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
Choose SafetyWing If...
You're an independent consultant with variable projects, want month-to-month flexibility without contracts, and can accept basic coverage to minimize overhead costs.
Choose Cigna Global If...
You're a senior consultant or partner who travels extensively, needs seamless global coverage including the US, and wants premium services befitting your position.
Choose AXA Global If...
You work with blue-chip clients who expect premium benefits, value executive health screenings, and want comprehensive wellness support for high-stress work.
Main Comparison
Consultants face unique insurance challenges: frequent international travel, high-stress environments, variable income for independents, and clients who may expect you to maintain adequate coverage. These three providers serve very different segments of the consulting market.
| Feature | SafetyWing | Cigna Global | AXA Global |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multi-Country Coverage | Global included | Worldwide options | Worldwide options |
| Contract Flexibility | Monthly, no commitment | Annual plans | 12-month minimum |
| US Coverage | Add-on available | Full coverage | Full coverage |
| Business Travel | Included | Included | Included |
| Executive Health Checks | Not included | Available | Premium benefit |
| Mental Health | Limited | Comprehensive | Comprehensive |
| Starting Price | $ | $$$ | $$$ |
SafetyWing
SafetyWing offers budget-friendly coverage that appeals to independent consultants and freelance advisors who want flexibility without heavy fixed costs. Their subscription model works well with variable consulting income.
Strengths for Consultants
- Monthly subscription with no long-term commitment
- Global coverage included by default for nomadic work styles
- Affordable overhead for independent consultants
- Easy to pause between projects if needed
- Simple online management fits busy schedules
- Business travel coverage included
Considerations
- $250K annual limit may concern some clients
- Limited mental health coverage—important in high-stress consulting
- No executive health screenings or premium services
- US coverage requires expensive add-on
- May not project the image senior consultants want
Cigna Global
Cigna Global is a natural fit for established consultants and partners at major firms. Their extensive global network, premium services, and recognition by corporate clients make them a safe choice for professionals who need comprehensive coverage.
Strengths for Consultants
- Recognized brand that clients and employers respect
- Extensive global network for seamless multi-country work
- Full US coverage options without complicated add-ons
- Comprehensive mental health support for high-pressure roles
- Executive health check-ups available
- 24/7 multilingual support for any time zone
Considerations
- Premium pricing requires strong consulting income
- Annual commitment less flexible than SafetyWing
- May be excessive for early-career consultants
AXA Global Healthcare
AXA Global offers premium coverage with an emphasis on wellness and preventive care—ideal for senior consultants who understand that maintaining health is essential to sustaining a demanding career.
Strengths for Consultants
- Executive health screening programs on premium plans
- Strong wellness and preventive care benefits
- Comprehensive mental health coverage including burnout
- Second medical opinion services for complex conditions
- Premium hospital networks globally
- Excellent reputation with corporate clients
Considerations
- 12-month commitment required
- Highest premiums among the three providers
- US coverage adds significant cost
- Best value when employer or client contributes
Coverage Details
The gap between SafetyWing and premium providers is substantial. For consultants whose livelihood depends on their health and ability to travel, comprehensive coverage may be a necessary business investment.
| Coverage Type | SafetyWing | Cigna Global | AXA Global |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inpatient | Up to $250K | Unlimited options | Up to €2M+ |
| Outpatient | Emergency only | Comprehensive | Comprehensive |
| Mental Health | Limited | Full coverage | Full coverage |
| Second Opinion Services | Not included | Included | Included |
| Executive Screenings | Not included | Available | Premium plans |
| Pre-existing Conditions | Excluded | Moratorium option | Underwritten |
Pricing Comparison
Consider insurance costs as a business expense. SafetyWing minimizes overhead for cost-conscious independents, while Cigna and AXA represent the investment senior consultants make in protecting their earning capacity.
| Profile | SafetyWing | Cigna Global | AXA Global |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior Consultant, 28 | $45-60/mo | $350-500/mo | $400-550/mo |
| Senior Consultant, 38 | $60-80/mo | $450-650/mo | $500-700/mo |
| Partner/Director, 48 | $90-120/mo | $650-900/mo | $700-950/mo |
| With full US coverage | +$130-180/mo | Included (US plan) | +40-50% |
Prices are estimates and vary by age, health history, coverage level, and regional base. US coverage significantly increases costs for all providers.
Consultant-Specific Considerations
Client Expectations
Some corporate clients require contractors to maintain minimum insurance coverage. Premium providers like Cigna and AXA are more likely to meet these requirements without questions. SafetyWing's limits may require additional documentation or supplemental coverage for certain contracts.
Multi-Country Projects
If you work across multiple countries within a single project, seamless international coverage is essential. Cigna and AXA handle multi-country work effortlessly. SafetyWing's global coverage works but may have more limited direct billing networks.
US Work
Consulting for US clients while based abroad often requires US coverage. Cigna includes US coverage in their worldwide plans. AXA and SafetyWing offer it as an add-on, with SafetyWing's being more affordable but less comprehensive.
Burnout and Mental Health
Consulting is demanding. Long hours, travel stress, and client pressure contribute to burnout. Cigna and AXA offer comprehensive mental health coverage including therapy and executive coaching support. SafetyWing's limited coverage may leave you paying out of pocket.
Between Projects
Independent consultants often have gaps between engagements. SafetyWing's monthly model lets you adjust coverage to match income. With Cigna and AXA, you maintain coverage continuously but at consistent cost.
Tax Deductibility
Health insurance premiums are typically tax-deductible for self-employed consultants. This effectively reduces the net cost of premium coverage, making Cigna or AXA more affordable than they appear.
Best For
SafetyWing Best For
- • Independent freelance consultants
- • Early-career advisors building practice
- • Those with variable project income
- • Consultants minimizing fixed costs
- • Short-term international projects
Cigna Global Best For
- • Senior consultants and partners
- • Those working with US clients
- • Management consultants at major firms
- • Consultants needing premium networks
- • Those prioritizing seamless global coverage
AXA Global Best For
- • Executive-level consultants
- • Those valuing wellness programs
- • Consultants with high-stress practices
- • Those with employer contributions
- • Long-term international consultants
Frequently Asked Questions
Do consulting firms typically provide health insurance?
Major consulting firms (McKinsey, BCG, Deloitte, etc.) provide comprehensive coverage for employees. Independent consultants and contractors typically need to arrange their own insurance.
Can I expense health insurance to clients?
Some consulting contracts allow billing insurance as a reimbursable expense. More commonly, insurance is considered overhead built into your day rate. Premium coverage from Cigna or AXA may be easier to justify in proposals.
What if my client requires minimum coverage limits?
Corporate clients may require $1M+ coverage limits. Cigna and AXA easily meet these requirements. SafetyWing's $250K limit may require supplemental coverage or negotiation with the client.
How do executive health screenings work?
AXA and Cigna offer comprehensive health assessments at partner clinics—typically annual check-ups including cardiac screening, blood work, and specialist consultations. These help catch health issues early, protecting your earning capacity.
Is SafetyWing adequate for occasional US travel?
SafetyWing's base plan covers short US trips. For regular US work or extended stays, their US add-on or a Cigna worldwide plan provides better protection against US healthcare costs.
How should I handle insurance between consulting engagements?
Maintain continuous coverage to protect against gaps. SafetyWing's low monthly cost makes this easy. With Cigna or AXA, factor the annual premium into your overall business planning regardless of project flow.
