TL;DR
WeCovr reviews global providers for expats, frequent travellers, and businesses 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.
Key takeaways
- Global Coverage: Access to hospitals and doctors worldwide, or within a chosen geographical region.
- 24/7 Support: Multilingual emergency helplines to assist you anywhere, anytime.
- Medical Evacuation: Cover for emergency transport to the nearest suitable medical facility, or even back to your home country if necessary.
- Direct Billing: Insurers often have vast networks of hospitals where they can settle bills directly, meaning you don't have to pay large sums out-of-pocket.
- Acute Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Examples include a broken bone, appendicitis, or a cataract.
WeCovr reviews global providers for expats, frequent travellers, and businesses
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.
What is International Private Medical Insurance (IPMI)?
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:
- Global Coverage: Access to hospitals and doctors worldwide, or within a chosen geographical region.
- 24/7 Support: Multilingual emergency helplines to assist you anywhere, anytime.
- Medical Evacuation: Cover for emergency transport to the nearest suitable medical facility, or even back to your home country if necessary.
- Direct Billing: Insurers often have vast networks of hospitals where they can settle bills directly, meaning you don't have to pay large sums out-of-pocket.
A Critical Point on Pre-existing and Chronic Conditions
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.
- Acute Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Examples include a broken bone, appendicitis, or a cataract.
- Chronic Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that has one or more of the following characteristics: it needs long-term monitoring, has no known cure, requires ongoing management, or is likely to recur. Examples include diabetes, asthma, and arthritis.
Standard policies will not cover treatment for chronic conditions or any medical conditions you had before taking out the policy (pre-existing conditions).
Who Needs International Health Insurance?
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:
- An Expat: Someone moving abroad for work, retirement, or a change of lifestyle.
- A Digital Nomad: A remote worker who travels and works from different countries.
- A Frequent Business Traveller: Spending months of the year on international assignments.
- An International Student: Studying for a degree in a foreign country.
- A Business with a Global Workforce: Companies have a duty of care to provide adequate medical cover for employees posted overseas.
Introducing the Contenders: Allianz Care and Cigna Global
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.
Allianz Care at a Glance
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.
- Key Strengths: Huge global network, strong brand recognition, excellent digital tools (MyHealth app), and a clear, modular plan structure.
Cigna Global at a Glance
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.
- Key Strengths: Very flexible plans, strong US network, emphasis on preventative health and wellness, and 24/7 clinical support.
Head-to-Head Comparison: Allianz Care vs Cigna Global
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.
Core Cover: Inpatient and Day-Patient Treatment
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 Cover Options
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.
Dental and Vision Benefits
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.
Customer Service and Digital Tools
In a global setting, being able to manage your policy and get help easily is crucial.
- Allianz Care: Their MyHealth App is highly praised. It allows you to submit claims by taking a photo of your invoice, find local doctors and hospitals, and access your policy documents and digital membership card. Their 24/7 multilingual helpline is also a core feature.
- Cigna Global: Cigna provides a secure online customer area and the Cigna Wellbeing™ App. This app not only helps with policy management but also provides access to health and wellness resources, including telehealth consultations with a doctor via phone or video.
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.
Cost Comparison: What Influences Your IPMI Premium?
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.
- Your Age and Health: Premiums increase with age, as the risk of needing medical care grows.
- Area of Cover: This is a major cost driver. A policy that includes the USA will be significantly more expensive due to the high cost of healthcare there. Most providers offer 'Worldwide' and 'Worldwide excluding USA' options.
- Level of Cover: A basic inpatient-only plan will be the most affordable. Adding comprehensive outpatient, dental, and maternity modules will increase the cost.
- Excess (Deductible): This is the amount you agree to pay towards a claim before the insurer pays out. Choosing a higher excess will lower your annual premium.
- Underwriting Method:
- Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): You declare your entire medical history. The insurer may add exclusions for pre-existing conditions. It provides certainty about what is and isn't covered from day one.
- Moratorium Underwriting: You don't declare your full history upfront. Instead, any condition you've had in the past few years (usually 5) is automatically excluded for a set period (usually 2 years). If you remain symptom and treatment-free for that condition during the moratorium period, it may become eligible for cover. This is simpler but can lead to uncertainty when you claim.
Illustrative Cost Examples
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. (illustrative estimate)
| 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.
The WeCovr Advantage: Why Use a Specialist Broker?
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.
- Whole-of-Market Advice: We don't just work with Allianz and Cigna. We compare plans from all the UK's leading international providers to find the one that truly fits your needs.
- Expert Knowledge: We understand the fine print, the jargon, and the nuances of different policies and underwriting methods. We can explain everything in plain English.
- Personalised Service: We take the time to understand your unique situation—your destination, your family's needs, and your budget—to recommend the most suitable cover.
- Value-Added Benefits: When you arrange your PMI with WeCovr, you also get complimentary access to our AI-powered nutrition app, CalorieHero, to support your health goals. Furthermore, our clients often receive discounts on other insurance products, such as life or travel cover.
Our high customer satisfaction ratings reflect our commitment to finding the right cover at the right price for our clients.
A Holistic Approach to Your Health Abroad
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.
- Diet & Nutrition: Embrace local, fresh produce but be mindful of adapting to a new diet. Use an app like CalorieHero to stay on track and ensure you're getting balanced nutrition.
- Staying Active: Research local gyms, parks, or hiking trails. Joining a sports club can be a great way to stay fit and meet new people.
- Sleep: Prioritise a good sleep routine, especially when dealing with new time zones. A quiet, dark, and cool bedroom is essential for restorative sleep.
- Mental Wellbeing: Culture shock is real. Stay connected with friends and family back home, but also make an effort to build a local support network. Many IPMI plans now include access to mental health support and employee assistance programmes (EAPs).
Final Verdict: Allianz Care or Cigna Global?
There is no single "best" provider. The right choice depends entirely on your personal circumstances.
You might prefer Allianz Care if:
- You want a highly-structured plan with clear tiers for optional benefits.
- You value a top-tier mobile app for easy claims and policy management.
- Your primary area of operation is Europe or Asia, where their network is exceptionally strong.
You might prefer Cigna Global if:
- You need cover that includes the USA, as their network and experience there are excellent.
- You are interested in preventative health and wellness programmes.
- You value the simplicity of their modular add-ons and the availability of telehealth services.
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.
Does international PMI cover pre-existing conditions?
What is the difference between an excess and a co-payment?
Why should I use a broker like WeCovr instead of going direct to an insurer?
Ready to Find Your Perfect Global Health Plan?
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.
[Get Your Free International PMI Quote Today]
Sources
- NHS England: Waiting times and referral-to-treatment statistics.
- Office for National Statistics (ONS): Health, mortality, and workforce data.
- NICE: Clinical guidance and technology appraisals.
- Care Quality Commission (CQC): Provider quality and inspection reports.
- UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA): Public health surveillance reports.
- Association of British Insurers (ABI): Health and protection market publications.












