Top International Health Insurance: What You Need to Know [2024]

Do you need international health insurance? Depending on the country you plan to visit, plus the level of coverage your regular health insurance offers, you might need extra coverage during your travels.

In many cases, your regular health insurance policy will not provide you with coverage while you are abroad. You may need to purchase a separate policy from a health insurance company in the country you plan to visit or elsewhere.

Read on to learn more about international health insurance, including the average costs for global health plans. Finding the best health insurance for your needs can be a daunting task, but it’s crucial for safeguarding your future well-being. If you would like to see the cheapest health insurance rates for top companies in your area right now, enter your ZIP code into our free quote tool above.

How does international health insurance work?

International health insurance works much like your regular health insurance, with a few caveats.

Like regular health insurance, you can cover yourself and a limited number of family members with an international health insurance plan. However, you can likely only add children under a certain age (usually 16) to your policy free of charge.

Also, depending on the country you plan to visit, the type of health issue you have while abroad, and the type of insurance you purchase, you can have limited or comprehensive coverage.

Additionally, your short-term international health insurance plan might serve as your primary form of insurance if your regular health insurance is out-of-network. Long-term international health insurance will likely be your primary insurance source regardless.

All international insurance plans should have medical evacuation coverage. You may need medivac insurance if you stay in a remote area or an area without adequate medical services. That insurance can save you money should you need a medivac, which may cost more than $100,000.

Keep in mind that you will likely be responsible for out-of-pocket costs regardless of the level of coverage you have. Many countries require you to pay cash upfront to use some medical services. That can include COVID-19 tests you are required to take upon your arrival and before departure.

And if your regular health insurance company does cover you abroad, you may still have to pay cash for service in some countries. Since that service is considered out-of-network, extra charges apply.

Read more: What does health insurance cover?

How can you buy international health insurance?

Depending on your regular health insurance company, some of your basic coverage might carry over to the country you are visiting. Some insurance companies act as brokers for global health insurance companies. A few others may have a network that extends into partner countries.

Alternatively, you can purchase travel health insurance through your travel insurance company (read our “What does travel insurance cover?” for more information). However, you might want to consider purchasing a complete package that includes trip cancellation, trip interruption, and medical evacuation insurance coverage.

(Trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage may help you if you or someone traveling with you experiences a medical issue before or during the trip.)

Other than that, you can find affordable international health insurance through the following methods:

• Supplemental or complete coverage from an international health insurance company or large domestic company
• Extended coverage from your credit card company
• Extra coverage from a Medicare Advantage or Medigap partner

Keep in mind that Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not offer international medical coverage. Also, Medigap Plans C, D, F, G, M, and N will cover up to 80% of your foreign emergency medical travel expenses.

How much does international health insurance generally cost?

Your international health insurance rates might total about 10% of your travel expenses. Of course, the cost of insurance depends on several factors, like pre-existing conditions and your age.

According to Consumer Reports, if you are a 35-year-old traveler who wants to purchase a $1 million health insurance plan with a $0 deductible, that might cost you $15 per week.

You may pay around $200 to $600 per week as a senior with a similar insurance plan. However, the added costs might come from any pre-existing conditions you have, plus add-ons like cancellation coverage.

Additionally, your rates may vary based on the length of your trip and the company you choose. Next, we will look at some of the best international health insurance companies. We include the costs of most of the plans we listed.

Which companies offer the best international health insurance?

Here are the top international health insurance companies:

Top 10 International Health Insurance Plans

From this group, the comprehensive plans from Cigna, GeoBlue, and April International stand out.

• April International’s MyHealth Premium plan offers the highest specific dollar amount for lifetime coverage ($6 million).
• Cigna and GeoBlue’s top plans have unlimited lifetime coverage.
• April International and GeoBlue’s plans offer ex-pat health insurance coverage.

All these travel medical insurance plans provide some coverage for COVID-19 treatment, but Cigna and GeoBlue expressly offer COVID-19 testing, as well.

Besides these three, the other companies offer temporary health insurance, plus 364-day health insurance plans.

International Health Insurance: Some Tips for Traveling Abroad

Before you go on your trip, there are a few things you need to do on the medical front.

Do Some Research

First, do some research about the country you plan to visit to help gauge how much your out-of-pocket expenses for international healthcare might be. Find out how much medical coverage the nation offers to visitors and if it is a location without modern medical services.

Inquire About Your Coverage

Second, find out whether your regular health insurance company offers coverage for international travel, or you need to purchase additional coverage before you travel.

• Ask your international health insurance company about exclusions for injuries caused by terrorist attacks, acts of war, natural disasters, high-risk activities like ziplining, and pre-existing conditions.
• Ask your international health insurance company if it requires preauthorization for various medical services.
• Inquire about deductibles, copays, coverage limits, and out-of-network policies.

Also, make sure to buy an international health insurance policy that will cover you for the duration of your stay.

• If you are only staying for a month, for example, you need a short-term, affordable international health insurance policy.
• A year-long stay or multiple trips per year will require a plan the lasts that long and gives you the option to renew every 364 days.
• If you are staying abroad indefinitely, you may need ex-pat health insurance.

Additionally, many of the plans we mentioned here offer other benefits, like dental, vision, and maternity care. In most cases, you will need to add that coverage if you need it.

Of course, get some international health insurance quotes along the way.

Take Extra Precautions

Besides buying insurance, make sure that you take extra precautions if you have special medical conditions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that you carry enough prescribed medicines to last for your trip and wear a MedicAlert bracelet if you need it.

We hope that this information about international health insurance has helped you prepare for your trip. If you need to see rates from top health insurance companies near you, enter your ZIP code into our free quote tool below.

Case Studies: Top International Health Insurance: What You Need To Know

Case Study 1: GlobalCare Insurance – Expeditious Medical Evacuation in an Emergency

Mr. and Mrs. Anderson, a retired couple from the United States, were on a dream vacation in Southeast Asia when Mr. Anderson suddenly experienced severe chest pain and difficulty breathing. Concerned about his health, they contacted GlobalCare Insurance, a renowned international health insurance provider.

The insurance company promptly coordinated with a local medical team and arranged an emergency medical evacuation to a state-of-the-art hospital in Singapore. Thanks to the swift response and comprehensive coverage offered by GlobalCare Insurance, Mr. Anderson received the necessary medical attention, and the expenses were fully covered.

Case Study 2: MediGuard International – Seamless Repatriation Services

A young professional, Sarah, working in France, encountered a serious accident that resulted in multiple fractures and required extensive medical treatment. As her condition stabilized, Sarah wished to return to her home country, Australia, to be closer to her family during the recovery period.

Fortunately, she was insured with MediGuard International, a leading international health insurance provider. The company assisted her with the repatriation process, including organizing medical escorts and necessary paperwork. Thanks to the outstanding services of MediGuard International, Sarah safely returned home to continue her recuperation in familiar surroundings.

Case Study 3: WorldHealth Plus – Exceptional Coverage for Complex Treatments

John, a British expatriate living in South America, was diagnosed with a rare neurological disorder that necessitated specialized treatment. The local healthcare facilities were not adequately equipped to handle his condition. John’s concern grew until he discovered that his international health insurance plan with WorldHealth Plus covered access to renowned medical institutions worldwide.

With the assistance of the insurance company, he was able to travel to a top-tier hospital in Europe, where he received the advanced treatment he needed. WorldHealth Plus’ comprehensive coverage and support proved to be a lifeline for John during this challenging time.

Case Study 4: GlobalAssure Elite – Personalized Customer Service

While on a business trip to Africa, Mark, a Canadian entrepreneur, fell ill and required hospitalization. Feeling overwhelmed in an unfamiliar environment, he contacted GlobalAssure Elite, a well-established international health insurance provider.

The company’s dedicated customer service team quickly reassured Mark and arranged for a local liaison to assist with language translation and hospital communication. Throughout his hospitalization and recovery, GlobalAssure Elite’s personalized support gave Mark and his family peace of mind, knowing they had a reliable ally in navigating the complexities of healthcare abroad.

Case Study 5: SafeHarbor Health Solutions – Comprehensive Mental Health Coverage

Maria, an American student studying in Asia, experienced increasing levels of stress and anxiety due to academic pressures and cultural adjustments. Recognizing the importance of mental well-being, she had chosen SafeHarbor Health Solutions as her international health insurance provider.

SafeHarbor not only covered traditional medical needs but also offered comprehensive mental health coverage. Maria sought professional counseling through the insurance plan’s network of mental health specialists, helping her navigate her challenges and improve her overall well-being during her time overseas.