Healthcare Insurance for Expats by Country
Last reviewed: 2026-04-26. Coverage requirements change with visa rules; always verify with the destination country's immigration and health authority before purchasing.
| Country | Public access | Visa requires private | Private cost (per adult) |
|---|---|---|---|
 Australia | Medicare for Australian citizens, PR holders, and reciprocal-agreement countries (UK, Ireland, NZ, Belgium, Italy, Sweden, Slovenia, Malta, Norway, Finland, Netherlands) Free at point of use for many GP and hospital services; Medicare Levy 2% of taxable income | Yes for non-reciprocal-country visa holders (Overseas Visitors Health Cover OVHC mandatory for 482, 491, 189, 190 visas etc.) | $60-180 per adult (OVHC); $200+ comprehensive Bupa, Medibank, NIB, HCF. Lifetime Health Cover loading applies if private cover taken after age 31. |
 Austria | Statutory health insurance (ÖGK) mandatory for employees and self-employed residents; residence-permit applicants must show equivalent private cover until statutory enrolment begins ~7.65% of gross salary split between employer and employee; e-card grants access | Yes for initial residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) — comprehensive private cover required before ÖGK enrolment | $100-300 per adult indicative UNIQA, Wiener Städtische, Allianz. Non-employed residents (e.g. retirees) often need to self-insure privately or via voluntary ÖGK enrolment. |
 Belgium | Mandatory affiliation with a mutualité/ziekenfonds (sickness fund) for employed and self-employed residents; registration expected within 3 months of arrival Premiums vary by fund; roughly 70-75% of standard costs reimbursed once mutuelle-enrolled | Yes for the initial residence-permit application, pending mutuelle enrolment | $80-200 per adult indicative (supplemental cover) DKV Belgium, AXA, Allianz. EU nationals are generally covered via a mutuelle from the start of registered residence. |
 Canada | Provincial health insurance (OHIP, RAMQ, MSP, etc.) after 3-month waiting period (most provinces); BC, Manitoba, Quebec waiting periods vary Free at point of use for medically necessary services; prescriptions, dental, vision require private | Yes for the 3-month waiting period; recommended for prescription / dental gap | $80-300 per adult Manulife, Sun Life, GreenShield. Most permanent jobs include extended health benefits. Quebec RAMQ has special enrolment rules. |
 Colombia | Sistema General de Seguridad Social en Salud (SGSSS) — foreign residents on a resident visa (visa tipo R) or certain migrant visas must affiliate with an EPS (health-plan administrator) under the contributive regime Contributive-regime premium roughly 12.5% of income (split employer/employee for the employed; full amount for independent workers) | Effectively yes — most resident-visa categories require proof of EPS affiliation or equivalent private health coverage as a condition of the visa | $50-150 per adult indicative Sura, Colsanitas, Compañía Mundial de Seguros. Prepaid medicina plans (medicina prepagada) layered on top of EPS are common among expats for faster specialist access. |
 Costa Rica | Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS) — mandatory enrolment for residents at ~7-11% of income; covers all care $50-300/month per adult depending on income | Yes for visa application; once CCSS enrolment, often substituted | $80-200 per adult (BlueCross / INS Costa Rica / Cigna) Public CCSS quality is good but waiting times long for elective care; most expats keep private cover for specialists. |
 Croatia | HZZO (Croatian Health Insurance Fund) mandatory for employed residents and permanent-residence holders; temporary residence-permit holders generally need private cover first 16.5% of gross salary (employer-paid); free at point of use once enrolled | Yes for temporary residence-permit applicants, including the digital-nomad permit — private health cover valid in Croatia is required for the application | $40-120 per adult indicative Croatia osiguranje, Allianz Zagreb. The digital-nomad permit explicitly requires proof of private health insurance valid in Croatia. |
 Cyprus | GESY (General Healthcare System) covers legal residents who register and contribute; EU and registered third-country residents become eligible after registration GESY contributions roughly 2.65-4% of income depending on category | Yes for permanent-residence categories such as the Cyprus Permanent Residence route — comprehensive private cover is often required until GESY registration | $60-180 per adult indicative CNP Cyprialife, Allianz Cyprus, Bupa Global. Non-contributing residents such as some retirees typically rely on private cover. |
 Czech Republic | Veřejné zdravotní pojištění (public health insurance) mandatory once employed or holding permanent residence; VZP is the main public insurer 13.5% of income, split between employer and employee for the employed | Yes for long-term visa/residence-permit applicants until eligible for the public system — private cover (e.g. PVZP, Slavia) is required for the application | $40-100 per adult indicative PVZP, Slavia, Uniqa. Some long-term-visa holders remain on commercial insurance for the full permit period rather than switching to public cover. |
 Denmark | Free universal healthcare via the yellow health-insurance card (sundhedskort), issued on a CPR number after registering residency with the municipality Funded through general taxation; free at point of use for most services | No — public cover applies once CPR-registered; travel/private cover recommended for the short pre-registration window | $50-150 per adult indicative (supplemental, e.g. dental) Danica, PFA, Tryg for supplemental cover. The public system does not typically cover adult dental or full prescription costs. |
 Ecuador | IESS (Instituto Ecuatoriano de Seguridad Social) is available to residents who enrol, including voluntary affiliation for non-employed temporary/permanent residents Voluntary IESS affiliation roughly 17-20% of a declared income base, or a set minimum monthly contribution | Yes in practice — residence-visa applicants must show either private health insurance or proof of IESS enrolment valid in Ecuador | $50-150 per adult indicative Salud S.A., BMI, Pacific Cross. Many retirees on the Ecuador pensioner visa use IESS voluntary affiliation as a low-cost alternative to private international insurance. |
 Finland | Public healthcare via the municipality of residence once registered with the Digital and Population Data Services Agency; Kela determines social-insurance eligibility Modest municipal client fees apply; free for under-18s | Yes for non-EU residence-permit applicants until municipal registration is complete — Migri requires proof of insurance | $70-200 per adult indicative If, LähiTapiola, Fennia. Students and some visa categories must show private cover valid for the full permit period. |
 France | PUMA (Protection Universelle Maladie) after 3 months of stable residency; full coverage 30% co-pay typical; mutuelle (top-up insurance) covers the rest | Yes for first 3 months — €30k+ private cover for visa application | $60-180 per adult (mutuelle); $200+ international MGEN, Harmonie Mutuelle, Allianz Care. After PUMA enrolment, mutuelle is the standard top-up for the 30% gap. |
 Germany | Statutory health insurance (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung, GKV) mandatory for employees earning under €69k/year; voluntary private (PKV) above the threshold ~14.6% of gross salary (split with employer); ~€450-650/month for self-employed | Yes for visa application — must be 'comparable' to German statutory cover | $300-700 per adult (PKV); $500+ international TK, AOK, Barmer for GKV. Allianz, AXA, DKV for PKV. Switching from PKV back to GKV later is restricted. |
 Greece | EOPYY (National Organisation for Healthcare Services) on residence permit + AMKA (social security number) Free at point of use; co-pays for prescriptions | Yes for Golden Visa, Retirement; private coverage for visa duration | $50-150 per adult Many retirees retain private cover for English-speaking specialist access. Generali, Interamerican, Allianz Care. |
 Ireland | HSE (Health Service Executive) public system; Ordinarily Resident status grants access (typically after 1 year of intent to remain) Free at point of use for hospital care; €80 emergency-room visit; GP fees €50-65 | Yes for Critical Skills, Stamp 4 Investor; private cover for visa duration | $100-300 per adult (VHI, Laya, Irish Life); $250+ international Long HSE waiting lists drive most expats to maintain private cover even after public eligibility. |
 Israel | Universal coverage via 4 Kupot Holim funds (Clalit, Maccabi, Meuhedet, Leumit) for citizens and residents ~5% Health Tax + Bituach Leumi premium (~NIS 200/month for non-employed); free at point of use | No requirement post-Aliyah — Kupat Holim enrolment automatic | Most expats covered by Kupat Holim; supplemental insurance NIS 100-300/month for Maccabi Sheli, Clalit Mushlam, etc. Olim get free Kupat Holim enrolment from day 1 with absorption registration. Supplemental cover common for private specialist access and some elective procedures. |
 Italy | SSN (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale) after Permesso di Soggiorno + Anagrafe registration; non-residents may register via voluntary contribution Free at point of use; small co-pays for some specialist visits | Yes for Elective Residence; €30k+ coverage required | $80-180 per adult UnipolSai, Generali, Allianz Care. Private supplements common to bypass SSN waiting times for elective procedures. |
 Japan | Mandatory enrolment in National Health Insurance (国民健康保険) or Employees' Health Insurance (健康保険) within 14 days of residency registration 30% co-pay; premiums income-based (~¥20,000-100,000/month for self-employed) | No — public is mandatory | Public covers most needs; supplemental cover ~$50-150 per adult AIG, Cigna Global. Public coverage is comprehensive; supplements typically for English-speaking facility access. |
 Malaysia | Public hospitals accept foreigners at non-subsidised foreigner rates; there is no free public entitlement for non-citizens Foreigner rates at public hospitals are well below Western private rates but not free | Yes for Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) and most long-term passes — private health insurance is a standard requirement | $50-200 per adult indicative AIA Malaysia, Great Eastern, Allianz. Private hospitals such as Gleneagles and Prince Court are widely used by expats and popular for medical tourism. |
 Malta | Public healthcare is free to Maltese/EU nationals and those contributing to social security; third-country residents on most permits are not automatically covered Public care is not generally available free of charge to non-contributing third-country nationals | Yes — the Malta Permanent Residence Programme and Global Residence Programme require private health insurance covering the whole of Malta | $100-300 per adult indicative GasanMamo, Atlas Insurance, Allianz Care. Cover must be valid island-wide with limited exclusions to satisfy programme rules. |
 Mexico | IMSS (employed), INSABI (low-income), or private; Temporary / Permanent Residents may enrol in IMSS voluntarily IMSS voluntary enrolment ~$500/year per adult; uninsured private rates very low ($40 GP visit) | No specific requirement; financial-self-sufficiency proof typical | $80-250 per adult GNP, AXA Mexico, Bupa, Allianz Care. Many US expats fly home for major procedures; Cancun/Playa del Carmen have growing medical-tourism infrastructure. |
 Netherlands | Mandatory Dutch basic health insurance (basisverzekering) within 4 months of residency for everyone covered by Dutch social security ~€140/month per adult (premium) + ~€385 deductible | Yes for visa pre-enrolment; basisverzekering substitutes once enrolled | $150-200 per adult (basisverzekering); supplemental varies Zilveren Kruis, CZ, VGZ are major insurers. Dental coverage requires supplemental cover. |
 New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora (formerly DHBs) for Australians, residents, work-visa holders 2+ years, and reciprocal-agreement countries (UK, Australia) Free at point of use; subsidised GP visits (~$50-65 NZD) | Recommended for visa applicants; mandatory for some long-stay categories | $80-200 per adult Southern Cross, NIB, Accuro. ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation) covers all accidents regardless of visa status. |
 Norway | National Insurance Scheme (Folketrygden) — mandatory membership for residents staying 12+ months, administered via NAV and HELFO Funded through payroll/social-security contributions; modest co-pays up to an annual deductible (frikort threshold) | Yes for non-EU/EEA residence-permit applicants pending Folketrygden membership | $80-250 per adult indicative Storebrand, If, Gjensidige. EU/EEA workers are generally covered from the start of employment under reciprocal arrangements. |
 Panama | Caja de Seguro Social (CSS) is mandatory for employed residents contributing via payroll; it is not automatically available to non-working residents such as Pensionado-visa holders CSS contribution roughly 9.75-12.25% of salary depending on employer/employee split | No blanket requirement for Pensionado or Friendly Nations visas, but private cover is standard practice given limited CSS access for non-contributors | $60-200 per adult indicative ASSA, Mapfre Panama, Blue Cross Blue Shield. Pensionado-visa holders receive discounts on private medical services rather than public-system access. |
 Philippines | PhilHealth is the national health insurance program; mandatory for Filipino and foreign employees working under local contracts PhilHealth premium roughly 5% of monthly basic salary, split between employer and employee, subject to income caps | No universal requirement for the Special Resident Retiree's Visa (SRRV), but private health insurance is strongly recommended by the Philippine Retirement Authority | $40-150 per adult indicative Pacific Cross, Maxicare, Medicard. Private HMOs are the norm for expats given variable public-hospital capacity outside major cities. |
 Poland | NFZ (Narodowy Fundusz Zdrowia) mandatory public insurance for employed residents and their registered dependants 9% of income for employees; voluntary NFZ contribution roughly PLN 700-900/month for the unemployed or self-insured | Yes for temporary residence-permit applicants not yet NFZ-covered — a private policy is required for the application | $40-120 per adult indicative PZU, LUX MED, Allianz. LUX MED and Medicover private clinic networks are widely used by expats for faster access. |
 Portugal | After 90 days of residency registration; SNS (Serviço Nacional de Saúde) access on residence card + NIF Free at point of use; small co-pays for some services | Yes (D7, D8, Golden Visa) — €30k+ coverage required for visa | $60-200 per adult Médis, Multicare, Allianz Care, Cigna Global widely used. Private coverage often retained even after SNS enrolment for shorter wait times. |
 Singapore | MediSave / MediShield Life for citizens and PRs; expatriate workers require employer-sponsored or self-funded private cover Public not generally available to non-citizens at subsidised rates | Yes — mandatory for Employment Pass / S Pass holders | $150-500 per adult AIA, Prudential, Great Eastern. International schools often require comprehensive cover including dental. |
 South Korea | National Health Insurance (NHI) mandatory enrolment within 6 months of residency 30% co-pay; premiums ~7% of income (split with employer for employees) | No — NHI is mandatory | Public covers most needs; supplemental ~$50-200 per adult Samsung Life, Korean Re. Generally Korea has very low private-cover need relative to other OECD. |
 Spain | Public Sistema Nacional de Salud after Padrón registration + Sistema sanitario público enrolment; some categories (DNV, Non-Lucrative) require private cover for visa duration Free at point of use; small co-pays for prescriptions | Yes for Non-Lucrative + Digital Nomad — must be no-co-pay coverage in Spain | $50-150 per adult Sanitas, Adeslas, DKV, Mapfre, Allianz Care widely accepted. Beckham-law applicants sometimes use private to access English-speaking specialists. |
 Taiwan | National Health Insurance (NHI) mandatory enrolment for foreign residents holding an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) after 6 months of continuous residence (sooner for some work-permit holders) Premiums are income-based, typically a single-digit percentage of salary, with low co-pays | No — NHI is mandatory and comprehensive once eligible; private cover mainly bridges the pre-eligibility period | $30-100 per adult indicative (bridging/supplemental cover) Cathay Life, Fubon, Cigna Global. NHI is widely regarded as low-cost and comprehensive; most long-term expats rely on it exclusively. |
 Thailand | Public hospitals available but quality variable; expats typically use private hospitals (Bumrungrad, Bangkok Hospital, Samitivej) Public free at point of use for citizens; foreigners pay nominal rates | Yes for LTR (USD 50k+ coverage), Retirement O (THB 400k inpatient + 40k outpatient) | $80-400 per adult Pacific Cross, AXA, April International, Cigna Global. Bumrungrad and Bangkok Hospital have direct billing with major international insurers. |
 Turkey | SGK (Sosyal Güvenlik Kurumu) general health insurance is available to residence-permit holders after a qualifying period; most short-term residence-permit holders instead rely on private cover SGK general-health-insurance premiums are income-based when voluntarily enrolled | Commonly required in practice — private health insurance (özel sağlık sigortası) is standard supporting evidence for residence-permit applications | $30-100 per adult indicative Allianz Sigorta, AXA Sigorta, Anadolu Sigorta. Requirements have varied by province and permit type in recent years — confirm current rules with the local göç idaresi (immigration office) before applying. |
 UAE | Public hospitals available to citizens; expatriates require employer-sponsored or self-funded private cover Public not generally available to non-citizens | Yes — mandatory for all residence visa holders in Dubai and Abu Dhabi | $80-400 per adult depending on plan tier Daman, AXA Gulf, Allianz Care, Bupa Arabia. Tiered networks; international coverage common. Employer-sponsored covers the worker but not always family. |
 United Kingdom | NHS access after Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) payment — paid up-front for visa duration Free at point of use; £9.90 per prescription in England (lower in Wales / NI; free in Scotland) | No private requirement — IHS substitutes | $80-300 per adult (Bupa, AXA, Vitality) IHS is £1,035/year per applicant (£776 for under-18s, students, Youth Mobility). Many expats retain private cover for shorter waits and specialist access. |
 United States | Medicare from age 65 (with sufficient work credits); Medicaid for low-income; ACA marketplace for everyone else Medicare Part A free for eligible; ACA marketplace varies by income (subsidies up to 400% FPL) | Generally yes — most non-immigrant visas implicitly require coverage; HSA-eligible plans common | $400-1,200 per adult depending on age, state, plan ACA marketplace plans (healthcare.gov), employer-sponsored plans, COBRA, GeoBlue international. Costs are the highest in the OECD by a wide margin. |
 Uruguay | FONASA (Fondo Nacional de Salud) mandatory affiliation for legally employed residents, giving access to a chosen IAMC (private non-profit mutual) or the public ASSE network FONASA contribution roughly 3-8% of income depending on earnings and dependants | No blanket residence-permit requirement, but non-working residents typically self-enrol directly with an IAMC (mutualista) for full access | $60-150 per adult indicative CASMU, Hospital Británico, Hospital Italiano — Montevideo's IAMC mutual networks. Uruguay's mutualista system is often described as a hybrid public/private model with strong care standards. |
 Vietnam | Public health insurance (BHYT) is compulsory for Vietnamese employees and foreign workers under a local labour contract of 1+ month; access to public hospitals is otherwise limited for foreigners Compulsory contribution roughly 4.5% of salary, split between employer and employee where applicable | No blanket residence-permit requirement, but foreign employees on local labour contracts must be enrolled in compulsory social/health insurance; retirees and non-working residents typically self-insure privately | $50-200 per adult indicative Bao Viet, AIA Vietnam, Pacific Cross. Most expats and their families use private international hospitals (Vinmec, FV Hospital) rather than the public system. |
Major international insurers
- Cigna Global — most widely accepted by visa consulates worldwide; flexible plans, $250-700/month adult.
- Allianz Care — strong European acceptance especially Spain, Italy, Germany; $200-600/month adult.
- Bupa Global — comprehensive international plans with worldwide coverage including US; $400-900/month adult.
- GeoBlue — designed for US persons abroad; works with US-based providers and includes US re-entry coverage.
- April International — specialist in France-related expat plans and Asian destinations.
- SafetyWing — short-term and digital-nomad-focused plans; from $45/month for nomads under 40.
See also: Tax residency matrix · Hospital directory · Apostille by country.