11 Top Expat Insurance Providers

So, you’re ready to begin your new life abroad, you’ve secured your work from anywhere job but amidst the excitement of exploring new cultures and soaking up sunshine, a crucial question arises: what about insurance?

I’ve got you! Here’s a comprehensive guide to navigating the world of insurance for digital nomads and expats. We’ll delve into the “whys” and “hows” of securing coverage, explore the key features of top insurers, and help you find a great fit for your globetrotting family.

Why Do You Need Insurance Abroad?

Let’s be honest, unexpected bumps on the road are inevitable. A nasty bout of food poisoning in Thailand, a misplaced laptop in Ghana, a medical emergency in Mexico – these situations can quickly turn your dream trip into a financial and emotional nightmare. Traditional health insurance from your home country might not extend overseas once you’ve been abroad for more than 60 days, and medical care can be super expensive in many destinations. This is where nomad-specific or expat insurance comes in to save the day.  

In Summary

• Most affordable: SafetyWing, Genki, and Insured Nomads are generally more affordable options.
• Best all-around cover: World Nomads, IMG Global, and Allianz Global Assistance offer comprehensive coverage for various needs.
• Most comprehensive: Cigna Global and Allianz Global Assistance often provide the most extensive coverage.
• Best for families: World Nomads, IMG Global, and Allianz Global Assistance offer comprehensive plans for families.
• Best for older people: Cigna Global and Allianz Global Assistance typically provide better coverage for older travelers.
• Best for giving birth abroad: IMG Global and Cigna Global often offer better coverage for maternity care.
• Best for adventure-loving nomads: Geo blue

Ultimately, the best insurer for you depends on your specific needs, budget, and travel plans. It’s recommended to compare multiple options and read the fine print of each policy to ensure it meets your requirements.

Key Features to Consider For Your Expat Insurance

When choosing an insurance plan, there are a few key features to keep on your radar.  If it relates to you and your personal circumstances then confirm whether your potential insurer incudes it, if any excess is required  and max amount payable if the worst should occur:

• Medical Coverage: This is the big one! Look for plans that cover hospitalisation, doctor visits, emergency evacuation, and prescriptions. Consider pre-existing condition coverage if this applies to you.
• Trip Cancellation/Interruption: Life happens. Unexpected events can force you to cancel or cut your trip short. This coverage can reimburse you for pre-paid travel expenses.
• Baggage & Belongings: Lost luggage? Pickpocketed phone? This coverage can help offset the cost of replacing stolen or damaged belongings.
• Accidental Death & Dismemberment: A safety net in case of a serious accident.
• Evacuation & Repatriation: In a worst-case scenario, this coverage will arrange for medical evacuation and return to your home country.
• Maternity & Childbirth: If you’re planning on expanding your family abroad, does your plan cover childbirth and newborn care?
• Adventure Activities: Do you have a thrill-seeker in the family? Choose a plan that covers your favourite adventure sports.
• Policy Duration: Choose a plan that aligns with your travel duration, whether it’s short-term trips or extended stays. 
• Deductible/Excess: This is the amount you pay upfront before the insurance kicks in. Higher deductibles mean lower premiums, but remember you’ll have to shell out more for smaller claims.
• Network vs. Non-Network Providers: Network providers offer pre-negotiated rates, while non-network providers may offer more flexibility in choosing your medical care facility.

Top Insurance Providers for Digital Nomads

1. SafetyWing

SafetyWing is a budget-friendly option for anyone living abroad. It offers flexible plans with online enrollment and cancellation but has limited coverage for pre-existing conditions and and older folk. Ideal for the budget-conscious, SafetyWing provides emergency medical coverage and basic travel concerns. However, its not ideal if you have ongoing medical needs.

• Pros: Affordable, perfect for nomads and expats with limited budgets. Flexible – you can buy, extend or cancel your policy online at any time.
• Cons: Limited coverage for pre-existing conditions. Not ideal for ongoing medical needs or older folk.  
• Cost: Starts from around £37 per month.
• Best for: Budget-conscious nomads and decent coverage.   

2. World Nomads

World Nomads offers comprehensive coverage for families and those with mixed trip lengths. With trip cancellation, medical expenses, and baggage loss, it’s ideal for those seeking comprehensive coverage. While it can be pricier than some competitors, World Nomads provides emergency assistance and evacuation. However, it’s not the best choice for pre-existing conditions.

• Pros: Comprehensive coverage, including trip cancellation, baggage and medical expenses. Flexible policy lengths and options for families.
• Cons: Might be pricier than some competitors. Not the best choice for pre-existing conditions.
• Cost: Varies depending on coverage, age and trip length. Expect to pay around £60-£100 per month.
• Best for: Families, and travellers with a mix of short and long trips.

3. Cigna Global

Cigna Global is an excellent choice for long-term stays and expats with pre-existing conditions. It offers top-tier medical coverage, including evacuation and repatriation. While more expensive with higher deductibles, Cigna Global provides access to a global network of healthcare providers and offers coverage for maternity care and newborn care.

• Pros: Excellent medical coverage, with options for pre-existing conditions. Ideal for long-term stays and expats. Includes evacuation and repatriation.
• Cons: More expensive option. May have higher deductibles.
• Cost: Varies depending on coverage and location. Expect to pay a premium ranging from £150-£400 per month.
• Best for: Long-term digital nomads and expats with pre-existing conditions.

4. GeoBlue Xplorer

GeoBlue Xplorer is tailor-made for adventure-seeking nomads. It covers maternity care with certain plans and provides coverage for medical expenses, trip cancellation, and baggage loss. However, it may not be the most affordable option. Ideal for those who participate in extreme sports or activities, GeoBlue Xplorer offers emergency assistance and evacuation.

• Pros: Tailor-made plans for digital nomads, with options for adventure activities. Covers maternity care with certain plans.
• Cons: May not be the most affordable option.
• Cost: Starts from around £100 per month.
• Best for: Digital nomads seeking adventure coverage and those considering childbirth abroad.

5. IMG Global

IMG Global offers comprehensive coverage for families, adventure enthusiasts, and those considering childbirth abroad. With a wide range of plan options, it’s ideal for families and individuals with pre-existing conditions. While it can be more expensive, IMG Global provides coverage for medical expenses, trip cancellation, and baggage loss, as well as emergency assistance and evacuation.

• Pros: Extensive plan options to suit various needs, including maternity care and adventure activities. Comprehensive coverage for medical expenses and evacuation.
• Cons: Can be more expensive than some competitors.
• Cost: Varies depending on coverage and location. Expect to pay a premium ranging from £150-£400 per month.
• Best for: Families seeking comprehensive coverage, digital nomads with adventure sports interests, and those considering childbirth abroad.

6. Allianz Global Assistance

Allianz Global Assistance provides a wide range of plans for short-term and long-term travellers. It offers coverage for pre-existing conditions under certain plans, but may not be the most affordable option for short-term trips. Ideal for those seeking a variety of plan options, Allianz Global Assistance provides coverage for medical expenses, trip cancellation, and baggage loss, as well as emergency assistance and evacuation.

• Pros: Wide range of plans, including short-term travel and long-term expat options. Offers coverage for pre-existing conditions under certain plans.
• Cons: May not be the most affordable option for short-term trips.
• Cost: Varies depending on coverage and location. Expect to pay a premium ranging from £100-£300 per month.
• Best for: A mix of short-term and long-term travellers, those with pre-existing conditions, and families seeking comprehensive coverage.

7. Genki

Genki is an affordable, basic coverage option for short-term trips. However, it has limited benefits for pre-existing conditions and families. Ideal for budget-conscious nomads, Genki offers basic medical coverage and trip cancellation. However, it’s not recommended for long-term stays or families.

• Pros: Affordable and flexible, with options for short-term trips and long-term stays. Offers basic medical coverage and trip cancellation.
• Cons: Limited coverage for pre-existing conditions and adventure activities.
• Cost: Starts from around £30 per month.
• Best for: Budget-conscious nomads seeking basic coverage.

8. Passport Card

Passport Card is a travel medical insurance option for short-term trips. It has limited coverage for pre-existing conditions and adventure activities. Ideal for those seeking basic medical coverage, Passport Card offers emergency assistance and evacuation. However, it has limited benefits for trip cancellation and baggage loss.

• Pros: Offers travel medical insurance and emergency assistance. Can be a good option for short-term trips.
• Cons: Limited coverage for pre-existing conditions and adventure activities.
• Cost: Varies depending on coverage and destination.
• Best for: Short-term travellers seeking basic medical coverage.

9. True Traveller

True Traveller offers comprehensive coverage for trip cancellation, medical expenses, and baggage loss. It can be more expensive than competitors, True Traveller is ideal for those seeking comprehensive coverage. It provides emergency assistance and evacuation and is suitable for long-term travelers and families.

• Pros: Comprehensive coverage, including trip cancellation, medical expenses, and baggage loss. Offers a range of plan options to suit different needs.
• Cons: Can be more expensive than some competitors.
• Cost: Varies depending on coverage and destination.
• Best for: Travellers seeking comprehensive coverage, including trip cancellation and medical expenses.

10. Insured Nomads

Insured Nomads is an affordable, basic coverage option for short-term trips. However, it has limited benefits for pre-existing conditions and families. Ideal for budget-conscious nomads, Insured Nomads offers basic medical coverage and trip cancellation. However, it’s not recommended for long-term stays or families.

• Pros: Affordable and flexible, with options for short-term trips and long-term stays. Offers basic medical coverage and trip cancellation.
• Cons: Limited coverage for pre-existing conditions and adventure activities.
• Cost: Starts from around £35 per month.
• Best for: Budget-conscious nomads seeking basic coverage.

11. Atlas Nomads by World Trips

Atlas Nomads offers comprehensive coverage for trip cancellation, medical expenses, and baggage loss. While it can be more expensive than some competitors, Atlas Insurance is ideal for those seeking comprehensive coverage. It provides emergency assistance and evacuation and is suitable for long-term travellers and families.

• Pros: Offers a range of travel insurance plans, including options for medical expenses, trip cancellation, and baggage loss.
• Cons: Can be more expensive than some competitors.
• Cost: Varies depending on coverage and destination.
• Best for: Travellers seeking comprehensive coverage, including trip cancellation and medical expenses.

Our Personal Choice

SafetyWing is a popular choice for digital nomads, especially families, due to its affordability and ease of use. We’ve personally claimed with Safetywing twice, once in 2021 and once in 2023 for hospitalisation. and lost luggage.  It offers flexible plans with online enrollment and cancellation, making it convenient to adjust coverage as needed. SafetyWing includes children under adults in its plans, making it a great option for families travelling on a budget. While it may have limitations in terms of pre-existing conditions and comprehensive coverage, SafetyWing is a solid choice for those seeking basic medical coverage and trip cancellation.

Additionally, SafetyWing’s user-friendly interface and straightforward pricing make it easy to understand and manage your policy. The company also offers excellent customer support, ensuring that you have assistance whenever you need it. Another advantage of SafetyWing is its global coverage, allowing you to travel to almost any destination without worrying about your insurance. While it may not be the best option for those with complex medical needs or requiring extensive coverage, SafetyWing is a reliable and affordable choice for many people living abroad.

Choosing the Best Insurance for Your Family

The “best” insurance plan depends on your family’s specific needs, lifestyle, and budget. Here are some factors to consider:

• Length of Stay: Are you planning a short-term adventure or a long-term expat lifestyle?
• Activities: Do you enjoy adventure sports or prefer a more relaxed pace?
• Health Conditions: Do you or any family members have pre-existing conditions?
• Budget: How much are you willing to spend on insurance?
• Family Size: Are you travelling solo, as a couple, or with children?

If you’re on a tight budget, Genki, Passport Card, Insured Nomads, or SafetyWing might be a good starting point. For families seeking more comprehensive coverage, World Nomads, IMG Global, or Atlas Insurance are solid options. If you have pre-existing conditions or plan to stay abroad for an extended period, Cigna Global or Allianz Global Assistance might be better suited.

Additional Tips:

• Read the Fine Print: Don’t just focus on the headline features. Carefully read the policy documents to understand any exclusions or limitations.
• Compare Quotes: Get quotes from multiple insurers to find the best deal for your needs.
• Consider a Travel Credit Card: Some travel credit cards offer complimentary insurance benefits, which can complement your existing coverage.
• Stay Informed: Keep your insurance provider updated about any changes in your travel plans or health status.

By carefully considering your options and choosing the right insurance plan, you can embark on your global adventures with peace of mind, knowing that you’re protected against unexpected challenges. So, pack your bags, grab your camera, and let the adventure begin!