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
Allianz Care
Best Value
Competitive pricing with solid evacuation coverage. Good choice for budget-conscious expats on smaller islands.
Learn MoreCigna Global
Best Overall Coverage
Best Caribbean network with unlimited medical evacuation. Ideal for serious conditions requiring US treatment.
Learn MoreIMG Global
Best Budget Option
Most affordable option with adequate coverage. Good for younger, healthier expats and short-term stays.
Learn MoreSide-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Allianz Care | Cigna Global | IMG Global |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caribbean Network | Good | Excellent | Limited |
| US Evacuation | Miami included | Miami/US included | Covered |
| Medical Evacuation | Up to $1M | Unlimited | Up to $500K |
| Hurricane Season Coverage | Included | Included | Included |
| US Treatment Option | Add-on | Include/exclude | Optional |
| Local Hospital Coverage | Direct billing limited | Good direct billing | Reimbursement mostly |
| Island Hopping Coverage | Regional plan | Worldwide | Regional available |
| Retiree Friendly | Good | Excellent | Very good |
Allianz Care
Allianz Care offers competitive Caribbean coverage with their regional plans. For expats who don't need frequent US treatment, excluding the US from your plan significantly reduces premiums while still covering medical evacuation to Miami when local facilities can't handle your condition.
Their network across the Caribbean is decent, with partnerships at major hospitals in Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and the larger islands. For smaller islands, you'll typically pay out of pocket and seek reimbursement, but evacuation coverage ensures you can access better facilities when needed.
Caribbean Strengths
- • Competitive regional pricing
- • Up to $1M medical evacuation
- • Miami evacuation standard
- • Flexible US include/exclude
- • Good for island hopping
Considerations
- • Limited direct billing locally
- • Smaller Caribbean network
- • Claims processing can be slower
- • Less presence on small islands
Cigna Global
Cigna Global provides the most comprehensive Caribbean coverage with direct billing relationships at the best hospitals across the islands. Their unlimited medical evacuation is crucial—Caribbean medical evacuations to Miami or the US mainland can cost $20,000-$100,000, far exceeding IMG's $500K cap in complex cases.
For serious conditions, Cigna's plans with US coverage let you fly to Miami or Houston for treatment at world-class facilities. This is particularly valuable for cancer care, cardiac surgery, and other specialized treatments not available on most Caribbean islands.
Caribbean Strengths
- • Best hospital network in Caribbean
- • Unlimited medical evacuation
- • Direct billing at major facilities
- • Seamless US treatment access
- • 24/7 coordination services
Considerations
- • Highest premiums
- • US coverage adds significant cost
- • May be more than some need
- • 12-month minimum
IMG Global
IMG Global offers the most affordable Caribbean coverage, making it attractive for younger expats, seasonal residents, and those on tighter budgets. Their Patriot plans provide solid coverage for most situations you'll encounter living on the islands.
The $500K evacuation limit is generally adequate but could be strained in complex cases requiring extended ICU transport. Direct billing is limited in the Caribbean—expect to pay providers directly and submit claims for reimbursement, which IMG processes reasonably quickly.
Caribbean Strengths
- • Lowest premiums
- • Flexible duration (5 days to 3 years)
- • $500K evacuation coverage
- • Quick online enrollment
- • Good for seasonal residents
Considerations
- • Very limited Caribbean network
- • Mostly reimbursement-based
- • Lower evacuation limit
- • Less suitable for seniors with health issues
Compare Caribbean Coverage Quotes
Get personalized quotes from all three providers with evacuation coverage for your island.
Get Free QuotesWe may earn a commission when you apply through our links. This does not affect our recommendations.
Pricing Comparison
Caribbean pricing varies significantly based on whether US treatment is included:
| Profile | Allianz Care | Cigna Global | IMG Global |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual (40, excl. US) | $250-350/mo | $300-400/mo | $180-260/mo |
| Individual (40, incl. US) | $380-520/mo | $450-580/mo | $300-420/mo |
| Retiree couple (65s) | $650-900/mo | $800-1,100/mo | $520-720/mo |
| Family | $700-950/mo | $850-1,150/mo | $550-780/mo |
*Including US coverage adds 40-60% to premiums but provides access to world-class facilities 2-3 hours away by air.
Caribbean Healthcare Realities
Medical Evacuation Critical
Caribbean islands have limited medical facilities:
- • Most islands lack advanced care (ICU, cardiac surgery, oncology)
- • Air ambulance to Miami: $20,000-$100,000
- • Evacuation coverage is essential, not optional
- • Cigna's unlimited coverage provides maximum peace of mind
Island-Specific Facilities
Healthcare quality varies dramatically:
- • Puerto Rico: Best facilities, near US standards
- • Cayman Islands: Good private hospitals
- • Jamaica/DR: Quality private options exist
- • Small islands: Basic clinics, evacuation likely
Hurricane Season Considerations
June-November brings unique challenges:
Coverage Continues
All three providers maintain coverage during hurricanes. Medical emergencies remain covered.
Evacuation Coordination
Providers coordinate with emergency services. May evacuate before storms if medical situation warrants.
Post-Storm Access
After major hurricanes, local facilities may be damaged. Evacuation becomes even more critical.
Which Is Best For You?
Choose Allianz Care if:
- • Budget is a significant consideration
- • You're healthy and mainly need emergency coverage
- • You're comfortable with the reimbursement process
- • You don't need routine US treatment access
Choose Cigna Global if:
- • You want the most comprehensive Caribbean coverage
- • Unlimited evacuation is important for peace of mind
- • You may need specialized treatment in the US
- • You have pre-existing conditions or health concerns
Choose IMG Global if:
- • You're young and healthy with minimal health risks
- • You're a seasonal resident (winter months only)
- • Budget is your primary concern
- • You need flexible short-term coverage
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I include US coverage for Caribbean living?
For most Caribbean expats, yes. Many serious conditions require treatment in Miami, Houston, or other US cities. Without US coverage, you'd pay cash for US treatment—potentially hundreds of thousands for cancer care or cardiac surgery. The 40-60% premium increase is worthwhile insurance against catastrophic costs.
What happens if I'm evacuated during hurricane season?
All three providers cover medical evacuations before, during, and after hurricanes. If you have a medical condition requiring evacuation during a storm, the insurer coordinates with available air ambulance services. Note that evacuations may be delayed until weather permits safe travel.
Can I use Puerto Rico facilities with my Caribbean coverage?
Puerto Rico is complicated—it's US territory but in the Caribbean. With US coverage included, you have full access to Puerto Rico's excellent facilities. Without US coverage, treatment in Puerto Rico may be excluded or limited. Cigna and Allianz handle this more clearly than IMG.
What if my island doesn't have direct billing hospitals?
You'll pay the hospital directly and submit claims for reimbursement. All three providers have online claim submission. Cigna typically reimburses fastest (5-10 days). Keep all receipts and medical records. For large bills, contact your insurer first—they may be able to arrange direct payment.
Disclaimer: Insurance pricing and coverage details change frequently. Caribbean healthcare facilities vary significantly by island. Always verify evacuation coverage details and US treatment access with providers before purchasing. This comparison is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or insurance advice.
