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
Cigna Global
Strongest global network for mobile executives. Excellent coverage across regions. Best for corporate expats who move frequently.
Learn MoreBest Value
Allianz Care
Competitive corporate pricing with comprehensive benefits. Good global network at lower cost than competitors.
Learn MoreBest for US Expats
Aetna International
Native US network access. Excellent for American executives abroad. Strong assignment support services.
Learn MoreSide-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Cigna Global | Allianz Care | Aetna International |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corporate plans | Extensive options | Strong options | Corporate focus |
| Executive coverage | Premium tiers | Premium tiers | Excellent |
| Global network | Excellent | Very good | Excellent |
| US coverage | Full available | Full available | Native US network |
| Family coverage | Comprehensive | Comprehensive | Comprehensive |
| Evacuation/repatriation | Included | Included | Included |
| EAP services | Available | Available | Strong |
| Assignment support | Good | Good | Excellent |
Cigna Global
Cigna Global is a leader in corporate expat insurance, serving multinational companies and their assignees worldwide. Their extensive global network and premium executive tiers make them ideal for senior professionals and mobile executives.
Corporate Expat Strengths
- Strongest global network for mobile executives
- Premium executive plan tiers
- Comprehensive family coverage
- Full US coverage available
- Medical evacuation and repatriation
- Employee assistance programs
Limitations
- Premium pricing
- Can feel corporate/bureaucratic
- Complex plan structures
- May be overkill for simple assignments
Allianz Care
Allianz Care offers competitive corporate coverage at better prices than Cigna or Aetna. Their global network covers most executive needs while providing better value for companies managing multiple assignees.
Corporate Expat Strengths
- Most competitive corporate pricing
- Strong global network
- Good executive plan options
- Comprehensive family coverage
- Evacuation and repatriation included
- Employee assistance available
Limitations
- US coverage adds significant cost
- Network gaps vs Cigna in some regions
- Less US-specific support than Aetna
- Executive tiers less premium than competitors
Aetna International
Aetna International specializes in corporate expat coverage with particular strength for US-headquartered companies. Their native US network access and assignment support services make them ideal for American executives abroad.
Corporate Expat Strengths
- Native US network—Aetna domestic access
- Excellent for US-based companies
- Strong assignment support services
- Comprehensive EAP programs
- Family coverage with US school access
- CVS/Caremark pharmacy network
Limitations
- Highest premiums of the three
- Less competitive outside Americas
- US-centric focus may not suit all
- Complex for non-US companies
Find Executive Coverage for Your Assignment
Compare plans designed for corporate expats and executives. Global networks, family coverage, and benefits that match your position.
Compare Corporate PlansWe may earn a commission when you apply through our links. This does not affect our recommendations.
Pricing Comparison
Annual premiums for corporate expats and executives. Prices vary significantly by plan tier and coverage scope.
| Scenario | Cigna Global | Allianz Care | Aetna International |
|---|---|---|---|
| Executive, age 40 | $8,000-12,000/yr | $7,500-11,000/yr | $9,000-14,000/yr |
| Executive + family | $18,000-28,000/yr | $16,000-25,000/yr | $20,000-32,000/yr |
| With US coverage | Included in global | +30-40% | Included—native |
| Premium executive tier | $15,000-22,000/yr | $14,000-20,000/yr | $18,000-26,000/yr |
| Dental + vision add-on | +$1,500-2,500/yr | +$1,200-2,000/yr | +$1,800-3,000/yr |
Corporate plans are typically employer-paid. Prices shown are per-person annual costs. Group rates may be lower. US coverage significantly impacts pricing for non-US insurers.
Corporate Expat Considerations
Employer vs Self-Selected
Most corporate expats receive insurance through their employer. However, you may have input into plan selection or negotiate better coverage. Understanding the market helps you advocate for appropriate protection. If your employer's coverage is inadequate, some executives purchase supplemental individual coverage.
Family Coverage
Corporate assignments typically include family coverage. Verify spouse and children are fully covered—not all plans are equal. Maternity coverage may have waiting periods even on corporate plans. Children's education-related medical exams, vaccinations, and sports physicals should be covered. Review family benefits carefully.
US Coverage for American Expats
American executives often return to the US for visits, home leave, or medical care. Aetna provides native US network access. Cigna offers full US coverage. Allianz can add US coverage but at significant cost. If US healthcare access matters, prioritize Aetna or Cigna. US coverage can add 30-50% to non-US insurer premiums.
Assignment Transitions
Corporate expats move between countries. All three insurers maintain coverage continuity across relocations—no re-underwriting when you move from Singapore to London. This portability is essential. Verify your plan covers the specific countries in your assignment rotation. Network strength varies by region.
Executive Health Services
Premium executive plans often include enhanced services—annual executive health checks, second medical opinions, dedicated case managers, and priority access. These services justify higher premiums for senior executives whose time and health are valuable. Compare what's included at different plan tiers.
Best For
Choose Cigna If:
- You move between multiple regions
- Global network strength matters
- You're a mobile senior executive
- Your company rotates assignments
- Comprehensive coverage is priority
Choose Allianz If:
- Cost efficiency matters to employer
- You're based primarily in Europe
- US coverage isn't critical
- Good coverage at better value
- Your company has multiple assignees
Choose Aetna If:
- You're an American executive
- US network access is essential
- Your company is US-headquartered
- You return to US frequently
- Assignment support matters
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I influence my employer's choice of insurer?
Often yes—especially for senior roles. If your employer is selecting coverage, provide input on your needs (family coverage, specific regions, US access). For executive hires, insurance quality is a negotiable benefit. If current coverage is inadequate, request upgrades or supplemental individual coverage as part of your package.
What happens to my coverage when my assignment ends?
Corporate coverage typically ends when employment ends. All three insurers offer conversion to individual plans—you keep your coverage history and avoid re-underwriting. If returning to your home country, you may transition to domestic insurance. Plan ahead—don't have coverage gaps between assignment end and next coverage.
Is my spouse's coverage equivalent to mine?
Usually yes on corporate plans—dependents receive the same coverage level. However, verify specifics. Some plans have different limits for spouses or children. Maternity coverage should be confirmed if relevant. Mental health, dental, and optical benefits for family members may vary. Review the full family benefits schedule.
What about coverage during home leave?
All three insurers cover home country visits (typically 30-90 days/year). This is essential for corporate expats returning for holidays, family visits, or business. Verify your specific limit. If you spend extended time in your home country, ensure adequate coverage—some plans have caps that may not match your travel patterns.
Are executive health checks included?
Premium executive tiers often include annual comprehensive health checks, second medical opinions, and dedicated case management. Standard corporate plans may not include these extras. If executive health services matter, confirm they're included in your specific plan tier or request them as part of your employment package.
How do claims work with corporate plans?
Corporate plans typically work the same as individual plans—direct billing where available, reimbursement otherwise. Your employer's HR or benefits team may provide support. Some corporate plans have dedicated service lines for member companies. Claims processes are generally streamlined for corporate accounts.
Disclaimer: Corporate insurance is typically selected and paid by employers. Individual circumstances vary. Coverage details depend on specific corporate contracts. This comparison provides general guidance—verify your specific plan benefits with your employer's HR department and the insurer directly.
