Best Budget Health Insurance for Expats

Top Budget Picks

Looking for affordable international health insurance? Here are the best options that balance cost and coverage:

• IMG Global: Best overall for budget-conscious expats who want real international health insurance at a lower price.
• SafetyWing: Ideal for digital nomads who want basic coverage at the lowest possible cost.
• Cigna Global (High Deductible): Premium quality at a reduced price if you can handle a higher deductible.
• Allianz Care (Basic Plan): Affordable option with good coverage if you're based in Europe.

What "Budget" Actually Means

"Budget" international health insurance typically means one or more of:

• Higher deductibles: You pay more out of pocket before insurance kicks in
• Lower coverage limits: Caps on how much the insurer will pay
• Fewer benefits: No dental, vision, maternity, or wellness coverage
• Smaller networks: Fewer direct-pay hospitals and providers
• Geographic restrictions: Coverage may exclude expensive regions (like the US)

The key is understanding what trade-offs you're making. Budget insurance isn't "bad" — it's about matching coverage to your actual needs and risk tolerance.

Budget Plan Comparison

Here's how affordable options compare:

* Prices are estimates for a healthy 35-year-old. Actual prices vary by age, location, and specific plan options.

Detailed Reviews

IMG Global — Best Overall Budget Option

IMG Global offers the best balance of affordability and legitimate international health coverage. Their high-deductible options can reduce premiums by 50% or more compared to zero-deductible plans.

Why it's good for budget:

• Deductible options up to $25,000 (extreme savings)
• Annual maximum up to $8 million (real protection)
• Worldwide coverage with or without US
• Solid medical evacuation coverage ($500,000)
• 4.6/5 Trustpilot rating — they pay claims

What you give up: Fewer wellness benefits, limited maternity, smaller direct-pay network. Best for healthy people who rarely use healthcare.

Read our full IMG Global review

SafetyWing — Best for Digital Nomads

SafetyWing is the go-to for digital nomads who want simple, affordable coverage. It's technically travel medical insurance, not comprehensive health insurance — but for many nomads, it's enough.

Why it's popular:

• Starts around $40-70/month
• No long-term commitment (pay monthly)
• Covers 180+ countries
• Simple signup process
• Includes some US coverage for non-US citizens

Limitations: $250,000 annual limit (lower than true health insurance), limited coverage for pre-existing conditions, not suitable for those with ongoing health needs.

Cigna Global with High Deductible

If you want premium coverage quality but need to reduce costs, Cigna Global with a high deductible ($5,000-10,000) offers the best of both worlds.

Why consider it:

• Same excellent network and service as full-price plans
• Unlimited annual coverage
• Great claims experience
• Premium can drop 40-50% with high deductible

Trade-off: You need $5,000-10,000 accessible for healthcare costs before insurance pays. Best for those with savings who want catastrophic protection.

Read our full Cigna Global review

Allianz Care Basic Plan

Allianz Care's entry-level plans offer legitimate international coverage at competitive prices, especially for those in Europe.

Strengths:

• Multiple plan tiers to match budget
• Strong European network
• Good mental health coverage even on basic plans
• Reasonable deductible options

Considerations: Network thinner outside Europe. Basic plans exclude some benefits like wellness visits.

Read our full Allianz Care review

The High Deductible Strategy

The most effective way to reduce premiums is choosing a higher deductible. Here's how the math works:

* Example based on typical pricing for a 35-year-old with worldwide coverage. "Worst Case" = annual premium + full deductible.

How to Think About This

Look at the "worst case" column — that's your maximum annual exposure. With a $2,500 deductible:

• You save $2,040/year in premiums vs $0 deductible
• Your worst case (premium + full deductible) is $4,660
• That's only $460 more than the $0 deductible option
• But in a healthy year, you pocket the $2,040 savings

The higher you go, the more you save in premiums, but the higher your risk. Find the balance that matches your savings and risk tolerance.

What You're Giving Up

Budget plans typically don't include:

Usually Excluded

• Maternity coverage: Pregnancy and childbirth not covered
• Dental care: Routine dental excluded
• Vision care: Eye exams and glasses not covered
• Wellness visits: Preventive care may be excluded
• Mental health: Often limited or excluded

Often Limited

• Coverage limits: Lower annual/lifetime maximums
• Pre-existing conditions: Stricter exclusions
• Alternative medicine: Chiropractic, acupuncture excluded
• Physical therapy: May have tight sub-limits

Sometimes Affected

• Direct-pay network: Fewer cashless hospitals
• Customer service: May be less responsive
• Coverage areas: US often excluded for affordability

When Budget Insurance Works

The Smart Budget Approach

1. Set a realistic budget for health insurance
2. Choose the highest deductible you can comfortably pay
3. Keep deductible amount in an accessible savings account
4. Don't cut essential coverage (emergency, hospitalization, evacuation)
5. Pay out of pocket for routine care if it makes sense locally
6. Reassess annually as your situation changes

Common Questions

What's the cheapest international health insurance?

SafetyWing starts around $40-70/month for basic travel medical coverage. For true international health insurance (higher limits, more comprehensive), IMG Global with a high deductible can start around $75-100/month.

Is a $10,000 deductible too high?

It depends on your savings and risk tolerance. A $10,000 deductible only makes sense if you have that amount readily available and can afford to pay it if needed. For many people, $2,500-5,000 is a better balance.

Can I get budget insurance with pre-existing conditions?

Possibly, but those conditions likely won't be covered, or you'll face higher premiums. Budget plans are generally designed for healthy individuals. If you have ongoing health needs, comprehensive coverage may actually be more economical.

Should I just go without insurance to save money?

We strongly advise against this. A single hospitalization or emergency evacuation can cost tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars. Even basic budget coverage protects you from financial catastrophe.

Is SafetyWing real insurance?

SafetyWing is legitimate travel medical insurance, backed by licensed insurers. However, it has lower limits and fewer benefits than comprehensive international health insurance. It's fine for many nomads but may not be adequate for those needing more protection.

Can I upgrade later?

Usually yes, but new underwriting applies. If you develop health conditions while on a budget plan, upgrading may be harder or more expensive. Consider your future needs when choosing.

What's the minimum coverage I should have?

At minimum, we recommend: $500,000+ annual coverage, medical evacuation coverage ($100,000+), hospitalization and emergency coverage. Don't go below these even for budget options.