Best Expat Insurance for Couples

Top Picks for Couples

After evaluating international health insurance options for couples, here are our recommendations:

Joint vs Separate Plans

One of the first decisions couples face: should you get one policy together or separate individual plans?

Joint/Family Plan

Both partners on one policy with shared administration.

Advantages:

• Multi-person discount (typically 5-10%)
• Single policy to manage, one renewal date
• Easier to add children later
• Combined family deductible options

Disadvantages:

• Both must have same coverage level (usually)
• If one partner has health issues, can affect joint application
• Splitting up means policy changes

Separate Individual Plans

Each partner has their own policy.

Advantages:

• Each can choose coverage that fits their needs
• One partner's health history doesn't affect the other
• Different nationalities can each optimize for their situation
• Independent if relationship changes

Disadvantages:

• No multi-person discount
• Two policies to manage
• Adding children requires choosing which policy

Our Recommendation

Go joint if you're both healthy, want the same coverage level, and plan to stay together long-term. The discount and simplicity are worth it.

Go separate if you have different health situations, want different coverage levels, or have different nationalities that affect coverage options.

Plan Comparison for Couples

* Prices are estimates for two healthy adults age 30-35. Actual prices vary significantly by age, location, and coverage level.

Detailed Reviews

Cigna Global — Best Overall for Couples

Cigna Global offers the best combination of flexibility, coverage, and value for couples.

What works well:

• 5-10% multi-person discount on joint policies
• Partners can choose different plan levels if needed
• Strong maternity coverage (up to $50K after waiting period)
• Easy to add children when ready
• Good mental health coverage for both partners

Considerations: Premium pricing. US coverage adds significant cost.

Read our full Cigna Global review

Bupa Global — Best for Family Planning

If you're planning to have children abroad, Bupa's maternity coverage is the best in the industry.

What works well:

• Highest maternity limits (up to $75K)
• Excellent pediatric network for when baby arrives
• Comprehensive coverage including dental in top plans
• Strong worldwide hospital network

Considerations: Higher premiums. Best value in top-tier plans.

Read our full Bupa Global review

Allianz Care — Strong All-Around Option

Allianz offers good coverage for couples with flexibility in plan design.

What works well:

• Multiple plan tiers for different budgets
• Partners can have different coverage levels
• Good mental health coverage
• Strong network in Europe and Asia

Considerations: Maternity limits lower than Bupa or Cigna.

Read our full Allianz Care review

IMG Global — Budget-Friendly Option

IMG works well for healthy couples who want comprehensive coverage at lower prices.

What works well:

• Lower premiums than Cigna, Allianz, or Bupa
• High deductible options reduce costs further
• Each partner can have different plans
• Good catastrophic coverage

Considerations: No couple discount. Limited maternity. Customer service varies.

Read our full IMG Global review

SafetyWing — Budget Nomad Option

For nomad couples moving frequently, SafetyWing offers affordable travel medical coverage.

What works well:

• Very affordable ($45-85 per person/month)
• No end date, monthly billing
• Covers 180+ countries
• Simple and flexible

Considerations: Travel medical only—no routine care, mental health, or maternity. Pre-existing conditions excluded.

Read our full SafetyWing review

Special Situations

Different Nationalities

If you and your partner have different passports, coverage options may differ:

• Some plans price differently based on nationality
• Home country coverage rules may differ
• Separate plans let each optimize for their citizenship
• Joint plans are still possible—just compare pricing both ways

One Partner Has Health Conditions

If one partner has pre-existing conditions:

• Separate plans prevent one partner's health from affecting the other
• Joint applications may result in exclusions for the healthy partner too
• Consider separate plans with different insurers if needed

Different Coverage Needs

If one partner needs more coverage than the other:

• Some insurers (Cigna, Allianz) allow different plan levels on one policy
• Others require same coverage level for joint plans
• Separate plans give complete flexibility

Unmarried Partners

Most international insurers cover unmarried partners on family/couple plans. You'll typically need to:

• Declare the relationship on the application
• Live together (some require proof)
• Be in a committed relationship

Domestic partnerships and same-sex couples are generally accepted by major international insurers.

Planning for Children

If you might have children abroad, get maternity coverage early:

Waiting Periods

All insurers have 10-12 month waiting periods for maternity. You must be covered for that long before pregnancy costs are covered. Plan ahead.

Coverage Limits

• Bupa Global: Up to $75,000
• Cigna Global: Up to $50,000
• Allianz Care: Up to $30,000
• IMG Global: Limited ($5,000-10,000)

Adding Newborns

Most plans let you add newborns within 30-60 days of birth, typically with no medical underwriting. The baby is covered from birth if added in time.

Transition to Family Coverage

When baby arrives, your couple plan becomes a family plan. Premiums increase but you'll have coverage for everyone on one policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it cheaper to get a joint plan or two individual plans?

Usually joint is 5-10% cheaper due to multi-person discounts. However, if one partner has health issues that would result in exclusions or higher premiums, separate plans might work out better. Get quotes both ways to compare.

Can we have different coverage levels on one policy?

Some insurers allow this (Cigna, Allianz, IMG), others don't (Bupa typically requires same level). If different coverage levels are important, verify before applying.

What if we're not married?

Most international insurers accept unmarried partners, domestic partnerships, and same-sex couples. You'll declare your relationship on the application. Some may ask for proof of cohabitation.

What happens if we split up?

Joint policies can typically be split into individual policies. One partner stays on the policy, the other gets a new individual policy. Pre-existing conditions that developed while insured usually stay covered.

Should we get maternity coverage if we might have kids?

Yes, if there's any chance. The 10-12 month waiting period means you can't add it when you need it. It's much easier to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.

Can one of us have US coverage and the other not?

On separate plans, yes. On joint plans, it depends on the insurer. Some require same coverage region for all members, others allow different regions. US coverage is expensive, so if only one partner needs it, separate plans might save money.