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Health Insurance
30 September 2025
International
Health Insurance
The Ultimate Guide for Expats, Nomads and Emigrants 2025
Alexander MilkereitPRO
Introduction
Quick Answer: International health insurance provides worldwide health coverage without time limits – ideal for expats, digital nomads and emigrants. Costs: €120-700/month depending on age, coverage area and benefits. Top Providers 2025: Cigna Global, Allianz Care, Foyer Global Health and PassportCard.
The number of people living permanently abroad has been continuously rising in recent years. Currently, there are over 50 million digital nomads worldwide, and millions more expatriates working abroad. For all emigrants, expats and digital nomads, one central question arises: How do I optimally protect myself against healthcare costs abroad? International health insurance ensures that regardless of your location, you have access to quality medical care and are protected from high costs.
Key Facts
66M
Expatriates Worldwide
with annual growth of over 6%
50M+
Digital Nomads
working remotely across the globe
€120-700
Monthly Costs
depending on age and coverage area
International health insurance provides the answer for emigrants and expats. Unlike conventional travel insurance, international health insurance offers comprehensive, worldwide coverage without time limits. Whether you're moving to Singapore as an expat, traveling through Southeast Asia as a digital nomad, or spending your retirement in Spain as an emigrant – the right international health insurance is your safety net for all life situations.
In this comprehensive guide, you'll learn everything about international health insurance: from comparing providers to costs to concrete recommendations for emigrants, digital nomads and expats.
What is International Health Insurance?
International health insurance (also known as IPMI - International Private Medical Insurance) provides worldwide medical coverage for long-term stays abroad. Unlike travel health insurance, which is limited to emergencies for up to one year, it covers comprehensive benefits: routine examinations, preventive care, dental treatment, outpatient and inpatient treatments, maternity as well as psychological therapies – with free choice of hospitals and doctors worldwide.
Target Groups: Expats, Digital Nomads, Emigrants, Long-term Travelers
International health insurance is designed for people who live permanently abroad: expatriates and executives sent by companies, digital nomads and remote workers with location-independent lifestyles, emigrants and retirees abroad, as well as students during longer stays abroad. Without a permanent residence, access to national health systems is lacking, making international health insurance indispensable.
Concrete Examples
Example 1: A family moves to Dubai for work. International health insurance allows them to use both the state-of-the-art private clinics in the UAE and medical care in their home country during visits.
Example 2: A digital nomad works remotely from Thailand. Their international health insurance covers both routine examinations in Bangkok and potential medical repatriation.
Who Needs International Health Insurance?
International health insurance is essential for anyone spending extended periods abroad:
- Expats: Employees relocated by their companies
- Digital Nomads: Remote workers traveling the world
- Emigrants: People permanently moving to another country
- Long-term Travelers: Those abroad for more than 2-3 months
- International Students: Studying abroad for a semester or longer
- Retirees Abroad: Enjoying retirement in a different country
Benefits of International Health Insurance
1. Worldwide Coverage
Unlike local health insurance, IPMI provides coverage in virtually every country. Whether you're in the US, Thailand, or Germany, you're protected.
2. No Time Limits
Travel insurance typically expires after 30-90 days. International health insurance has no such limits – you're covered for as long as you maintain your policy.
3. Comprehensive Benefits
From preventive care to chronic condition management, from dental work to mental health support – IPMI covers what you need.
4. Free Choice of Doctors and Hospitals
You can choose any licensed healthcare provider worldwide, not just those within a network.
5. Direct Billing
Many providers offer direct billing with hospitals, so you don't need to pay upfront and seek reimbursement.
Costs of International Health Insurance
Monthly premiums for international health insurance typically range from €120 to €700, depending on:
- Age: Older applicants pay higher premiums
- Coverage Area: Including the US significantly increases costs
- Deductible: Higher deductibles lower premiums
- Benefits: More comprehensive coverage costs more
- Pre-existing Conditions: May affect pricing or coverage
Tip: Through exclusive framework agreements, you can often save 20-40% compared to individual rates. Compare plans now to find the best deal.
Top Providers 2025
The leading international health insurance providers include:
- Cigna Global - Excellent worldwide network
- Allianz Care - Strong European presence
- Foyer Global Health - Competitive pricing
- PassportCard - Innovative digital-first approach
- Bupa Global - Premium service levels
How to Choose the Right Plan
When selecting international health insurance, consider:
- Your Location: Where will you primarily live?
- Your Health Needs: Any pre-existing conditions?
- Your Budget: What can you afford monthly?
- Coverage Requirements: What benefits matter most?
- Network Access: Direct billing options available?
Conclusion
International health insurance is not a luxury but a necessity for anyone living abroad long-term. The peace of mind knowing you're covered anywhere in the world is invaluable.
Ready to find the perfect plan? Compare international health insurance plans now or contact our experts for personalized advice.
Next Steps:
- Compare Plans - Find the best options for your situation
- Free Consultation - Get expert advice
- Learn More - Detailed information about coverage
