Relocating abroad as a family is an exciting adventure, but it also raises important questions: access to healthcare, medical costs, hospital standards, maternity coverage, and the specific needs of children at every age. In some countries, a routine hospital stay can cost several thousand euros; in others, medical consultations are affordable but specialist care can be significantly more expensive.
This is where international health insurance becomes essential.
When chosen well, it ensures continuity of care wherever you live, protects your finances, and simplifies administrative procedures. When chosen poorly, it can lead to substantial out-of-pocket costs, exclusions, or difficulties accessing quality healthcare.
So how much should a family expect to spend? What drives the cost? And how can you build a policy that truly aligns with your lifestyle and destination country?
Factors that influence the cost of international family health insurance
Age of the parents and children
Age is one of the main elements insurers consider.
- Children typically have lower premiums.
- Adult premiums rise gradually with age, especially after 45–50.
- A family with parents aged 35 often pays 25–40% less than a family with parents approaching their fifties.
Country of expatriation and global coverage zone
Insurers divide the world into zones reflecting local healthcare costs. The costlier the country’s medical system, the higher the premium.
Examples:
- Continental Europe, Latin America, and Southeast Asia generally fall into moderate-cost zones.
- Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Switzerland are considered high-cost healthcare regions.
- The United States is the most expensive healthcare market, and including US coverage can significantly increase premiums—often by a factor of 2 or 3.
The chosen zone should reflect both your country of residence and the destinations where your family travels regularly.
Level of hospitalization coverage
Hospitalization benefits represent the foundation of international health insurance and the largest share of the cost.
Common annual limits include:
- up to €150,000,
- up to €1 million,
- unlimited coverage.
In countries where healthcare costs are high (US, Japan, Singapore, Switzerland), choosing a robust hospitalization limit is highly advisable.
Outpatient care (consultations, tests, specialists)
Outpatient benefits cover:
- GP and specialist visits,
- blood tests and imaging,
- physiotherapy and rehabilitation.
The more comprehensive the outpatient coverage, the higher the premium.
Families with young children typically use these services more frequently (pediatrics, ENT, routine vaccines).
Maternity coverage
Maternity is one of the most influential cost factors.
- Adding maternity coverage increases the premium noticeably.
- Waiting periods generally range from 10 to 24 months.
- Coverage limits vary from €5,000 to €20,000 depending on the insurer.
For couples planning to grow their family after relocating, anticipating this waiting period is essential.
Dental and optical coverage
These optional benefits also influence the premium.
Typical increases:
- Dental: +15–25%
- Optical: +5–10%
Many families add at least basic dental coverage due to the potential cost of treatment in some countries.
Medical history
Insurers may respond to pre-existing conditions in different ways:
- accept the condition without adjustment,
- apply a small loading,
- exclude the condition,
- request further medical information.
Transparent medical disclosure is crucial to avoid future complications.
How much does international family health insurance really cost?
Below are realistic premium ranges based on the pricing practices of major international insurers such as Cigna Global, Allianz Worldwide Care, April International, Bupa Global, and MSH International.
Example: a family of four (parents aged 35, two children)
Europe zone (excluding Switzerland and the United Kingdom)
- Hospitalization only: €4,000 – €6,000 per year
- Comprehensive coverage: €6,500 – €10,000 per year
- Comprehensive coverage + maternity: €10,000 – €14,000 per year
Worldwide excluding the United States
- Hospitalization only: €6,000 – €9,000 per year
- Comprehensive coverage: €9,000 – €15,000 per year
- Comprehensive coverage + maternity: €12,000 – €18,000 per year
Worldwide including the United States
- Comprehensive coverage: €18,000 – €30,000 per year
- Premium coverage: €30,000 – €45,000 per year
Families with parents aged 45
Premiums typically increase by 25–40% compared with families whose parents are in their mid-thirties.
Families with parents aged 50 to 60
Premiums do continue to rise with age, but in most cases they increase progressively rather than sharply.
This reflects the higher likelihood of medical care in this age group, while still remaining manageable when coverage is chosen thoughtfully and tailored to the family’s actual healthcare needs.
Common mistakes families make when relocating abroad
Choosing a coverage zone that is too restrictive
Some families choose a Worldwide excluding US policy without considering regular travel, potential study programs abroad for children, or business trips.
An accident in a non-covered country could result in limited reimbursement.
Underestimating hospitalization needs
In many countries, a single night in hospital—or an emergency procedure—can cost tens of thousands of euros.
The hospitalization limit should match the healthcare environment of the destination.
Forgetting to plan for maternity
Many families discover the waiting period too late.
Once a pregnancy has begun, maternity coverage cannot be added to the plan.
Selecting a plan only to satisfy visa requirements
Some countries require proof of insurance for long-stay visas.
However, plans that meet the visa rules may still provide insufficient coverage in real-life medical situations.
The importance of proper guidance when choosing coverage
International health insurance involves many variables: limits, zones, waiting periods, exclusions, hospital networks, and medical declarations. A small detail can significantly affect coverage.
At IFO Global, we assist families relocating to Southern Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, and North America. Our analysis always includes:
- the destination country’s healthcare system,
- the family’s expected level of care,
- visa requirements,
- travel patterns,
- medical history,
- the age of parents and children.
This approach ensures that the selected insurer and coverage match the family’s needs—cost-effective yet reliable.
What budget should a family expect?
For most relocating families, the following ranges are the most commonly observed:
- €6,000 – €12,000 per year: families in Europe, Southeast Asia, or Latin America (no US coverage)
- €10,000 – €18,000 per year: families needing comprehensive worldwide coverage
- €20,000 – €35,000 per year: families requiring US-inclusive coverage
These ranges reflect current international market standards.
Key takeaways
- Costs vary with age, coverage zone, hospitalization level, and optional benefits.
- The United States remains the world’s most expensive healthcare market.
- Maternity coverage must be planned in advance.
- Families with children often benefit from broader outpatient cover.
- Personalised guidance helps avoid costly gaps in protection.
Reliable support throughout your family’s relocation
Relocating abroad is a major transition, and international health insurance should support that journey—not complicate it. At IFO Global, we help families choose clear, sustainable, and appropriate coverage aligned with their budget and future plans.
Each relocation is unique: destination, lifestyle, medical needs, age, mobility, and visa requirements.
If you would like to explore dependable options before moving, we would be pleased to guide you with clarity and confidentiality.