Published by  Anne-Marie Watts - Updated on

Discover the best international health insurance for your needs

Choosing the best international health insurance for your specific needs is essential if you are living, working or travelling abroad for an extended period. With APRIL International, expatriates, global professionals, frequent travellers and anyone spending an extended period overseas can benefit from flexible cover, convenient digital services, and worldwide access to quality healthcare (withing their chosen area off cover), ensuring protection wherever life takes them.

Key takeaways

  • International health insurance is essential for long stays abroad, offering worldwide protection, multilingual assistance and access to quality healthcare beyond what local insurance can provide.

  • The best plan is flexible and tailored to your needs, with options such as inpatient and outpatient care, emergency treatment, maternity, dental, optical and preventive services.

  • Compare coverage areas, included benefits, hospital networks, digital services and key limitations (limits, waiting periods, exclusions, excess) to ensure the plan truly fits your situation.

Understand international health insurance and its importance

International health insurance is designed for people living, working or studying across borders for an extended period. Unlike local health insurance, which generally limits coverage to a single country and relies on national healthcare systems, international health insurance provides long-term protection wherever you go. 

Local health insurance often depends on local social security schemes and may restrict access to private healthcare or international hospitals. By contrast, international health insurance offers broader flexibility, worldwide coverage and consistent access to quality care, regardless of your country of residence. 

APRIL International stands out by offering solutions specifically built for international mobility, combining global medical access with digital services designed to simplify healthcare abroad, including direct billing, fast reimbursements and multilingual assistance. 

How it compares with local health insurance 

Local health insurance is usually valid in one country only and may not fully cover private healthcare or treatment abroad. In some destinations, it also comes with long waiting times, limited medical infrastructure, or language barriers. 

International health insurance, on the other hand, is designed to follow you worldwide. It provides access to an international network of hospitals and clinics, ensures continuity of cover when moving between countries and allows policyholders to receive care in their preferred language. 

APRIL International enhances this global approach through: 

  • worldwide access to a network of trusted medical providers, 

  • direct billing in partner hospitals to reduce upfront payments, 

  • tailored coverage adapted to international lifestyles, 

  • an award-winning Easy Claim app for fast reimbursements, 

  • a virtual payment card for high-cost medical care. 

Who needs global medical cover?

Global medical insurance is essential for anyone spending significant time outside their home country. It is particularly suitable for: 

  • expatriates and remote workers living abroad, 

  • frequent travellers and professionals on long-term assignments, 

  • digital nomads moving between destinations, 

  • international students studying overseas, 

  • families relocating internationally, 

  • retirees choosing to live abroad. 

For these profiles, international health insurance ensures stability, continuity of care and access to reliable healthcare systems worldwide. 

When do you need an international healthcare plan?

You may need an international healthcare plan if you travel frequently between countries or live in a destination where healthcare costs are high. It is also recommended if you require multilingual medical assistance or want access to high-quality private hospitals abroad. 

International cover is particularly valuable when local healthcare systems are limited, unreliable or difficult to navigate as a foreign resident. 

Exploring key features of best international health insurance plans

The best international health insurance plans are designed to offer comprehensive protection while remaining flexible. They usually include a wide range of medical benefits to cover everyday healthcare needs as well as unexpected events. 

Benefits and cover options explained

International health insurance plans typically include: 

  • in-patient and out-patient care, 

  • emergency treatment and medical evacuation, 

  • maternity care, 

  • dental and optical cover, 

  • chronic illness management and preventive care, 

  • mental health support. 

APRIL International provides modular solutions, allowing policyholders to build coverage that truly matches their needs, destination and lifestyle. 

Customising plans for your needs

APRIL International allows you to tailor your plan:

  • select a plan specific to your age, family situation, or destination

  • choose your cover area

  • select your level of cover

  • add or remove optional benefits 

This personalised approach ensures that your health insurance evolves with your international journey. 

Global coverage and network access benefits

APRIL International offers seamless access to healthcare worldwide through a strong international medical network. Policyholders benefit from: 

  • an extensive network of hospitals and clinics, 

  • direct billing agreements to avoid large upfront payments, 

  • fast access to specialist consultations, 

  • care available in your preferred language, 

  • partnerships with hospitals offering multilingual services, 

  • remote medical consultations wherever you are. 

Testimonials and feedback

Many expatriates and travellers highlight the responsiveness and reliability of April International in their customer reviews. Customer service is frequently mentioned as a key strength, particularly for handling emergencies and providing effective follow-up on medical cases.

Enjoy advantages of comprehensive international health insurance

Peace of mind for expatriates and frequent travellers

Whether you are relocating abroad or travelling regularly, international health insurance provides long-term security. APRIL International ensures continuous protection and support, even when your country of residence changes. 

Accessing quality healthcare worldwide

APRIL International gives you access to high-quality private medical facilities around the world. This guarantees faster treatment, modern equipment and medical standards aligned with international expectations. 

24/7 assistance and efficient claims handling

APRIL International improves the healthcare experience abroad through innovative digital services: 

  • 24/7 teleconsultation for medical advice anytime, anywhere, 

  • the Easy Claim app to submit invoices and track reimbursements, 

  • 24/7 multilingual assistance for emergencies and hospital coordination, 

  • a digital insurance card accessible directly on your smartphone. 

These tools simplify daily life abroad and ensure faster, smoother healthcare management. 

Choosing the best international health insurance for you

Assessing your individual healthcare needs

Choosing the right plan starts with understanding your lifestyle and priorities. Key factors to consider include: 

  • your country of destination

  • your coverage area, 

  • the nature of your work or travel, 

  • your personal and family medical needs, 

  • the length of your stay abroad. 

Comparing benefits and coverage levels

To make an informed decision, it is essential to compare benefits carefully. International health insurance plans differ in terms of: 

  • hospitalisation limits, 

  • access to out-patient care, 

  • maternity and dental options, 

  • emergency evacuation services, 

  • preventive care, 

  • the provider’s global network, reputation and digital services. 

Understanding policy terms, exclusions and limits

Clear policy terms are essential for peace of mind. APRIL International provides transparent documentation and dedicated support to help you understand: 

  • exclusions, 

  • waiting periods, 

  • annual limits, 

  • coverage areas, 

  • optional benefits included in your plan. 

Factors influencing international health insurance costs

How age, destination and cover level affect pricing

Several factors can influence the cost of international health insurance, including: 

  • your age and medical history, 

  • the type of cover needed (student, individual or family), 

  • the duration of coverage, 

  • the coverage area, particularly for destinations with high medical costs such as the United States

  • the level of benefits selected, 

  • excess, also known as a deductible, 

  • optional benefits such as maternity or dental care. 

Balancing cost while maintaining coverage

APRIL International offers different coverage levels, allowing you to balance budget considerations with essential medical protection. 

Saving on insurance costs without losing key benefits

You can optimise your premium by: 

  • selecting a coverage area that reflects your actual needs, 

  • choosing an excess that suits your budget, 

  • opting only for benefits and add-ons aligned with your situation. 

Navigating the application process

APRIL International offers a simple and fully online subscription journey. You can: 

  1. choose your coverage area, 

  2. select your level of cover, 

  3. add the benefits that matter most to you and include family members if needed, 

  4. submit your application online, 

  5. access your membership documents instantly via the member portal. 

Understanding claims and reimbursements

Thanks to APRIL International’s digital tools, claims management is straightforward and efficient. You can: 

  • submit invoices instantly using the Easy Claim app

  • track reimbursement claims in real time, 

  • pay for expensive medical care with the Easy Pay Card

  • access 24/7 remote medical consultations worldwide, 

  • find all policy documents, contacts and medical support information in one place, 

  • benefit from direct billing in many partner hospitals, avoiding upfront payments. 

Common questions about

the best international

health insurance

for you

(FAQ)

What type of coverage do I need for my destination?

High-cost destinations, such as the U.S., Hong Kong, or Singapore, require higher benefit levels and increased annual limits.

How do international health insurance plans evolve over time?

Needs change with age, family situation, or destination. APRIL International offers adjustable plans that evolve with your expatriation.

What should I do in case of a medical emergency abroad?

Contact APRIL’s 24/7 assistance service for immediate support, hospital coordination, or medical evacuation if necessary. Use the Easy Claim app to keep your documents and digital insurance card always at hand.

International health insurance expert
Guiding international clients through health insurance with confidence