Cigna Expat Insurance- Best Global Health Plans For Living Abroad

Overview of Cigna Expat Insurance

As specialists in international health insurance for global citizens, the mission at Cigna Global is to help expats manage their overall health and wellbeing. Cigna's International Health Plans are comprehensive, flexible, and customizable, allowing you to choose and pay only for the coverage you need.

Types of Cigna Expatriate Health Insurance

Cigna offers three types of expat insurance plans: the Cigna Global Insurance Plan, the Cigna Close Care Plan, and the Cigna Healthguard Insurance Plan.

1. Cigna Global Insurance Plan allows you to customize your coverage policy to fit your needs with multiple plan tiers, add-on modules, and deductible and cost share options. It also gives you priority access to Cigna's international network of more than 1.7 million hospitals and doctors.
2. Cigna Close Care Plan provides coverage for your country of residence and nationality only and medical emergency coverage in third countries. While the area of coverage is more limited, this plan offers a wide range of deductibles and cost-share options.
3. Cigna Healthguard Insurance Plan is an alternate solution designed for expats living in the UAE. It offers multiple tiers and optional add-on modules for expanded coverage. The Dubai Health Authority and the Insurance Authority approve this plan.

This article focuses primarily on the Cigna Global Insurance Plan, as it is the health insurance most applicable for expats who need global medical insurance.

Cigna Individual Plan Levels

Cigna offers three distinct levels of coverage: Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Each plan level includes International Medical Insurance to cover your overnight hospital stays and inpatient treatments. All global health plans offer optional outpatient coverage, vision, dental, and other elective modules.

Maximum Overall benefit - per person per period of cover

1. SILVER: up to $1,000,000
2. GOLD: up to $2,000,000
3. PLATINUM: Paid in full

All levels of cover (Silver, Gold, and Platinum) include International Medical Insurance to cover your hospital stays and treatments. All global health plans offer optional outpatient care, vision, and other elective modules. You can also choose your desired area of coverage to include trips to the United States.

The Cigna Silver plan level is the lowest capped benefit plan offering affordable global medical insurance for expats concerned about their budget. The Gold level is the second most comprehensive health insurance plan, boosting coverage to $2 million per person, but includes some benefit limits to make it more affordable. The Platinum level is the most comprehensive Cigna individual health insurance option, offering unlimited coverage for all included benefits.

Each plan has different deductible and coinsurance options to suit your budget.

Overview Of Cigna Overseas Coverage Options

Cigna's Core International Medical Insurance Includes

International Expat Insurance

Cigna's Core Plan provides the essential benefits expats need to stay healthy and protected abroad. But this international medical plan is far from basic. Coverage includes inpatient or daypatient treatment benefits, including:

1. Inpatient hospital accommodation, charges, prescription medicine, rehabilitation, and treatment;
2. Access to inpatient, outpatient, and daypatient therapy for behavioral and mental health care;
3. Coverage for cancer care, including cancer-preventative surgery;
4. Cigna Silver plan covers Newborn care, while Gold and Platinum level plans include coverage for inpatient and daypatient parent and babe care;
5. Coverage for emergency outpatient treatment required at an accident and emergency department.
6. Emergency inpatient dental cover

The International Expat Insurance plans do not cover:

1. Consultations with specialists and medical practitioners concerning outpatient treatments;
2. Prescribed drugs or dressing for any outpatient treatments;
3. Any outpatient physiotherapy or other rehabilitation treatments.

Cigna International Health Plan Optional Add-Ons

You want an insurance plan tailored to your needs, not someone else's. With Cigna's personalized plans, you can choose the best international health insurance coverage for your situation. With four additional modules, you can add to Cigna Global's core policies to customize an expat health plan ensuring adequate cover and protection while living and working abroad.

In addition to the Cigna core cover, customers have the option to add optional modules:

1. International outpatient
2. Medical Evacuation and Crisis Assistance
3. Health and wellbeing
4. Global vision and dental.

Each module has different plan levels and benefit maximums, allowing expats to customize their plans to suit their needs and budget.

Other Guides On Expat Health Insurance

Key Cigna International Health Benefits Targeting Expats

1) Essential Medical Services And Whole Health Services

All Cigna Global Insurance Plans include the essential medical services expats expect, including inpatient cover, hospital accommodation costs, cancer treatment, pandemics outbreaks of infectious diseases, emergency room treatment, transplant services, home nurses, mental and behavioral health care, and rehabilitation (physiotherapy, occupational, therapy, speech therapy, and cardiac rehab).

Additionally, Cigna is dedicated to helping expats and their families live happier, healthier lives thanks to their whole health services. All Cigna Global Health plan levels include access to their Clinical Case Management program:

Our Case Management service enables you to receive personalized support and assistance from our dedicated nurses and doctors when you are diagnosed with a complex condition requiring special support. They will serve as your single point of contact, offering support through coordinating your healthcare and treatment plan.

CASE MANAGEMENT- Personalized support when you need it most

Dealing with complex medical issues while living in a foreign country without support can be a nightmare. But with Cigna, expats are never alone. Cigna's Case Management service provides personalized support and assistance if you've been diagnosed with a complex medical condition.

You'll have access to a dedicated nurse or doctor who will be your single point of contact throughout your medical journey, coordinating your healthcare and treatment plan to ensure you receive the best possible care. With our Case Management service, you can feel supported and confident as you manage your condition.

CHRONIC CONDITION TREATMENT- Helping hand to manage your condition

Cigna's Chronic Condition program provides support for expats with chronic conditions. This program is designed to help expats better understand, manage, and improve their condition. Moreover, all Cigna expat plans include access to the program, even if the condition is listed as a special exclusion on their Certificate of Insurance.

GLOBAL TELEHEALTH- Medical consultations on your schedule wherever you are in the world

Cigna's Global Telehealth service is an excellent resource for non-emergency health concerns, providing access to licensed doctors worldwide. With the option to schedule a callback appointment on the same day or arrange a telephone or video consultation via the Cigna Wellbeing mobile app, individuals can receive medical support anytime, anywhere.

DECISION SUPPORT- Double-checked diagnosis for added assurance

The Decision Support program from Cigna gives expats access to international medical experts who can offer individual diagnosis and treatment plan advice. Make an informed decision and increase your peace of mind with a second medical opinion and an additional expert recommendation on your treatment options.

2) Cigna Wellbeing and Behavioral Health Counseling

Cigna's holistic approach to expat healthcare includes Life Management Assistance and Telephonic Wellness Coaching in their International Health and Wellbeing optional add-on.

Expats who need Wellness Coaching or Emotional Counseling can get matched with a pre-screen and accredited English-speaking coach or counselor for

Behavior Health and Emotional Support

Moving abroad is a significant life upheaval. Understandably, expats can struggle with anxiety or depression. Cigna's counseling services are designed to provide you with individual support or couples and family guidance counseling. Their team is here to help you, your partner, or your family through telephone, video, or in-person sessions.

You can explore each topic for up to 6 sessions, and there's no limit to the number of issues you can explore during your coverage period. Cigna wants you to feel supported and empowered as you work through the challenges of expat life.

Wellness Coaching

With frequent meals out, a lack of routine exercise, and a full social life, living abroad as an expat makes it notoriously difficult to maintain healthy habits. Cigna has you covered with their Telephonic Wellness Coaching program if you want support in achieving your nutrition, fitness, sleep, or weight management goals.

You'll get matched with a personal wellness coach who will help you identify the wellness goals that are most important to you. Together, you'll create an action plan and receive ongoing support to make lasting changes.

3) Control Cigna Global Health Insurance Cost

By offering choices and customization options, Cigna allows expats to personalize their expat health insurance benefits and find a plan that fits their budget and situation.

Cigna offers:

Three types of Expat Health Insurance options- Each type has several options to control your cost and coverage

1. Cigna Global Insurance Plan
2. Cigna Close Care Plan
3. Cigna Healthguard Insurance Plan

Three Choice of Plan Tier- Choosing different plan levels changes maximum benefit limits that drastically change the monthly insurance cost.

1. Silver
2. Gold
3. Platinum

Two Coverage Areas- Prices drop significantly if your worldwide coverage excludes the United States.

1. Including the United States
2. Excluding the USA

Four Optional Modules - Need additional coverage? Optional modules such as international outpatient, health and wellbeing, and vision and dental can be easily added to the plan.

1. International Outpatient
2. International Medical Evacuation and Crisis Assistance
3. International Health and Wellbeing
4. International Vision and Dental

Two Cost-Sharing Options - These are the amounts you must pay out-of-pocket prior to your policy covering your treatment

1. Deductibles
2. Coinsurance

Three Insurance Payment Options- Pay your premiums quarterly or annually for additional discounts.

1. Annual
2. Quarterly
3. Monthly

4) Customer Care Team Focused On Expat Needs

Highest Leve of Customer Care- Contact Cigna using live chat, phone calls, emails, or request a callback.

Global 24/7 Customer Care Support- 24-hour access to a worldwide customer service team that answers your call within 20 seconds and can assist you in several languages.

Efficient Service- Guarantee of payment processed within one hour and claims within 5 working days

5) International Expertise And Familiarity With The Unique Challenges of Expats

Extensive International Medical Network

Cigna has a massive worldwide network of pre-screened hospitals, clinics, and doctors who operate to the highest medical standards. With over 1.65 million medical professionals, 14,000 medical facilities, and 175,000 mental health providers, expats are ensured help anywhere in the world

6) Optional Emergency Evacuation and Medical Repatriation Add-On

Cigna's medical evacuation service can be a literal lifesaver in an emergency medical situation. Suppose you get in a severe accident in a foreign country that does not have the medical knowledge or equipment to treat you properly. In that case, Cigna's International Evacuation Service will cover the transportation cost to send you to the nearest medical center of excellence.

This service also provides medical repatriation coverage back to the expat's home country following a severe illness, traumatic event, or surgery. If you can't make it back home, the service even includes coverage for family members to travel abroad on a compassionate visit to support you in times of need.

Cigna Health Insurance Coverage Limits and Benefits

Cigna International Insurance Plan Addon Modules

1 - International Outpatient

The International Outpatient add-on provides additional benefits to Cigna's expat plan to cover outpatient care that doesn't require overnight hospital admission. This add-on typically covers a wide range of medical services received outside of the hospital, such as consultations with general practitioners and specialists, lab tests, and prescription medications. Five examples of what an international outpatient plan might cover:

1. Doctor Consultations - See a local doctor or specialist for checkups or treatment.
2. Prescription medications - This covers the cost of outpatient medications prescribed by a doctor.
3. Diagnostic tests - Including X-rays, MRIs, and blood tests, among others.
4. Urgent care - This covers unexpected injuries or illnesses that need immediate attention.
5. Outpatient Rehabilitation - including physiotherapy, osteopathy, and chiropractic treatment

You can read this article Choosing an International Health Plan to understand why outpatient and day care coverage is vital. 

2 - International Evacuation & Crisis Assistance Plus

I consider this one of the most critical add-ons offered by Cigna expat insurance, especially for expats who live in remote areas with limited access to a proper healthcare facility or in countries with less developed healthcare systems. The cost of medical evacuation can destroy years of financial planning in one incident. 

Emergency evacuation and medical repatriation ensure that expats receive the proper medical care if their local hospital cannot provide adequate treatment. This add-on pays for emergency transportation to the nearest proper medical facility in case of urgent medical issues, complex medical treatments, serious illness, or injury, even if that hospital is in another country or city. Additionally, this module covers the transport of mortal remains in case of death.

3 - International Health & Wellbeing

A preventative care and wellness plan can be added to cover for screenings, routine checkups, and vaccinations to maintain good health and prevent illnesses. The program also provides access to wellness coaching programs for weight loss, fitness, sleep, and nutrition counseling.

Preventative care is vital for expats living abroad as it ensures they have access to cancer screenings, which can be challenging to obtain in public hospitals in a foreign country. Moreover, preventative care and regular adult physical exams can help avoid costly medical bills arising from untreated health issues.

4 - International Vision & Dental

With this optional module, expats can enjoy comprehensive coverage for preventative, routine, and major dental treatments, as well as routine eye exams and expenses for glasses and lenses.

What is the cost of a Cigna International Medical Plan?

As a 49 year old male, a Cigna global policy costs $109 per month. However, costs for Cigna International Health Insurance Plans depend on several factors, including your age, the plan tier you choose, the countries you want in your coverage, and the benefits you want to be covered.

The good news is Cigna offers a modularized approach to their healthcare for expats allowing you control over your insurance rates.

To start, Cigna offers three main plan tiers—Silver, Gold, and Platinum—each with increasing costs and benefits. You can also save on premiums by choosing a higher deductible or cost-share option.

Additionally, you can add or remove the optional modules to make your Cigna International Health Plan more comprehensive. Focusing only on modules vital to you and your family ensures you only pay for what you need. Lastly, Cigna Expat plans are discounted if you pay quarterly or annually instead of monthly.

Applying For Cigna International Health Insurance Plans

Cigna Expat Insurance- Eligibility

To be eligible for a Cigna International Health Insurance Plan for Expatriates, you must live in a country other than your citizenship for most of the year. You must be over 18 years old to apply for a Cigna Global Health Plan. Expats under the minimum age requirement can only be insured as a dependent on a family plan.

Cigna Global Restrictions

1. Country of Citizenship Restrictions — Addresses in Cuba, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Iran, Israel, Libya, Sudan, or Syria are invalid for any Cigna Global plans.
2. Country of Residency or Destination Restrictions — Expats residing in Afghanistan, Cuba, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Guernsey, Hong Kong, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, North Korea, Singapore, Sudan, or Syria are restricted from applying to any Cigna Global plans.
3. Restrictions on US Citizens Moving To US Territories or US Affiliated Country Restrictions — Cigna cannot cover US citizens residing in Guam, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Northern Mariana Islands, or any U.S. Minor Outlying Islands.

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