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 Telehealth
Most comprehensive telehealth with specialist access, mental health, and prescription coordination all included.
Learn MoreBupa Global
Best Mental Health Telehealth
Excellent mental health focus with therapy sessions, coaching, and fastest wait times for consultations.
Learn MoreAllianz Care
Best Language Support
Most languages supported (20+) with solid basic telehealth at the most competitive price.
Learn MoreSide-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Cigna Global | Bupa Global | Allianz Care |
|---|---|---|---|
| Telehealth Platform | Cigna Telehealth | Bupa Anytime | MyHealth Telehealth |
| 24/7 Availability | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Languages Supported | 15+ | 12+ | 20+ |
| Mental Health Sessions | Included | Excellent | Basic |
| Specialist Consultations | Yes | Yes (premium) | Limited |
| Prescription Delivery | Coordinated | Coordinated | Some regions |
| App Quality | Excellent | Excellent | Good |
| Wait Times | < 15 min | < 10 min | < 20 min |
Cigna Global
Cigna's telehealth platform stands out for comprehensive access to both general practitioners and specialists via video consultation. Whether you need a routine check-in, a dermatology opinion, or a mental health session, Cigna connects you with qualified physicians 24/7 in 15+ languages.
Prescription coordination is particularly strong—Cigna works with international pharmacies to ensure medications prescribed during telehealth visits are available where you are. The app experience is polished, with easy appointment booking, medical record access, and one-click consultation options.
Telehealth Strengths
- • Specialist video consultations included
- • Mental health sessions unlimited
- • Prescription delivery coordination
- • 15+ languages supported
- • Under 15 minute wait times
Considerations
- • Higher premiums than Allianz
- • Some specialties limited in certain regions
- • Video quality depends on your connection
- • Not a replacement for in-person care when needed
Bupa Global
Bupa's Anytime telehealth platform excels particularly for mental health support. Expats often struggle with isolation, culture shock, and stress—Bupa understands this and provides easy access to therapists, counselors, and mental health coaches via video at any hour.
Wait times are the shortest in the industry, typically under 10 minutes to connect with a GP. The app is intuitive, with symptom checkers that help determine whether telehealth, urgent care, or emergency services are appropriate. Premium plan members get specialist video consultations at no additional cost.
Telehealth Strengths
- • Best mental health telehealth
- • Fastest wait times (< 10 min)
- • Therapy and coaching available
- • Excellent app experience
- • Symptom checker built in
Considerations
- • Highest premiums
- • Specialist access on premium plans only
- • 12 languages (fewer than Allianz)
- • Some features UK/Europe optimized
Allianz Care
Allianz Care's MyHealth telehealth platform offers solid functionality at a more accessible price point. With support for 20+ languages—more than any competitor—Allianz is ideal for expats who prefer consultations in their native language or live in regions where English isn't widely spoken.
Basic telehealth consultations are available 24/7, covering general health questions, minor illness diagnosis, and prescription renewals. Mental health support exists but is more limited than Cigna or Bupa. Specialist video consultations are available but not as comprehensive.
Telehealth Strengths
- • Most languages supported (20+)
- • Most affordable premiums
- • 24/7 basic telehealth included
- • MyHealth app is user-friendly
- • Good for routine consultations
Considerations
- • Limited mental health telehealth
- • Specialist access restricted
- • Longer wait times (< 20 min)
- • Prescription coordination limited
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Pricing Comparison
Telehealth is included in all plans from these providers—the difference is in depth of coverage:
| Profile | Cigna Global | Bupa Global | Allianz Care |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual (35, comprehensive) | $300-400/mo | $350-480/mo | $260-350/mo |
| Telehealth included? | Yes (all plans) | Yes (all plans) | Yes (all plans) |
| Mental health telehealth | Included | Included | Basic only |
| Specialist video consult | Included | Premium plans | Limited |
*All three providers include basic telehealth. Cigna includes the most comprehensive telehealth in standard premiums.
Telehealth Features Compared
Consultation Types
What you can do via video consultation:
- • Cigna: GP, specialist, mental health, second opinions
- • Bupa: GP, mental health, wellness coaching, some specialists
- • Allianz: GP primarily, limited mental health, few specialists
Prescription Handling
How prescriptions work after telehealth visits:
- • Cigna: E-prescriptions sent to local pharmacies, delivery coordination
- • Bupa: E-prescriptions available, pharmacy finder in app
- • Allianz: Prescriptions issued, member arranges pharmacy
Mental Health via Telehealth
Increasingly important for expat wellbeing:
Cigna
Unlimited video sessions with therapists. EAP program included. Crisis support 24/7. Multiple therapy modalities available.
Bupa
Best mental health focus. Therapy plus life coaching. Mindfulness programs. Resilience training. Fastest access to mental health professionals.
Allianz
Basic mental health consultations. Limited session counts. Adequate for mild concerns. May need upgrade for ongoing therapy.
Which Is Best For You?
Choose Cigna Global if:
- • You want the most comprehensive telehealth experience
- • Specialist video consultations are important to you
- • You need prescription coordination across countries
- • You value mental health and second opinions via video
Choose Bupa Global if:
- • Mental health support is your priority
- • You want the fastest wait times
- • Wellness coaching and therapy appeal to you
- • You value the best app experience
Choose Allianz Care if:
- • Budget is a significant consideration
- • You need consultations in less common languages
- • Basic GP telehealth meets your needs
- • You mainly want telehealth for routine issues
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use telehealth from anywhere in the world?
Yes, all three providers offer global telehealth access. As long as you have a stable internet connection, you can consult with doctors via video from any country. Some countries have regulations about medical practice that may limit certain services, but basic consultations work everywhere.
What conditions are appropriate for telehealth?
Telehealth works well for: colds and flu, skin conditions, minor injuries, mental health, prescription renewals, second opinions, and chronic condition management. It's not appropriate for emergencies, conditions requiring physical examination, or situations needing immediate intervention.
Can I get prescriptions via telehealth?
Yes, doctors can prescribe medications during telehealth consultations. However, controlled substances and certain medications may have restrictions. Cigna coordinates delivery to many locations; Bupa and Allianz typically issue prescriptions for you to fill locally. Always verify your medication is available in your country.
Is there a limit to how many telehealth consultations I can have?
Cigna offers unlimited telehealth consultations on most plans. Bupa typically has generous limits that most members never reach. Allianz may have visit limits on basic plans—check your specific policy. Mental health session limits vary more than general consultations.
Disclaimer: Telehealth features and availability change frequently. Some services may be limited in certain countries due to local regulations. Always verify specific telehealth benefits with providers before purchasing. This comparison is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or insurance advice.
