Based on insights from my personal experience living and traveling abroad. Please do your own research before traveling.
Insurance is one of the most boring topics in the expat world. Heck, I used to work for an insurance company before I escaped the 9-5 lifestyle for beaches abroad.
It’s also one of the most important.
When I first started traveling internationally, I was completely confused about what type of coverage I actually needed. Health insurance? Travel insurance? Both? Neither?
In this article, I’ll break down:
- The difference between health insurance and travel insurance
- Which type you need depending on your situation
- What I personally use as a 37-year-old American living abroad
- Common mistakes expats make
- Frequently asked questions
Let’s simplify this.
Health Insurance vs Travel Insurance: What’s the Difference?
These are two completely different tools.
1️⃣ Health Insurance (Long-Term Coverage)
Health insurance is designed for:
- Serious illnesses
- Disease
- Cancer
- Major medical events
- Long-term treatment
If you’re moving overseas long-term – or living internationally as an expat – this is the type of coverage you should seriously consider. It protects you from catastrophic medical bills.
One question I get asked a lot – will travel insurance cover these things too? Most likely not. Travel insurance, as you’ll see in a second, covers more for “accidents” on short trips.
2️⃣ Travel Insurance (Short-Term Coverage)
Travel insurance is designed for:
- Short trips
- Accidents
- Emergency medical events
- Emergency medical evacuation
- Flight delays
- Lost luggage
- Trip cancellations
If you’re going to Thailand for a month or Colombia for two weeks, you probably just need travel insurance.
It’s supplemental and temporary.
Which Scenario Are You In?
Scenario 1: Moving Abroad Long-Term
If you’re relocating overseas or country-hopping for years, you likely need a long-term international health insurance plan.
This protects you from large, unexpected medical bills.
Since I moved abroad full time in 2022, I made absolutely sure that I had a real international health plan so I would be covered in case a serious health issue arose.
Scenario 2: Taking a Short Trip
IIf you’re taking a short 2–4 week trip, many travelers choose travel insurance for temporary coverage.
Travel insurance is generally designed for unexpected events like accidents, medical emergencies, or trip disruptions during short stays abroad.
This is not medical or insurance advice. Coverage needs vary by individual, and you should review policy details carefully to determine what’s appropriate for your situation.
Scenario 3: Having Both
Some people carry both. At certain times I’ve carried both.
There can be minor overlap (like broken bones), but in general, many expats prefer:
- Health insurance for catastrophic coverage
- Travel insurance for minor accidents and trip logistics
What I Personally Use
I’ll share my setup so you can see how this works in real life.
My Long-Term Health Insurance
I use Cigna Global.
As of 2026, here is a snapshot of my plan.
- $78/month
- Worldwide coverage
- Excludes the United States
- $10,000 deductible
The major catch with my plan is that I don’t have United States coverage. Therefore any visits to the U.S. I am at risk if something were to happen.
That high deductible keeps my monthly cost low. By the way, deductibles and premiums can change every year, so understand that this is just a snapshot of what it was in 2026.
Why am I okay with that?
Because I want coverage for:
- Major diseases
- Cancer
- Six-figure medical bills
If something costs under $10,000, I pay it out of pocket.
For example:
- I got a same-day colonoscopy in Thailand for ~$500
- Routine doctor visits abroad often cost $40–$200
In general, healthcare abroad, especially in Asia, Latin America, and Africa, is dramatically cheaper than my home country of the United States.
What I Used Before (And Why I Changed)
When I first started traveling, I had GeoBlue Explorer Premier.
It covered:
- Worldwide including the U.S.
It cost:
- $364/month
The reason it was expensive? U.S. coverage.
That just goes to show you how expensive coverage is in America. The reason my Cigna Global plan is so much cheaper ($78 a month), is because it is without U.S. coverage.
If you plan to spend significant time in America, that may be worth it.
For me, it wasn’t. I only spend about 10% of my time in the U.S., so I switched and saved roughly $300/month.
What About Travel Insurance?
I used SafetyWing for over a year.
It’s:
- Quick to set up (10 minutes online)
- Designed for digital nomads
- Covers short-term travel events
Travel insurance is ideal for:
- Broken bones
- Emergency treatment
- Unexpected travel interruptions
However, you must read the fine print carefully.
Coverage can vary for:
- Scuba diving
- Surfing
- Sports
- Adventure activities
If you browse online, many of the complaints online come from people who didn’t read the policy details.
What About Medicare?
Medicare generally does not provide full coverage overseas.
Some veterans may have options through VA systems.
Some retirees fly back to U.S. territories for coverage.
If you’re relying on Medicare, research carefully. It typically does not function as full international health insurance.
Can You Just Pay Cash Abroad?
In many countries — yes.
Examples from my experience:
- Vietnam dental cleaning: ~$25
- Philippines doctor visit: under $40
- Kenya malaria prevention medicine: ~$50
In developing countries, healthcare can be extremely affordable.
However…
A serious illness can still cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. Insurance isn’t for routine visits. It’s for catastrophic risk. I’ve heard horror stories of men losing it all due to an unexpected health crisis.
Biggest Mistakes Expats Make
1️⃣ Paying Too Much
I overspent on insurance my first 18 months abroad. That’s because I was paying $300 a month extra just for U.S. coverage that I wasn’t using.
Many expats don’t optimize their plan based on where they actually live.
2️⃣ Having No Coverage at All
Insurance is one of those things that…You don’t need it…until you do.
I very rarely use mine. Today, I am a healthy 37-yr old. However, one serious illness without coverage can wipe you out financially.
My Philosophy
This is my philosophy. I encourage you to create your own, but I want protection against:
- Massive medical bills
- Six-figure events
- Financial ruin
I do not need:
- Overpriced U.S. coverage
- Low deductibles
- Frequent small claims
So I built a plan around. Low monthly costs + catastrophic protection. That works for my lifestyle.
If you’re planning your move overseas and curious about what your budget will look like, check out my FREE guide:
What $3K-$5K A Month Really Buys Overseas
It breaks down realistic ways to make international living financially sustainable.