International health insurance: how to choose the best one?

If you are a passionate traveler or a permanent globetrotter, it is essential to consider taking out good medical coverage. International health insurance plays an important role in protecting you against unexpected medical expenses, whether you are traveling for leisure, for your studies, or as a digital nomad.

Whether you are looking for affordable international health insurance or a solution for a long stay in the United States, how can you choose the best international health insurance that fits your specific needs and destination?

Why take out international health insurance?

International health insurance is essential for anyone travelling or living abroad for an extended period. Healthcare systems and costs vary greatly from one country to another, and a simple medical consultation can quickly become very expensive, especially in some destinations such as the United States or certain Asian countries. As a globetrotter, you need cover that will protect you in case of accidents, illnesses, emergencies or hospitalisation.

  • Medical coverage: International health insurance covers medical expenses abroad, including consultations, hospitalisation, medication and emergency care.
  • Repatriation assistance: In the event of a serious problem, international health insurance can include assistance and repatriation to your home country or another country where you can receive appropriate treatment.
  • Adapted to your lifestyle: The plans can be tailored to your needs and profile, whether you are a student, expatriate, digital nomad or frequent traveller.

Which criteria should you look at when choosing international health insurance?

Choosing the right international health insurance for your next adventure depends on several factors, including the length of your stay, your destination, your personal situation (alone, as a couple, with your family) and, of course, your budget.

Comparison of international health insurance plans

Before subscribing, it is recommended to compare international health insurance plans to identify the one that best suits your needs. Some essential criteria to consider include:

  • Medical coverage: Make sure that the insurance adequately covers medical expenses in your destination country.
  • Routine care and hospitalization: Some insurance plans cover routine medical care (consultations, pharmacy), while others focus solely on hospitalization.
  • Repatriation cover: A good health insurance contract should include a repatriation option.
  • Coverage area: Some insurance plans offer worldwide coverage, while others focus on specific regions (for example, international health insurance for the USA for those who travel regularly to North America).

Here is a summary table of the coverage for different expenses:

ServiceCoverage
Hospitalization100% of
actual costs
General practitioner consultation100% of
actual costs
Specialist consultation100% of
actual costs
Pharmacy100% of
actual costs
Medical tests and imaging100% of
actual costs
Assistance / Repatriation100% of
actual costs
Early return in case of a close relative's deathIncluded
Medical teleconsultationIncluded
Civil liabilityIncluded
Personal effects / luggageIncluded
Legal assistanceIncluded
Cashless hospital payment worldwideIncluded

Price of international health insurance

There are international health insurance plans available at competitive prices without compromising the quality of coverage. Using an international health insurance comparison tool can help you find advantageous offers based on your profile and destination. The price of international health insurance varies depending on several factors: the destination, the length of stay, and the type of coverage desired. If you are looking for affordable international health insurance, it is important to compare offers while considering the benefits provided. That’s why we created Santexpat.fr! You can compare all the available plans on the market in just a few clicks and find the health insurance that suits you at the best price.

The benefits of international health insurance

International health insurance offers numerous advantages, especially for globetrotters who want to travel with peace of mind:

  • Access to the best care: International health cover enables you to access quality healthcare in your destination country.
  • Fast reimbursement of medical expenses: Insurance allows you to be reimbursed more quickly for healthcare costs when needed, whether for emergencies or routine care.
  • 24/7 support: You benefit from medical assistance available at any time, wherever you are in the world.
  • Repatriation: In the event of serious illness or accident, the insurance can organise and cover your repatriation to your home country.

Health insurance for long stays – Globetrotter

When planning to stay abroad for an extended period, whether for work, studies, or a long vacation, you will need long-stay international health insurance. This coverage is specifically designed for people living abroad for a prolonged period. It generally includes routine medical care, hospitalizations, and sometimes even preventive care. Long-stay health insurance is an ideal alternative to national coverage, which may not be sufficient. Depending on the destination country, local healthcare systems can vary in quality and cost, making it essential to have suitable insurance.

International family health insurance

For families traveling or relocating abroad, it is important to take out international family health insurance that covers all members. If you have young children, make sure that pediatric care, medical consultations for children, and preventive care are included. Expat family insurance plans are often flexible, allowing you to adjust your coverage according to your family’s specific needs, ensuring suitable health protection anywhere in the world.

International health insurance for digital nomads

Digital nomads represent a new generation of workers who carry out their jobs while continuously traveling around the world. This lifestyle, made possible by the widespread adoption of remote work, often involves extended stays in multiple countries, without a fixed residence. For these modern travelers, international health insurance is essential, as it allows them to be protected against unexpected health issues in any country.

International health insurance plans for digital nomads

Insurance companies are increasingly offering plans specifically designed for digital nomads. These plans often include coverage such as routine medical care, hospitalization costs, as well as specific options like medical evacuation or dental care. International health insurance plans can be subscribed to for several months or even several years, depending on the traveler’s lifestyle and plans.

Travel with the right international health insurance coverage

As a globetrotter, taking out international health insurance is essential for traveling with peace of mind. Whether you are traveling for a few months or embarking on a long-term expatriation, there are a multitude of options tailored to your specific needs. Use an international health insurance comparison tool to find the best plan based on your criteria and destination. By following these tips, you will be ready to explore the world without worrying about medical emergencies, knowing you have the coverage you need, wherever you are.

Frequently
asked questions

The blog for a successful
expatriation

Self-employed and freelance abroad – Guide 2026
02/02/2026

Self-employed and freelance abroad – Guide 2026

In 2026, the era of nomadic work reached a new milestone. Professional independence is no longer just a question of status, ...

Care abroad: overcoming the language barrier
29/12/2025

Care abroad: overcoming the language barrier

Traveling or living abroad is all about adventure, discovering new cultures, new flavors… It’s also, sometimes, ...

Doing business in the USA: the importance of health insurance
01/09/2025

Doing business in the USA: the importance of health insurance

Moving to the United States as anexpatriate entrepreneur to set up or expand your business is a unique opportunity, driven by ...

Hong Kong: the digital nomad’s guide to living and working in ...
04/08/2025

Hong Kong: the digital nomad’s guide to living and working in ...

Do you dream of working remotely while discovering one of Asia’s most dynamic cities? Hong Kong, with its boundless ...