Introduction
ExpatInsure’s mission is simple: to help you find the right health insurance without sacrificing quality of cover—and without wasting hours hunting through dozens of providers.
If you’re planning to live abroad, one of your first questions is likely:
“How much does expat health insurance cost?”
It’s a smart question, because healthcare costs can have a big impact on your expat budget.
With ExpatInsure’s instant comparison tool, you can see tailored quotes from top insurers in under a minute—making it easier than ever to find the right plan at the right price.
Real Expat Insurance Prices by Age and Country
To give you a realistic idea of costs right away, here are the average monthly premiums for standard coverage across five popular expat destinations. These represent mid-level coverage—not bare-bones emergency-only plans, but also not luxury worldwide policies.
The figures below show the average costs at the time of writing, based on ExpatInsure’s Quote Tool, for healthy U.S. citizens with no pre-existing conditions. Your own price may be higher or lower depending on your circumstances—but our comparison tool can give you an exact quote.
Age | Spain | Portugal | Mexico | France | United Kingdom |
25 | $277 | $277 | $364 | $277 | $352 |
30 | $343 | $343 | $454 | $343 | $439 |
35 | $393 | $393 | $516 | $393 | $500 |
40 | $413 | $413 | $546 | $413 | $529 |
45 | $468 | $468 | $615 | $468 | $596 |
50 | $638 | $638 | $807 | $638 | $785 |
55 | $761 | $761 | $951 | $761 | $926 |
60 | $928 | $928 | $1,154 | $928 | $1124 |
65 | $1,615 | $1,615 | $1,909 | $1,615 | $1870 |
What Affects Your Premium?
Before exploring wider market trends, here’s what insurers look at when setting your price:
- Your age – Premiums rise with age.
- Country of residence – Healthcare costs vary dramatically by country.
- Coverage level – From basic emergency care to full worldwide protection.
- Pre-existing conditions – Likely to raise premiums or require tailored coverage.
- Deductible amount – Higher deductibles mean lower monthly costs.
- Optional benefits – Dental, vision, maternity, and wellness cover add to premiums.
Current Market Overview
Globally, the average annual cost for international health insurance is about $5,200, with basic plans starting near $500 and premium coverage can even exceed $40,000.
Most expensive:
- USA — $9,817 average annual cost (for expats moving to the USA)
- Followed by Hong Kong, Singapore, Dubai, and Taiwan
Most affordable:
- Eastern Europe — Romania, Croatia, and Slovakia average around $3,921 per year
Why Premiums Keep Rising
Medical inflation pushes prices up year after year due to:
- New life-saving drugs and medical technologies
- An aging global population
- Rising demand for private healthcare
Expect annual increases of 5%–15%, depending on your country.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Experts warn against:
- Picking travel insurance instead of proper health insurance.
- Ignoring waiting periods before coverage starts.
- Skipping vital extras like dental, vision, or mental health cover.
- Forgetting repatriation coverage for emergencies.
- Not checking hospital networks before purchase.
Learn More About Our Partner Insurance Companies:
- Allianz Care – Global coverage with direct provider payments
- Bupa Global – Premium healthcare with 70+ years of expertise
- April International – Tailored plans with excellent European and Asian coverage
- Now Health International – Fast, accessible online plans with worldwide reach
- VUMI – VIP medical insurance with extensive global coverage
- AXA Health – Comprehensive plans from one of the world’s largest insurers
- Cigna Global – Fortune 500 company with over 1 million healthcare providers
- William Russell – Bespoke solutions for expatriates since 1992
- GeoBlue – Strong U.S. coverage backed by BlueCross BlueShield
- IMGlobal – Protecting 1.5 million members across 190+ countries
Get Your Personal Quote in Under a Minute
Our price table is just a starting point. With ExpatInsure’s free comparison tool, you can:
- Instantly compare quotes from multiple trusted insurers
- Customise coverage to your exact needs
- See your best options in less than 60 seconds
Finding the right plan couldn’t be faster—or easier.