Expat Health Insurance: Coverage, Cost, Quotes 2024
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When moving abroad, ensuring you have the right health coverage is essential, especially for Canadian expats. While Canada offers a robust public healthcare system, coverage doesn't travel with you once you leave the country for an extended period.
That's where expat health insurance steps in. This guide will help you navigate the world of expat health insurance—explaining what it is, what it covers, what it costs, why it’s crucial, and how to choose the right plan.
Whether you're heading overseas for work, study, or retirement, being prepared with the right insurance can protect you from unexpected medical expenses. You can use our free tool at the top of this page to compare the best expat health insurance plans based on your needs. Get personalized quotes in seconds.
Expat Health Insurance: 5 Key Takeaways
- Research local healthcare systems before moving abroad.
- Private insurance is often essential for immediate coverage.
- Choose a plan that can be customized to your needs.
- Opt for global coverage if you travel frequently.
- Balance coverage options with your budget.
What is Expat Health Insurance?
Expat health insurance is a specialized type of health insurance designed for people living or working outside their home country, commonly referred to as expatriates or expats. This insurance provides coverage for medical expenses, including doctor visits, hospitalization, emergency care, and sometimes dental and vision care, depending on the plan.
Expat health insurance is particularly important because standard travel insurance typically only covers short-term trips and may not provide comprehensive coverage for ongoing healthcare needs.
In contrast, expat health insurance is tailored to the unique requirements of long-term residents in a foreign country, ensuring they have access to necessary medical services while living abroad.
What does Expat Health Insurance cover?
Key features of expat health insurance often include:
- Inpatient and outpatient care: Coverage for hospital stays and visits to doctors or specialists
- Prescription drugs: Coverage for medication costs
- Emergency services: Coverage for emergencies, including ambulance services and medical evacuation
- Maternity and newborn care: Coverage for pregnancy and childbirth-related expenses
- Preventive care: Coverage for routine check-ups and vaccinations
- Global coverage: Some plans offer coverage not only in the country of residence but also globally, which is beneficial for expats who travel frequently
Expat health insurance is crucial for those who may not be eligible for public healthcare in their host country or who need additional coverage to complement the local healthcare system. Explore your options using our comparator to ensure you get the right coverage.
Why do Canadian expats need Health Insurance?
Most Canadian provinces require residents to maintain a physical presence in the province for a certain number of days each year to remain eligible for provincial health coverage. Canadian expats often lose their provincial health insurance like OHIP or MSP in BC or Sask Health, etc, after being abroad for an extended period.
Also, medical costs in other countries can be significantly higher than in Canada, and without proper insurance, expats may face substantial out-of-pocket expenses. Having health insurance ensures that Canadian expats have access to necessary medical care without financial strain, providing peace of mind while living abroad.
Options for Canadian Expats
- International health insurance providers: Companies like Cigna, Bupa and Allianz offer specialized plans for Canadian expats, providing comprehensive coverage tailored to their needs.
- Local health insurance: In some cases, Canadian expats may choose to purchase health insurance from a provider in their country of residence, though this might offer less flexibility in terms of global coverage.
- Continuation of coverage: Some Canadian expats may be able to maintain certain types of health coverage from Canada, such as extended health benefits from their former employer, though this typically requires careful planning and may not cover all medical needs abroad.
What does Expat Health Insurance cost?
The cost of expat health insurance in Canada can vary widely depending on several factors, including the level of coverage, the insurance provider, the expat's age and health status and more.
Here are some details about the common facts that influence the cost:
- Type of coverage: Plans covering only essential medical services, such as emergency care and hospitalization, tend to be more affordable. Plans that include outpatient care, prescription drugs, dental and vision care and maternity coverage are typically more expensive.
- Age: Older expats generally pay higher premiums because they are more likely to require medical services.
- Health status: Pre-existing conditions can increase the cost of insurance. Some insurers may charge higher premiums or impose waiting periods for coverage related to pre-existing conditions.
- Duration of stay: Short-term plans (e.g., less than 6 months) may be less expensive on a monthly basis, while long-term plans (e.g., 1 year or more) often provide more comprehensive coverage but at a higher cost.
- Level of coverage: Plans with lower deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums usually have higher premiums. Additional coverage options, like maternity care or global coverage outside Canada, will also increase the cost.
Here's a quick overview of the cost estimates for different types of expat health insurance in Canada:
| Type of Coverage | Cost Estimate (per month) | Coverage Details |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Coverage | $50 to $150 | Covers emergency care, hospital stays and some outpatient services |
| Comprehensive Coverage | $200 to $600 or more | Includes outpatient care, prescription drugs, dental and vision care and additional benefits |
| Family Plans | $500 to $1,500 | Costs increase with the number of dependents; covers a wide range of medical services for the entire family |
| Premium Plans | Over $1,000 | Extensive coverage, including global medical services, maternity care and low out-of-pocket costs |
Expat Health Insurance Quotes
Here are quotes from Cigna Health Insurance (Silver Plan) that we obtained for Canadian expats (Aged 30-35) living in various countries.
| Country | Premium (CAD per month) | Overall Annual Benefit | Inpatient, Daypatient & Accommodation Costs | Cancer Care | Mental & Behavioral Health Care |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expat Health Insurance Thailand | 260.86 | $1,000,000 | Up to $5,000 | ||
| Expat Health Insurance Mexico | 402.76 | $1,000,000 | Up to $5,000 | ||
| Expat Health Insurance Spain | 187.25 | $1,000,000 | Up to $5,000 | ||
| Expat Health Insurance Philippines | 260.86 | $1,000,000 | Up to $5,000 | ||
| Expat Health Insurance UK | 352.10 | $1,000,000 | Up to $5,000 | ||
| Expat Health Insurance Germany | 186.97 | $1,000,000 | Up to $5,000 | ||
| Expat Health Insurance Singapore | 407.08 | $1,000,000 | Up to $5,000 | ||
| Expat Health Insurance Cambodia | 260.86 | $1,000,000 | Up to $5,000 | ||
| Expat Health Insurance China | 347.10 | $1,000,000 | Up to $5,000 | ||
| Expat Health Insurance Kuwait | 270.97 | $1,000,000 | Up to $5,000 |
- The above expat health insurance costs are from Cigna Health Insurance for a 33-year-old Canadian national
- The coverage included is for the Silver Plan.
- The coverage varies based on the plan with the Platinum option being the most comprehensive
If you're going for a short-term expatriate venture, you can explore health insurance providers in Canada using our free tool below. Compare quotes for free and get instant results.
Compare The Best Health Insurance Plans and Rates on the market!
Health Insurance for Expats in Canada — Foreigners Living in Canada
Health insurance for expats in Canada — foreigners living in the country — ensures that they have access to necessary medical services, whether they are temporary residents, students, or workers.
Canada's healthcare system, primarily funded through taxes, offers a public health insurance program called Medicare. However, not all expats are immediately eligible for this coverage, making private health insurance an essential consideration.
1. Public Healthcare (Medicare) Eligibility
Canada’s public healthcare system is administered at the provincial level. Each province and territory has its own healthcare plan, which typically covers essential medical services such as doctor visits, hospital stays and emergency care.
Things to keep in mind:
- Waiting period: Many provinces impose a waiting period (often up to three months) before new residents, including expats, can access public healthcare. During this waiting period, expats need private insurance to cover any medical costs.
- Eligibility requirements: To qualify for Medicare, expats usually need to have a valid work permit, study permit, or permanent resident status. The specific requirements vary by province.
Good to know
Dental care in Canada can be particularly quite expensive, and international students should consider having dental insurance to avoid high out-of-pocket costs. Take a look at our guide on the best student dental insurance options.
2. Private Health Insurance for Expats
For expats who are not yet eligible for Medicare or are in Canada on a short-term basis (less than six months), private health insurance is essential. This coverage typically includes emergency care, hospitalization and sometimes outpatient services.
Here are some other options:
- Supplemental insurance: Even after becoming eligible for Medicare, many expats choose to purchase supplemental private insurance to cover services not included in public healthcare, such as prescription drugs, dental care, vision care and private hospital rooms.
- International health insurance: Some expats prefer to maintain international health insurance that offers coverage both in Canada and globally, particularly if they travel frequently or plan to move to another country in the future.
What is the Best Expat Health Insurance?
Choosing the best expat health insurance for Canadians living abroad depends on several factors, including your health needs, destination country, budget and coverage preferences.
However, several insurers are known for offering high-quality, comprehensive plans tailored to the needs of Canadian expats. Here are some of the top options:
1. Cigna Global
Cigna Health Insurance is one of the most recognized names in global health insurance, offering flexible and comprehensive plans for expats.
Key features:
- Customizable plans that allow you to add or remove coverage options based on your needs
- Worldwide coverage with access to a large network of healthcare providers
- 24/7 customer support and easy claims processing
- Includes options for dental, vision and mental health coverage
Best for: Expats seeking highly customizable plans with global coverage
2. Allianz Care
Allianz Care provides a range of international health insurance plans designed specifically for expatriates.
Key features:
- Complete coverage encompassing both inpatient and outpatient services, as well as maternity and dental care
- Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation included
- Easy access to a wide network of healthcare providers globally
- Offers an online portal for managing claims and coverage
Best For: Expats looking for comprehensive coverage with strong support services
3. Bupa Global
Bupa health insurance is known for its extensive international coverage and excellent customer service, making it a popular choice among expats.
Key features:
- Provides plans that include coverage for routine care, hospitalization, emergency services and additional needs
- Global access to healthcare providers with options for treatment in high-quality facilities
- Options to add travel insurance and preventive care coverage
- 24/7 access to medical advice and support services
Best for: Expats who prioritize access to top-tier medical facilities and extensive global coverage
4. Aetna International
Aetna health insurance is a reputable health insurance provider known for offering extensive plans tailored for expatriates.
Key features:
- Extensive network of healthcare providers and hospitals around the world
- Plans that cover inpatient and outpatient care, maternity, mental health and wellness
- Includes emergency medical evacuation and repatriation
- 24/7 customer service and access to online tools for managing your plan
Best for: Expats seeking a balance between comprehensive coverage and affordability.
5. GeoBlue (by Blue Cross Blue Shield)
GeoBlue offers international health insurance plans for expats, with a focus on U.S. citizens abroad, but it is also a good option for Canadians.
Key features:
- Coverage for routine care, emergency services and hospitalization
- Access to a vast network of healthcare providers worldwide
- Easy claims process and 24/7 customer support
Best for: Expats who may need coverage in the U.S. and prefer the reliability of Blue Cross health insurance.
How to choose the best expat health insurance?
To start with, consider your health status, whether you have any pre-existing conditions and how often you expect to use medical services. Here are some other things you should consider:
- Your destination: The availability and quality of local healthcare in your host country can influence your choice of insurance provider.
- Budget: Determine how much you are willing to spend on health insurance and whether you prefer paying higher premiums for more comprehensive coverage or lower premiums for basic coverage.
- Global coverage: If you travel frequently or plan to live in multiple countries, ensure your plan provides global coverage.
- Customer service: Opt for a provider with strong customer service and easy claims processing to ensure smooth handling of any medical needs abroad.
Explore your options using our comparator to ensure you get the right coverage and don't have to worry about staying healthy while away from home.
