INTERNATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE

International Health Insurance

Health insurance can help offset medical costs and ensure you get access to the medical care you need when you need it. But for foreigners living in the United States and expats moving abroad, standard health insurance may not be an option.

With an international health insurance policy, individuals living abroad can get the customizable health coverage they need to meet their needs. Cigna International Health Plans are comprehensive, flexible, and provide coverage for inpatient and day-patient care with the option to add outpatient care and other elective modules.

Here’s everything you need to know about international health insurance.

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What is International Health Insurance?

International health insurance is health coverage designed specifically for individuals moving to the United States from another country and US citizens moving abroad for more than six months.

With international health insurance, you can get access to the medical care and services you need if you don’t have access to traditional health insurance options. With Cigna Global health insurance plans, you get access to the company’s global network of trusted hospitals, doctors, and other healthcare professionals.

International health insurance plans can be customized to meet your financial and coverage needs.

Who Needs International Health Insurance?

International health insurance is a great option for any individual that is moving to a country other than their home country and will live there for over six months. International health policies provide robust coverage to individuals who will stay in a foreign country long-term.

For example, international health insurance can be a great solution for individuals relocating to the United States who need health coverage while they navigate the immigration process and wait to become United States citizens.

International Health Insurance Plan Benefits

The Cigna international health plan offers three levels of coverage: Cigna Silver, Cigna Gold, and Cigna Platinum. Each of these core plans offers many of the same standard benefits, including:

  • Deductible options: Policyholders can adjust their deductibles and cost-share options as needed to increase or decrease the cost of their premiums.
  • Area of coverage: Members can choose between two areas of coverage options, including worldwide coverage or worldwide coverage, excluding the United States.
  • Inpatient care: Plans fully cover essential hospital stays and treatments, including cancer care.
  • Mental health care: Plans include coverage for mental health conditions, disorders, and addiction. 
  • Global health assist: Cigna policyholders receive full medical support.
  • Online customer area: The secure online customer area makes it easy to manage claims, find documents, and more.

Cigna Global health plans offer other great perks to members, including global telehealth services, newborn care, cancer care, coverage for vaccinations, and more.

How to build an International Health Insurance Plan

International health plans are very flexible, allowing members to customize their policies to suit their individual needs.

Here’s how to build your personal Cigna international plan.

Members start by choosing either the Silver, Gold, or Platinum plan level. Silver plans have a $1,000,000 benefit limit, Gold plans have a $2,000,000 benefit limit, and Platinum level plans have an unlimited benefit limit.

How Much Does International Health Insurance Cost

Cigna Global international health plan policy costs depend on a variety of factors, including:

  • Plan tier
  • Age
  • Area of coverage
  • Deductibles
  • Cost-share options
  • Optional modules

Higher plan levels with several optional modules will be more expensive as they offer more comprehensive coverage with higher benefit limits.

International Evacuation & Crisis Assistance Plus Module

With Cigna Global you have all the flexibility you need to create a health insurance plan that fits needs that are unique to you. In addition to everything you will receive from the core plan, there are add ons. One of these addons is the international evacuation and crises assistance plus module. 

This module adds the following to your plan:

  • Emergency Transportation. In case of an emergency you will be transported to a center of medical excellence.
  • Repatriation Home. You can be returned to your home country in the event of a serious medical situation where your needs are better served at home. 
  • Cost for Compassionate Visits. We cover these costs in the case of an emergency.
  • Global Risk Response Services. In the event of a travel or security risk, that may occur while you and your family are traveling across the world, we will ensure these services. 

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Cigna Global international health insurance policies offer comprehensive coverage to individuals living outside of their home countries.

At KSA Insurance, we work with individuals in South Carolina and across the southeastern United States to help them find affordable and comprehensive international health plans that meet their coverage needs.

Contact us today to get a quote and learn more about international health insurance.

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Frequently Asked Questions About International Health Insurance in South Carolina

International health insurance is typically designed for individuals living, working, or traveling outside their home country for an extended period (often one year or more).

In contrast, standard U.S. health insurance (including that offered in South Carolina) is tailored for U.S. residents and may not provide care abroad or cover overseas treatment.

Additionally, travel medical insurance is different: it covers short-term trips and emergency treatment abroad, whereas international health insurance covers routine medical care, hospitalization, and sometimes repatriation over a longer period.

While most international health insurance plans are offered by global or cross-border insurers, residents of South Carolina (and U.S. citizens or travelers) can purchase visitor medical or expatriate health coverage for stays or relocation abroad. For example, plans for visitors to the U.S. from abroad are available.

However, if you are residing in South Carolina permanently and using domestic health services, you’ll most likely use a local U.S.-based health insurance plan regulated by the South Carolina Department of Insurance.

You might consider international health insurance (or a hybrid plan) if you:

  • Are a non-U.S. citizen residing temporarily in South Carolina and want coverage that also works when you travel abroad.
  • Are a U.S. citizen based in South Carolina but spend extended time abroad and want worldwide medical coverage.
  • Are relocating or planning to divide time between South Carolina and another country and want a plan that covers both locations.

In each scenario, you’ll need to check the policy’s geographic coverage, exclusions, and residency requirements.

Coverage often includes:

  • Emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and surgery abroad.
  • Routine medical care in some plans (depending on the policy).
  • Medical evacuation and repatriation of remains in serious cases.

Exclusions often include:

  • Pre-existing or chronic conditions unless specifically covered.
  • Coverage termination when you return to your home country or become a permanent resident there (depending on the plan).
  • Services that would typically be covered by domestic U.S. insurance if the policy treats the U.S. as “your home country.”

Here are key questions to ask:

  • Does the plan cover treatment in the U.S.—specifically in South Carolina—or is it only for use abroad?
  • Are there network restrictions (which hospitals or doctors are covered), and are your preferred providers in South Carolina included?
  • How does the plan treat pre-existing conditions?
  • What are the geographic limits of coverage (home country, host country, worldwide)?
  • What are the deductible, co-insurance, and maximum benefit limits?
  • Does the insurer offer 24/7 assistance or evacuation services?
  • Is the plan recognized (or required) for visa or immigration purposes if you’re a non-U.S. citizen?
  • Is it regulated or offered through a licensed broker in South Carolina (and valid for residents of the state)? You can verify this with the South Carolina Department of Insurance.

If you’re an international visitor traveling to South Carolina (or elsewhere in the U.S.) for a short stay, you typically need visitor or travel medical insurance rather than a full domestic U.S. health plan.

These plans—often called “visitor medical insurance” or “USA visitor insurance”—cover unexpected illnesses or accidents during your stay.

Important details:

  • Regular U.S. health insurance may not cover you as a non-resident visitor.
  • Visitor insurance usually does not cover routine care or long-term treatment.
  • You should purchase it before arrival or early in your trip, as events occurring before the policy’s effective date are typically not covered.

Yes. A few factors to keep in mind:

  • The South Carolina Department of Insurance regulates insurance practices in the state, including what types of health insurance may be sold to residents.
  • For U.S. citizens or permanent residents living in South Carolina, you may be subject to domestic open-enrollment rules for qualifying health plans (e.g., through the federal Marketplace).
  • Immigration or residency status may affect eligibility for public health programs such as Medicaid in South Carolina.

If you’re choosing an international-style plan for South Carolina, verify that the policy is valid under South Carolina law and suits your residency and intended use.

Costs vary significantly based on:

  • Age of the insured person
  • Duration of coverage (short-term vs. long-term)
  • Geographic scope (U.S. only vs. worldwide)
  • Extent of coverage (emergency-only vs. full routine care)

As an example, visitor health insurance plans in the U.S. in 2025 range from around $19 to $172 per month, depending on age and coverage level.

For longer-term expatriate-style international health insurance, premiums will typically be higher due to broader coverage.

That depends entirely on the policy terms. You’ll need to check:

  • Whether the plan’s in-network providers include South Carolina hospitals or doctors you may need.
  • Whether treatment in the U.S. (and specifically South Carolina) is included or treated as “home country” or “abroad” under the policy.
  • Whether the policy allows access to major academic medical centers in South Carolina (for example, the MUSC Health system) and what network restrictions apply.

In many cases, yes. If you become a permanent resident of South Carolina, a domestic U.S. health insurance plan (either through work, the Marketplace, or state programs) is often the more appropriate option because:

  • Domestic plans are designed for U.S. resident care and networks.
  • You may no longer qualify for a plan marketed primarily to non-U.S. residents or temporary visitors.
  • You’ll need to meet U.S. residency requirements and be aware of open enrollment and eligibility rules.

You might keep your international plan if it offers broader global coverage and includes U.S. treatment—but verify costs, networks, and exclusions carefully.

Here are the steps:

  • Check with the South Carolina Department of Insurance to ensure the insurer is licensed (if required) to sell in the state.
  • Request the policy documentation and review in-network provider lists, exclusions, benefit limits, and evacuation/repatriation clauses.
  • Confirm the provider has international assistance or evacuation services (if relevant).
  • Get quotes from multiple insurers and compare premiums, benefits, and geographic scope.
  • Ask whether the plan complies with visa requirements (if you’re a non-U.S. citizen) or U.S. health insurance regulations (if you’ll reside in the U.S.).

It depends on the policy. Many international health insurance plans—especially those for short-term travel or visitors—have limited or no coverage for pre-existing conditions.

If you already live in South Carolina and have pre-existing conditions, you may find that domestic U.S. health insurance plans through the Marketplace provide better coverage options.

Always review the “pre-existing conditions” clause in your international plan carefully.

Request A Quote Today

Cigna Global international health insurance policies offer comprehensive coverage to individuals living outside of their home countries.

At KSA Insurance, we work with individuals in South Carolina and across the southeastern United States to help them find affordable and comprehensive international health plans that meet their coverage needs.

Contact us today to get a quote and learn more about international health insurance.

Request A Quote

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