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 Europe
These insurers have the best coverage for expats in Europe:
Best for Europe Overall
Allianz Care
European-headquartered with excellent EU network, Schengen compliant, competitive pricing.
Best Network Coverage
Cigna Global
Extensive European hospital network with direct billing in major cities.
Best Premium Option
Bupa Global
Top-tier facilities, excellent service, comprehensive coverage across Europe.
Best Budget Option
IMG Global
Affordable coverage for Europe with Schengen visa compliance.
Why Europe-Specific Insurance Matters
Europe has unique healthcare considerations:
Strong Public Healthcare Systems
Many European countries have excellent public healthcare. This means:
- You may get public system access with residency
- Private insurance supplements rather than replaces
- Coordination between private and public can save money
- Some countries mandate insurance (Germany, Netherlands)
Schengen Visa Requirements
For non-EU citizens on Schengen visas:
- Minimum €30,000 medical coverage required
- Must cover repatriation
- Valid for entire Schengen area
- Insurance letter may be required for visa application
Cross-Border Care
Living in Europe often means traveling between countries:
- Easy travel within Schengen area
- May need care in different countries
- European insurers understand cross-border needs
- EU regulations affect coverage (EHIC for EU citizens)
Moving to Europe?
Compare plans optimized for European healthcare systems.
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Europe Coverage Comparison
| Provider | Europe Network | Schengen Compliant | Public System Access | Europe Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allianz Care | Excellent | Yes | Good | Competitive |
| Cigna Global | Excellent | Yes | Good | Mid-range |
| Bupa Global | Excellent | Yes | Good | Premium |
| AXA Global | Excellent | Yes | Very good | Mid-range |
| IMG Global | Good | Yes | Limited | Budget |
Detailed Reviews
Allianz Care — Best for Europe Overall
Allianz Care is European-headquartered with deep roots in the EU market.
What works well:
- Excellent European hospital network
- Schengen visa compliant
- Competitive pricing for Europe
- Good understanding of EU healthcare systems
- Multi-language support
- Direct billing at major European hospitals
- Good coordination with public systems
Considerations: Network strongest in Western Europe. Some limitations in Eastern Europe. Good value for European expats.
Read our full Allianz Care review
Cigna Global — Best Network Coverage
Cigna Global has an extensive European provider network.
What works well:
- Large European hospital network
- Direct billing widely available
- Schengen compliant
- Strong customer service in Europe
- Modular plans allow customization
- Good outpatient options
Considerations: Mid-range to premium pricing. Network excellent in major cities. Best for those wanting comprehensive coverage.
Read our full Cigna Global review
Bupa Global — Premium European Coverage
Bupa Global offers top-tier coverage across Europe.
What works well:
- Access to best European hospitals
- Comprehensive coverage
- Excellent service
- Strong wellness benefits
- Schengen compliant
- Good for families
Considerations: Premium pricing. Worth it for those wanting the best care. Overkill if mainly using public healthcare.
Read our full Bupa Global review
IMG Global — Budget Europe Option
IMG Global offers affordable coverage for European expats.
What works well:
- Lower premiums than competitors
- Schengen visa compliant
- Covers major medical needs
- Good for supplementing public healthcare
- Multiple plan tiers
Considerations: Smaller European network. Less direct billing. Best for budget-conscious expats who'll use public system primarily.
Read our full IMG Global review
Country-by-Country Considerations
| Country | Public Healthcare Access | Private Insurance | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spain | Yes (with residency) | Recommended | Good public system, private for speed |
| Portugal | Yes (with residency) | Recommended | Quality public care, private adds options |
| France | Yes (with residency) | Often required | Excellent public, private for full coverage |
| Germany | Mandatory insurance | Required | Must have public or private |
| Netherlands | Mandatory insurance | Required | Basic coverage mandatory for residents |
| Italy | Yes (with residency) | Optional | Good public system |
Spain
Spain has good public healthcare accessible with residency:
- Register with local health center (CAP)
- Private insurance speeds up specialist access
- Many expats use mix of public and private
- Private often required for initial residency visas
Portugal
Portugal offers quality public care with simple registration:
- Register at local health center with residency
- Private adds English-speaking doctors
- Private faster for non-urgent care
- NHR visa may require private insurance proof
France
France has excellent but complex public healthcare:
- Must register with social security (CPAM)
- Public covers ~70%, need "mutuelle" for rest
- Private international insurance can replace mutuelle
- High quality care across country
Germany
Germany mandates health insurance:
- Must choose public (GKV) or private (PKV)
- Private required if income above threshold
- International insurance can qualify as private
- Complex rules—research carefully
Find the Right Plan for Your Country
Different European countries have different insurance needs.
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Visa and Residency Insurance Requirements
Schengen Visa (Short-term)
For tourist/business visas up to 90 days:
- Minimum €30,000 medical coverage
- Must cover repatriation
- Must cover all Schengen countries
- Insurance certificate required for application
- Travel medical plans often sufficient
Long-term Residency Visas
Requirements vary by country:
- Spain: Private insurance often required for non-lucrative visa
- Portugal: May need insurance for D7/NHR visas
- France: Usually covered by social security after residency
- Germany: Mandatory insurance from day one
- Check specific country requirements
Digital Nomad Visas
Most European digital nomad visas require:
- Proof of health insurance coverage
- Coverage valid for visa duration
- Minimum coverage amounts vary by country
- International health insurance typically accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need private insurance if I can access public healthcare?
Not necessarily, but private insurance adds benefits: faster access, English-speaking doctors, private hospitals, and coverage when traveling outside your country of residence. Many expats use a combination of public registration plus private insurance.
Which insurers are best for Schengen visa compliance?
All major international insurers (Allianz Care, Cigna Global, Bupa Global, IMG Global) meet Schengen requirements. They can provide the certificate needed for visa applications. Verify your specific plan meets the €30,000 minimum.
Is European insurance cheaper than worldwide coverage?
Yes, usually 20-40% cheaper than worldwide plans (excluding US). By limiting coverage to Europe, you avoid the high costs associated with US healthcare. Consider your travel patterns before limiting coverage.
Can I keep my international insurance and use public healthcare too?
Yes, in most countries. Register with the public system for basic care and use private insurance for faster access, specialists, or private hospitals. Your international insurance typically acts as primary coverage for private care.
What about the EHIC/GHIC card?
EU citizens can use EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) or GHIC (UK) for emergency care in other EU countries. This covers public healthcare at local rates. It's not a substitute for comprehensive insurance but supplements it for travel within Europe.
Do I need insurance for EU Blue Card or work permits?
Usually your employer handles this through mandatory social contributions. However, during the application process, you may need to show proof of coverage. Once employed, you're typically enrolled in the local public system automatically.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only. Healthcare requirements vary by country and change frequently. We are not insurance brokers. Always verify current visa and insurance requirements with official sources and insurers.
