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Updated April 2026

International health insurance — what you actually need to know

Your home country health cover almost certainly doesn't follow you abroad. Getting the wrong plan — or no plan — is one of the most expensive mistakes expats make. Here's how to get it right.

Compare providers → Which is right for me?
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Does your NHS entitlement survive emigration?

For UK nationals: the NHS is a residency-based system. Source: NHS.uk — Entitlement to free NHS care. Once you stop being ordinarily resident in the UK, you lose routine entitlement to free NHS treatment. Emergency treatment remains available when visiting, but you cannot rely on the NHS as your primary health cover while living overseas. You need international private medical insurance (IPMI).

Provider comparison

The four providers most expats should consider

Premiums vary significantly by age, destination and level of cover. All providers price by personalised quote — no provider publishes fixed premium schedules for individual plans. Always get a quote directly from the provider website before making decisions. Information sourced from provider websites, April 2026.

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About this comparison

Provider information on this page is sourced directly from individual company websites (cigna.com, axaglobalhealthcare.com, pacificcross.com, safetywing.com). No premiums are quoted — all providers price by individual quote only and no published fixed premiums exist for individual expat plans. NHS entitlement information sourced from NHS.uk. Updated April 2026.

Editor's choice
Best for: comprehensive cover, global network
Cigna Global
Comprehensive international health cover for globally mobile individuals
Individual expat plans: cigna.com/international — Pricing is by personalised quote only. Not available for purchase without a direct quote.
Pricing
By quote only
Network
Global
Maternity
Optional add-on
Pre-existing
Case-by-case
  • Huge global hospital and clinic network
  • Direct billing — you don't pay upfront at most hospitals
  • Flexible modular plans — add dental, vision, maternity
  • Strong customer service reputation
  • Available in most countries including Thailand, UAE, Southeast Asia
  • Premium pricing — not the budget option
  • US coverage adds significant cost
Get a Cigna quote (AD)

Pricing by personalised quote. Always verify on provider website before purchasing.

Best for: established brand, European cover
AXA International
Established insurer with strong European and global network
Pricing
By quote only
Network
Global
Maternity
Optional add-on
Pre-existing
Moratorium basis
  • Well-known brand — hospitals often prefer direct billing
  • Strong European private hospital network
  • Competitive pricing compared to Cigna at similar cover levels
  • FCA regulated in the UK
  • Customer service can be slower than Cigna
  • Claims process more admin-heavy
Get an AXA quote (AD)

Pricing by personalised quote. Always verify on provider website before purchasing.

Best for: Southeast Asia specialists, Thailand, Philippines
Pacific Cross
Southeast Asia specialist with strong regional hospital relationships
Pricing
By quote only
Network
SE Asia focused
Maternity
Available
Pre-existing
Underwritten
  • Specialist knowledge of SE Asian hospital systems
  • Competitive premiums for Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, Indonesia
  • Direct billing at major SE Asian private hospitals
  • Local claims offices in region — faster service
  • Limited network outside Southeast Asia
  • Not ideal if you travel frequently to Europe or North America
Get a Pacific Cross quote (AD)

Pricing by personalised quote. Always verify on provider website before purchasing.

Best for: budget travellers, digital nomads, short-term stays
SafetyWing
Budget-friendly travel medical cover for nomads and short-term expats
From (approx.)
~$45/month*
Network
Global (limited)
Maternity
Not covered
Pre-existing
Not covered
  • Very low cost entry point for basic medical cover
  • Monthly subscription — no annual commitment
  • Good for early-stage nomads testing the lifestyle
  • Simple, fast online sign-up
  • Not a substitute for full IPMI — significant exclusions
  • Lower coverage limits than full plans
  • Pre-existing conditions not covered
  • Not suitable as long-term expat health cover
Get a SafetyWing quote (AD)

Pricing by personalised quote. Always verify on provider website before purchasing.

Decision guide

Which plan is right for you?

Your situation Recommended
Long-term expat, want comprehensive cover Cigna Global
Based primarily in Southeast Asia Pacific Cross
Europe-based expat, value established brand AXA International
Digital nomad, testing the lifestyle, tight budget SafetyWing (short term)
Over 60, pre-existing conditions Get specialist broker advice

Note: If you have significant pre-existing conditions or are over 60, we strongly recommend using an independent insurance broker who specialises in expat health cover rather than going direct. The underwriting differences between providers become critical at this point and a broker can negotiate terms a comparison site cannot.

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