International Health Insurance – Worldwide Coverage for Expats

After you get treated at the medical center abroad, you must collect a set of documents so you can make an insurance claim. This includes the bills and receipts from the hospital, prescription notes (including your info, your doctor’s name, the pharmacy details, etc.), the medical procedures you undertook, and any other information required by your insurance provider.

Please save a copy of every document if you need to re-send them to your insurance provider. If you’re not sure what documents your insurance company needs, contact your provider since they offer a 24/7 help hotline and will be able to assist you.

Your international insurance provider can cover your medical costs abroad in two ways:

• Direct Billing: If the hospital is within your insurer’s network, the provider pays the medical bills directly. You’ll only need to present your insurance card and complete a claim form.
• Reimbursement: If direct billing is unavailable, you pay upfront and file a claim with your provider. Ensure you save all receipts and medical documents, as these are required for reimbursement, which typically covers up to 80% of eligible expenses.

IMG is a health insurance company, focusing on international and travel health insurance for individuals, families, and companies.

Their three most popular plans include Global Medical Insurance, Global Mission Medical Insurance, and Global Crew Medical Insurance. Get a free quote now!

Headquartered in France, AXA is one of the leading life and health insurance companies, with operating bases around the world. It offers five different international insurance policies: Foundation, Standard, Comprehensive, Prestige, and Prestige Plus.

Cigna is one of the earliest insurance companies, dating back to 1792.

They offer different levels of coverage for individual health insurance: Silver, Gold, and Platinum. They also offer group health insurance as well as other insurance services across Europe, Asia, and North America. Get a free quote now!

Founded as far back as 1831, the Generali Group is part of Europ Assistance, and aimed mostly at health insurance for businesses with globally mobile employees and employee groups.

There are three different “core plans”, Select, Classic and Premier, and three additional outpatient options. Compliant worldwide, including North America.

Another capable, experienced, and well-known insurance company, Allianz offers three different coverage plans, Essential, Classic and Premier, with optional add-ons, such as maternity and dental coverage.

They operate worldwide and are based across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, the Americas and Africa.

William Russell is a modern health insurance provider, who entered the market as late as 1992. Today it is a part of the much larger Allianz Group. They offer health insurance plans for expats who want to live and work everywhere in the world, except for the USA and Switzerland. Get a free quote now!

Bupa is a health insurance provider headquartered in the UK, with other bases of operation across Australia, EU countries, as well as Latin America, the Middle East and Asia.

Its partner GeoBlue offers health insurance coverage for US citizens travelling abroad or anyone moving to the US.

GeoBlue insurance offers international medical insurance plans for US. employers sending their employees on assignment abroad as well as to individual travellers.

There are five different types of plans to choose from, with different levels of coverage. GeoBlue Xplorer is one of the most popular plans.

This company has more than 35 years of experience and offers policies underwritten by insurers within Lloyd’s of London.

Mostly suited for expats who intend to live in one of the EU States. Their policies are personalized for individuals and families, international students, and groups and companies.

A Plus International is an Asian company partnered with AXA to provide international medical coverage.

A Plus offers four different worldwide insurance plans, Hospitalisation, Global 80, Global 100, Global 100 Plus, as well as the option to include add-ons. Its Southeast Asia Plans are exclusively for residents of Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.

Here is a side-by-side comparison of what is usually covered by travel insurance and international health insurance:

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. International plans cost more simply because they have a wider range of coverage – both in terms of geographical scope as well as covered items – than local plans.
• Your age. Most companies have different prices for different age ranges. The prices increase along with the client’s age, and many companies stop offering coverage after a certain point (usually 75-85 years).
• The amount of coverage. If you purchase a plan with a $500,000 maximum, it will cost less than a plan with a $2,000,000 maximum. This is the amount you will be covered for on a yearly basis or per claim, depending on the policy.
• Covered items. If you subscribe to a basic plan, with just medical treatment, hospitalization, emergency services, etc. it will be less expensive than adding coverage for the “optional” items, such as maternity, dental, or mental health.
• The people included in the plan. Naturally, you would pay less for an individual medical insurance plan than for a plan which also covers your family members.

The reimbursement percentage varies by plan. Most providers reimburse 80% to 100% of eligible claims, depending on your policy’s terms and the type of expense.

To file a claim:

1. Collect all receipts and medical records from your healthcare provider.
2. Complete your insurer’s claim form.
3. Submit the documents via the insurer’s portal or email. Claims are typically processed within 14–30 days.

Claim processing times vary:

• Direct Billing: Immediate payment at provider networks.
• Reimbursement Claims: Typically processed within 14–30 days, provided all necessary documentation is submitted.

• International Health Insurance: Designed for long-term stays abroad, covering routine care, chronic conditions, and non-emergency treatments.
• Travel Insurance: Focuses on short-term trips, covering emergencies like illness, injuries, trip cancellations, or lost luggage. For example, travel insurance is ideal for a two-week vacation, while international health insurance is better for a year-long work assignment.

Many plans cover pre-existing conditions after a waiting period of 12–24 months. However, premium plans may offer immediate coverage for certain conditions.

Yes, in some cases. Universal healthcare in many countries may only be available to citizens or residents. As an expat, you might not be eligible or may only receive limited benefits. International health insurance ensures comprehensive coverage, including private healthcare options.

In some countries, such as the United States, health insurance premiums can be deducted from taxes if they exceed a specific percentage of your income. Consult a tax professional in your home country for guidance.

International health insurance operates on a “use-it-or-lose-it” basis. If you don’t use it, you won’t receive a refund, but you’ll have the peace of mind of being protected.

• Deductible: The amount you pay before insurance covers your expenses.
• Co-pay: A fixed fee you pay for services (e.g., $20 for a doctor visit), with insurance covering the rest.

Yes, vaccinations are often covered under comprehensive plans. Check with your insurer for specific coverage details, especially for travel-related immunizations like yellow fever or hepatitis.

Yes, many comprehensive plans include mental health coverage, such as therapy, counseling, and psychiatric treatment. However, this may be an optional add-on for some insurers.

Many plans allow you to add dependents (spouse, children) for an additional premium. Family plans often include discounts compared to individual policies.

If your claim is denied:

1. Request a detailed explanation from the insurer.
2. Verify the claim was submitted correctly with all required documents.
3. Appeal the decision if you believe it was unfair. Most insurers have an appeals process.