If you’ve ever tried to compare international health insurance while bouncing between time zones, countries, and Wi-Fi connections, you already know the truth: this process is way harder than it needs to be.

On paper, every provider sounds great. Comprehensive coverage. Global networks. Peace of mind. In reality? Vague terms, confusing tiers, wildly different prices, and reviews that range from “lifesaver” to “never again” depending on who you ask.

So instead of adding to the noise, let’s slow this down and look at three names that keep showing up in expat groups, visa requirements, and YouTube comment sections for a reason: SafetyWing, Cigna Global, and IMG Global.

These companies solve different problems for different people. The trick isn’t finding “the best” one. It’s finding the one that actually matches how you live.

SafetyWing didn’t try to become a traditional insurance giant. They did one thing well: design a low-friction medical plan for people who move around a lot.

For younger digital nomads, frequent travelers, and people without pre-existing conditions, SafetyWing often feels like the easiest on-ramp to coverage. You sign up online, pay monthly, and you can cancel anytime. No annual lock-in. No long forms that feel like a mortgage application.

Their Nomad Insurance plan is best understood as travel medical insurance, not full global health insurance. It covers emergencies, urgent care, hospital stays, and basic doctor visits. It even includes some travel perks like coverage for lost luggage or trip interruption, which is nice when your life fits in a carry-on.

The pricing is a big part of the appeal. Starting around $45 per month (for ages 18–39, excluding the U.S.), it’s accessible for people who are just getting started abroad and don’t want insurance to eat their budget alive.

Where SafetyWing shines:

Where it falls short:

If you’re healthy, mobile, and mainly want protection against the “what if something goes wrong” scenarios, SafetyWing does exactly what it promises—and not much more.

Cigna Global sits on the opposite end of the spectrum.

This is not a scrappy nomad startup. This is a heavyweight international insurer that operates much more like a traditional health insurance company—just with global reach.

Cigna’s strength is depth. Their plans can include inpatient and outpatient care, chronic condition management, maternity, mental health, dental, vision, and routine wellness checks. You can customize coverage to match everything from early retirement abroad to raising a family overseas.

Many top-tier hospitals and private clinics around the world already work directly with Cigna. That means direct billing in many cases and less time paying out of pocket and waiting for reimbursement. Their claims handling and customer support are consistently rated among the best in the international space.

But all of that comes at a price. Monthly premiums typically start around $120 and can climb well beyond $300 depending on age, coverage level, and add-ons. U.S. coverage is available—but very expensive.

Where Cigna shines:

Where it falls short:

If you’re a long-term expat, have a family, or know you’ll need more than emergency care, Cigna feels less like insurance “just in case” and more like insurance you can actually rely on.

IMG lives in the space between SafetyWing and Cigna—and for many people, that’s exactly where they want to be.

IMG offers a wide range of plans, from short-term travel medical coverage to full international health insurance. Their Global Medical Insurance plans are popular with expats who want something more robust than a nomad plan but don’t need (or want to pay for) top-tier premiums.

The mid-range IMG plans typically include solid inpatient coverage, optional outpatient care, and add-ons for things like evacuation, dental, or vision. They’re also often used as “bridge” insurance—covering people while they transition between visas, countries, or long-term plans.

Pricing usually falls between $70 and $200 per month depending on age and coverage, making IMG a flexible option for semi-permanent expats.

Where IMG shines:

Where it falls short:

IMG works well if you want options and are willing to read the fine print carefully to get the right plan.

There’s no “best” nomad insurance—only the best fit for where you are right now.

Choose SafetyWing if you’re early in your journey, traveling frequently, and mostly want emergency coverage with maximum flexibility.

Choose Cigna Global if you’re settling in, planning long-term, supporting a family, or managing ongoing health needs.

Choose IMG if you want a middle-ground solution with customization options and reasonable pricing.

And remember this part: your insurance needs will change. What works during your nomad phase may not make sense once you lock in residency, buy property, or slow down.