plan with simple options and little or no USA coverage
    Get a Free Quote

  • #7 Integra Global Health Insurance

    Best for expats seeking a bespoke plan tailored to their needs
    Get a Free Quote

  • #8 Allianz International Medical Insurance

    For people who want the backing of one of the largest companies in the world
    Get a Free Quote

  • #9 AXA Global Healthcare

    For people who want a large global company with a global team
    Get a Free Quote

  • #10 AIA Group

    For expats moving to countries in Asia, such as China and Singapore
    Get a Free Quote

What Is the Best Global Health Insurance?

Cigna Global ranks as the best global health insurance on our list. But the best global health insurance for you depends on your specific needs. Cigna Global, GeoBlue, William Russell and International Medical Group are all excellent choices for expatriates moving abroad to work and live. Each one is best for a specific type of global citizen.

Read about each plan below. When you identify insurers that interest you, request a free quote.

Top 10 International Health Insurance Companies (2)

Best Overall International Medical Insurance, Premium

Cigna Global Insurance was one of the first global health insurance companies to offer insurance coverage to expatriates and other international citizens. Founded in 1982, the company is still one of the leading international insurance providers worldwide. It is an excellent option for many people living abroad as it provides comprehensive coverage in almost any country.

Get your free Cigna quote today!

The Cigna Global plan offers flexible levels of international health insurance, with modules to add specific benefits you need without paying for something you won’t use. That’s just one of the factors that earned them the top slot on our list. Multiple deductible and cost-sharing options allow you to customize the cost of your premium. Cigna’s access to international doctors and hospitals is excellent, making it one of the favorites among travelers and expats. They have earned an A rating from A.M. Best.

Cigna Plan Highlights

  • Three core plans: Silver, Gold, and Platinum
  • Comprehensive plans that can be tailored to suit each client's individual needs
  • Cigna customer service is available 24/7/365
  • Coverage options include: Outpatient, Worldwide (or Cover Excluding the USA), Health and Wellbeing, Medical Evacuation, and Vision/Dental

Key Insights: 67% of clients choose to include the Outpatient module, 46% choose Worldwide coverage, 37% choose Health and Wellbeing, 26% opt into the Medical Evacuation module, and 16% add the Vision and Dental Benefit.

Pro Tip: Ask your agent about the benefits of the Gold Plan!

Interested in learning more about Cigna?

Get a FREE Cigna quote today and start building your plan!

Get a Quote

Top 10 International Health Insurance Companies (3)

Best Health Plan for US Citizens Abroad, Premium

GeoBlue’s Xplorer plan is ideal health insurance for U.S. citizens living overseas and health insurance for foreigners in the USA. GeoBlue is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association and offers both short-term travel medical and long-term insurance plans worldwide.

Get your free GeoBlue quote today!

The GeoBlue Xplorer plan is a premium option available to both US citizens living overseas and expats living in the USA. Despite these geographic limitations, GeoBlue made number two on our list for their extensive network, ease of filing a claim and excellent telehealth services. Members agree that GeoBlue’s premium plans are worth the extra money when you get sick or injured because of their comprehensive coverage and helpful staff. GeoBlue has an A- rating from A.M. Best.

If you thoroughly compare the benefits, the premium level options from GeoBlue have competitive prices that outmatch the policies offered by the competition with similarly high levels of cover.

Xplorer Plan Highlights

  • Unlimited medical maximum
  • The most comprehensive benefits in the industry
  • Members are not required to pay a deductible for standard services such as office visits, preventative care, and outpatient prescriptions

Key Insights: The GeoBlue Xplorer plan is the most comprehensive plan with unlimited medical benefits worldwide. For US citizens abroad, you have access to up to 9 months of coverage in the USA each year.

Pro Tip: Consider Essential US coverage if you are only making a few short trips to the US each year to save on premium.

Interested in learning more about GeoBlue?

Get a FREE GeoBlue quote today and start building your plan!

Get a Free Quote

Top 10 International Health Insurance Companies (4)

Best Global Medical Insurance for People on a Budget

International Medical Group (IMG) offers the widest range of products among international health insurance companies, from trip cancellation to their long-term international medical plan IMG Global Medical. For more than 20 years, IMG has provided international medical insurance, travel insurance, and affordable coverage to clients worldwide. IMG currently insures people in more than 170 countries globally.

IMG earned the fourth spot on this list due to its wide array of plans, excellent preventative care coverage, and pricing options that allow you to fine-tune your premium cost. They also offer add-on coverage for global term life insurance, terrorism, sports, and more. IMG has an A- rating from A.M. Best.

Get your free IMG quote today!

IMG Plan Highlights

  • Four plan options and additional optional modules
  • Choice of coverage areas to reflect your geographical area of need
    • New: Europe Only Coverage Available!
  • Freedom to choose your health care provider wherever you are in the world

Key Insights: IMGs Gold level plan offers the best combination of coverage, benefits, and price. Premiums are available in US Dollar, British Pounds, or Euros.


Pro Tip: Ask for Europe Only coverage if you will be living in Europe and doing minimal travel abroad each year.

Interested in learning more about IMG?

Get a FREE IMG quote today and start building your plan!

Get a Free Quote

Top 10 International Health Insurance Companies (5)

Best Policies for Expats in Asia

William Russell has been in the healthcare business for 30 years, specializing in providing members with private insurance benefits in 160 countries. Whether you are an individual, a family, or an individual planning a family, you can find the right policy with William Russell medical insurance.

The company offers four plan tiers, each one built around your specific needs. They have excellent benefits, including top-notch coverage for cancer care and extensive preventive care coverage. Their rates can be customized via the deductible you choose and your selected area of coverage. (Plans do not include USA coverage, but limited U.S. coverage for trips up to 90 days can be added.) Their highly personalized service and 24/7 customer service earned them the third spot on this list. William Russell has an A+ rating from A.M. Best.

Get your free William Russell quote today!

William Russell's four plan levels, Gold, Silver, SilverLite, and Bronze provide members with comprehensive medical coverage, excellent benefits, and a high level of service.

William Russell Highlights

  • Each plan level gives full cover for inpatient and most tiers have no limit on outpatient treatment.
  • Full cancer coverage, including $6,000 for cancer genome treatment.
  • All plans offer Medevac Basic, with the option to add on Medevac Plus coverage.

Key Insights: William Russell has a strong presence in the Far East, Middle East and East Africa.

Pro Tip: Ask about the Gold plan if you need coverage for maternity.

Interested in learning more about William Russell?

Get a FREE William Russell quote today and start building your plan!

Get a Free Quote

Additional Leading Global Health Insurers

Bupa Global

Bupa Global has been in business for over 65 years, specializing and dedicating its resources to providing the best global health policies. Their global team of advisers and health experts speak multiple languages, which helps in providing service that exceeds expectations. They offer coverage in the U.K. and select European countries. A.M. Best has given Bupa Global a B++ rating.
Get your free Bupa Global quote today!

Now Health International

Now Health International provides quality medical coverage worldwide that foreigners living abroad can easily access. One of the company’s best health insurance plans for international clients is the Now Health WorldCare Plan which provides comprehensive benefits, including cover for expats in the USA. A more affordable option is their SimpleCare plan. SimpleCare is perfect for expatriates seeking extensive medical coverage that fits their budget. Now Health International has an A+ rating from A.M. Best.
Get your free Now Health quote today!

Integra Global Health Insurance

Integra Global, based in the UK, has service offices worldwide including several countries in Europe, North America, and Asia. The company specializes in providing health plans to individuals, corporations, and organizations with unique protection needs. Integra covers expatriates, marine professionals, jet setters, and other people with specialized risks. It aims to develop unique international health insurance options that offer outstanding protection, excellent value, and hands-on unbeatable personal service. Integra Global has earned an A rating from A.M. Best.
Get your free Integra Global quote today!

Allianz International Medical Insurance

One of the biggest insurance providers in the world is Allianz. It is a German company under the management of Allianz Worldwide Partners and is part of the Allianz Group. The company is known for its global network and for providing businesses with international medical insurance for employees. Allianz Group has an A+ rating from A.M. Best.

AXA offers its customers superb international cover, which provides access to private healthcare whenever they need it. Their plans work well for expatriates living and working in another country or in multiple countries. AXA also offers short-term international insurance coverage for those who do not plan on being overseas for a long time. A.M. Best has given AXA Global an A+ rating.

AIA has a strong presence in Asia, Australia and New Zealand. In addition to international health insurance, they also offer retirement insurance, life insurance and accident protection, which makes them a one-stop solution for many expats. A.M. Best rates AIA Group divisions separately depending on the nation they are operating in.

Interested in learning more?

Get a FREE quote today and start building your plan!

Get a Free Quote

Top 10 International Health Insurance Companies (6)

How to Compare the Best Global Insurance Companies

There are many resources online to help you make your decision before purchasing the best international insurance for you.

Choose the right insurance company for you by looking at six key factors: rating, cost, eligibility, coverage area, medical benefits, and healthcare network. Each international insurance company offers standard benefits, but some offer a bit more than others at a great price.

To further help you with your research, we have created acomparison table highlighting four of the top international insurance providers, Cigna, GeoBlue, William Russell and IMG.

You can also request a free quote, which will allow you to compare several plans tailored to your specific needs.

Insurer Rating

The A.M. Best ratings of the providers give you an indication of the financial stability of each insurer.

Coverage Area

Most international insurance companies offer worldwide coverage including the US and excluding the US.

Plan Cost

Some international insurance companies charge more for their plans than others because they have more to offer.

Medical Benefits

Most international insurance companies provide great standard and optional medical benefits for their customers.

Eligibility

Some international insurance companies have age limits, coverage area restrictions, and pre-existing conditions limitations.

Healthcare Network

Each international insurance company has a different medical network full of fantastic doctors and exceptional hospitals.

Review and Compare your Options:Compare Health Insurance

Learn more aboutInternational Health Insurance for comprehensive annual cover.

Best International Health Insurance Companies FAQs

Does your health insurance cover you internationally?

Most domestic health insurance policies do notcover you outside of your home country. Typically, a domestic insurance plan will only cover you domestically, in your home country. You may have access to limited emergency medical benefits when traveling abroad. Check with your plan to confirm what type of coverage they may offer you while abroad.

A Global Medical policy can provide you with coverage worldwide. Typically you will be able to choose a doctor or hospital in any country, including where you are living as well as in your home country.

If you plan on traveling or moving abroad, you need the best travel insurance, for trips, or global medical insurance, for those living abroad, in case you become ill or are injured.

Who are the top 5 health insurance companies?

The top five international insurance companies are:

  1. Cigna Global
  2. GeoBlue Global Medical
  3. International Medical Group
  4. William Russell
  5. Now Health International

Our team can help you research, compare, and get pricing for these insurers, as well as others.

Who is the largest international health insurance company in the world?

The largest international health insurance company in the world offering international private medical plans is Cigna International. Cigna covers over 86 million customers in over 200 different countries. Their global healthcare network is made up of 1.65 million hospitals and healthcare professionals across the world.

Other large insurers include GeoBlue, AXA, Allianz, and BUPA.

Short Term Global Health Plans

[]The difference between international health insurance and travel medical insurance is the length of coverage provided and the level of benefits included in the policies.

Even if you have private medical insurance from your home country, it most likely will not be accepted abroad when you get hospitalized due to an accident or illness. Even if it does, it will probably be insufficient to cover all the medical costs for your recovery.

If you are traveling out of the country on a shorter trip, travel insurance is a necessity. Read our guide to the best travel insurance companies and get the best plan for you.

Group Options for International Medical Coverage

If you have international employees and are an employer, 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 international group medical insurance plans, listing various global medical programs for your organization.

Top 10 International Health Insurance Companies (7)

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

Get a Group Quote

Need a Group Plan? Visit: Group International BenefitsReady to Start? Request a Group Quote

Get the Best Plan With the Help of International Citizens Insurance

Our mission is to educate you about the value of global medical, life, and travel insurance. Using our reliable and well-researched resources, you can easily select, compare, and study the plans offered by trusted insurance providers. With this information, you can be assured that you're safe and secure when you travel or relocate overseas.

You'll find the best global health insurance, international life insurance, travel medical insurance, international group plans, and trip cancellation insurance policies at International Citizens Insurance. As always, please review the policy’s terms carefully and discuss them with us so we can guide you through the application process.

If you want help choosing the best international health insurance plan for you, request a quote and we will help you find the best plan to suit your needs.

As the largest international health insurance broker in the USA, International Citizens Insurance works with more than 4,000 expats, international citizens, and global nomads every month to advise them on a wide range of plan options and benefits. Our team of licensed advisors is made of of expatriates, world travelers, and experts on global health plans. Let us help guide you.

Interested in learning more?

Get a FREE quote today and start building your plan!

Get a Free Quote

More to Read:

Compare Global Health Insurance Plans

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International Health Insurance Plans

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Group Global Health Insurance for International Employers

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Author: 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.
Top 10 International Health Insurance Companies (2024)

FAQs

What are the top 10 international health insurance companies? ›

The ten best international health insurance companies are VUMI, Cigna Global, AXA, MSH International, GeoBlue, Allianz Care, IMG Global, April International, Now Health International, and BUPA Global. Tip: Keep shopping for health insurance simple by getting free quotes to compare multiple companies at once.

What is the best international travel medical insurance? ›

Based on our comprehensive review, the companies offering the best travel medical insurance are Faye, IMG, Travelex, AIG Travel Guard and Allianz. Travel medical insurance is a specialized type of coverage that helps pay for medical bills and emergency evacuations if you're hurt or become sick while traveling.

What are the top 5 health insurance companies? ›

The five largest health insurance companies are UnitedHealth Group, Anthem, Kaiser Permanente, Ambetter and Humana. Currently insured?

What is the most popular insurance company in the world? ›

World's largest insurance companies by net premiums written
RankingInsurance Company NameDomicile
1UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (1)United States
2Centene Corporation (1)United States
3Elevance Health, Inc.United States
4Kaiser Foundation Group of Health PlansUnited States
21 more rows

Who is number 1 in healthcare in the world? ›

The Best Healthcare Systems in the World in 2024

What country has the best healthcare, according to this assessment? Singapore comes in at No. 1! Other countries with the best healthcare are listed below.

What are the top 3 health insurances? ›

Best Health Insurance Companies for 2024
  • Best Overall: Blue Cross Blue Shield.
  • Highest Quality Plans: Kaiser Permanente.
  • Most Health Management Programs: Oscar.
  • Best for Same-Day Care: Aetna CVS Health.

What is the highest rated health insurance company? ›

Health insurance company ratings

Kaiser Permanente is the top-rated health insurance company in the U.S. Good insurance companies include Blue Cross Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare, Humana, Aetna and Cigna. The worst-rated health insurance companies are Oscar, Molina and Ambetter.

What is the best international travel insurance for seniors? ›

Compare Travel Insurance Companies for Seniors
CompanyBBB RatingRecommended Plan
Travelex GET QUOTEA+Travel Select
Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection GET QUOTEA+LuxuryCare®
Nationwide Travel Insurance GET QUOTEA+Luxury Cruise
Generali Global Assistance GET QUOTEA+Premium
5 more rows
Apr 16, 2024

How much is international health insurance per month? ›

How Much Does International Health Insurance Cost? International health insurance can cost you anywhere from $200 to $900 per month— with an average of $500. However, your international health insurance can vary depending on the following factors: International or local.

Who is the number 1 healthcare company in USA? ›

Largest healthcare companies by market cap
#NameC.
1UnitedHealth 1UNH🇺🇸
2Elevance Health 2ELV🇺🇸
3Cigna 3CI🇺🇸
4CVS Health 4CVS🇺🇸
57 more rows

Who is the best private health insurance? ›

  • Our Pick Of The Best Health Insurance Providers 2024.
  • Phoenix.
  • NIB.
  • HBF.
  • St Lukes.
  • Bupa.
  • LaTrobe.
  • GMHBA.
Sep 4, 2023

What health insurance is accepted in all 50 states? ›

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association is a national federation of independent, community-based and locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies. Healthcare coverage is one of the most important decisions you make. Choose the card that opens doors in all 50 states.

Is Allianz insurance legit? ›

Yes, Allianz is a reputable company. Allianz, the parent company of Allianz Global Assistance, has a history that spans more than 100 years.

What are the top health insurance companies in Europe? ›

The European insurance industry is dominated by a few large multinational companies, such as Allianz, AXA, Assicurazioni Generali, and Zurich Insurance Group, but there are also many smaller regional or niche insurers operating in the market.

Which insurance company has the highest customer satisfaction? ›

Home insurance customers expressed satisfaction with USAA at 96 percent, Amica Mutual at 90.4 percent, and Country Insurance at 90.2 percent. Life insurance companies ranked in customer satisfaction were American General at 83.2 percent, Jackson National at 80.6 percent and Allstate at 80.5 percent.

What is the best healthcare company in the world? ›

Showing 10 out of 23 companies. Johnson & Johnson, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Novartis AG, Bayer AG, and GSK plc are the top 5 healthcare companies in the world in 2021 by revenue.

How much does international health insurance cost per month? ›

International health insurance can cost from $200 to $900 per month, with an average of $500. However, the final cost of an international health insurance policy depends on many factors.

Which is the 3rd strongest insurance brand globally? ›

Top 10 Strongest Insurance Brands Globally, Check List Here
RankInsurerBrand Strength Index
1LIC88.3
2Cathay Life Insurance87.7
3NRMA Insurance87.0
4PZU86.2
6 more rows
Mar 27, 2024

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