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.
Overview
Allianz Care and IMG Global both offer legitimate international health insurance—not travel medical—but they target different markets. Allianz provides comprehensive coverage with strong mental health and maternity benefits. IMG offers lower premiums with flexible high-deductible options for budget-conscious expats.
Allianz Care is backed by Allianz SE, the German insurance giant with €1.1+ trillion in assets. They offer comprehensive international health plans with strong mental health coverage, maternity benefits up to €30,000, and a direct billing network of 2 million+ providers. Their plans tend to be mid-range priced with premium features.
IMG Global is an American insurer known for budget-friendly international health plans. They offer deductibles up to $25,000 (the highest in the industry) and a unique 50% deductible waiver for care received outside the US. Their Trustpilot rating of 4.6/5 demonstrates reliable claims payment despite lower prices.
The price difference ranges from 15–40% depending on plan configuration, with IMG consistently cheaper. But that gap comes with trade-offs in mental health coverage, maternity benefits, and network size.
IMG's 50% Deductible Waiver
IMG Global offers a unique feature: your deductible is reduced by 50% for care received outside the United States. A $10,000 deductible becomes effectively $5,000 for international care. For expats living outside the US, this makes IMG's high-deductible plans particularly attractive.
Quick Decision Guide
Short on time? Here's the essential decision framework.
Choose Allianz Care If:
- ✓ Mental health coverage is important to you
- ✓ You need strong maternity benefits (up to €30K)
- ✓ You have pre-existing conditions to cover
- ✓ You prefer a larger direct billing network
- ✓ You want wellness programs included
- ✓ You're based in Europe (strong network)
- ✓ Multilingual support matters (15+ languages)
Choose IMG Global If:
- ✓ Minimizing premium cost is your priority
- ✓ You're healthy and rarely use healthcare
- ✓ You can manage a high deductible ($5K–$25K)
- ✓ You live outside the US (50% deductible waiver)
- ✓ You don't need extensive mental health coverage
- ✓ Maternity coverage isn't critical
- ✓ You're comfortable with smaller direct billing network
Budget vs Benefits
The right choice depends on your health needs and how you use healthcare.
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Coverage Comparison
Both providers offer comprehensive international health insurance. The differences are in the details—particularly mental health, maternity, and deductible flexibility.
| Coverage Area | Allianz Care | IMG Global |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Maximum | €1.35M–€3M | $1M–$8M |
| Inpatient Hospital | Full coverage | Full coverage |
| Outpatient Care | Full coverage | Full coverage |
| Mental Health | Comprehensive | Limited coverage |
| Maternity | Up to €30,000 | $5,000–$10,000 |
| Pre-Existing Conditions | Moratorium underwriting | Usually excluded |
| Routine Checkups | Included | Varies by plan |
| Wellness Programs | Included | Limited |
| Dental | Optional add-on | Optional add-on |
| Vision | Optional add-on | Optional add-on |
| Medical Evacuation | Included | $500,000 |
| Deductible Range | €0–€5,000 | $0–$25,000 |
Key Differences Explained
- Annual maximum: IMG offers higher limits ($8M vs €3M), though both are adequate for virtually any medical situation
- Mental health: Allianz provides comprehensive mental health coverage; IMG's is limited—a significant gap if you need therapy or psychiatric care
- Maternity: Allianz offers up to €30,000 for maternity; IMG caps at $5,000–$10,000—a major difference if you're planning a family
- Pre-existing conditions: Allianz uses moratorium underwriting (conditions can be covered after 2 years treatment-free); IMG typically excludes them
- Deductible range: IMG goes up to $25,000 for maximum premium savings; Allianz caps at €5,000
- Network size: Allianz has 2M+ providers for direct billing; IMG's network is smaller, meaning more reimbursement claims
Mental Health and Maternity: The Coverage Gap
The most significant differences between these providers are in mental health and maternity coverage. If either matters to you, this section is critical.
| Coverage Aspect | Allianz Care | IMG Global |
|---|---|---|
| Outpatient Mental Health | Covered (limits vary by plan) | Limited or excluded |
| Inpatient Psychiatric | Covered | Limited |
| Therapy Sessions | Covered | Often excluded |
| Psychiatric Medication | Covered | Limited |
| Maternity Maximum | Up to €30,000 | $5,000–$10,000 |
| Maternity Waiting Period | 10–12 months | 12 months |
| Complications of Pregnancy | Covered separately | Covered |
| Newborn Coverage | 30 days automatic | Varies |
Mental Health Coverage
Allianz Care treats mental health as a core part of healthcare:
- Outpatient therapy sessions covered (limits vary by plan tier)
- Inpatient psychiatric hospitalization covered
- Psychiatric medication covered
- Access to mental health providers in their global network
IMG Global has limited mental health coverage:
- Coverage is often limited or excluded depending on plan
- Outpatient therapy may not be covered
- Inpatient psychiatric care may have lower limits
- Check specific plan documents carefully
If You Need Mental Health Coverage
If you currently see a therapist, take psychiatric medication, or anticipate needing mental health support while abroad, Allianz Care is the safer choice. IMG Global's limited mental health coverage could leave you paying hundreds or thousands out-of-pocket for therapy and medication.
Maternity Coverage
Allianz Care offers strong maternity benefits:
- Coverage up to €30,000 for pregnancy and delivery
- 10–12 month waiting period
- Complications of pregnancy often covered separately (no waiting period)
- Newborn covered automatically for first 30 days
IMG Global has limited maternity:
- Coverage capped at $5,000–$10,000
- 12 month waiting period
- Complications of pregnancy covered
- Limited for planned pregnancies—the cap may not cover delivery costs
Reality check: Hospital delivery costs range from $3,000–$15,000+ depending on country. Allianz's €30,000 covers most scenarios comfortably. IMG's $5,000–$10,000 might not cover a standard delivery, especially with complications.
The Deductible Strategy
IMG Global offers the widest deductible range in international health insurance—up to $25,000. Combined with their 50% international deductible waiver, this creates significant premium savings for healthy expats.
| Deductible | Allianz Care | IMG Global | IMG Outside US* |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0 | Available | Available | $0 |
| $500 | Available | Available | $250 |
| $1,000 | Available | Available | $500 |
| $2,500 | Available | Available | $1,250 |
| $5,000 | Maximum | Available | $2,500 |
| $10,000 | Not available | Available | $5,000 |
| $25,000 | Not available | Available | $12,500 |
*IMG's 50% deductible waiver applies to medical care received outside the United States
How the 50% Waiver Works
IMG Global reduces your deductible by 50% for care received outside the US:
- $5,000 deductible: You pay $2,500 before coverage kicks in for international care
- $10,000 deductible: You pay $5,000 for international care
- $25,000 deductible: You pay $12,500 for international care
For expats living outside the US who rarely need US healthcare, this effectively doubles the value of high-deductible plans. You get catastrophic coverage at very low premiums while the halved deductible makes the plan more usable for significant but non-catastrophic events.
High-Deductible Strategy
High-deductible plans work well if you:
- Are healthy and rarely need medical care beyond emergencies
- Have savings to cover the deductible if needed
- Live in a country with affordable healthcare (paying out-of-pocket for routine care)
- Want insurance primarily for catastrophic events
High-deductible plans are risky if you:
- Have ongoing health conditions requiring regular care
- Don't have savings to cover a large deductible
- Prefer predictable healthcare costs
Calculate Your Savings
See how much you could save with different deductible options.
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Pricing Analysis
IMG Global is consistently 15–40% cheaper than Allianz Care, with the gap widening at higher deductible levels. Here's how the pricing compares across different profiles.
| Profile | Allianz Care | IMG Global | IMG Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single, Age 30 (low deductible) | €130–180/mo | $120–160/mo | ~10–20% |
| Single, Age 30 (high deductible) | €80–120/mo | $60–90/mo | ~25–35% |
| Single, Age 45 (low deductible) | €200–280/mo | $160–220/mo | ~15–25% |
| Single, Age 45 (high deductible) | €130–180/mo | $90–140/mo | ~30–40% |
| Couple, Age 35 | €260–360/mo | $150–220/mo | ~35–45% |
| Family of 4 | €400–600/mo | $280–400/mo | ~30–35% |
Understanding the Price Gap
IMG Global costs less because they:
- Offer limited mental health coverage (expensive to insure)
- Cap maternity benefits at $5,000–$10,000 (pregnancy is costly)
- Typically exclude pre-existing conditions (reduces risk)
- Maintain a smaller direct billing network (lower administrative costs)
- Offer ultra-high deductibles that shift more costs to members
Allianz Care costs more because they:
- Include comprehensive mental health coverage
- Offer strong maternity benefits (up to €30,000)
- Cover pre-existing conditions after moratorium period
- Maintain a 2M+ provider direct billing network
- Include wellness programs and preventive care
- Provide multilingual support (15+ languages)
5-Year Cost Comparison
For a healthy 35-year-old single expat with high deductible plans:
- Allianz Care: ~€1,800/year × 5 = €9,000
- IMG Global: ~$1,200/year × 5 = $6,000
- 5-year savings with IMG: ~$3,000–$4,000
However, if you need mental health care or become pregnant, Allianz's coverage could save you more than the premium difference.
Provider Networks and Claims
Allianz Care has a significantly larger direct billing network, while IMG Global compensates with strong claims service and their 4.6/5 Trustpilot rating.
| Claims Aspect | Allianz Care | IMG Global |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Billing Network | 2M+ providers globally | Smaller network |
| Reimbursement Time | 5–7 business days | 5–10 business days |
| Claims Portal | MyHealth portal/app | Online portal/app |
| Mobile App | Full-featured | Good functionality |
| 24/7 Support | Multilingual (15+) | English primary |
| Trustpilot Rating | ~4.0/5 | 4.6/5 |
Allianz Care Claims Experience
- 2M+ providers: Extensive direct billing network, especially strong in Europe
- MyHealth portal: Full-featured claims submission and policy management
- Fast processing: Most claims processed in 5–7 business days
- Multilingual support: 15+ languages with specialists who understand local healthcare systems
- Hospital coordination: Pre-authorization and direct payment for planned procedures
IMG Global Claims Experience
- Smaller network: Less direct billing availability—expect to pay and claim more often
- 4.6/5 Trustpilot: Excellent claims reputation despite budget pricing
- Online portal/app: Good functionality for claims submission
- Processing time: 5–10 business days for most claims
- Any provider: You can see any licensed provider worldwide and claim reimbursement
IMG's Trustpilot Advantage
IMG Global's 4.6/5 Trustpilot rating is notable for a budget insurer. Customers consistently praise reliable claims payment and responsive service. This suggests IMG prioritizes claims satisfaction even while offering lower premiums—an important consideration when choosing budget insurance.
Real-World Scenarios
Let's walk through specific situations to see how each plan performs in practice.
Scenario 1: Emergency Hospitalization in Spain
Situation: You're living in Barcelona when you need emergency surgery. Hospital bill: €15,000.
Allianz Care (€1,000 deductible): Direct billing likely at major Barcelona hospitals. You pay €1,000 deductible, Allianz pays €14,000 directly.
IMG Global ($2,500 deductible): Outside US, deductible is $1,250 (50% waiver). You may pay upfront and claim reimbursement. IMG pays ~$13,750 after deductible.
Winner: Both handle this well. Allianz has easier direct billing; IMG has lower effective deductible.
Scenario 2: Ongoing Therapy for Anxiety
Situation: You've been abroad 6 months and are struggling with anxiety. You need weekly therapy ($150/session) and medication ($80/month).
Allianz Care: Mental health coverage kicks in. Therapy sessions covered (with limits depending on plan tier). Medication covered. Annual cost to you: deductible + any copays.
IMG Global: Limited or no coverage for outpatient mental health. You likely pay 100% out-of-pocket: ~$8,500/year for weekly therapy + medication.
Winner: Allianz Care—mental health coverage saves thousands annually.
Scenario 3: Having a Baby Abroad
Situation: You're planning to have a baby while living in Portugal. Estimated delivery cost: €8,000 for uncomplicated birth.
Allianz Care: Maternity benefit up to €30,000 after waiting period. €8,000 delivery fully covered. Newborn automatically covered for 30 days.
IMG Global: Maternity capped at $5,000–$10,000 after waiting period. €8,000 delivery may not be fully covered, depending on plan. You could owe €3,000–€5,000+ out-of-pocket.
Winner: Allianz Care—€30K maternity benefit vs $5K–$10K cap makes a real difference.
Scenario 4: The Healthy Budget Expat
Situation: You're 32, healthy, no pre-existing conditions, no plans for children, and comfortable with high deductibles. You live in Thailand where healthcare is affordable.
Allianz Care (€5,000 deductible): Comprehensive coverage at ~€100/month. Annual: ~€1,200.
IMG Global ($10,000 deductible): Coverage with effective $5,000 international deductible at ~$70/month. Annual: ~$840.
Winner: IMG Global—you save ~$360/year and the 50% deductible waiver makes the high deductible manageable.
Scenario 5: Pre-Existing Condition Management
Situation: You have well-controlled Type 2 diabetes that hasn't required treatment changes in 3 years. You need ongoing medication and monitoring.
Allianz Care: Moratorium underwriting may cover diabetes after 2 years treatment-free. If eligible, ongoing care is covered. Direct billing network makes pharmacy access easier.
IMG Global: Pre-existing conditions typically excluded permanently. Diabetes management paid 100% out-of-pocket forever.
Winner: Allianz Care—moratorium underwriting offers a path to coverage that IMG doesn't.
Who Should Choose Which
Based on our analysis, here's detailed guidance on who each provider serves best.
Allianz Care Is Right For:
- Anyone needing mental health coverage: If you see a therapist, take psychiatric medication, or value having this safety net
- Families planning children: The €30,000 maternity benefit vs $5K–$10K cap is a major difference
- Those with pre-existing conditions: Moratorium underwriting offers potential coverage after 2 years
- Europe-based expats: Strong network and multilingual support across EU countries
- Those who prefer direct billing: 2M+ provider network means less upfront payment
- Risk-averse individuals: Comprehensive coverage with fewer gaps provides peace of mind
IMG Global Is Right For:
- Healthy expats who rarely use healthcare: Maximum premium savings when you don't need extensive coverage
- Those comfortable with high deductibles: $10K–$25K deductibles (halved internationally) for lowest premiums
- Expats outside the US: The 50% deductible waiver makes high-deductible plans much more attractive
- Those who don't need mental health coverage: No gap to worry about if you won't use it
- Those not planning children: Limited maternity doesn't matter if you don't need it
- Budget-conscious expats: When premium cost is the primary constraint
- Those comfortable with reimbursement: Smaller network means more pay-and-claim situations
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Allianz's moratorium underwriting work?
With moratorium underwriting, pre-existing conditions aren't covered initially. However, if you go 2 years without treatment for a condition, it can become covered. This offers a path to coverage that full medical underwriting (which may permanently exclude conditions) doesn't provide.
Does IMG's 50% deductible waiver apply to all care outside the US?
Yes, for most IMG Global plans, medical care received outside the United States has the deductible reduced by 50%. This applies to routine care, emergencies, hospitalization—any covered medical expense. Verify this feature on your specific plan, as terms can vary.
Can I switch between Allianz and IMG later?
Yes, but conditions that develop while insured with one company may be treated as pre-existing by the other. If you develop a chronic condition on IMG (which may not cover it) and try to switch to Allianz, that condition would be subject to Allianz's moratorium period. Consider your long-term health needs when choosing.
Which has better customer service?
IMG Global has a higher Trustpilot rating (4.6 vs ~4.0), suggesting strong customer satisfaction despite lower prices. However, Allianz offers multilingual support in 15+ languages, which matters if you're not comfortable conducting insurance business in English. Both are reputable with established claims processes.
What if I need care in the US with IMG?
IMG Global covers US care, but the 50% deductible waiver doesn't apply. You'd pay your full deductible for US care. If you spend significant time in the US or have a high deductible, this could be expensive. The waiver is specifically designed to benefit expats living outside the US.
Are wellness checkups covered by both?
Allianz Care includes wellness programs and preventive care in most plans. IMG Global's preventive care coverage varies by plan tier and is generally more limited. If annual checkups and screenings matter to you, verify specific coverage before purchasing.
Our Verdict
This comparison comes down to what you're willing to trade for lower premiums.
Allianz Care: Comprehensive with Strong Benefits
Allianz Care is the choice when mental health, maternity, or pre-existing conditions matter. Their €30,000 maternity benefit, comprehensive mental health coverage, and moratorium underwriting for pre-existing conditions justify the higher premiums for those who need these features. The 2M+ provider network and multilingual support add convenience, especially in Europe.
IMG Global: Budget-Friendly with Smart Features
IMG Global is the choice when you're healthy, budget-conscious, and don't need extensive mental health or maternity coverage. Their 50% deductible waiver for international care and ultra-high deductible options create significant savings. The 4.6/5 Trustpilot rating proves they pay claims reliably despite lower prices. For healthy expats primarily living outside the US, IMG offers excellent value.
The honest question: "Do I need mental health coverage or might I have children while abroad?" If yes to either, Allianz Care's higher premiums are likely worth it. If you're healthy, don't need these benefits, and want to minimize costs, IMG Global delivers solid international health insurance at budget-friendly prices.
Need Comprehensive Coverage?
Allianz Care offers strong mental health, maternity, and pre-existing condition coverage.
View Allianz Care Plans →Want Budget-Friendly Coverage?
IMG Global offers high-deductible options with 50% waiver for international care.
View IMG Global Plans →Still Deciding?
Compare all international health insurance options based on your specific needs.
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Disclaimer: This comparison is for informational purposes only. Prices, coverage details, and plan features change regularly. We are not insurance brokers or licensed agents. Always verify current information directly with Allianz Care and IMG Global before making purchasing decisions. Consider consulting with a licensed insurance professional for personalized advice.
