International
Health Insurance

International Health Insurance Abroad

Q: What does international health insurance cost?

Costs depend on age, health status and coverage level: • Basic plans: from EUR 72/month (without USA) • Standard coverage: EUR 120-180/month (30 years, EUR 500 deductible) • With USA coverage: +30-40% (EUR 160-250/month) • Premium plans: from EUR 250/month (no deductible, comprehensive dental) Savings tip: Higher deductible (EUR 1,000-2,500) significantly reduces premiums. As brokers, we compare all providers free of charge – through special rates, you save up to 20%.

Public health insurance typically provides no coverage outside Europe – a hospital stay in the USA can easily cost $30,000 or more. International health insurance (IPMI) protects you worldwide: free choice of doctors, direct billing, coverage in over 190 countries. We compare 16 plans from EUR 72/month – up to 20% cheaper.

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For Expats & Nomads

As an expat or digital nomad, you need more than travel insurance. International health insurance covers outpatient treatment, hospital stays, preventive care and chronic conditions – not just emergencies. Direct billing worldwide means no upfront payment risk.

IPMI plans are often cheaper than national mandatory insurance – from EUR 72 per month. Coverage applies in over 190 countries and, depending on the plan, also during stays in your home country.

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Waysafe independently compares 16 plans from 6 insurers – as a licensed broker (§34d GewO), we advise exclusively in your interest. Through special rates, you save up to 20%. Free consultation included – via video call or email.

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International health insurance for expats

Benefits

Outpatient & inpatient treatment
Hospital stays worldwide
Dental & preventive care

Advantages

High-quality medical care
24/7 support in multiple languages
Global network of healthcare providers
Personal consultation included

Coverage Area

Worldwide in 195 countries
Also valid in home country
For the entire duration of stay

Target Group

Expats, emigrants and expatriates
Digital nomads abroad
International students

Benefits

Outpatient & inpatient treatment
Hospital stays worldwide
Dental & preventive care

Advantages

High-quality medical care
24/7 support in multiple languages
Global network of healthcare providers
Personal consultation included

Coverage Area

Worldwide in 195 countries
Also valid in home country
For the entire duration of stay

Target Group

Expats, emigrants and expatriates
Digital nomads abroad
International students

Compare the best
offers

Your international options

Three tiers based on your duration of stay: Expat Health Insurance (IPMI) with no time limit, Long-term for up to 5 years, or Short-term for up to 1 year.

Expat Health Insurance (IPMI)

FromEUR 72.20 monthly

Access to quality care worldwide. Unlimited duration for permanent stays. Flexible plans.

Ideal for:

Self-employed and emigrants
Posted expatriates
Digital nomads

Your benefits:

Direct billing or cashless payment by card
Free choice of doctors worldwide
Modular plans from basic to premium

Learn more

International Health Insurance Short-term

FromEUR 6 daily premium

Flexible international health insurance for stays up to 365 days. Outpatient, inpatient and dental included. Daily cancellation right.

Ideal for:

Business travelers & posted workers
Short-term expats up to 1 year
Families abroad

Your benefits:

Direct billing for inpatient treatment
SOS International network worldwide
Daily cancellation right

Learn more

International Health Insurance Long-term

FromEUR 37.50 / 30 days

Flexible long-term health insurance abroad with daily premium calculation. Coverage up to 1 year or up to 5 years. Basic and Profi plans available.

Ideal for:

World travelers & emigrants
Students & au pairs
Professionals and freelancers

Your benefits:

Worldwide coverage (with/without USA & Canada)
Daily premium calculation
Medical repatriation included

Learn more

Expat Health Insurance (IPMI)

FromEUR 72.20 monthly

Access to quality care worldwide. Unlimited duration for permanent stays. Flexible plans.

Ideal for:

Self-employed and emigrants
Posted expatriates
Digital nomads

Your benefits:

Direct billing or cashless payment by card
Free choice of doctors worldwide
Modular plans from basic to premium

Learn more

International Health Insurance Short-term

FromEUR 6 daily premium

Flexible international health insurance for stays up to 365 days. Outpatient, inpatient and dental included. Daily cancellation right.

Ideal for:

Business travelers & posted workers
Short-term expats up to 1 year
Families abroad

Your benefits:

Direct billing for inpatient treatment
SOS International network worldwide
Daily cancellation right

Learn more

International Health Insurance Long-term

FromEUR 37.50 / 30 days

Flexible long-term health insurance abroad with daily premium calculation. Coverage up to 1 year or up to 5 years. Basic and Profi plans available.

Ideal for:

World travelers & emigrants
Students & au pairs
Professionals and freelancers

Your benefits:

Worldwide coverage (with/without USA & Canada)
Daily premium calculation
Medical repatriation included

Learn more

Benefits comparison
at a glance

Compare benefits

Coverage varies by plan – from basic inpatient care to modular full coverage including dental, preventive care and specialist treatment. Costs depend on age, deductible and region.

Benefit	Basic	Comfort Popular	Premium
Free choice of doctors worldwide
Outpatient treatment
Inpatient treatment
Preventive care		EUR 500/year	unlimited
Dental treatment	Emergency only
Dental prosthetics & implants		EUR 2,500/year	EUR 5,000/year
Pregnancy & childbirth		EUR 25,000	unlimited
Single room
Chief physician treatment
Medical evacuation	EUR 100,000	unlimited	unlimited
24/7 Emergency hotline
Naturopathy & alternative medicine		EUR 300/year	EUR 1,000/year

Basic

Free choice of doctors worldwide

Outpatient treatment

Inpatient treatment

Preventive care

Dental treatment

Emergency only

Dental prosthetics & implants

Pregnancy & childbirth

Single room

Chief physician treatment

Medical evacuation

EUR 100,000

24/7 Emergency hotline

Naturopathy & alternative medicine

Popular

Comfort

Free choice of doctors worldwide

Outpatient treatment

Inpatient treatment

Preventive care

EUR 500/year

Dental treatment

Dental prosthetics & implants

EUR 2,500/year

Pregnancy & childbirth

EUR 25,000

Single room

Chief physician treatment

Medical evacuation

unlimited

24/7 Emergency hotline

Naturopathy & alternative medicine

EUR 300/year

Premium

Free choice of doctors worldwide

Outpatient treatment

Inpatient treatment

Preventive care

unlimited

Dental treatment

Dental prosthetics & implants

EUR 5,000/year

Pregnancy & childbirth

unlimited

Single room

Chief physician treatment

Medical evacuation

unlimited

24/7 Emergency hotline

Naturopathy & alternative medicine

EUR 1,000/year

Our
Recommendations

Leading Insurers for Expats

Modular health insurance with a building block system. Over 40 years of experience with 150,000 insured expats.

Highlights:

Modular system - pay only for what you need
Easy Claim App - submit receipts digitally
24/7 teleconsultation included
Easy Pay Card - no advance payment needed

Our Tip:

Save 20% through Waysafe

Learn more

Exclusive EIC framework contract with German traditional insurer. Personal service, stable premiums, clean risk pool.

Highlights:

Stable premiums through clean risk assessment
Reimbursement within 14 business days
Personal support with German-speaking service
SOS International network worldwide

Our Tip:

Exclusive EIC Weltpolice framework contract

Learn more

Luxembourg's leading insurance group. No annual limit, immediate coverage even abroad, pre-existing conditions coverable.

Highlights:

No annual limit on reimbursements
Only 2 zones: Worldwide & Worldwide excl. USA
Pre-existing conditions coverable after review
Best Doctors second opinion included

Our Tip:

Simple 2-zone model

Learn more

The simplest health insurance for digital nomads. Online application in minutes, maximum flexibility.

Highlights:

Adventure activities included
Direct hospital payment worldwide
Monthly cancellable after 12 months
Telemedicine worldwide included

Our Tip:

Ideal for starting your nomad life

Learn more

The expat specialist of the Foyer Group. 100% focus on international health insurance, personal support through local service centers.

Highlights:

Established Luxembourg insurer (Foyer Group)
Direct cost coverage worldwide
Local service centers with 24/7/365 experts on-site
No age limit at enrollment

Our Tip:

Ideal for expat families with high standards

Learn more

The card that pays at the doctor's. German service team in Hamburg, Executive plan with up to 5 million EUR insured by Allianz.

Highlights:

Debit card for direct doctor payments without advance
German service team in Hamburg
3 plans: Basic, Comprehensive, Executive
7 flexible price zones worldwide

Our Tip:

Includes free debit card for doctor payments

Learn more

Modular health insurance with a building block system. Over 40 years of experience with 150,000 insured expats.

Highlights:

Modular system - pay only for what you need
Easy Claim App - submit receipts digitally
24/7 teleconsultation included
Easy Pay Card - no advance payment needed

Our Tip:

Save 20% through Waysafe

Learn more

Exclusive EIC framework contract with German traditional insurer. Personal service, stable premiums, clean risk pool.

Highlights:

Stable premiums through clean risk assessment
Reimbursement within 14 business days
Personal support with German-speaking service
SOS International network worldwide

Our Tip:

Exclusive EIC Weltpolice framework contract

Learn more

Luxembourg's leading insurance group. No annual limit, immediate coverage even abroad, pre-existing conditions coverable.

Highlights:

No annual limit on reimbursements
Only 2 zones: Worldwide & Worldwide excl. USA
Pre-existing conditions coverable after review
Best Doctors second opinion included

Our Tip:

Simple 2-zone model

Learn more

The simplest health insurance for digital nomads. Online application in minutes, maximum flexibility.

Highlights:

Adventure activities included
Direct hospital payment worldwide
Monthly cancellable after 12 months
Telemedicine worldwide included

Our Tip:

Ideal for starting your nomad life

Learn more

The expat specialist of the Foyer Group. 100% focus on international health insurance, personal support through local service centers.

Highlights:

Established Luxembourg insurer (Foyer Group)
Direct cost coverage worldwide
Local service centers with 24/7/365 experts on-site
No age limit at enrollment

Our Tip:

Ideal for expat families with high standards

Learn more

The card that pays at the doctor's. German service team in Hamburg, Executive plan with up to 5 million EUR insured by Allianz.

Highlights:

Debit card for direct doctor payments without advance
German service team in Hamburg
3 plans: Basic, Comprehensive, Executive
7 flexible price zones worldwide

Our Tip:

Includes free debit card for doctor payments

Learn more

Testimonials
and experiences

What our customers say

Real expats. Real experiences. How we've been protecting emigrants and digital nomads worldwide for over 15 years.

"I can highly recommend E.I.C. Expatriate insurance consulting for everyone – especially international people – seeking advice and appropriate coverage on a win-win basis. The E.I.C. team is patient and professional. If I could give 10 stars, I would. Thank you, E.I.C.!!"

Caroline K

Review onGoogle

"I had a very good experience with EIC. The team is competent, professional, and took the time to understand my specific insurance needs. They provided clear advice and helped me find the best insurance options. I can recommend EIC to anyone looking for personal insurance consulting."

Berat Akan

Review onGoogle

"I was referred to EIC for support with my insurance. I am very satisfied with the service and quick response time, especially with the fast and efficient support from Dominik and Ida. I feel reliably supported in managing my health insurance needs."

Krishna Chaitanya

Review onGoogle

"My employer chose EIC for my insurance matters, and as an expat, I can say this decision was more than justified. The team is very responsive, helpful, and recognizes our concerns as expats in advance, solving problems before they arise. Highly recommended!"

Eren Sen

Review onGoogle

"Great colleagues who were able to solve what seemed like an unsolvable problem for one of my clients, saving them an expensive and time-consuming exit and re-entry to the USA. Thank you for the great collaboration. I'm glad to have colleagues like you."

Pascal Holz

Review onGoogle

"EIC proceeds professionally. They provide appropriate advice and conduct due diligence. The colleagues also try to find solutions when there are teething problems. I'm glad to be served by them. (I give 4 stars for a small issue, but it's not critical to mention as they quickly found a solution.) All the best for the EIC team."

Prafulla Gade

Review onGoogle

"Excellent support and quick response. They helped me find the best insurance plan for my situation. Tim is my contact person! He actively engaged in my process and took care of everything. I can only recommend them."

Sahil Mehta

Review onGoogle

"Mr. Scheulen advised us very professionally and took intensive care, even though it became clear early in the consultation process that there would be no insurance conclusion in the near future. I highly appreciated this and thank him sincerely for the thorough and committed consultation."

Elke Dr. Müller-Schneck

Review onGoogle

More about us
Our team

Your Experts

15+ years of experience with international health insurance. As licensed brokers (§34d GewO), we advise independently and exclusively in your interest.

Our comparison is based on current policy terms – not marketing promises. This way you find the plan that fits your situation.

Free consultation via video call or email – wherever you are.

Our team

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

IPMI stands for International Private Medical Insurance – international health insurance for people living abroad permanently: expats, emigrants and digital nomads. Unlike German health insurers, it applies 365 days a year in over 190 countries, without the obligation to return. The benefits: Free choice of doctors and hospitals worldwide, often 30-50% cheaper than German private health insurance plans and no time limits. As specialized brokers, we compare over 15 leading providers for you – completely free of charge.

International health insurance is suitable for anyone living abroad for more than six months – expats, emigrants, digital nomads and families. In detail: • Emigrants and expats • Digital nomads without a fixed residence • International students • Long-term travelers (over 6 months) • Families who want to be globally mobile Unlike statutory health insurance, your coverage doesn't end after 6 weeks. You stay flexible without constant renewals.

International health insurance covers outpatient and inpatient treatment, dental care, preventive care, maternity and emergency evacuations. • Outpatient & inpatient treatment • Emergency transport and evacuations • Dental treatment (depending on plan) • Maternity benefits including birth • Mental health & therapy • Routine examinations & check-ups • Rehabilitation and physiotherapy • Medications and medical aids Premium plans additionally include vision aids, alternative treatments and worldwide assistance service.

Yes, most IPMI plans allow 30-180 days per year in Germany – depending on the plan. You can return fully insured for family visits or vacations. Important: For permanent return (over 180 days), a special termination right usually applies. Planning regular longer stays in Germany? Then we'll advise you on plans with extended home country coverage.

Travel insurance only covers emergencies for 6–8 weeks – international health insurance provides 365 days of full coverage including preventive care and chronic conditions. Travel insurance: • Only 6-8 weeks coverage • Only emergencies covered • No routine treatments International health insurance: • 365 days worldwide coverage • Prevention, routine & chronic conditions • Free choice of doctors and hospitals • Direct billing with clinics For digital nomads and expats, IPMI is essential – travel insurance leaves you uninsured after weeks.

Costs depend on age, health status and coverage level: • Basic plans: from EUR 72/month (without USA) • Standard coverage: EUR 120-180/month (30 years, EUR 500 deductible) • With USA coverage: +30-40% (EUR 160-250/month) • Premium plans: from EUR 250/month (no deductible, comprehensive dental) Savings tip: Higher deductible (EUR 1,000-2,500) significantly reduces premiums. As brokers, we compare all providers free of charge – through special rates, you save up to 20%.

Yes, worldwide and without restrictions! You decide: • Specialist in London • Private clinic in Bangkok • GP in Lisbon • Dentist in Bali Inpatient: Direct billing with the hospital – no advance payment needed. Outpatient: Submit invoice via app, reimbursement within 5-10 days. No insurance system, no referral slip – true private patient status worldwide.

Yes – partners and children can be insured individually. Most providers offer separate children's plans, and some provide special family benefits. • Partners and children can be co-insured (children up to 18–21 years depending on provider) • Individual coverage level selectable per person • Some providers: free coverage from the 3rd child onwards • Newborns partially insurable without health screening right after birth • Unmarried partners also insurable Tip for families: Premium plans with comprehensive preventive and dental benefits usually pay off, as children need them more often.

Pre-existing conditions are assessed individually – depending on the diagnosis with a surcharge (10–30%), benefit exclusion, or in rare cases rejection. • Surcharges: 10-30% for hypertension or back problems • Benefit exclusions: for certain known conditions • Rejection: in rare cases Important: Many providers find fair solutions even for chronic conditions (diabetes, asthma). As experienced brokers, we know providers that offer good conditions even with pre-existing conditions. Don't be discouraged – we'll find a solution.

Flexibility varies by provider – from monthly cancellation after a minimum term to 12-month contracts with automatic renewal. Cancellation: • Common: 12-month minimum term, cancellable with 1–3 months' notice • Some providers: monthly cancellation after minimum contract period • Many providers: special cancellation upon return to home country with proof of local full coverage Adjustments: • Deductible, modules (dental, USA coverage) and coverage region can be changed • Depending on provider, at renewal date or also mid-year • Special provisions often available for life events (marriage, birth, relocation) We support you with all adjustments free of charge.

Inpatient treatment is billed directly between clinic and insurer. Outpatient usually follows the reimbursement principle – some providers also offer outpatient direct billing via insurance card. Inpatient (hospital, surgery): Direct billing between clinic and insurer – no advance payment. Outpatient (doctor visit, medications): • Common: You pay first, submit the invoice via app and receive reimbursement in 5–10 days • Some providers: Direct billing via insurance card also for outpatient – no advance payment Tip: Many insurers offer a guarantee letter for emergencies that you can request from the hospital in advance.

Yes, fully digital from anywhere in the world: 1. Fill out online form 2. Answer health questions 3. Upload documents (passport, medical records if applicable) 4. Processing: 3-7 business days 5. Confirmation via email Important: Apply ideally before departure or within the first 30 days – this avoids waiting periods. We advise you in German via video call or email – regardless of time zone.

Upon permanent return, many providers offer special cancellation – you then switch to statutory (GKV) or private health insurance (PKV) depending on your employment status. End IPMI: Many providers allow special cancellation upon return to home country with proof of local full coverage. Insurance in Germany: • Employed → Statutory health insurance (GKV) • Self-employed/high earners → Private health insurance (PKV) • After 5+ years abroad: special return regulations Important: IPMI periods don't count as prior insurance for German PKV. We support you with the seamless transition.

Yes – emergencies are covered immediately, general treatment after 30–90 days, dental after 6–24 months and maternity after 10–12 months. • Accidents & emergencies: no waiting period (immediate) • General treatments: 30-90 days • Maternity: 10-12 months • Dental treatments: 6-24 months Some premium providers offer plans without waiting periods for an additional charge. Important: Take out insurance before you get sick – ideally before departure or shortly after arrival abroad.

IPMI is designed for global living and often 30–50% cheaper than PKV but doesn't build aging reserves – German PKV is more stable long-term but only covers 6–12 months abroad. International Health Insurance (IPMI): • Designed for global living • Unlimited worldwide coverage • 30-50% cheaper • No aging reserves • Premiums increase with age German PKV: • Primarily for living in Germany • Abroad only 6-12 months • Aging reserves • More stable long-term Important: IPMI periods don't count for PKV upon return. For permanent stays abroad, IPMI is the better choice.

Yes, under certain conditions: • As German taxpayer: Special expenses/business expenses (up to basic coverage level) • Living abroad: Host country regulations apply • Self-employed/freelancers: Often fully deductible as business expenses Important: Deductibility depends on residence status, tax liability and plan. Our recommendation: Clarify details with a tax advisor for international matters. We'll gladly provide you with a premium confirmation.

Documents & Resources

Insurance conditions, product information documents (IPID) and benefit summaries for download.

Insurance Conditions Product Information Sheet (IPID)Table of Benefits

Insurance Conditions Table of Benefits

International Health Insurance Abroad

For Expats & Nomads

Benefits

Advantages

Coverage Area

Target Group

Your international options

Expat Health Insurance (IPMI)

International Health Insurance Short-term

International Health Insurance Long-term

Expat Health Insurance (IPMI)

International Health Insurance Short-term

International Health Insurance Long-term

Compare benefits

Basic

Comfort

Premium

Leading Insurers for Expats

What our customers say

Your Experts

Frequently Asked Questions

What is international health insurance (IPMI)?

Who is international health insurance suitable for?

What benefits are covered?

Is the insurance also valid in Germany?

International health insurance vs. travel insurance – what's the difference?

What does international health insurance cost?

Do I have free choice of doctors and hospitals?

Can I insure my family?

What happens with pre-existing conditions?

How flexible is cancellation and adjustment?

How does billing work abroad?

Can I apply for insurance from anywhere?

What happens when returning to Germany?

Are there waiting periods?

IPMI vs. German PKV – what's the difference?

Is the insurance tax-deductible?

Documents & Resources

For Expats & Nomads

Benefits

Advantages

Coverage Area

Target Group

Your international options

Expat Health Insurance (IPMI)

International Health Insurance Short-term

International Health Insurance Long-term

Expat Health Insurance (IPMI)

International Health Insurance Short-term

International Health Insurance Long-term

Compare benefits

Basic

Comfort

Premium

Leading Insurers for Expats

Your Experts

Frequently Asked Questions

What is international health insurance (IPMI)?

Who is international health insurance suitable for?

What benefits are covered?

Is the insurance also valid in Germany?

International health insurance vs. travel insurance – what's the difference?

What does international health insurance cost?

Do I have free choice of doctors and hospitals?

Can I insure my family?

What happens with pre-existing conditions?

How flexible is cancellation and adjustment?

How does billing work abroad?

Can I apply for insurance from anywhere?

What happens when returning to Germany?

Are there waiting periods?

IPMI vs. German PKV – what's the difference?

Is the insurance tax-deductible?

Documents & Resources