Find the Right Insurance Before Living Abroad
Compare insurance options for U.S. citizens living overseas, including international health insurance, travel medical coverage, emergency evacuation, and long-term expat healthcare.
This guide provides educational information only. We are not an insurance broker, insurance agent, or financial advisor, and this is not a substitute for reviewing official insurance policy documents.
Step 1
Find Your Profile
Select the profile that best describes you to see which insurance categories are typically worth investigating first.
Step 2
Insurance Types Explained
Understand the difference between each category before comparing providers.
International Health Insurance
Best for
People living abroad long-term, typically one year or longer.
Common coverage may include
- Hospitalization
- Doctor and specialist visits
- Surgery
- Diagnostic testing
- Prescription medication
- Cancer treatment
- Emergency treatment
- Medical evacuation
- Repatriation
- Preventive care (depending on plan)
- Maternity coverage (depending on plan)
- Mental health coverage (depending on plan)
International health insurance is generally designed more like comprehensive health insurance and may cover both routine and emergency healthcare.
Important comparison questions
- Does the plan cover the United States?
- Can I choose 'Worldwide excluding USA' coverage?
- Is outpatient care included?
- Are prescriptions included?
- Are pre-existing conditions covered?
- Is direct billing available with hospitals?
- Are routine doctor visits covered?
- Is maternity coverage included?
- What are the annual limits and deductibles?
Travel Medical Insurance
Best for
People temporarily outside their home country, including extended travelers and nomads who need emergency-focused coverage.
Common coverage may include
- Emergency medical treatment
- Hospitalization
- Emergency surgery
- Emergency transportation
- Emergency medical evacuation
- Repatriation
- Some urgent care services
Travel medical insurance may not provide the same level of routine and preventive healthcare as a comprehensive international health insurance policy.
Travel medical insurance and long-term health insurance are not the same product. Carefully review whether routine doctor visits, preventive care, chronic conditions, prescriptions, and long-term treatment are covered.
Travel Insurance
Best for
Protecting the financial cost of a trip.
Common coverage may include
- Trip cancellation
- Trip interruption
- Lost luggage
- Delayed baggage
- Travel delays
- Missed connections
- Emergency assistance
Travel insurance is primarily designed to protect the financial investment in a trip and may include limited medical coverage depending on the policy.
Travel Insurance = Protects the Trip
Travel Medical Insurance = Protects You During Medical Emergencies
International Health Insurance = Supports Ongoing Healthcare While Living Abroad
Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
Best for
Anyone who may need transport to adequate care when local treatment is unavailable.
Common coverage may include
- Transportation to another hospital
- Air ambulance services
- Medical evacuation
- Repatriation to the home country
- Return of mortal remains
Medical evacuation coverage can pay for transportation when adequate medical treatment is not available locally.
Important comparison questions
- Maximum evacuation limits
- Who determines whether evacuation is medically necessary
- Whether evacuation is to the nearest appropriate facility or your preferred country
- Whether political or security evacuation is included
Step 3
Featured Insurance Providers
A starting point for research — not a recommendation. Always verify details on the insurer's official website.
Cigna Healthcare Global
International Health InsuranceCigna Global offers international health insurance options designed for individuals and families living abroad.
Key features to research
- International health coverage
- Worldwide coverage options
- Worldwide excluding USA options
- Multiple plan levels
- Optional benefits and add-ons
- Coverage for individuals and families
- Options suitable for retirees and long-term expats
Pros
- • Designed specifically for international living
- • Flexible coverage options
- • Multiple levels of protection
- • Ability to customize certain benefits
Considerations
- • Premiums can vary significantly based on age, destination, benefits, and medical history
- • Carefully compare coverage involving the United States
- • Pre-existing conditions and underwriting should be reviewed carefully
Best suited for
GeoBlue
International Health InsuranceGeoBlue offers international health insurance options designed for globally mobile individuals, including certain U.S. citizens and residents living abroad.
The GeoBlue Xplorer plan family is an example of long-term international coverage options.
Key features to research
- Long-term international health insurance
- Comprehensive medical coverage
- International provider access
- Telemedicine services
- Optional coverage features
- U.S. coverage options depending on the selected plan
Pros
- • Designed with globally mobile Americans in mind
- • Comprehensive plan options
- • International healthcare access
- • Different options for U.S. coverage
Considerations
- • Eligibility requirements should be reviewed
- • Medical underwriting may apply
- • U.S. coverage options can significantly affect cost and benefits
- • Carefully review policy documents before purchasing
Best suited for
Allianz Care
International and Expat Health InsuranceAllianz Care provides international health insurance solutions for people working, studying, traveling, and living abroad.
Key features to research
- Annual international health insurance
- Short-term international health insurance
- Hospitalization
- Doctor visits
- Diagnostic testing
- Prescription drugs
- Surgery
- Emergency evacuation
- Repatriation
- Optional outpatient coverage
- Optional dental coverage
- Geographic coverage areas
Pros
- • Long-term and short-term international options
- • Different geographic coverage areas
- • Optional benefits
- • Comprehensive medical-focused plans
Considerations
- • Coverage levels vary significantly by plan
- • Outpatient coverage may be optional depending on the plan
- • Premiums depend on destination, age, coverage area, and medical history
- • Compare 'Worldwide' versus 'Worldwide excluding USA' pricing
Best suited for
IMG – International Medical Group
Travel Medical and International Health InsuranceInternational Medical Group offers travel medical insurance, international health insurance, and other coverage options for internationally mobile individuals.
Understand the difference between IMG's short-term travel medical products and its longer-term international health insurance products.
Key features to research
- Patriot Travel Medical Insurance
- Patriot Platinum
- Global Medical plans
- International health insurance plans
Pros
- • Multiple insurance categories
- • Short-term and longer-term options
- • Flexible deductible and coverage-limit choices on certain plans
- • International-focused products
Considerations
- • Carefully identify whether you are buying travel medical insurance or comprehensive international health insurance
- • Benefit limits and exclusions can vary significantly
- • Some products are temporary and may not replace comprehensive long-term health insurance
Best suited for
Step 4
Interactive Insurance Comparison Tool
Select your situation to receive educational guidance on which insurance types and providers may be worth comparing. This does not recommend a specific insurer.
Length of Time Abroad
Primary Lifestyle
Geographic Coverage
Coverage Priorities (select multiple)
Comparison Chart
Compare International Insurance Providers
Compare major international insurance providers and identify which types of coverage may be appropriate for your lifestyle abroad. Benefits, eligibility, pricing, exclusions, and availability vary by policy and applicant. Always review the official policy documents before purchasing.
Filter by Length Abroad
Filter by Lifestyle
| Comparison Category | Cigna Global | GeoBlue | Allianz Care | IMG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Insurance Focus | International health insurance | Intl. health insurance for globally mobile individuals | International and expat health insurance | Travel medical and international health insurance |
| Best for Long-Term Expats | ||||
| Best for Digital Nomads | Depends on eligibility and plan | |||
| Best for Retirees Abroad | Depends on eligibility and plan | Depends on plan | ||
| Best for Families | ||||
| Short-Term International Options | Check available plans | Check available plans | ||
| Long-Term International Health Plans | ||||
| Emergency Medical Coverage | Included depending on plan | Included depending on plan | Included depending on plan | Included depending on plan |
| Hospitalization | Included depending on plan | Included depending on plan | Included depending on plan | Included depending on plan |
| Routine Doctor Visits | Optional or depends on plan | Optional or depends on plan | ||
| Prescription Coverage | Included or depends on plan | |||
| Cancer Treatment | Included depending on plan | Included depending on plan | ||
| Mental Health Coverage | Available depending on plan | |||
| Medical Evacuation | Included depending on plan | Included depending on plan | Available depending on plan | |
| Repatriation | Included depending on plan | Included depending on plan | Available depending on plan | |
| Outpatient Coverage | Optional depending on plan | Optional plan available | ||
| Dental Coverage | Optional depending on plan | Optional plan available | ||
| Telehealth Services | Available | Available depending on plan | Available | Available depending on plan |
| Worldwide Coverage Options | Yes, depending on plan | |||
| Worldwide Excluding USA Options | ||||
| Coverage Including USA | Available depending on selected coverage area | Available on certain plans | Depends on selected plan | |
| Individual Coverage | ||||
| Family Coverage | ||||
| Annual Renewable Coverage | Available on international health plans | |||
| Travel Medical Products | Not the primary focus | Travel-related options available | Separate products available | |
| Comprehensive International Health Products | ||||
| Plan Customization | High | High | High depending on product | |
| Official Website | Visit | Visit | Visit | Visit |
On mobile, swipe horizontally to scroll through the chart.
Important: Coverage varies by specific policy, applicant age, residence, nationality, destination, medical history, underwriting, plan level, deductible, and optional benefits. "Included," "Optional," and "Depends on Plan" do not guarantee coverage. Always review the official policy documents, benefit schedules, exclusions, eligibility requirements, and terms before purchasing insurance.
Provider Details
Provider Detail Cards
Expand each provider to review strengths, characteristics, and what to check before purchasing.
Type Comparison
Insurance Type Comparison Chart
Understand how travel insurance, travel medical insurance, and international health insurance differ in purpose and coverage.
| Feature | Travel Insurance | Travel Medical Insurance | International Health Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | Protect the financial cost of a trip | Cover unexpected medical emergencies while traveling | Provide ongoing healthcare while living abroad |
| Trip Cancellation | Often included | Usually limited or not primary focus | Usually not included |
| Lost Luggage | Often included | Usually not primary focus | Not primary focus |
| Emergency Medical Care | Limited or depends on plan | Primary purpose | Included depending on plan |
| Hospitalization | Depends on plan | Usually emergency-focused | Comprehensive depending on plan |
| Routine Doctor Visits | Usually limited | Usually limited | Often available depending on plan |
| Preventive Care | Usually not included | Usually not included | May be available depending on plan |
| Prescription Medication | Limited | Emergency-related depending on plan | May be included depending on plan |
| Long-Term Living Abroad | Usually not ideal | Usually limited | Primary purpose |
| Annual Renewable Coverage | Usually no | Depends on plan | Often yes |
| Medical Evacuation | May be included | Often included | Often included |
| Best For | Short trips | Temporary international travel | Expats and long-term residents |
Important: Coverage varies by specific policy, applicant age, residence, nationality, destination, medical history, underwriting, plan level, deductible, and optional benefits. "Included," "Optional," and "Depends on Plan" do not guarantee coverage. Always review the official policy documents, benefit schedules, exclusions, eligibility requirements, and terms before purchasing insurance.
Optional Tool
Provider Comparison Scoring Tool
Rate how important each factor is to you from 1 (low) to 5 (high). We will not tell you which insurer is 'best' — instead, we highlight the features you may want to compare more closely.
Important Guide
U.S. Health Insurance While Living Abroad
U.S. citizens should not automatically assume their existing domestic health insurance provides comprehensive coverage while living overseas.
Check Your Current Policy
Contact your current insurer and ask:
- Does my current plan cover healthcare outside the United States?
- Is overseas coverage emergency-only?
- Does coverage continue if I no longer live in the United States?
- Do I need to maintain a U.S. residence?
- Does my employer plan have international benefits?
- What happens if I live outside the U.S. for more than six months?
Never cancel an existing insurance policy until you understand the consequences and eligibility requirements for future coverage.
Consult the official insurer and qualified insurance professionals before making changes.
For Retirees
Medicare and Retirees Living Abroad
U.S. retirees should review how Medicare works outside the United States before relying on it overseas.
What to know
- Medicare rules and overseas coverage should be reviewed carefully.
- Medicare generally has limited coverage outside the United States, subject to specific circumstances and exceptions.
- Retirees should investigate how living abroad may affect their healthcare strategy.
- International health insurance may be considered as a separate solution for healthcare outside the United States.
Retiree checklist
- Do I plan to return to the U.S. regularly?
- Do I want access to U.S. healthcare?
- Do I have a local healthcare option in my new country?
- Can I use local public healthcare?
- Do I need private hospitals?
- Can I afford a high deductible?
- Do I have chronic healthcare needs?
- Are my prescriptions available in my destination country?
Critical Topic
Pre-Existing Conditions
Pre-existing conditions can be handled differently depending on the insurer and policy. Investigate before purchasing.
What to investigate
- Medical underwriting
- Moratorium underwriting
- Waiting periods
- Exclusions
- Coverage limitations
- Premium increases
- Whether existing conditions are covered
- Whether acute flare-ups are covered
- Prescription coverage
Never assume a medical condition is covered
Never assume a medical condition is covered until you receive confirmation through the official policy documents or insurer.
Step-by-Step
How to Compare Insurance Quotes
A structured approach to comparing policies before you buy.
- 1
Step 1: Determine How Long You Will Live Abroad
Temporary travelers may need a different product than someone relocating permanently.
- 2
Step 2: Decide Whether You Need U.S. Coverage
Coverage including the United States can significantly change pricing and plan design.
- 3
Step 3: Estimate Your Healthcare Needs
Consider age, family size, existing medical needs, prescription medication, specialist care, pregnancy plans, mental healthcare, and dental and vision needs.
- 4
Step 4: Compare Deductibles
A lower premium may come with a higher deductible or greater out-of-pocket responsibility.
- 5
Step 5: Compare Maximum Coverage Limits
Check whether the plan has annual limits, lifetime limits, per-condition limits, or per-incident limits.
- 6
Step 6: Review the Provider Network
Ask: Can I visit any doctor? Is direct billing available? Must I pay first and request reimbursement? Are private hospitals included?
- 7
Step 7: Read the Exclusions
Exclusions can be as important as benefits. Review them carefully before purchasing.
Interactive Checklist
Questions to Ask Before Buying
Use this checklist when speaking with insurers. Tap each question to mark it off.
Progress
0 / 20Stay Safe
Insurance Red Flags for Expats
Watch for these warning signs when shopping for international insurance.
Red flags
- Purchasing insurance based only on price
- Assuming travel insurance equals health insurance
- Not reading exclusions
- Assuming pre-existing conditions are covered
- Not checking whether coverage includes the country where you actually live
- Assuming U.S. health insurance continues after moving abroad
- Buying from unverified insurance websites
- Paying for insurance through unsolicited messages or unknown agents
- Not checking the insurer's official website and policy documents
Always start with the insurer's official website and verify the policy documents before submitting payment or personal medical information.
Final Checklist
Before You Buy International Insurance
- Confirm the policy is designed for your length of time abroad.
- Confirm the countries where you will be living and traveling are covered.
- Compare emergency-only coverage versus comprehensive healthcare.
- Review pre-existing condition rules.
- Compare deductibles and maximum coverage limits.
- Check medical evacuation and repatriation benefits.
- Confirm whether you need coverage in the United States.
- Read the complete policy documents before purchasing.
The best insurance plan is not necessarily the cheapest plan. The right plan is one that matches your lifestyle, destination, healthcare needs, and financial ability to handle unexpected medical expenses.
Insurance products, benefits, eligibility, pricing, exclusions, and availability vary by country, age, medical history, destination, policy type, and other factors. Information displayed on this website is for educational purposes only and may change. Always review the official policy documents, benefit schedules, exclusions, and eligibility requirements before purchasing insurance.