10 Best International Health Insurance Companies

Confused by the dozens of international health insurance providers all claiming to be “the best choice for expats”?

I completely understand your frustration.

After 15+ years as a senior travel planner helping clients navigate this complex industry, I’ve personally worked with virtually every major international health insurance company on the market.

This guide cuts through the marketing noise to give you honest assessments of the 10 companies that consistently deliver quality coverage and reliable service for global travelers, expats, and digital nomads.

Why International Health Insurance Matters More Than Ever

Your domestic health insurance likely provides little to no coverage outside your home country.

Even travel insurance designed for short trips won’t cut it if you’re living abroad for months or years.

International health insurance bridges this gap by providing comprehensive medical coverage wherever you are in the world.

The companies on this list have proven track records serving expatriates, remote workers, and global citizens who need reliable healthcare access regardless of their location.

💡 Personal Note: I learned this lesson the hard way in 2019 when a client’s “comprehensive” domestic policy refused to cover a $45,000 emergency surgery in Bangkok. That experience taught me why proper international coverage isn’t optional – it’s essential for anyone spending significant time abroad.

Key Factors in Our Rankings

We evaluated these companies based on financial stability, global network reach, coverage comprehensiveness, claims processing efficiency, and real customer experiences.

Each provider offers unique strengths for different types of international travelers.

Our rankings consider both individual and family coverage options, with special attention to companies serving digital nomads and long-term expats.

Financial ratings from AM Best, customer satisfaction scores, and claims payment ratios all factor into these assessments.

1. Cigna Global

Cigna Global leads our rankings with over 60 years of international insurance experience and coverage in more than 200 countries.

Their worldwide network includes 1.5 million healthcare providers, making them the largest global health insurance network.

They offer three core plans (Silver, Gold, Platinum) with modular add-ons, allowing you to customize coverage without paying for unnecessary benefits.

Customer support operates 24/7 in over 50 languages, addressing the real needs of global travelers.

Financial backing is exceptional with consistent A ratings from major rating agencies.

Best For: Expats seeking comprehensive coverage with maximum flexibility and global network access.

2. AXA Global Healthcare

AXA Global Healthcare earns the second spot with an impressive track record of paying over 80% of claims within 48 hours.

Based in France with operations worldwide, they provide five coverage tiers from Foundation (budget-friendly) to Prestige Plus (comprehensive).

Their medical network spans nearly 150 countries with 1.4 million facilities worldwide.

The company’s financial strength ratings remain consistently high across all major rating agencies.

Direct billing arrangements eliminate the need for upfront payments at most network facilities.

Best For: Travelers who prioritize fast claims processing and extensive direct billing networks.

3. IMG Global (International Medical Group)

IMG Global has provided international medical insurance for over 20 years, serving customers in more than 170 countries.

They offer the broadest range of products among international health insurers, from basic travel medical to comprehensive expat coverage.

Their Global Medical plan provides excellent value with customizable deductibles and coverage limits.

IMG consistently receives high customer satisfaction ratings, particularly for their responsive customer service.

The company’s financial stability is backed by strong AM Best ratings and decades of claims-paying history.

Best For: Digital nomads and budget-conscious travelers who want reliable coverage with flexible terms.

❌ Avoid: IMG if you need extensive adventure sports coverage or are over 74 years old, as their age limits are more restrictive than some competitors.

4. GeoBlue

GeoBlue specializes in serving U.S. citizens living and working abroad with two primary plans: Xplorer Essential and Xplorer Premier.

Their standout feature is unlimited medical benefits worldwide, making them ideal for travelers with chronic conditions or high medical needs.

U.S. citizens get up to 9 months of coverage in the USA annually with their Premier plan.

The company boasts one of the largest direct billing networks globally, reducing out-of-pocket expenses.

GeoBlue offers excellent pre-existing condition coverage options for qualified applicants.

Best For: U.S. citizens abroad who need unlimited medical coverage and frequent home country visits.

Plan Features Comparison

5. WorldTrips

WorldTrips has been pioneering digital-first international insurance since 1998, serving customers in over 130 countries.

Their Atlas Journey plans offer comprehensive trip protection, while Atlas Travel plans focus on medical coverage for international travelers.

The company provides some of the highest medical evacuation limits in the industry – up to $1 million.

Backed by Tokio Marine HCC with A++ financial strength ratings, providing exceptional claim-paying ability.

Competitive pricing makes them particularly attractive to younger travelers and digital nomads.

Best For: Tech-savvy travelers who prefer digital-first interactions and need high medical evacuation coverage.

6. Allianz Care

Allianz Care brings over 130 years of insurance experience to the international health market.

They operate across Europe, Middle East, Australia, Asia, Americas, and Africa with 1.3 million providers.

Three main plans (Essential, Classic, Premier) cater to different budget levels and coverage needs.

Optional add-ons include maternity, dental, and specialized treatment coverage.

Strong financial ratings and global brand recognition provide confidence in long-term stability.

Best For: Traditional expats who prefer established insurance brands with comprehensive global presence.

7. Bupa Global

Bupa Global has specialized in international health insurance for over 65 years.

Their Ultimate Health Plan is considered among the most extensive in the market, perfect for high-net-worth individuals.

Coverage includes the UK and select European countries with B++ AM Best rating.

Multilingual advisers and health experts provide personalized service exceeding typical industry standards.

Partnership with GeoBlue extends coverage options for U.S. citizens.

Best For: High-net-worth individuals seeking premium coverage with personalized service in Europe and UK.

✅ Pro Tip: Bupa Global’s Ultimate plan includes coverage for experimental treatments and alternative medicine that most competitors exclude. If you have specific health conditions requiring cutting-edge treatments, their premium pricing often justifies the comprehensive coverage.

8. Travelex

Travelex earned recognition as “Best Overall Travel Insurance Provider” by U.S. News, though their international health offerings are more limited.

Their Ultimate plan provides solid medical coverage with no deductibles and primary coverage internationally.

Children 17 and under receive free coverage on select plans, making them family-friendly.

Berkshire Hathaway underwriting provides exceptional financial stability and claim-paying ability.

However, they only offer single-trip policies rather than annual international health plans.

Best For: Families taking extended international trips who need reliable medical coverage for 6-12 months.

9. SafetyWing

SafetyWing represents the new generation of insurance companies built specifically for digital nomads and remote workers.

Their Remote Health plan covers you in your home country and worldwide, addressing the unique needs of location-independent workers.

Pricing starts at just $206 per month for ages 18-39, making it highly competitive.

The company operates with a fully remote team, understanding firsthand the challenges nomads face.

Currently available only for remote business owners, but individual plans are launching soon.

Best For: Digital nomads and remote workers who need flexible, affordable coverage that follows them everywhere.

ℹ️ Fun Fact: SafetyWing was founded by a team of digital nomads who got frustrated with traditional insurance that didn’t understand the remote work lifestyle. Their entire company operates without a physical headquarters, with team members distributed across six continents.

10. Trawick International

Trawick International rounds out our list as a budget-friendly option that’s been serving international travelers for over 25 years.

Their plans typically cost 20-30% less than major competitors while maintaining solid coverage levels.

Nine different plan options provide flexibility for various traveler types and budgets.

Financial backing through Nationwide Mutual (A+ rating) and Starr Indemnity (A rating) ensures claims can be paid.

However, customer service issues and slow claims processing (3-6+ months) are significant drawbacks.

Best For: Budget-conscious travelers willing to accept potentially slow customer service for significant cost savings.

Pricing Breakdown by Traveler Type

Exclusions and Limitations to Watch

All international health insurance plans exclude pre-existing conditions unless specifically covered through waiting periods or underwriting.

Most plans don’t cover routine care in your home country if you’re classified as a tourist rather than resident.

Adventure sports often require additional coverage or separate policies.

Maternity coverage typically requires 12+ month waiting periods and may be excluded entirely on basic plans.

Mental health coverage varies significantly between providers and plan levels.

Coverage Essentials Checklist

When comparing plans, ensure you have adequate coverage for:

Emergency medical treatment with at least $100,000 limits for basic coverage, $500,000+ for comprehensive.

Medical evacuation and repatriation with minimum $250,000 coverage, preferably $1 million.

Prescription medications with clear formulary guidelines and coverage percentages.

Preventive care if you need routine checkups and screenings.

Dental and vision coverage as add-ons if important to your health maintenance.

Regional Considerations

Europe: AXA Global and Bupa Global offer strongest provider networks and local expertise.

Asia-Pacific: Cigna Global and IMG Global provide extensive coverage with established networks.

Americas: GeoBlue excels for U.S. citizens, while Allianz Care serves other nationalities well.

Africa/Middle East: Cigna Global and Allianz Care offer the most comprehensive coverage options.

Worldwide Digital Nomads: SafetyWing and WorldTrips understand location-independent lifestyle needs.

Alternatives to Consider

If none of these options fit perfectly, consider Now Health International for comprehensive European coverage.

William Russell provides solid coverage for expats in Asia and the Middle East.

Pacific Prime serves as a broker offering multiple carrier options for complex needs.

April International specializes in student and short-term coverage with competitive pricing.

Making Your Final Decision

Choose based on your specific situation rather than rankings alone.

Consider your primary residence location, travel patterns, health history, and budget constraints.

Factor in customer service quality if you anticipate needing support during claims.

Evaluate network coverage in countries where you’ll spend the most time.

Don’t automatically choose the cheapest option – claims processing delays can cost far more than premium savings.

Always review the full policy wording carefully before purchasing. Safe travels!

Ready to compare policies? You can check out current rates and coverage options here.