Last updated on October 7th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Moving abroad or settling in a new country as an expat is exciting—but staying healthy overseas requires more than travel insurance. As people age or start families, they need robust, global health insurance that covers routine care, hospitalization, mental health, and more. In this updated guide, we review the best expat health insurance providers for 2025—based on Trustpilot ratings, coverage options, price, and customer experience. Whether you’re retiring overseas or raising kids abroad, this post helps you find a plan built for long-term living, not just a short trip.
Digital Nomad Health Plans
🌍 Finding the Best Global Health Insurance for Expats (2025)
Living abroad or spending extended time overseas is an incredible experience — but one of the most important things you’ll ever invest in is global health insurance. Unlike short-term travel insurance, which covers temporary trips, global or expat health insurance provides ongoing protection for everyday life abroad — doctor visits, hospitalization, prescriptions, and even routine checkups.
Whether you’re working remotely in Bali, retiring in Portugal, or building a new life in Thailand, having the right coverage gives you peace of mind and financial security anywhere in the world.
✈️ Travel Insurance vs. Global Health Insurance
Travel Insurance is is best for short-term vacations or temporary stays abroad. It covers emergencies like trip cancellations, lost luggage, and unexpected medical issues.
If you’re taking a 2-week trip or backpacking for a month, that’s the type of plan you want. (👉 Check my post on Best Travel Insurance for more details.)
Global Health Insurance, on the other hand, is for expats, digital nomads, or anyone living abroad long-term. It provides comprehensive healthcare coverage similar to what you’d expect from a domestic health plan — including hospital stays, surgeries, wellness checkups, and even chronic condition management in some policies.
🥇 Why SafetyWing Complete Is My Top Pick for Expats in 2025
After researching multiple international health insurers, SafetyWing’s Complete Plan stands out as the most flexible, and traveler-friendly option for long-term coverage abroad.
Unlike many competitors, you can buy or renew your SafetyWing plan while abroad — no need to return home. It’s designed for digital nomads, remote workers, and expats who live freely across borders.
Here’s why I recommend SafetyWing Complete:
- ✅ $1.5 million coverage limit per year
- ✅ Includes routine and emergency care
- ✅ Cancer treatment, mental health, and wellness therapy
- ✅ Coverage in 180+ countries (optional U.S. add-on)
- ✅ Flexible monthly billing — cancel anytime
- ✅ 24/7 human support — live chat responses in under a minute
💰 Price: $232.50/month (ages 40–49)
🔗 Get a SafetyWing Complete quote here
If you don’t need full medical coverage, you can also choose the Essential Plan, which covers emergencies, hospital stays, and evacuation for $92.40 per 4 weeks.
Both are excellent — but for anyone living abroad more than a few months, the Complete plan offers true long-term protection and peace of mind.
🌐 2. Cigna Global Health Insurance (Silver Plan)
Cigna Global is one of the world’s most recognized names in international health coverage. Their Silver Plan is the perfect middle-tier choice for expats seeking strong inpatient protection, private-room hospital care, and extensive global support — all at a competitive rate.
🌍 Key Benefits
- Coverage Limit: $1,000,000 per person annually
- Inpatient & Daypatient Care: Paid in full (private room included)
- Cancer Care: Paid in full, up to plan maximum
- Advanced Medical Imaging: Up to $10,000.
- Rehabilitation: Up to $5,000
- Emergency Room (A&E): Up to $500 per visit
- Inpatient Cash Benefit: $100 per night up to 30 days.
- Accident and Emergency Room Treatment: $500 coverage for necessary emergency treatment.
- Deductible: $375 coverage for physiotherapy, occupational therapy, cognitive and speech therapies, cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation, up to 30 days.
💰 Monthly Cost (Example): USD $268.84 (Silver Plan, individual, worldwide excl. USA)
🧭 Who This Plan Is Best For
Mid-career expats and retirees who want stability and service from a major international provider Professionals living abroad long-term who prioritize inpatient care and cancer protection Expats who value 24/7 telehealth access and global hospital flexibility Individuals who may later upgrade to Gold or Platinum tiers for broader outpatient or maternity coverage
🔗 Learn More
You can customize and compare plan tiers directly from Cigna Global’s official website for the latest details and pricing.
👉 Explore Cigna Global Health Plans
daypatient treatment, including private room and accommodation costs, it stands as a reliable choice. The plan includes valuable features such as full coverage for cancer care, up to $5,000 for mental and behavioral health care, and coverage for emergency treatment. While maternity is not covered, the Silver Plan compensates with its flexibility, extensive coverage for various medical services, and a global network of trusted healthcare providers. This makes it a comprehensive and adaptable health insurance solution for the health-conscious and discerning expatriate.
4. Blue Cross Standard International Plan
Cost: At a monthly cost of $220 you would be responsible for 20% co-payment, the Blue Cross Standard International
Key Features:
- Maximum Limit: $1,000,000 per policy year.
- Free Choice of Doctors and Hospitals: Enjoy the freedom to choose healthcare providers globally.
- Guaranteed Renewability: Regardless of age, medical condition, or location.
- Flexible Geographic Cover: Tailored coverage suited for a mobile lifestyle.
- Free Coverage for Recreational Sports: Additional coverage for adventurous activities.
- Direct Payment to Hospitals and 24-Hour Worldwide Emergency Assistance: Ensuring prompt and hassle-free support.
- Consideration of Pre-existing Conditions: Inclusive consideration for pre-existing health conditions.
- No Claim Discount: Earned by remaining claims-free at each renewal, providing additional cost savings.
The Blue Cross Blueshield Standard International Plan, priced at $220 per month, is a comprehensive health insurance solution tailored for expatriates in Thailand. With a substantial maximum limit per policy year of US$1,000,000, this plan offers a multitude of benefits. These include free choice of doctors and hospitals worldwide, guaranteed renewability regardless of age or location, and flexibility for a dynamic lifestyle. Additional perks encompass free coverage for recreational sports, direct payment to hospitals, and 24-hour worldwide emergency assistance. The plan also factors in pre-existing conditions and provides a 14-day free look period for added flexibility. Noteworthy options for cost savings include the No Claim Discount, Treatment Area Limit (TAL) selection, and a 20% co-payment choice.
🩺 4. IMG Global Medical Insurance (Bronze Plan)
IMG Global has been a trusted name in international health insurance for decades, offering worldwide coverage for expats, travelers, and global citizens. Their Global Medical Bronze Plan is a strong entry-level option for those seeking comprehensive medical protection without paying for unnecessary extras.
🌍 Key Benefits
- Coverage Limit: Up to $1,000,000 per person per year
- Medical Evacuation: Up to $50,000 per person
- Dental Coverage: ✅ Included
- Urgent Care: ✅ Included
- Deductible: $250 (can choose up to $10,000)
- Coinsurance: 100% international coverage 100% within U.S. PPO network 80% for out-of-network in U.S. (then 100% after $5,000)
- Pre-existing Conditions: ❌ Excluded
💰 Monthly Cost (Example): USD $318.30 (Bronze Plan, Individual)
🧭 Who This Plan Is Best For
- Expats or retirees who prefer a traditional insurance company structure
- Those who need U.S. coverage through a PPO network
- Individuals who want long-term stability and a globally recognized provider
- Travelers who move between regions and want reliable, claimable medical protection
This plan’s strength lies in its hospital and emergency coverage worldwide. It’s not as flexible or budget-friendly as SafetyWing Complete, but it offers the reassurance of a long-standing global insurer with decades of credibility.
🔗 Learn More: You can view the official brochure and sample contract directly from IMG Global’s website for the most up-to-date pricing and terms.
👉 Explore IMG Global Medical Insurance
Ensuring Well-Being: A Final Exploration of Digital Nomad Health Plans and Global Insurance for Expats
In conclusion, embarking on a global journey as a digital nomad necessitates thoughtful consideration of health coverage options. Choosing the right Digital Nomad Health Plans ensures comprehensive protection for expatriates living abroad, safeguarding against unforeseen health challenges. Through meticulous exploration of international health plans for digital nomads, it becomes evident that tailoring coverage to suit a nomadic lifestyle is paramount. From global insurance for expats to specialized health solutions, finding the right balance between flexibility and comprehensive coverage is key. This guide has navigated the intricacies of health plans for those living abroad, providing valuable insights to empower digital nomads in making informed decisions about their well-being while exploring the world beyond borders.
