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How Much Does Expat Health Insurance Cost?

 

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: 

  1. Picking travel insurance instead of proper health insurance. 
  2. Ignoring waiting periods before coverage starts. 
  3. Skipping vital extras like dental, vision, or mental health cover. 
  4. Forgetting repatriation coverage for emergencies. 
  5. 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 
  • 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 
  • GeoBlue – Strong U.S. coverage backed by BlueCross BlueShield 
  • IMGlobal – Protecting 1.5 million members across 190+ countries 

 

how much does expat health insurance cost

Get Your Personal Quote in Under a Minute 

  • 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. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Factors Influencing Premiums

The cost of private health insurance depends on several key factors:

  • Age: Premiums generally increase with age due to higher health risks.

  • Coverage Level: Basic plans may start around £500 per year, while more comprehensive coverage can cost significantly more.

  • Pre-existing Conditions: These can lead to higher premiums or exclusions from coverage.

  • Excess and Deductibles: Selecting a higher excess can lower monthly premiums but increases out-of-pocket costs during treatment.

  • Policy Add-ons: Extras such as dental or optical care can increase the overall premium.

Typical Cost Ranges

  • Basic Coverage: Starting from just under $200 per month.

  • Comprehensive Coverage: Ranging from approximately $2,000 – $15,000 annually, depending on age, insurer and plan details

Benefits of Private Health Insurance

Private health insurance provides several important advantages for expats:

  • Reduced Waiting Times: Access to treatment without long NHS waiting lists.

  • Choice of Healthcare Providers: Freedom to select preferred hospitals and specialists.

  • Comfort and Privacy: Access to private rooms and personalized care.

  • Global Coverage: Some policies include international protection, ideal for frequent travelers.

 

Conclusion

For those thinking of making the UK their home, private health insurance can be a valuable investment in both health and peace of mind. Although costs vary based on coverage level and personal circumstances, the benefits—such as shorter waiting times, wider provider choice, and more comprehensive coverage—make it a practical option for many living abroad.

Get A Quote to compare price and cover today, or speak to one of our expats experts who can help with your needs