If you’re moving to Europe for work, study, retirement, or digital nomad life, one of the first essentials is expat health insurance. While Europe has some of the world’s best public healthcare systems, many expats require private or international health insurance to:
✔️ Meet visa requirements (Schengen, student, work, or retirement permits)
✔️ Skip long waiting times in public hospitals
✔️ Access multilingual doctors and private clinics
✔️ Ensure coverage across multiple European countries
✔️ Travel securely with emergency protection
This guide compares the Top 7 Health Insurance Providers in Europe (2025)—selected based on coverage, affordability, flexibility, expat-friendly benefits, and customer satisfaction.
✅ Why Expats Need Private Health Insurance in Europe
Public healthcare in Europe is excellent—but not always accessible to non-residents. Common challenges for expats include:
🔸 No automatic eligibility for state healthcare
🔸 Mandatory proof of insurance for visas
🔸 Long public hospital queues
🔸 Language barriers in local systems
🔸 Limited coverage when traveling across borders
👉 That’s why international expat health insurance plans are the smart choice. They offer faster services, visa compliance, global coverage, and peace of mind.
🏆 Top 7 Expat Health Insurance Plans in Europe – 2025
1️⃣ Cigna Global – Best Overall 🌍
Coverage: Worldwide, including Europe
Best For: Long-term expats, digital nomads, global professionals
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Fully customizable plans (inpatient, outpatient, dental, vision)
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24/7 multilingual helpline
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Direct access to private hospitals & clinics
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Mobile app for claims + virtual consultations
💬 Why Choose? Cigna Global is considered the gold standard for expat insurance thanks to its flexibility and strong global network.
2️⃣ Allianz Care – Best for Families & Corporate Expats 👨👩👧👦
Coverage: Europe + global add-ons
Best For: Families, corporate assignees, permanent residents
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Direct billing in 190+ countries
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Comprehensive maternity & pediatric care
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Preventive & chronic condition coverage
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Extra wellness & vaccination benefits
💬 Why Choose? Allianz is a trusted European giant, offering extensive family coverage and visa-compliant policies.
3️⃣ SafetyWing – Best for Digital Nomads & Freelancers 💻
Coverage: Europe + 180+ countries
Best For: Nomads, remote workers, part-time travelers
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Affordable monthly subscriptions
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Easy sign-up without permanent address
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COVID-19 & travel disruptions included
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Kids under 10 insured free (1 per adult)
💬 Why Choose? SafetyWing is built for the remote work lifestyle, offering flexible and low-cost global health protection.
4️⃣ Bupa Global – Best Premium & VIP Care 💎
Coverage: Worldwide
Best For: Executives, high-net-worth expats, diplomats
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Access to elite hospitals and specialists
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Dental, vision, mental health & wellness services
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Priority treatment & fast-track appointments
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Concierge-style member services
💬 Why Choose? If you want luxury healthcare coverage with world-class support, Bupa Global is unmatched.
5️⃣ IMG Europe – Best for Short-Term Expats & Students 🎓
Coverage: EU countries + Schengen-compliant plans
Best For: Students, interns, temporary visa holders
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Fully visa-compliant (Schengen insurance)
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Emergency evacuation & travel delay coverage
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Budget-friendly pricing
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Fast online claims portal
💬 Why Choose? IMG Europe is perfect for short-term residents or students who need affordable, compliant coverage.
6️⃣ Foyer Global Health – Best for EU Expats 🇪🇺
Coverage: EU, EEA, Switzerland & UK
Best For: Long-term expats, retirees, EU visa holders
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Inpatient, outpatient & repatriation included
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Mental health and maternity add-ons
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Multi-language support & online consultations
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Visa and residency documentation provided
💬 Why Choose? Foyer is ideal for EU-based expats who need a hassle-free, compliant plan.
7️⃣ AXA Global Healthcare – Best for Customizable Plans ⚙️
Coverage: Europe + global add-ons
Best For: Freelancers, professionals, tailored needs
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Modular coverage options (build your own plan)
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Covers pre-existing conditions in many cases
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100+ currency reimbursement options
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Excellent digital tools & customer service
💬 Why Choose? AXA is best if you want full control of your healthcare plan with flexible pricing.
📊 Comparison Table – Quick Overview
| Provider | Best For | Coverage | Starting Cost* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cigna Global | Expats, nomads | Worldwide | €130–€350 |
| Allianz Care | Families, corporates | EU + Global | €160–€400 |
| SafetyWing | Digital nomads | Global | €42–€90 |
| Bupa Global | VIP & premium users | Worldwide | €400+ |
| IMG Europe | Students, short-term | EU / Schengen | €35–€120 |
| Foyer Global | EU expats, retirees | EU + UK | €90–€250 |
| AXA Global | Custom plan seekers | EU + Global | €100–€300 |
*Prices depend on age, location & benefits.
🚨 Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Expat Insurance
❌ Choosing the cheapest plan without checking coverage limits
❌ Forgetting visa compliance requirements
❌ Ignoring exclusions (pre-existing conditions, sports injuries)
❌ Not comparing inpatient vs outpatient benefits
❌ Overlooking maternity or mental health coverage
🧠 Key FAQs on Expat Health Insurance in Europe
Q1: Do expats get free healthcare in Europe?
No. Unless you’re a legal resident contributing to national insurance, you’ll need private or international health coverage.
Q2: Which insurance is best for Schengen visa?
Plans from IMG, AXA, and Allianz Care are Schengen-compliant and widely accepted.
Q3: Can I use SafetyWing for a long-term stay in Europe?
Yes, but it’s best for digital nomads and freelancers. For permanent residents, consider Cigna, Allianz, or Foyer.
Q4: Which provider is best for retirees in Europe?
Foyer Global Health and Bupa Global are top picks for retirees, offering full EU coverage and advanced care.
Q5: Can I buy European expat insurance online?
Absolutely. All providers listed here offer digital sign-up, claims portals, and virtual doctor services.
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💬 Final Thoughts
Moving abroad is exciting—but healthcare should never be left to chance. Whether you’re a student in Spain, a freelancer in Berlin, a retiree in Portugal, or an executive in Paris, the right plan makes all the difference.
The 7 providers above are trusted, expat-friendly, and fully compliant with European regulations. Compare carefully, choose wisely, and enjoy peace of mind knowing you’re protected.
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