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
SafetyWing
Best for Variable Income
Monthly billing adapts to consulting income fluctuations. Low cost during slow periods, easy to maintain. Best for younger, healthy consultants.
IMG Global
Best Mid-Tier Option
Higher coverage limits with quarterly payment options. Good for established consultants wanting more protection without premium pricing.
Cigna Global
Best Comprehensive Coverage
Premium coverage for successful consultants. Worth it when you're earning well and want top-tier protection. Best for those with health concerns.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | SafetyWing | IMG Global | Cigna Global |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost | $45–85 | $200–400 | $350–600 |
| Billing Flexibility | Monthly | Annual/Quarterly | Annual |
| Coverage Limit | $250K | $1M–5M | $1M–Unlimited |
| Multi-Country Coverage | 185+ countries | Global options | Global options |
| Home Country Visits | 30 days/90 days | Varies by plan | Full coverage option |
| Contract Gaps | Flexible start/stop | Continuous coverage | Continuous coverage |
| Pre-existing Conditions | Not covered | Some coverage possible | Case-by-case |
| Mental Health | Limited | Available | Comprehensive |
| Visa Letters | Available | Available | Available |
SafetyWing
Consultant Benefits
- ✓ Monthly billing: Pay as you go, aligned with consulting income
- ✓ No commitment: Start, pause, restart without penalties
- ✓ 185+ countries: Coverage wherever projects take you
- ✓ Instant enrollment: Sign up online in minutes
- ✓ Visa support: Insurance letters for visa applications
SafetyWing's Nomad Insurance fits the consulting lifestyle perfectly. When you land a big project, you're covered. Between contracts, you keep paying $45-85/month—manageable even during slow periods. No need to re-enroll or prove insurability when the next project starts.
The $250K coverage limit is the main trade-off. For most healthcare needs, it's adequate. But a serious illness or accident in an expensive country could exhaust this quickly. Consultants earning well should consider whether this limitation is acceptable risk.
IMG Global
Consultant Benefits
- ✓ Higher coverage: $1M–5M limits for serious protection
- ✓ Quarterly billing: More flexible than annual, more stable than monthly
- ✓ Pre-existing options: Some conditions coverable with underwriting
- ✓ Mental health: Coverage for consultant stress and burnout
- ✓ Maternity: Options for family planning consultants
IMG Global occupies the middle ground that works for many established consultants. Higher coverage limits provide real financial protection, while quarterly billing options offer some flexibility. The pricing scales better for those with consistent income.
The mental health coverage deserves attention. Consulting is stressful—constant travel, client pressures, uncertain pipelines. Having access to therapy and psychiatric care can help sustain a long consulting career.
Cigna Global
Consultant Benefits
- ✓ Unlimited coverage: No worrying about hitting policy limits
- ✓ Full home country: Complete coverage during client visits home
- ✓ Pre-existing flexibility: Case-by-case consideration for conditions
- ✓ Comprehensive mental health: Unlimited therapy sessions
- ✓ Global network: Direct billing anywhere you work
Cigna Global is the consultant's choice when budget isn't the primary constraint. If you're billing $150-500/hour, the $400-600/month premium is a reasonable business expense. You get comprehensive coverage without worrying about gaps or limits.
The annual commitment is the main friction point. Unlike SafetyWing's month-to-month model, you're committed for the year. For consultants with consistent work, this isn't a problem. For those with feast-or-famine income, it requires planning.
Get Consultant Insurance Quotes
Compare plans from SafetyWing, IMG, and Cigna for international consulting work.
Compare Plans NowWe may earn a commission when you apply through our links. This does not affect our recommendations.
Pricing Comparison
Consultant income varies widely—from struggling independents to highly-paid specialists. Consider these prices as a percentage of your annual consulting revenue when evaluating value.
| Profile | SafetyWing | IMG Global | Cigna Global |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consultant, 30yo | $540–1,020/yr | $2,400–4,800/yr | $4,200–7,200/yr |
| Consultant, 40yo | $660–1,260/yr | $3,200–6,400/yr | $5,600–9,600/yr |
| Couple (both consultants) | $1,080–2,040/yr | $5,200–10,400/yr | $9,600–16,800/yr |
| 3-month project coverage | $135–255 | $600–1,200 | Annual only |
*Prices for worldwide coverage excluding US. SafetyWing allows month-to-month; others typically annual.
Key Considerations for Consultants
Income Variability
Consulting income isn't steady. Some months bring $20,000; others bring zero. Your insurance should accommodate this reality. SafetyWing's monthly model handles variability best. IMG's quarterly option is a middle ground. Cigna's annual commitment works for stable earners.
Don't let a slow period become a coverage gap. Even $45-85/month is worth maintaining during dry spells—the cost of re-enrollment, potential waiting periods, and pre-existing condition complications make continuous coverage valuable.
Multi-Country Work
Consultants often work in multiple countries within a single year—a project in Germany, then Singapore, then Brazil. All three insurers handle this well with global coverage. However, check specific country exclusions, particularly for places with US sanctions or conflict zones.
If your work takes you to high-risk locations, verify coverage explicitly. Some policies exclude certain countries or require additional riders for conflict zones. Development consulting in particular may encounter these limitations.
Visa and Work Permit Requirements
Many countries require proof of health insurance for work visas or business visas beyond tourist stays. All three insurers provide insurance letters for visa applications. Some countries have specific minimum coverage requirements—verify your policy meets them.
SafetyWing's $250K limit may fall short for some visa requirements, particularly Schengen business visas or certain Asian work permits. IMG and Cigna's higher limits generally satisfy any requirement.
Client-Required Coverage
Some clients require contractors to have health insurance as part of vendor compliance. Having professional international coverage demonstrates responsibility and can be a competitive advantage in proposals. Cigna's brand recognition particularly impresses corporate clients.
If you're bidding on government or large corporate contracts, check whether specific insurance requirements exist. Some contracts specify minimum coverage levels or require naming the client as an additional insured (typically professional liability, not health).
Best For
Choose SafetyWing If...
- • Your income varies significantly
- • You're early in your consulting career
- • Budget flexibility is essential
- • You're young and healthy
- • You want month-to-month commitment
- • Short project coverage is needed
Choose IMG If...
- • You want higher coverage limits
- • Mental health coverage matters
- • You have some health concerns
- • Quarterly billing works for you
- • Balance of cost and coverage matters
- • You're an established consultant
Choose Cigna If...
- • You earn consistently and well
- • Comprehensive coverage is priority
- • You have pre-existing conditions
- • Client perception matters
- • You want unlimited coverage
- • Annual commitment is fine
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deduct health insurance as a business expense?
In most jurisdictions, self-employed consultants can deduct health insurance premiums as a business expense. Check with a tax professional familiar with your home country's rules and any tax treaties affecting your consulting income. Keep detailed records of premiums paid.
What if I take a full-time job? Can I cancel?
SafetyWing allows cancellation anytime. IMG and Cigna have annual commitments but may allow early termination if you gain employer coverage—check specific terms. Some consultants maintain personal coverage even with employer plans for flexibility if they return to consulting.
How do I handle coverage during project transitions?
With SafetyWing, just keep paying monthly—no gaps. With IMG or Cigna, your annual policy continues regardless of work status. Don't let coverage lapse between projects; re-enrollment complications and waiting periods make continuous coverage worth the cost.
Can clients require specific insurance levels?
Yes—some enterprise clients require contractors to demonstrate health insurance coverage. Government contracts may have specific requirements. If a client specifies coverage levels, verify your plan meets them before signing contracts.
What about coverage when I visit clients in my home country?
SafetyWing covers 30 days per 90-day period in your home country. Cigna can include full home country coverage. IMG varies by plan. If you frequently visit home for client meetings, factor home country coverage into your decision.
Should I get professional liability AND health insurance?
Yes—they're different coverages. Health insurance covers your medical expenses. Professional liability (errors and omissions) protects against client claims of negligence or mistakes. Most serious consultants carry both, especially when working with corporate clients.
