Best Health Insurance Companies for Expats

Exciting as it is moving abroad, it can also be nerve-wracking. Finding accommodation, settling all the bureaucratic aspects, relocating all your belongings, and – arguably the most important – getting the best international health insurance plan.

If you are already researching health insurance companies, you likely know the importance of a solid insurance plan. Admittedly, purchasing a policy can be confusing, and it is going to take a lot of browsing, detailed reading, and comparing insurance policies before you decide on the right one.

International Health Insurance Companies

Here are some of the best international health insurance companies:

1. IMG.
2. AXA.
3. Cigna.
4. Generali Global Assistance.
5. Allianz Worldwide.
6. William Russell.
7. Bupa Global.
8. GeoBlue.
9. Expacare Global Healthcare.
10. A Plus International

IMG

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!

AXA

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

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!

Generali Global Assistance

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.

Allianz Worldwide

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

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 ex-pats who want to live and work everywhere in the world, except for the USA and Switzerland. Get a free quote now!

Bupa Global

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

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.

Expacare Global Healthcare

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

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

A Plus International Healthcare

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

A Plus offers four different worldwide insurance plans, Hospitalization, Global 80, Global 100, and 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.

Which Company Should You Choose?

Well, this is where it comes down to individual preference, nationality, and geographical location – aka, where you are moving to. Health insurance is not something to be taken lightly, because, in the gravest of cases, it may literally make the difference between life and death.

So, you must do your research, read reviews, carefully read each policy and get acquainted with the company’s claim procedures before making a decision.

Do These Companies Offer Customer Service?

Any good company will have a 24/7 helpline which you can call in case of an emergency. They also have established procedures on how you can make a claim if you need to – usually online. Make sure you learn how you can make a claim before you purchase the insurance plan by asking directly or reading brochures.

You will need proof you received medical attention or treatment, such as prescriptions, a hospital bill, pharmacy receipts, etc. so make sure you save them.

How to Get a Health Insurance Plan From The Best Companies?

You can get in touch with these companies and purchase international health insurance online:

• Through the website of the insurance company directly.
• Through health insurance comparison websites, such as Insubuy or International Insurance. These websites allow you to compare different insurance plans side by side and choose which one suits your needs best.

After purchasing health insurance, save the insurance certificate, any ID number, or insurance card you receive. Also, save the emergency phone numbers and email information in case you need to contact them.

 

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