
Choosing international private medical insurance can feel overwhelming. At WeCovr, an FCA-authorised broker that has arranged over 900,000 policies, we help UK residents navigate their options. This guide compares two titans of global health cover, Allianz and Cigna, to help you make an informed decision for your life abroad.
Living, working, or travelling overseas for extended periods brings incredible opportunities, but it also means stepping outside the safety net of the NHS. Whether you're an expat in Dubai, a digital nomad in Lisbon, or a business with employees scattered across the globe, securing the right private health cover is non-negotiable.
This comprehensive comparison will break down the key features, benefits, and costs associated with Allianz Care and Cigna Global, two of the most respected names in the international private medical insurance (IPMI) market.
Think of IPMI as a passport for your health. Unlike standard UK private medical insurance, which is designed for use within the UK, international plans provide comprehensive medical cover across geographical borders. They are specifically designed for people who live or work outside of their home country for more than six months a year.
Key differences from a domestic UK PMI policy include:
It is vital to understand a fundamental principle of private medical insurance in the UK and internationally. PMI is designed to cover acute conditions that arise after your policy begins.
Standard policies will not cover treatment for chronic conditions or any medical conditions you had before taking out the policy (pre-existing conditions).
If you're planning on spending a significant amount of time abroad, you likely need a dedicated international plan rather than relying on a travel insurance policy, which is only meant for short trips.
You should consider IPMI if you are:
Allianz and Cigna are household names in the insurance world, both with a formidable presence in the global health market. They have decades of experience, vast medical networks, and a reputation for providing robust cover.
Part of the global financial services giant Allianz Group, Allianz Care is a major force in international health insurance. They are known for their extensive global reach, comprehensive plan options, and strong digital services, making healthcare management straightforward for members wherever they are.
Cigna has been in the health services business for over 200 years and offers its global health plans to individuals, families, and businesses in over 200 countries and territories. They are particularly well-regarded for their focus on wellness and preventative care, as well as their significant presence in the USA.
Both Allianz and Cigna use a modular approach. This means you start with a core plan that covers the most expensive treatments (inpatient care) and then add optional modules like outpatient, dental, or wellness cover to build a policy that fits your needs and budget.
This is the foundation of any IPMI plan. It covers you for treatment that requires a hospital bed, such as surgery or serious illness.
| Feature | Allianz Care (Core Plan) | Cigna Global (Silver, Gold & Platinum) |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Annual Limit | €4,000,000 | $1,000,000 (Silver) to Unlimited (Platinum) |
| Hospital Accommodation | Covered in full for a standard private room | Covered in full for a standard private room |
| Intensive Care Unit (ICU) | Covered in full | Covered in full |
| Surgery, Anaesthetist & Other Fees | Covered in full | Covered in full |
| Cancer Treatment | Covered in full (up to annual limit) | Covered in full (up to annual limit) |
| Medical Evacuation | Included as standard | Included as standard |
| Advanced Medical Imaging | MRI, CT, and PET scans covered in full | MRI, CT, and PET scans covered in full |
| Mental Health Care | Up to 30 days of inpatient psychiatric care | Inpatient care covered from 30 days (Silver) up to 90 days (Platinum) |
Verdict: Both providers offer exceptionally strong core plans that cover the essentials of serious medical care. Cigna's Platinum plan offers an 'unlimited' annual maximum, which provides ultimate peace of mind, while Allianz's €4 million limit is still more than sufficient for almost any conceivable medical event.
Outpatient treatment is any medical care that doesn't require a hospital bed. This includes visiting a GP or specialist, prescription drugs, physiotherapy, and diagnostic tests. This is typically an optional add-on.
| Feature | Allianz Care (Outpatient Plans) | Cigna Global (Outpatient Module) |
|---|---|---|
| Module Tiers | Three Tiers: Core, Care, Premium | Added as a single comprehensive module |
| GP & Specialist Visits | Up to €15,000 (Premium Plan) | Up to plan limit (e.g., $1m on Silver) |
| Prescription Drugs | Up to €7,500 (Premium Plan) | Up to plan limit |
| Physiotherapy | Up to 30 sessions (Premium Plan) | Up to 15 sessions (post-hospitalisation) |
| Alternative Therapies | Included in Premium plan | Not typically covered in standard outpatient module |
| Preventative Health Checks | Included in Premium plan | Covered under the International Health and Wellbeing module |
Verdict: Cigna's approach is simpler, offering one main outpatient module. Allianz provides more tiered choice, allowing you to select a level of cover that more closely matches your budget. If you anticipate needing regular specialist visits or therapies, Allianz's 'Premium' outpatient plan is very comprehensive.
Often overlooked, dental and vision care can be expensive abroad. Both insurers offer these as optional extras.
| Feature | Allianz Care (Dental Plans) | Cigna Global (Dental & Vision Module) |
|---|---|---|
| Routine Dental | Covered up to €3,000 (Premium Plan) | 80% reimbursement up to $2,500 (Silver/Gold) |
| Major Restorative | Covered up to €3,000 (Premium Plan) | 80% reimbursement up to $4,000 (Silver/Gold) |
| Orthodontic | 50% cover up to €1,500 (Premium Plan) | 50% reimbursement up to $1,500 (Gold/Platinum) |
| Routine Vision | Not included in dental plan | 80% reimbursement up to $300 (Gold/Platinum) |
Verdict: Both offer solid dental plans. Cigna bundles vision care into its module, which is convenient. Allianz separates them, giving more flexibility. A key consideration is the waiting period – major dental work often has a 6-12 month waiting period after the policy starts, so you cannot buy the cover and immediately claim for a crown.
In a global setting, being able to manage your policy and get help easily is crucial.
Verdict: Both excel here. The choice may come down to personal preference for the app's user interface. The ability to speak to a doctor remotely via Cigna's service is a significant modern benefit.
It is impossible to give a single price for international private medical insurance, as it is tailored to you. However, understanding the factors that influence the cost can help you budget.
To give you a rough idea, here are some sample annual premiums. Please note these are for illustrative purposes only. Your actual quote will depend on your specific circumstances.
Profile: A 40-year-old individual living in Spain, non-smoker, with a £1,000 excess.
| Plan Type | Area of Cover | Allianz Care (Est. Annual Premium) | Cigna Global (Est. Annual Premium) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core Inpatient Only | Worldwide excluding USA | £1,800 | £1,750 |
| Inpatient + Outpatient | Worldwide excluding USA | £3,200 | £3,400 |
| Comprehensive (inc. Dental) | Worldwide excluding USA | £4,100 | £4,500 |
| Comprehensive (inc. Dental) | Worldwide (including USA) | £7,500 | £8,000 |
Source: Indicative pricing based on 2025 market analysis. For a precise quote, you must speak with an adviser.
Trying to compare these complex global policies on your own can be a real headache. As an independent and FCA-authorised private medical insurance broker, WeCovr provides expert guidance at no extra cost to you.
Our high customer satisfaction ratings reflect our commitment to finding the right cover at the right price for our clients.
Your health insurance is your safety net, but proactive health management is your first line of defence. Living abroad presents unique challenges and opportunities for your wellbeing.
There is no single "best" provider. The right choice depends entirely on your personal circumstances.
You might prefer Allianz Care if:
You might prefer Cigna Global if:
The best way to decide is to get a like-for-like comparison based on your own needs. A specialist PMI broker like WeCovr can provide this, saving you time and ensuring you don't overpay or end up underinsured.
Navigating the world of international private medical insurance UK is what we do best. Let our expert team at WeCovr provide you with a free, no-obligation quote. We'll compare Allianz, Cigna, and other top-tier providers to find the health cover that gives you complete peace of mind on your global journey.
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