Healthcare · Decision Guide
Allianz Care vs Cigna Global: How They Compare for Expats
Allianz Care and Cigna Global are two of the most established names in international health insurance. Both offer comprehensive coverage designed for expats, both have global provider networks, and both serve similar use cases. The differences are often in the details: regional network strength, pricing structures, employer relationships, and how they handle specific situations.
For many expats, either would work well. The practical question is which aligns better with your specific destination, employer situation, and coverage priorities.
Last reviewed: January 2026
Decision-support content for research purposes. Not legal, tax, or financial advice. Verify with official sources.
This page helps you understand the differences between Allianz Care and Cigna Global for expat health coverage.
- How coverage and plan structures compare
- Regional network strengths of each provider
- Pricing approaches and cost factors
- Employer vs individual plan considerations
- How to evaluate which fits your situation
Compare provider options
These are examples, not recommendations. Compare options based on your specific needs.
Side-by-side comparison
High-level differences. Specific coverage varies by plan and region.
| Parent company | Allianz: German | Cigna: American Both are large, established insurers |
| Coverage type | Both: Comprehensive international Similar category of coverage |
| Network size | Both extensive global networks Strength varies by region |
| Plan structure | Both offer tiered plans Core to comprehensive options |
| Employer plans | Both strong in corporate market Often provided through work |
| Individual plans | Both available direct Can purchase without employer |
| Pricing | Comparable ranges Varies by age, location, coverage |
Key tradeoffs
Important considerations that affect most people in this situation.
Where Allianz Care may have strengths
- • European network depth (German company roots)
- • Integration with Allianz domestic products
- • Some employer relationships in Europe
- • Certain regional pricing advantages
- • Established in EU regulatory environment
Where Cigna Global may have strengths
- • US network access (when US coverage needed)
- • Strong presence in Asia-Pacific markets
- • Some employer relationships in Americas
- • Chronic condition management programs
- • Telehealth and digital health tools
Regional network strength varies
Both have global networks, but strength varies by region. Allianz, with German roots, often has strong European relationships. Cigna, as a US company, may have advantages when US coverage is needed. In Asia, both are established but with different hospital partnerships. The right choice may depend on where you'll actually use care most.
Employer relationships differ
Many expats receive coverage through employers. Different companies have existing relationships with different insurers. If your employer offers one but not the other, that often settles the question. If you're choosing individually, both are available—the employer factor only matters for corporate plans.
Plan structures are similar but not identical
Both offer tiered plans from core coverage to comprehensive. Specific benefits, deductible options, and add-ons differ in the details. What one calls 'Gold' and another calls 'Silver' may not be equivalent. Compare actual coverage documents, not just tier names.
When Allianz Care may fit better
Scenarios where Allianz Care's approach may work well.
- Your employer offers Allianz Care — if it's provided through work, the decision is often made for you
- You're primarily based in Europe — Allianz's European roots may translate to stronger local relationships
- You want integration with other Allianz products — some people prefer keeping insurance with one company
- Your broker recommends it for your situation — brokers often know which insurer is stronger in specific markets
- Network hospitals in your destination favor Allianz — direct billing relationships vary by location
When Cigna Global may fit better
Scenarios where Cigna Global's approach may work well.
- Your employer offers Cigna Global — corporate relationships often determine the practical choice
- You need US coverage included — Cigna's American roots can help with US network access
- You're in Asia-Pacific — Cigna has strong presence in many Asian markets
- You value digital health tools — Cigna has invested in telehealth and wellness platforms
- Chronic condition management matters — Cigna has specific programs for ongoing conditions
Coverage comparison
How coverage typically compares between the two.
- Inpatient care — Both cover hospital stays comprehensively on most plans
- Outpatient care — Both offer outpatient coverage, though plan tier affects extent
- Pre-existing conditions — Both can cover after waiting periods, terms vary by underwriting
- Maternity — Both offer maternity coverage, typically with waiting periods (often 10-12 months)
- Mental health — Both include mental health on comprehensive plans, coverage limits vary
- Dental and vision — Both offer as optional add-ons, not typically in base plans
- Evacuation — Both include medical evacuation on most plans
- Direct billing — Both have networks with direct billing, specific hospitals vary
Cost comparison factors
What affects pricing for each provider.
- Age — Both use age as primary pricing factor. Premiums increase significantly with age
- Coverage region — Including or excluding the US significantly affects premiums (US healthcare is expensive)
- Plan tier — Core plans cost less than comprehensive; choose based on actual needs
- Deductible choice — Higher deductibles reduce premiums; both offer deductible options
- Individual vs group — Employer group plans often have better rates than individual purchases
- Actual comparison — Quotes from both for your specific situation are the only reliable comparison
How to evaluate for your situation
Steps to determine which fits better.
- Check employer offerings first — if your employer provides one, that's often the deciding factor
- Identify your primary location — where you'll live affects which network is more relevant
- Get quotes from both — actual pricing for your age, location, and needs is the real comparison
- Check network hospitals — look up hospitals near where you'll live in both networks
- Review plan documents — compare actual coverage, not marketing summaries
- Consider brokers — insurance brokers can compare options and know regional strengths
- Talk to other expats — people in your destination may have experience with both
What they have in common
Important similarities between the two providers.
- Both are comprehensive international health insurance — not travel insurance or nomad coverage
- Both are established, regulated insurers — neither is a startup or unknown entity
- Both serve similar markets — corporate expats, long-term residents, globally mobile individuals
- Both have global networks — coverage works across most countries
- Both offer individual and group plans — available through employers or direct purchase
- Both require annual commitment — these are annual policies, not month-to-month
- Both use medical underwriting — pre-existing conditions affect terms for both
Common pitfalls
Issues that frequently catch people off guard in this area.
Common questions
Which is better for expats in Europe?
Both work well in Europe. Allianz has German roots which may translate to stronger European relationships in some markets. But Cigna also has extensive European presence. The practical answer depends on specific countries and hospitals. Check network coverage in your actual destination.
Which is cheaper?
Pricing varies by age, location, coverage level, and individual health factors. Neither is consistently cheaper. The only way to know is to get quotes from both for your specific situation. Brokers can help with this comparison.
Can I switch between them?
You can switch at renewal, but be aware that any conditions developed while on one plan become 'pre-existing' for the new one. Switching insurers isn't seamless for ongoing health needs. Consider this if you have conditions that developed during coverage.
Do I need a broker or can I buy direct?
Both allow direct purchase. However, brokers can compare multiple insurers, know regional strengths, and sometimes access corporate rates. For a straightforward situation, direct purchase works. For complex needs or if you want expert comparison, brokers add value.
Examples
These are examples of providers in this space, not endorsements. Options, features, and pricing change. Research current offerings before making decisions.
- Allianz Care — International health insurance with broad provider networks
- Cigna Global — International private health insurance for expats
Next steps
Continue your research with these related guides.
Sources & references
Official Sources
- Allianz Care website – Plan details and network information
- Cigna Global website – Plan details and network information
General References
- Policy documents – Always read actual policy terms for coverage details
- Insurance brokers – Can provide objective comparisons for your situation
Information gathered from these sources as of January 2026. Requirements and procedures may change.