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
Cigna Global
Best Overall Inpatient
Unlimited hospital coverage, longest rehab stays, and the largest direct billing network. Premium protection at a competitive price.
Learn MoreBupa Global
Best Hospital Network
Premium hospital partnerships worldwide with seamless admissions. Private rooms standard and excellent care coordination.
Learn MoreAllianz Care
Best Value
Solid hospital coverage at the lowest price point. Great for healthy expats who want catastrophic protection without high premiums.
Learn MoreSide-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Cigna Global | Bupa Global | Allianz Care |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hospital Coverage | Unlimited | Unlimited | Up to €1.5M |
| ICU Coverage | Full coverage | Full coverage | Full coverage |
| Surgery | All procedures | All procedures | All procedures |
| Hospital Room | Private room | Private room | Semi-private standard |
| Cancer Treatment | Full coverage | Full coverage | Good coverage |
| Direct Billing | Excellent | Excellent | Good |
| Emergency Evacuation | Included | Included | Included |
| Rehabilitation | 60 days | 45 days | 30 days |
Cigna Global
Cigna Global's inpatient-only plan offers unlimited hospital coverage with no annual caps—essential for major surgeries or extended treatments. You're covered for any medically necessary hospital stay, ICU, surgery, and cancer treatment without worrying about running out of benefits.
The 60-day rehabilitation coverage is industry-leading, crucial if you need extended recovery after major surgery or a serious illness. Private rooms are standard, and their direct billing network covers 1.5+ million providers worldwide, meaning hospitals bill Cigna directly for most admissions.
Inpatient Strengths
- • No annual hospital limits
- • 60 days rehabilitation
- • Private room standard
- • Full cancer treatment coverage
- • Emergency evacuation included
Considerations
- • No GP or routine visits covered
- • Prescriptions only during hospitalization
- • Mid-range pricing
- • US coverage costs extra
Bupa Global
Bupa Global's inpatient coverage focuses on quality and service. Their hospital network prioritizes prestigious medical centers worldwide, ensuring you receive care at leading institutions. Unlimited hospital coverage means no caps on your treatment costs.
What sets Bupa apart is their care coordination—when you're hospitalized, a dedicated coordinator manages your treatment, communicates with doctors, and handles billing. This is invaluable during stressful medical situations abroad. Rehabilitation is covered for 45 days, and private rooms are standard.
Inpatient Strengths
- • Premium hospital partnerships
- • Dedicated care coordinators
- • Seamless admission process
- • Private rooms at all levels
- • Strong UK and EU networks
Considerations
- • Highest premiums of the three
- • 45 days rehab (vs Cigna's 60)
- • No outpatient coverage
- • Limited in some regions
Allianz Care
Allianz Care offers the most affordable inpatient-only option without sacrificing essential coverage. While capped at €1.5M annually (more than sufficient for most hospitalizations), you get comprehensive surgical coverage, ICU, and cancer treatment at a fraction of competitors' prices.
Semi-private rooms are standard (you can upgrade), and rehabilitation is covered for 30 days. The network is smaller than Cigna or Bupa, but direct billing is available at major hospitals in most countries. For healthy expats wanting catastrophic protection without premium costs, Allianz delivers.
Inpatient Strengths
- • Most affordable premiums
- • €1.5M coverage is substantial
- • Full surgical coverage
- • Cancer treatment included
- • Emergency evacuation covered
Considerations
- • Annual limit (vs unlimited)
- • Semi-private rooms standard
- • 30 days rehab (shortest)
- • Smaller direct billing network
Compare Inpatient-Only Quotes
Get personalized quotes for hospital-only coverage from all three providers.
Get Free QuotesWe may earn a commission when you apply through our links. This does not affect our recommendations.
Pricing Comparison
Inpatient-only plans save 40-50% versus full coverage—ideal for budget-conscious expats:
| Profile | Cigna Global | Bupa Global | Allianz Care |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual (35) | $180-250/mo | $200-280/mo | $150-220/mo |
| Individual (50) | $320-420/mo | $360-480/mo | $280-370/mo |
| Couple (35/35) | $340-470/mo | $380-530/mo | $280-400/mo |
| Family with 2 kids | $550-750/mo | $620-850/mo | $450-620/mo |
*Prices vary by region, deductible, and health history. US coverage adds 30-50% to premiums. Quotes are approximate—get personalized pricing above.
Inpatient Coverage Details
What's Covered
- • Hospital room and board
- • Surgery and anesthesia
- • ICU and critical care
- • In-hospital medications
- • Cancer treatment (chemo, radiation)
- • Organ transplants
- • Emergency evacuation
- • Post-hospital rehabilitation
What's NOT Covered
- • GP or doctor visits
- • Specialist consultations
- • Outpatient prescriptions
- • Routine check-ups
- • Diagnostic tests (unless hospitalized)
- • Physiotherapy (unless post-hospital)
- • Mental health (outpatient)
Is Inpatient-Only Right For You?
Consider inpatient-only coverage if:
Good Fit
- • You're generally healthy
- • Budget is a priority
- • Local healthcare is affordable
- • You can pay cash for GP visits
- • You want catastrophic protection
Consider Full Coverage
- • Ongoing health conditions
- • Regular medications needed
- • Expensive local healthcare
- • Prefer paying premiums over cash
- • Want comprehensive protection
Which Is Best For You?
Choose Cigna Global if:
- • You want unlimited hospital coverage
- • Extended rehabilitation may be needed
- • Private rooms matter
- • Large direct billing network is important
Choose Bupa Global if:
- • You want access to premium hospitals
- • Care coordination during hospitalization matters
- • You're based in UK or Europe
- • Service quality is your priority
Choose Allianz Care if:
- • Budget is your main concern
- • You're young and healthy
- • €1.5M coverage is sufficient
- • You're comfortable with semi-private rooms
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as "inpatient" coverage?
Inpatient coverage applies when you're formally admitted to a hospital and stay overnight or longer. Day surgeries may or may not be covered—check your policy. Emergency room visits are typically covered if they lead to admission; otherwise they may be considered outpatient.
How do I handle routine healthcare with inpatient-only coverage?
You pay cash for GP visits, prescriptions, and routine care. In many countries (Thailand, Mexico, Portugal), this is very affordable—a doctor visit might cost $20-50. Build a small healthcare fund for routine expenses while your insurance covers catastrophic events.
Can I add outpatient coverage later?
Yes, most insurers allow you to upgrade at renewal. However, new pre-existing condition exclusions may apply to outpatient benefits. It's often easier to downgrade from full coverage than to upgrade from inpatient-only if your health changes.
What deductibles should I consider?
Higher deductibles reduce premiums further. For inpatient-only plans, a $2,500-5,000 deductible can cut costs by 20-30%. Since you're already paying cash for routine care, a higher deductible aligns with the catastrophic protection philosophy.
Disclaimer: Insurance pricing and coverage details change frequently. Inpatient coverage specifics vary by plan level and region. Always verify coverage directly with providers before purchasing. This comparison is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or insurance advice.
