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 Budget
Children under 10 covered free—unbeatable for budget-conscious families. Best for nomadic families who need basic coverage and aren't planning preventive care.
Learn MoreIMG Global
Best Value
Strong pediatric coverage at mid-range pricing. Includes vaccinations, well-child visits, and comprehensive care without premium costs.
Learn MoreCigna Global
Most Comprehensive
Premium family coverage with unlimited benefits, extensive network, and full pediatric services. Best for families prioritizing care quality over cost.
Learn MoreSide-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | SafetyWing | IMG Global | Cigna Global |
|---|---|---|---|
| Child Coverage Model | Free (under 10) | Per-child pricing | Per-child pricing |
| Maximum Age for Children | 18 (or 26 student) | 26 | 26 |
| Pediatric Care | Basic | Comprehensive | Comprehensive |
| Vaccinations | Emergency only | Routine included | Routine included |
| Well-Child Visits | Not covered | Included | Included |
| Pediatric Dental | Not covered | Optional add-on | Optional add-on |
| NICU Coverage | Limited | Full coverage | Full coverage |
| Family Maximum | $250K/person | $2-8M | Unlimited |
SafetyWing
SafetyWing's family proposition is simple: children under 10 are covered free when traveling with a covered parent. For families with young children on tight budgets, this creates substantial savings—a family of four pays the same as a couple. The coverage is basic but solid for emergencies and unexpected illness.
The tradeoff is coverage depth. SafetyWing doesn't include routine pediatric care, vaccinations, or well-child checkups. It's designed for families who either handle preventive care out-of-pocket, use local healthcare systems, or simply need emergency backup while traveling. For young, healthy families without complex medical needs, this approach makes financial sense.
Family Strengths
- • Children under 10 free
- • Lowest family cost
- • Monthly subscription model
- • No long-term commitment
- • Simple signup process
Considerations
- • No vaccinations covered
- • No well-child visits
- • Limited NICU coverage
- • $250K maximum per person
- • Emergency-focused coverage
IMG Global
IMG Global delivers comprehensive family coverage at mid-tier pricing. Pediatric plans include routine vaccinations, well-child checkups, and the preventive care that children need for healthy development abroad. The network is strong globally, making it easy to find pediatric specialists wherever you're based.
For families settling in one location (rather than constant travel), IMG's structure works well. Children are priced individually, but rates are reasonable—typically 60-70% of adult rates. NICU coverage and complex pediatric care are fully included, providing security for unexpected complications. Dental coverage is available as an add-on for growing smiles.
Family Strengths
- • Vaccinations included
- • Well-child visits covered
- • Full NICU coverage
- • Good pediatric network
- • Dental add-on available
Considerations
- • Per-child pricing adds up
- • Annual commitment typically
- • US coverage costs more
- • Some plan limits apply
Cigna Global
Cigna Global represents the premium tier for family coverage. Unlimited annual benefits, the most extensive global network, and complete pediatric services—including vaccinations, well-child care, pediatric specialists, and developmental screenings. For families who want the best possible coverage, Cigna delivers without compromise.
The investment is significant—Cigna family plans cost 2-3x budget options—but the coverage matches. Children stay on family plans until 26, with full adult benefits. NICU coverage is unlimited, pediatric dental/vision can be added, and you'll never question whether a treatment is covered. For families with complex medical needs or those wanting peace of mind, Cigna is the gold standard.
Family Strengths
- • Unlimited coverage
- • Best global network
- • Full preventive care
- • Pediatric specialists included
- • Children covered to 26
Considerations
- • Premium pricing
- • Per-child rates are high
- • Annual commitment required
- • May be overkill for healthy families
Get Family Coverage Quotes
Compare actual pricing for your family size and children's ages across providers.
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Pricing Comparison
How family size affects monthly costs (parents mid-30s):
| Family Size | SafetyWing | IMG Global | Cigna Global |
|---|---|---|---|
| Couple only | $168/mo | $400-600/mo | $700-900/mo |
| +1 child (age 5) | $168/mo (free) | $500-750/mo | $850-1,100/mo |
| +2 children (5, 8) | $168/mo (free) | $600-900/mo | $950-1,250/mo |
| +3 children | $168/mo (free) | $700-1,050/mo | $1,100-1,400/mo |
*Pricing is indicative for comprehensive coverage. SafetyWing price assumes children under 10. IMG and Cigna prices vary by specific plan chosen and coverage area. Actual quotes depend on ages, health history, and location.
Family Coverage Features
Pediatric Essentials
- • Routine vaccinations
- • Well-child checkups
- • Developmental screenings
- • Growth monitoring
- • Vision/hearing tests
- • Pediatric specialists
Emergency & Serious Care
- • Emergency hospitalization
- • NICU coverage
- • Pediatric surgery
- • Cancer treatment
- • Air ambulance
- • Medical evacuation
Important Family Considerations
Newborns
- • Added within 30 days
- • Coverage from birth
- • NICU included (IMG/Cigna)
- • SafetyWing more limited
- • Maternity plan needed
School Age
- • School entry requirements
- • Sports physicals
- • Vaccination records
- • Accident coverage
- • International school access
Teens/Young Adults
- • Coverage to 18-26
- • Student status matters
- • Mental health support
- • Transition to own plan
- • Adult pricing applies
Which Is Best For You?
Choose SafetyWing if:
- • Children are under 10
- • Budget is the priority
- • You only need emergency coverage
- • You'll handle preventive care separately
Choose IMG Global if:
- • You want vaccinations and checkups covered
- • Mid-range budget for comprehensive care
- • Settling in one location longer-term
- • Dental coverage for kids would help
Choose Cigna Global if:
- • Premium coverage is worth the cost
- • Children have medical needs
- • Best network and specialists matter
- • You want unlimited benefits
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I add a newborn to my policy?
Most insurers allow 30 days to add newborns, with coverage backdated to birth. Contact your insurer as soon as possible after birth. Pre-existing conditions don't apply to newborns if added within the window. For planned births, discuss adding the child before delivery so paperwork is ready.
Are vaccinations covered for children?
IMG and Cigna include routine childhood vaccinations with comprehensive plans. SafetyWing only covers vaccinations required after emergency exposures (like rabies after animal bites). If childhood vaccinations are important, choose IMG or Cigna, or budget for them separately with SafetyWing.
What happens when children turn 18?
IMG and Cigna extend coverage to 26 for full-time students. After aging out, children need their own policies. SafetyWing's free coverage ends at 10, then children need individual coverage. Start planning the transition about 6 months before the age cutoff.
Is international school health coverage enough?
Many international schools offer basic health coverage, but it's typically limited to on-campus emergencies or minor issues. For comprehensive family coverage including hospitalizations, specialist care, and medical evacuation, you need dedicated international health insurance. School coverage can supplement, not replace, family insurance.
Disclaimer: Family coverage options, child pricing, and benefits vary by plan and change over time. This comparison represents typical offerings—actual coverage depends on your specific plan choice, children's ages, and family health history. Always verify child coverage details and age limits before enrolling.
