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
Cigna Global and Allianz Care are two of the most well-known international health insurance providers. Both offer comprehensive coverage for expats living abroad, but they have different strengths.
Cigna Global
- Large global hospital network
- Strong customer service reputation
- Good family and maternity options
- Higher premiums in some cases
Allianz Care
- Flexible plan customization
- Competitive pricing
- Strong mental health coverage
- Good for frequent movers
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Coverage Comparison
Both plans cover the essentials you need as an expat. The main differences are in optional add-ons and the depth of certain benefits.
| Feature | Cigna Global | Allianz Care |
|---|---|---|
| Inpatient Care | ||
| Outpatient Care | ||
| Mental Health | ||
| Maternity | Optional | Optional |
| Dental | Optional | Optional |
| Vision | Optional | Limited |
| Wellness Programs | ||
| Medical Evacuation | ||
| US Coverage | Add-on | Add-on |
Key differences:
- Cigna Global tends to have broader vision coverage as an add-on
- Allianz Care includes more mental health benefits in base plans
- Both offer maternity as optional coverage with waiting periods
Pricing
Prices depend on your age, coverage level, deductible choice, and where you live. Here are estimated monthly premiums for common profiles. Your actual quote may differ.
| Profile | Cigna Global | Allianz Care |
|---|---|---|
| Single, Age 30 | $140-180/mo | $120-160/mo |
| Single, Age 45 | $220-280/mo | $190-250/mo |
| Couple, Age 35 | $280-360/mo | $240-320/mo |
| Family of 4 | $450-600/mo | $400-550/mo |
Notes on pricing:
- Allianz Care is often 10-15% less expensive for similar coverage
- Adding US coverage increases premiums significantly for both
- Higher deductibles can reduce premiums by 20-30%
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Estimates vary. See what you'd actually pay based on your details.
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Network and Claims
Provider Networks
Cigna Global has a larger direct-billing network with over 1.5 million providers worldwide. This means you can often see a doctor without paying upfront.
Allianz Care has a smaller direct-billing network but still covers major hospitals in most countries. You may need to pay and file for reimbursement more often.
Claims Process
Both providers offer online claims submission and mobile apps. Cigna Global's claims portal is generally rated as more user-friendly. Allianz Care claims can sometimes take longer to process.
Customer Service
Cigna Global offers 24/7 support in multiple languages. Allianz Care also provides multilingual support but availability may vary by region.
Who Should Choose Which
Choose Cigna Global If:
- You want the largest provider network
- You're a family with children
- You prefer direct billing over reimbursement
- Customer service quality is a priority
Choose Allianz Care If:
- You want to save on premiums
- You move between countries frequently
- Mental health coverage is important to you
- You prefer flexible plan options
Our Verdict
Both Cigna Global and Allianz Care are solid choices for expat health insurance. There's no clear "winner" because the right choice depends on your priorities.
Cigna Global may be a better fit if you value a large network, seamless direct billing, and don't mind paying a bit more for those conveniences.
Allianz Care may suit you better if you're budget-conscious, value flexibility, or prioritize mental health coverage.
We recommend getting quotes from both providers to see actual pricing for your situation. The difference in premiums might influence your decision.
Ready to Decide?
Compare quotes from both providers based on your specific needs.
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Disclaimer: This comparison is for informational purposes only. Prices, coverage, and plan details change. We are not insurance brokers. Verify all information with the providers before purchasing.
