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.
Quick Verdict
Best Overall for Families
Cigna Global
Excellent pediatric network worldwide. Strong mental health coverage for teens. Automatic newborn coverage from birth.
Learn MoreBest Value
AXA Global
Most affordable family premiums. Shorter maternity waiting period (10 months). Good European pediatric network.
Learn MoreBest Wellness Benefits
Allianz Care
Comprehensive wellness programs. Strong vaccination coverage. Good preventive care for children.
Learn MoreSide-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Allianz Care | AXA Global | Cigna Global |
|---|---|---|---|
| Children included free | Up to 2 children | Up to 2 children | Up to 2 children |
| Maternity coverage | 12-month wait | 10-month wait | 12-month wait |
| Newborn coverage | From birth—automatic | From birth—30 days to add | From birth—automatic |
| Pediatric network | Strong globally | Good in Europe | Excellent worldwide |
| Vaccinations | Covered—wellness plans | Covered—higher tiers | Covered—most plans |
| Dental for children | Optional add-on | Optional add-on | Optional add-on |
| Mental health (teens) | Good coverage | Standard coverage | Strong coverage |
| Family deductible cap | Yes—2x individual | Yes—2x individual | Yes—family maximum |
Allianz Care
Allianz Care offers comprehensive family coverage with strong wellness benefits. Their preventive care focus makes them attractive for families who want to keep kids healthy rather than just treating illness.
Family Strengths
- Up to 2 children covered free on family plans
- Comprehensive wellness and vaccination coverage
- Strong global pediatric network
- Automatic newborn coverage from birth
- Good preventive care benefits
- Family deductible cap (2x individual max)
Limitations
- 12-month maternity waiting period
- Dental requires separate add-on
- Premium pricing compared to AXA
- Some regions have weaker networks
AXA Global Healthcare
AXA Global offers the most affordable family premiums among major international insurers. Their shorter maternity waiting period (10 months vs 12) helps families planning to expand abroad.
Family Strengths
- Most competitive family pricing
- Shorter maternity waiting period (10 months)
- Up to 2 children covered free
- Strong European pediatric network
- Good family value overall
- Flexible plan options
Limitations
- Must add newborn within 30 days
- Vaccination coverage varies by plan level
- Mental health coverage less comprehensive
- Network weaker outside Europe
Cigna Global
Cigna Global offers the strongest worldwide pediatric network and excellent mental health coverage—increasingly important for expat teens. Their comprehensive approach makes them ideal for families prioritizing quality over cost.
Family Strengths
- Excellent worldwide pediatric network
- Strong mental health coverage (including teens)
- Automatic newborn coverage from birth
- Comprehensive vaccination coverage
- Up to 2 children covered free
- Family deductible maximum
Limitations
- Highest premiums of the three
- 12-month maternity waiting period
- Dental requires add-on
- Maternity rider costs more
Find the Right Coverage for Your Family
Compare family-friendly plans with children's coverage, maternity benefits, and pediatric networks worldwide.
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Family Pricing Comparison
Annual premiums for typical family configurations. Prices exclude US coverage—add 30-50% for US inclusion.
| Family Scenario | Allianz Care | AXA Global | Cigna Global |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 adults (35), 1 child | $6,500-9,000/yr | $6,000-8,500/yr | $7,000-9,500/yr |
| 2 adults (35), 2 children | $6,500-9,000/yr | $6,000-8,500/yr | $7,000-9,500/yr |
| 2 adults (40), 3 children | $8,500-12,000/yr | $8,000-11,500/yr | $9,000-12,500/yr |
| Add maternity rider | +$2,000-4,000/yr | +$1,800-3,500/yr | +$2,200-4,500/yr |
| Add dental (family) | +$1,200-2,000/yr | +$1,000-1,800/yr | +$1,400-2,200/yr |
Prices vary by residence country, citizenship, and plan level. Most insurers include up to 2 children free; additional children add ~$500-1,500/year each.
Family Coverage Considerations
Maternity Planning
All three insurers have maternity waiting periods (10-12 months). If you're planning pregnancy abroad, buy coverage before conception. Maternity riders add $2,000-4,500/year but cover prenatal, delivery, and postnatal care. Without the rider, you'll pay out of pocket—hospital births abroad range from $3,000 (Thailand) to $30,000+ (US, Singapore).
Newborn Coverage
Cigna and Allianz automatically cover newborns from birth if you have maternity coverage. AXA requires adding the baby within 30 days. Newborn complications can be expensive—NICU stays cost $2,000-5,000/day. Ensure your policy covers newborn emergencies from day one.
Children's Mental Health
Expat children face unique challenges—frequent moves, cultural adjustment, leaving friends. Teen mental health is increasingly important. Cigna leads here with comprehensive coverage. Allianz offers good coverage. AXA's mental health benefits are more limited. Consider this if you have older children.
Vaccinations and Preventive Care
Children need vaccinations on schedule regardless of location. All three cover childhood vaccinations, but coverage levels vary. Allianz includes comprehensive wellness programs. Cigna covers vaccinations on most plans. AXA may require higher-tier plans for full vaccination coverage. Verify your specific plan includes pediatric preventive care.
School and Activity Requirements
International schools often require proof of health insurance. Some activities (sports teams, camps) need specific coverage. All three insurers provide certificates for school enrollment. Ensure your plan covers sports injuries if children participate in athletics—most standard plans do, but verify adventure sports coverage.
Best For
Choose Allianz If:
- Preventive care is priority
- You want wellness programs
- Children need regular vaccinations
- You value health maintenance
- You're in Europe or Asia
Choose AXA If:
- Budget is primary concern
- You're planning pregnancy soon
- You're based in Europe
- You want value for money
- Basic family coverage suffices
Choose Cigna If:
- Worldwide network matters
- You have teenagers
- Mental health coverage important
- Quality over cost is priority
- You move frequently
Frequently Asked Questions
How many children can be covered free?
All three insurers typically include up to 2 dependent children free on family plans. Additional children add approximately $500-1,500 per year each, depending on age and plan level. Children are usually covered until age 18, or 25 if full-time students.
What if we're already pregnant?
Pregnancy is considered a pre-existing condition. If you're already pregnant when applying, maternity won't be covered for that pregnancy. You can still get coverage for everything else, and maternity will be covered for future pregnancies after the waiting period. Plan ahead—buy coverage before conceiving.
Are childhood vaccinations covered?
Yes, but coverage varies by plan level. Allianz includes vaccinations in their wellness programs. Cigna covers vaccinations on most plans. AXA may require higher-tier plans. Standard childhood immunization schedules are typically covered—travel vaccines and optional vaccines may have limits or require wellness add-ons.
What about dental and vision for kids?
Dental and vision are optional add-ons with all three insurers. Dental add-ons cost $300-600 per child annually and typically cover checkups, cleanings, fillings, and orthodontics (with limits). Vision coverage for glasses/contacts is usually included in dental add-ons or available separately. Consider these if your children need braces.
Can children see doctors without parents present?
Insurance allows it, but medical consent laws vary by country. Teenagers (16+) can often consent to routine care. For younger children, you'll typically need to be present or provide written authorization. All three insurers allow you to designate authorized persons who can accompany children to appointments.
What happens when children turn 18?
Children can remain on family plans as dependents until age 18, or 25 if full-time students. After aging out, they need their own policy. All three insurers allow transition to individual plans without new underwriting if done immediately. Plan the transition—don't let coverage lapse.
Disclaimer: Family coverage needs vary significantly. Maternity waiting periods, children's coverage limits, and pricing change regularly. Always verify specific benefits with insurers. This comparison provides general guidance—consult insurers directly for your family's specific situation.
