International Health Insurance Market Report 2025

The international health insurance market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $29.04 billion in 2024 to $31.68 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.1%. The growth during the historic period can be attributed to the rise in cross-border medical travel, growing demand for elective procedures abroad, increased availability of low-cost healthcare destinations, the expanding presence of international hospital chains, and more insurance partnerships with foreign hospitals.

The international health insurance market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $44.29 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.7%. The growth projected for the forecast period can be attributed to the increasing demand for personalized cross-border healthcare, a rising geriatric population seeking overseas treatment, a growing preference for telehealth-enabled global consultations, expansion of international insurance coverage, and a stronger focus on value-based care delivery. Key trends in the forecast period include technological advancements in cross-border patient data sharing, innovations in international telemedicine platforms, increased investment in global healthcare infrastructure, research and development of travel-safe treatment protocols, and innovations in digital medical concierge services.

The increasing prevalence of chronic diseases is expected to drive the growth of the international health insurance market. Chronic diseases are long-lasting health conditions that develop gradually and require ongoing medical attention. This rise in chronic illnesses is partly attributed to sedentary lifestyles, as extended periods of inactivity elevate the risk of conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. International health insurance plays a crucial role in managing chronic conditions by offering consistent care across countries, enabling access to specialists and essential long-term medications. It improves health outcomes by covering routine check-ups, diagnostic tests, and follow-up treatments, making healthcare more reliable and accessible for individuals living or working abroad. For example, in June 2024, the National Health Service, a UK government agency, reported that 3,615,330 people registered with general practitioners had been diagnosed with non-diabetic hyperglycemia or pre-diabetes in 2023, representing an 18% increase from 3,065,825 cases in 2022. Consequently, the growing occurrence of chronic diseases is fueling the expansion of the international health insurance market.

Key companies in the international health insurance market are focusing on developing innovative health plans, such as digital-first travel medical insurance, to increase user convenience, simplify claims processes, and deliver real-time support to global travelers. Digital-first travel medical insurance involves integrated platforms that provide features such as real-time telehealth services, automated claims processing, and mobile-based policy management, all aimed at improving the user experience and operational efficiency. For instance, in July 2022, Niva Bupa Health Insurance Company Limited, an Indian health insurance firm, introduced TravelAssure, an international health insurance plan. This plan offers broad coverage for travelers, including emergency inpatient and outpatient care, consultations, diagnostic tests, hospitalization related to COVID-19, emergency evacuation, dental services, personal accident protection, and daily cash benefits during hospital stays. It also covers travel-related issues such as delays, trip cancellations, missed connections, lost passports, baggage issues, loss of driving licenses, electronics, and unfulfilled hotel or flight bookings. For international students, the plan provides emergency care for pre-existing conditions and a range of maternity-related benefits, including childbirth, abortion, newborn care, and vaccinations.

In October 2023, APRIL International Care, a health insurance provider based in France, acquired Expat & Co NV for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition is intended to strengthen APRIL International Care’s presence in Belgium, enhance its distribution channels, and support the growth of customized and flexible insurance plans for international clients. Expat & Co NV is a Belgium-based international health insurance provider catering to expatriates, students, and travelers.

Major players in the international health insurance market are UnitedHealth Group Incorporated, Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China Ltd., Cigna Corporation, Allianz SE, AXA S.A., Munich Reinsurance Company, Prudential plc, Zurich Insurance Group Ltd, Chubb Limited, The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company (Manulife), ALC Health Limited, Now Health International Limited, International Medical Group Inc., Bupa Global Limited, VIP Universal Medical Insurance Group Ltd., GeoBlue LLC, APRIL International Care, MSH International, Best Doctors Insurance Limited, PassportCard Group.

North America was the largest region in the international health insurance in 2024. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in international health insurance report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa. The countries covered in the international health insurance market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report’s recommendations and conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.

The rapid escalation of U.S. tariffs and the resulting trade tensions in spring 2025 are significantly impacting the financial sector, particularly in investment strategies and risk management. Heightened tariffs have fueled market volatility, prompting cautious behavior among institutional investors and increasing demand for hedging instruments. Banks and asset managers are facing higher costs associated with cross-border transactions, as tariffs disrupt global supply chains and dampen corporate earnings, key drivers of equity market performance. Insurance companies, meanwhile, are grappling with increased claims risks tied to supply chain disruptions and trade-related business losses. Additionally, reduced consumer spending and weakened export demand are constraining credit growth and investment appetite. The sector must now prioritize diversification, digital transformation, and robust scenario planning to navigate the heightened economic uncertainty and protect profitability.

International health insurance is a form of coverage that offers medical protection for people living, working, or traveling outside their home country. It generally includes access to worldwide healthcare services, emergency medical treatment, and hospitalization. This insurance ensures continuous and comprehensive healthcare access across borders, providing peace of mind and financial security against unexpected medical expenses abroad.

The primary types of international health insurance plans include individual plans, family plans, group plans, senior citizen plans, and others. Individual plans are health or travel insurance policies bought by a single person to cover their own medical costs, emergencies, or specific travel-related risks, rather than being included in family or group coverage. Coverage options include preferred provider organization, exclusive provider organization, health maintenance organization, and point of service plans, supported by flexible payment methods such as annual premiums, monthly premiums, one-time lump sum payments, flexible payment arrangements, and premium financing options. These plans are offered through various distribution channels, including direct sales, insurance brokers, online platforms, financial service institutions, and corporate partnerships, and serve various end users such as individuals, corporations, students, and more.

The international health insurance market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides international health insurance market statistics, including international health insurance industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with an international health insurance market share, international health insurance market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the international health insurance industry. This international health insurance market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

The international health insurance market includes revenues earned by entities inpatient and outpatient medical treatment, emergency care, specialist consultations, prescription drug coverage, maternity and newborn care, mental health services, evacuation and repatriation, preventive healthcare, and chronic condition management. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. Only goods and services traded between entities or sold to end consumers are included.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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