Written by
John Spencer
John Spencer is the founder of Compare Expat Plans, where he focuses on helping people compare health plans for life abroad. He emphasizes clear information, neutral analysis, and practical decision support.
Top Picks for Entrepreneurs
After evaluating insurance options for startup founders abroad, here are our recommendations:
Best Overall for Founders
Cigna Global
Comprehensive coverage, strong mental health benefits, accepted for startup visas, can scale to team coverage.
Best for Growing Teams
Bupa Global
Group plans starting at 3 employees, strong network, seamless transition from individual to team coverage.
Best Bootstrap Option
IMG Global
Lower premiums while bootstrapping. Full coverage with high deductible options. Good for early-stage founders.
Best for Remote Teams
SafetyWing Remote Health
Designed for distributed teams. Simple enrollment. Works for companies with employees in multiple countries.
What Entrepreneurs Need in Coverage
Startup founders have unique insurance needs that differ from employees or even freelancers:
Mental Health Coverage
Startup stress is real. Founders face:
- Funding pressure and financial uncertainty
- Long hours and work-life imbalance
- Isolation from support networks
- High-stakes decision making
Mental health coverage isn't optional—it's essential. Travel medical plans don't cover mental health. Get full international health insurance that includes therapy and psychiatry.
Visa Compliance
Startup and entrepreneur visas require valid health insurance. Requirements vary:
- Some countries accept international plans
- Others require local insurance enrollment
- Specific coverage minimums may apply
Always verify your insurance meets your specific visa requirements.
Flexibility During Growth
Your situation changes as your startup grows:
- Start with individual coverage as a solo founder
- Add co-founders or early employees
- Transition to group coverage as you scale
- Potentially cover team members in multiple countries
Choose an insurer that can grow with you.
Tax Documentation
As a business owner, health insurance may be deductible:
- Keep proper invoices and receipts
- Track premiums for tax purposes
- Understand rules in your jurisdiction
Insurance That Grows With You
Find coverage that works from founding through scaling.
Compare PlansWe may earn a commission when you apply through our links. This does not affect our recommendations.
Plan Comparison
| Provider | Startup Visa | Mental Health | Group Plans | Monthly Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cigna Global | Most countries | Yes | Yes (5+) | $150-400 |
| Allianz Care | Most countries | Yes | Yes (5+) | $180-450 |
| Bupa Global | Most countries | Yes | Yes (3+) | $200-500 |
| IMG Global | Most countries | Yes | Limited | $100-300 |
| SafetyWing | Some countries | No | Remote teams | $45-85 |
* Prices are estimates for individual coverage, healthy founder age 30-40. Actual prices vary by age, location, and coverage level.
Detailed Reviews
Cigna Global — Best Overall for Founders
Cigna Global is our top pick for startup founders. It offers comprehensive coverage that works for visas, includes mental health, and can scale to team coverage.
What works well:
- Accepted for startup visas in most countries
- Strong mental health coverage (therapy, psychiatry)
- Global network with good specialist access
- Group plans available when you hire (5+ employees)
- Telemedicine for busy founders
- Reliable claims process
Considerations: Premium pricing. Group plans require 5+ employees (Bupa starts at 3). US coverage expensive.
Read our full Cigna Global review
Bupa Global — Best for Growing Teams
Bupa Global is ideal for founders planning to hire, with group plans starting at just 3 employees.
What works well:
- Group plans from 3 employees (lower threshold than competitors)
- Excellent global hospital network
- Strong coverage for the whole team
- Seamless transition from individual to group
- Mental health coverage included
Considerations: Higher premiums. Premium option. Best value if you're planning to hire soon.
Read our full Bupa Global review
Allianz Care — Strong Alternative
Allianz Care offers solid coverage with good presence in Europe—useful for founders in EU startup ecosystems.
What works well:
- Strong European network (good for Berlin, Paris, Amsterdam hubs)
- Multiple plan tiers for different budgets
- Mental health coverage included
- Group plans available
- Good visa acceptance
Considerations: Network weaker outside Europe. Group minimums vary by region.
Read our full Allianz Care review
IMG Global — Best Bootstrap Option
IMG offers full health insurance at lower price points—good for founders watching every dollar.
What works well:
- Lower premiums than Cigna, Allianz, or Bupa
- High deductible options ($2,500-$5,000) for further savings
- Still full health insurance for visa purposes
- Mental health coverage included
- Good catastrophic coverage
Considerations: Customer service not as strong. Network smaller. Limited group options.
Read our full IMG Global review
SafetyWing Remote Health — Best for Distributed Teams
SafetyWing's Remote Health product is designed for companies with distributed teams across multiple countries.
What works well:
- Designed for remote-first companies
- Simple enrollment for team members in different countries
- No minimum team size
- Affordable pricing
- Easy administration
Considerations: May not meet all visa requirements. Check specific country acceptance. Mental health coverage limited compared to Cigna/Allianz.
Read our full SafetyWing review
Startup Visa Insurance Requirements
Different countries have different requirements for entrepreneur and startup visas:
| Country | Startup Visa | Insurance Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Start-up / Innovator | NHS via IHS |
| France | French Tech Visa | Social security enrollment |
| Germany | Entrepreneur Visa | Public or private required |
| Netherlands | Startup Visa | Dutch insurance required |
| Portugal | Startup Visa / Tech Visa | Valid health insurance |
| Spain | Entrepreneur Visa | No copay insurance required |
| Estonia | Startup Visa | Valid health insurance |
| UAE | Golden Visa / Entrepreneur | Health insurance mandatory |
Key Considerations
- UK: Immigration Health Surcharge covers NHS access—additional private insurance optional
- Germany: Must have German public or private insurance—international plans often don't qualify
- Netherlands: Must join Dutch basic insurance (basisverzekering) within 4 months
- France: French Tech Visa includes social security enrollment
- Portugal/Estonia: Generally accept international health insurance
- Spain: Requires insurance without copays—verify your plan qualifies
Always verify current requirements before applying for any startup visa.
Find Visa-Compliant Coverage
Compare options that meet your startup visa requirements.
Compare PlansWe may earn a commission when you apply through our links. This does not affect our recommendations.
Coverage for Your Team
As your startup grows, you'll need to cover employees. Here's how it works:
When to Transition to Group Coverage
- Solo founder: Individual plan is fine
- 2-4 employees: Individual plans or Bupa group (3+ minimum)
- 5+ employees: Group plans available from most insurers
- 10+ employees: Better rates and more options
Group Plan Benefits
- Often cheaper per person than individual plans
- Simplified administration
- Recruiting advantage (benefits attract talent)
- Limited or no medical underwriting for employees
Distributed Team Challenges
If your team is in multiple countries:
- International group plans cover employees worldwide
- Some countries may require local insurance regardless
- SafetyWing Remote Health designed for this scenario
- Costs and administration more complex
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deduct health insurance as a business expense?
Often yes, but rules vary by jurisdiction and business structure. In many countries, self-employed individuals and business owners can deduct health insurance premiums. Consult a tax professional familiar with your specific situation.
What if I can't afford comprehensive coverage while bootstrapping?
Options: IMG Global for lower premiums, high deductible plans to reduce costs, or evaluate if your startup visa accepts more affordable local options. Don't go without coverage—medical costs can sink a startup.
Should I get individual plans for co-founders or a group plan?
With 2 co-founders, individual plans are typically your only option (most group minimums are 3-5). At 3+, Bupa offers group coverage. Individual plans mean each person can choose different coverage levels.
How do I cover employees in different countries?
International group plans (Cigna, Allianz, Bupa) cover employees worldwide. SafetyWing Remote Health is designed specifically for distributed teams. Some countries may require local insurance compliance regardless.
Is mental health coverage really important for founders?
Yes. Founder burnout, anxiety, and depression are well-documented. The startup journey is stressful. Having access to therapy and mental health support isn't a luxury—it's practical risk management for your health and your business.
What happens to my coverage if my startup fails?
Individual coverage continues as long as you pay premiums. Group coverage would need to transition—you could move to individual coverage with the same insurer (conditions developed while covered usually stay covered) or find new coverage.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only. Visa requirements, tax rules, and coverage details change frequently. We are not insurance brokers, visa consultants, or tax advisors. Verify current requirements with appropriate professionals.
