What Is International Health Insurance: Individual Plans

International health insurance (also known as global health insurance) is a type of medical cover specifically designed for people who live, work or study outside their home country. It provides access to a wide range of healthcare services, including hospital treatment, specialist care and medical evacuation.

Increasing numbers of people are choosing to live and work outside their home countries, creating a dynamic global population in need of medical coverage. This shift brings diverse healthcare challenges, making adequate international health insurance crucial. With healthcare costs varying significantly worldwide, securing the right coverage offers vital protection and peace of mind.

According to the Europe Health Insurance Market Report 2025 by IMARC Group, the European health insurance market was valued at USD 493.5 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 752.6 billion by 2033, reflecting a rising global demand driven by increased expatriate populations and growing chronic disease prevalence.

The increasing market size reflects a critical need for comprehensive global health coverage in an ever-more connected world. Policies with Allianz are flexible and can be tailored to suit specific needs.

Though often confused, travel insurance and international health insurance differ significantly upon closer examination. Confusing them could leave you dangerously under-protected. Travel insurance typically covers cancellations, loss of luggage or personal belongings, and some emergency medical treatment. It is designed for short trips abroad and has a limited duration.

International Health Insurance provides you with long term cover for both emergency and routine health care. Plans differ but cover usually includes hospital stays, routine check-ups, pre-existing conditions and more. 

Failing to have comprehensive international health insurance can mean facing unpredictable medical expenses or poor-quality care, especially in unfamiliar health systems where you don’t speak the language.

Having this level of global medical cover may not be a legal requirement for your destination but it is advisable. Moving to a new country of residence where you may not know a lot of people and do not speak the local language can make stressful medical situations a lot harder to deal with.

Depending on your location the level of medical care available to you could be different to the standard you are used to at home. With this insurance you can expect the highest level available in our extensive list of approved treatment centres.

Allianz global health insurance plans are tailored especially for expats, professionals, students and families living and working overseas. These plans provide access to a broad network of approved treatment centres worldwide, ensuring you receive the best available care wherever you are.

This depends on your health insurance plan. There may be some cover for emergency medical treatment but you may not be covered for evacuation. It is best to check with your health insurance provider. 

Many domestic health plans offer limited or no coverage abroad, particularly for evacuations or extended treatment. Relying on your home policy could result in significant out-of-pocket expenses.

Allianz international health insurance policies are designed to meet the needs of a wide range of customers. Whether you are a mobile professional, an international expat, a digital nomad, a young or established family or an international student, Allianz has the right cover for you.

A primary offering within this category is Allianz’s Care Plans, which offers three core plans: Base, Enhanced, and Signature. These plans simplify the selection process by aligning optional benefits such as outpatient and dental cover with your chosen core plan, making it straightforward to tailor your coverage.

All three Care Plans include the following standard benefits:

• Hospital accommodation in a private room
• In-patient, day-care and emergency outpatient treatment
• Medical evacuation and repatriation
• Oncology services

This is the geographical area in which you are covered for Allianz’s international health insurance. Our policies provide cover for different areas such as Worldwide, Worldwide excluding USA, Africa and Europe only, this depends on the chosen plan. The cost of your cover will depend on your chosen area. You can receive treatment in any country within your chosen area of cover.

For example, if you require treatment that is not available locally and you have Medical evacuation benefit as part of your policy we will cover your travel costs to the nearest eligible medical centre. If the treatment you require is available locally but you would prefer to receive it in another facility within your area of cover we will cover the treatment but you will have to pay for your own travel. We have a network of over 1 million approved medical providers across the world.

Allianz offers specialised intenational health insurance plans designed to meet local regulations and provide comprehensive coverage for Asia, the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and the Americas. Whether you need top-up cover or region-specific solutions, our expert team is ready to help you find the right plan.

Without proper international health insurance, medical emergencies or long-term treatments abroad can quickly become financially devastating.

As well as being covered for the points we’ve mentioned above, there are other added benefits that come with this type of insurance. With Allianz you can also enjoy:

The Expat Assistance Programme (EAP) is designed to support and assist you on a number of matters including mental and emotional wellbeing. It is available 24/7 and  staffed by human operators based in Canada. Calls are answered in either English or French, with a translator arranged if you require assistance in another language. Some EAP services include counselling, bespoke well-being content and helpful podcasts on the topics you’re interested in such as time management, individual happiness and more.

Be sure to check out the Allianz Happiness Hub for more resources, videos, and expert advice on increasing your happiness as an expat.

Our Travel Security Service consists of an emergency hotline available 24 hours a day, specialised advice for a number of countries and daily alerts for your location for things like terrorism, civil unrest and weather alerts. 

Most Allianz international health insurance policies accept applicants up to around 75 (or one day before the 76th birthday) years of age, depending on the plan and underwriting terms. You can get a quote online, request a call back, or send us an email. Provide your destination country, nationality, age, contact details, and preferred policy start date. You can purchase online or work with our agents to find the best policy for you.

Choosing the right health insurance plan is essential for expats to ensure uninterrupted access to quality healthcare worldwide.

Secure peace of mind with Allianz  international health insurance, a trusted plan tailored to your unique needs. Enjoy comprehensive coverage that protects you at home and wherever life takes you.