Why Compare AXA, Cigna, and Allianz?

When expats and globally mobile professionals start shopping for international health insurance, three names consistently appear at the top of every shortlist: AXA, Cigna, and Allianz. These are the three largest international health insurance providers in the world, collectively covering more than 40 million policyholders across 200+ countries and territories. But despite their similar scale, each provider takes a fundamentally different approach to coverage design, pricing, network partnerships, and customer experience.

Choosing the wrong provider can cost you thousands of dollars in unnecessary premiums — or worse, leave you without coverage when you need it most. A plan from AXA might offer superior outpatient benefits in Thailand, while Cigna could provide better emergency evacuation coverage in remote areas of Indonesia, and Allianz might deliver the best value for families in the Philippines. The details matter enormously.

This comparison goes far beyond surface-level feature lists. We break down every critical dimension — plan tiers, geographic coverage options, real-world pricing, hospital network depth, claims experience, and region-specific strengths — so you can make an informed decision based on your actual situation, not marketing slogans.

Comparing AXA, Cigna, and Allianz international health insurance plans for expats and globally mobile professionals.

Provider Overview

AXA — Global Leader with Deep Asian Presence

AXA is the world’s largest insurance brand by brand value, operating in 54 countries with over 100 million customers worldwide. In the international health insurance space, AXA’s Global Healthcare division (formerly known as AXA PPP Healthcare) is one of the most established players, with more than 50 years of experience serving expatriates and internationally mobile individuals. AXA has a particularly strong presence in Southeast Asia, with dedicated offices in Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, the Philippines, and Indonesia. Their deep local infrastructure means policyholders benefit from in-country claims processing, regional customer service teams who speak local languages, and established relationships with leading hospitals across the region. AXA’s underwriting is known for being thorough but fair, with a strong track record of paying complex claims including cancer treatment, chronic disease management, and emergency medical evacuations. They are particularly well-regarded for their chronic condition coverage, which many competitors exclude or severely limit.

Cigna — American Powerhouse with Expats in Mind

Cigna is a Fortune 15 company and one of the largest health services organizations on the planet, serving more than 180 million customer relationships globally. Their Cigna Global division focuses specifically on expatriate and internationally mobile individuals, offering plans designed from the ground up for people who live and work across borders. Unlike some providers that repurpose domestic insurance for an international audience, Cigna Global’s plans are purpose-built for expat life — which means features like portability between countries without re-underwriting, flexible modular plan design that lets you build coverage à la carte, and a 24/7 multilingual helpline staffed by medically trained professionals rather than call center scripts. Cigna’s modular approach is its most distinctive feature: you choose your core inpatient coverage and then add outpatient, evacuation, dental, and vision modules independently, allowing for highly customized plans. This flexibility makes Cigna particularly popular with younger expats and digital nomads who want solid emergency coverage without paying for benefits they don’t need yet.

Allianz — European Tradition, Worldwide Reach

Allianz is Europe’s largest insurer and one of the world’s most trusted financial services brands, operating in over 70 countries. Their Allianz Care division (formerly Allianz Worldwide Care) specializes in international health insurance for expatriates, with a strong focus on serving corporate clients and their globally mobile employees. Allianz is known for competitive pricing, especially at the comprehensive coverage tier, and has invested heavily in digital tools including a highly rated mobile app for claims submission and tracking. Their underwriting approach tends to be slightly more aggressive on pricing than AXA or Cigna, which can mean lower premiums but also tighter policy wording on certain exclusions. Allianz has a growing network of directly contracted hospitals in Asia and the Middle East, and their parent company’s financial strength (rated AA by S&P) gives policyholders confidence that claims will be honored even during systemic crises. Allianz is particularly strong for families, offering generous maternity and newborn coverage, and their corporate plans often include wellness benefits like health screenings and mental health support that go beyond standard offerings.

Plan Tiers and Coverage Levels

Each provider offers multiple plan tiers, though they use different naming conventions. Understanding the coverage at each level is essential for an apples-to-apples comparison.

AXA Plan Tiers in Detail

AXA offers three main tiers under their Global Healthcare range. The Essential plan covers inpatient and day-patient treatment, emergency medical evacuation, and repatriation — it’s designed as a safety net for expats who rely on local outpatient care or pay out-of-pocket for routine doctor visits. The Comprehensive plan adds full outpatient coverage including GP and specialist consultations, prescription drugs, physiotherapy, and preventive health screenings, along with maternity coverage after a 12-month waiting period. The Elite and Prestige plans add dental, vision, wellness benefits, alternative medicine (acupuncture, homeopathy), and higher annual limits — the Prestige tier essentially removes most practical coverage caps. AXA’s tiers are fixed, meaning you cannot mix and match modules — you choose the level of cover that fits your needs and budget.

Cigna Modular Design in Detail

Cigna’s approach is fundamentally different. Every Cigna Global plan starts with the Core module, which covers inpatient treatment, emergency evacuation, and repatriation. From there, you add modules independently: Outpatient (GP visits, specialists, prescriptions, diagnostics), Medical Evacuation (expanded evacuation coverage beyond the core), Dental, and Vision. This modular system means two Cigna policyholders with identical core coverage might pay very different premiums depending on which modules they’ve selected. The advantage is precision — you only pay for what you need. The disadvantage is that the sheer number of possible combinations makes direct price comparison with AXA and Allianz more challenging. For a like-for-like comparison, you need to build a Cigna plan that matches the fixed-tier coverage of its competitors.

Allianz Plan Tiers in Detail

Allianz Care offers a traditional tiered structure similar to AXA, but with a slightly different benefit allocation. Care Essentials covers inpatient treatment, day-patient treatment, emergency evacuation, and repatriation. Care Plus adds outpatient coverage, specialist consultations, prescription medication, physiotherapy, and maternity after a 12-month waiting period. Care Pro is the flagship tier, adding dental, vision, preventive health, mental health benefits, and upgraded annual limits. Allianz also offers optional add-ons for dental and wellness on the Care Plus tier, providing some flexibility without going fully modular. One notable difference: Allianz includes mental health coverage at the Care Pro level as standard, whereas AXA and Cigna may require specific modules or higher tiers to access comparable mental health benefits.

Geographic Coverage Areas

Geographic coverage is one of the most important — and most misunderstood — aspects of international health insurance. Each provider divides the world into zones, and the zone you select directly determines your premium and where you can receive treatment.

AXA offers two geographic zones: Worldwide including the USA, and Worldwide excluding the USA and Canada. This binary approach is straightforward but means there is no cheaper regional option for expats who never leave Asia. If you live in Vietnam and have no plans to visit North America, you still pay the Zone 2 rate, which is already the second-highest pricing tier.

Cigna offers three zones: Worldwide including the USA, Worldwide excluding the USA, and Worldwide excluding the USA with some additional country restrictions. Their Zone 3 option can offer meaningful savings for expats based in Southeast Asia who only need coverage outside the USA and a handful of expensive medical markets. However, the specific countries excluded from Zone 3 vary and should be checked carefully if you travel frequently.

Allianz is the most flexible on geography, offering true regional plans: an Asia-only zone, a Middle East zone, a Europe zone, and worldwide options. For expats who live and work exclusively within Southeast Asia, Allianz’s Asia regional plan can be 20-35% cheaper than AXA’s Zone 2 or Cigna’s Zone 2, making it the most cost-effective option for regionally focused individuals and families.

Pricing Comparison

Pricing is where the differences between these three providers become most tangible. Below are representative monthly premiums for 2026 based on common expat profiles. All quotes assume Worldwide Excluding USA coverage, a $500 deductible, and annual payment (which typically yields a 5% discount compared to monthly billing).

Pricing Observations

Allianz is consistently the most affordable across virtually every profile and plan tier. Their Asia regional plan can reduce costs by an additional 20-35% compared to their worldwide excluding USA option. This aggressive pricing is one of Allianz’s biggest competitive advantages, especially for budget-conscious families.

Cigna’s modular design creates pricing variability. A 30-year-old who selects only the Core module (inpatient + evacuation) might pay just $105/month, while the same person adding outpatient, dental, and vision modules could exceed $300/month. This flexibility means Cigna can be the cheapest option if you need minimal coverage, or comparable to AXA if you build a comprehensive plan.

AXA sits in the premium segment with the highest base premiums but also the most comprehensive fixed-tier benefits. If you compare AXA’s Comprehensive plan price to a Cigna or Allianz plan with genuinely equivalent coverage (including chronic conditions, generous outpatient limits, and maternity), the price gap narrows significantly — in some cases AXA may even be competitive. But on a headline premium comparison, AXA is typically 5-15% more expensive.

Age rating differs between providers. AXA and Allianz use stepped age bands that increase premiums every 5-10 years. Cigna uses a community rating approach in some markets, meaning premiums increase more gradually. For younger applicants (under 40), the difference is minimal. For applicants over 50, AXA’s age bands can push premiums up faster than Allianz or Cigna, making AXA notably more expensive for older expats.

Medical Network Size

The size and quality of a provider’s hospital and clinic network determines whether you can access cashless treatment (where the insurer pays the hospital directly) or must pay upfront and submit claims for reimbursement. Cashless access is particularly important in Southeast Asia, where hospital bills for serious conditions can reach tens of thousands of dollars.

Cigna has the largest direct billing network in Southeast Asia by a significant margin, thanks to its acquisition of local network partners and its strategy of aggressively contracting with facilities across the region. For expats in Vietnam and Indonesia — countries where direct billing can be challenging with some insurers — Cigna’s larger network means fewer instances of having to pay upfront and wait for reimbursement.

Allianz has invested heavily in its Asian network over the past five years and now has the second-largest direct billing footprint in Southeast Asia among these three providers. Their network grew by approximately 40% in the region between 2022 and 2026, reflecting Allianz’s strategic focus on Asia as a growth market.

AXA’s network is smaller in raw numbers but highly curated — they focus on the premier hospitals and international clinics that expats actually use. In Bangkok, for example, AXA has direct billing agreements with Bumrungrad International, Bangkok Hospital, Samitivej, and all major international-standard facilities. The difference shows mainly in secondary cities and smaller clinics, where AXA may have fewer direct billing partners than Cigna or Allianz. However, AXA’s guaranteed payment letter system — where they guarantee payment to any licensed hospital worldwide — effectively ensures you can receive treatment without personal financial risk even at non-network facilities.

Claims Process Comparison

The claims experience is where international health insurance either wins your loyalty or drives you to switch providers. A smooth, fast reimbursement process with clear communication is worth paying a premium for. Here’s how the three providers compare on claims handling.

AXA Claims Experience

AXA’s claims process is thorough and generally reliable, with average reimbursement times of 5-10 business days for straightforward claims. Their online portal allows you to submit claims, upload supporting documents, and track progress. AXA is known for being meticulous — they may request additional documentation for complex claims, which can slow processing but also reduces the risk of errors. For planned treatments at network hospitals, AXA’s pre-authorization system works smoothly through their 24/7 helpline or mobile app, with most approvals issued within 24-48 hours. Where AXA distinguishes itself is in handling complex or large claims — cancer treatment, major surgery, chronic disease management — where their experienced claims team and medical directors provide thoughtful, case-by-case assessments rather than blanket denials based on rigid policy wording.

Cigna Claims Experience

Cigna consistently ranks highest for claims satisfaction among the three providers, with the fastest average reimbursement times (5-7 business days) and the most user-friendly digital experience. Their mobile app allows you to photograph receipts, submit claims, and track reimbursement in real time. Cigna’s 24/7 multilingual customer service is staffed by medically trained professionals, not general call center agents, which means they understand the clinical context of your claim and can authorize treatment more efficiently. Cigna also offers a unique “gap exemption” for emergency treatment where pre-authorization was not possible — they will still cover the claim provided you notify them within 48 hours, which can be critical in genuine emergencies. Their direct billing network is the most extensive, meaning you are less likely to need to pay upfront in the first place.

Allianz Claims Experience

Allianz has made significant improvements to their claims process in recent years, particularly through their mobile app, which receives strong user ratings. However, their average reimbursement time of 7-14 business days is slower than AXA or Cigna, and some policyholders report that claims tracking can be less transparent — status updates are sometimes delayed or unclear. Allianz’s pre-authorization process can take up to 72 hours for non-urgent procedures, compared to 24-48 hours for its competitors. For straightforward outpatient claims (doctor visits, prescriptions, diagnostics), Allianz processes quickly. For larger or more complex claims, the process can be slower and may involve more back-and-forth documentation requests. Allianz does offer guaranteed payment letters for network hospitals, and their direct billing coverage in major Southeast Asian cities is reliable.

Key Features and Benefits

Emergency Medical Evacuation

Medical evacuation is a critical benefit for expats in Southeast Asia, where the nearest appropriate medical facility may be in a different country. All three providers include evacuation in their base plans, but the details differ significantly:

• AXA: Unlimited evacuation coverage on all plans. Covers air ambulance, commercial flight with medical escort, and accompanying person travel costs. No pre-authorization required for life-threatening emergencies — call the 24/7 helpline and AXA arranges transport immediately.
• Cigna: Up to $5 million evacuation coverage on plans with evacuation module. Covers air ambulance, ground ambulance, medical escort, and repatriation to home country. Cigna’s evacuation coordination team includes former military medevac personnel with experience in remote area extractions from locations like rural Indonesia and mountainous regions of the Philippines.
• Allianz: Up to $1.5 million evacuation coverage on Care Pro, lower limits on other tiers. Covers air ambulance and medical escort. Allianz partners with International SOS for evacuation coordination, which brings additional logistical capabilities in hard-to-reach areas.

Chronic and Pre-Existing Conditions

This is an area where the providers diverge sharply:

• AXA is the most generous with chronic condition coverage. Their Comprehensive and Elite plans cover chronic conditions (diabetes, hypertension, asthma, etc.) that develop after the policy starts, with no sub-limits on most tiers. Pre-existing conditions declared at application may be covered after a waiting period (typically 24 months of continuous coverage) or may receive a permanent exclusion depending on severity. AXA’s willingness to cover chronic conditions that arise during the policy period is a major advantage for long-term expats.
• Cigna covers chronic conditions under the outpatient module, with annual limits that vary by plan tier. Pre-existing conditions are assessed during underwriting — Cigna may apply a premium loading (10-50%), a permanent exclusion, or cover them with a waiting period of 12-24 months. Cigna is generally more willing to cover well-managed pre-existing conditions with a loading rather than an outright exclusion.
• Allianz covers chronic conditions on Care Plus and Care Pro plans, but with lower sub-limits compared to AXA. Pre-existing conditions are typically excluded unless you pass Allianz’s medical underwriting with a favorable assessment, in which case they may apply a loading or modified exclusion. Allianz is the least flexible of the three on pre-existing condition coverage.

Maternity and Newborn Coverage

For expat families planning to have children, maternity benefits are a major consideration:

• AXA: Maternity covered on Comprehensive and above after a 12-month waiting period. Covers prenatal care, delivery (vaginal and cesarean), postnatal care, and newborn coverage for the first 90 days. Annual maternity limits range from $7,000 (Comprehensive) to unlimited (Prestige).
• Cigna: Maternity available as an add-on module with a 10-month waiting period — the shortest of the three providers. Covers prenatal, delivery, postnatal, and newborn care for 31 days. Cigna’s maternity module is popular because it can be added to any core plan, and its 10-month wait means you could potentially get coverage in the early months of pregnancy if you act quickly.
• Allianz: Maternity covered on Care Plus and Care Pro after a 12-month waiting period. Covers prenatal, delivery, postnatal, and newborn care for 60 days. Allianz offers competitive maternity limits that are generally comparable to AXA at similar price points. Their newborn coverage period of 60 days falls between AXA (90 days) and Cigna (31 days).

Mental Health Coverage

Mental health is increasingly recognized as essential coverage for expats, who face unique stressors including isolation, culture shock, and distance from support networks:

• AXA: Mental health coverage is included on Elite and Prestige plans, typically with session limits (20-30 sessions per year) and inpatient psychiatric coverage up to policy limits. AXA has partnered with mental health platforms to offer teletherapy in multiple languages.
• Cigna: Mental health is covered under the outpatient module, with inpatient psychiatric treatment covered under the core plan. Cigna offers 24/7 emotional support helpline access for all policyholders regardless of plan tier, and their outpatient mental health coverage includes therapy, psychiatry, and medication management.
• Allianz: Mental health is included as standard on Care Pro, with coverage for outpatient therapy sessions (up to 25 per year), psychiatric consultations, and inpatient treatment. Allianz was the first of the three to include mental health as a standard benefit rather than an add-on at the premium tier.

Southeast Asia Coverage Deep Dive

Thailand

Thailand is the most popular destination for expats in Southeast Asia, and all three providers have strong coverage. AXA has a local office in Bangkok and direct billing agreements with all major international hospitals including Bumrungrad, Samitivej, Bangkok Hospital Group, and BNH Hospital. Cigna’s network in Thailand is the largest, with 800+ direct billing facilities, including many mid-tier hospitals and clinics outside Bangkok in Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Pattaya. Allianz has solid coverage in Bangkok and major tourist destinations but a slightly smaller provincial network. For expats in Thailand, any of the three providers will serve you well in major cities — the difference shows in secondary cities and rural areas where Cigna’s larger network provides more cashless treatment options.

Vietnam

Vietnam’s healthcare infrastructure is developing rapidly, and direct billing networks are still growing. Cigna has the most extensive direct billing network in Vietnam, with over 250 facilities in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and smaller cities. AXA has approximately 150 direct billing partners, concentrated in Hanoi and HCMC. Allianz has around 180 direct billing partners, with growing coverage in secondary cities. For expats in Vietnam, Cigna’s larger network means fewer reimbursement claims and less out-of-pocket payment. However, AXA’s guaranteed payment letter system can bridge the gap — they will guarantee payment to any hospital, which effectively provides cashless access even at non-network facilities.

Philippines

The Philippines presents unique challenges for international health insurance, with healthcare quality varying dramatically between Manila/Cebu and provincial areas. Cigna leads with 350+ direct billing facilities, concentrated in Metro Manila, Cebu, and Davao. AXA has around 200 direct billing partners, with strong coverage at the top-tier hospitals like St. Luke’s, Makati Medical Center, and The Medical City. Allianz has over 220 partners. For expats in the Philippines, the network advantage of Cigna is most pronounced in provincial areas where direct billing options are otherwise limited.

Indonesia

Indonesia’s archipelago geography makes medical evacuation especially important. All three providers include evacuation coverage, but Cigna’s partnership with evacuation specialists and its 400+ direct billing facilities across Java, Bali, and other islands give it a practical edge. AXA has around 250 direct billing partners, primarily in Jakarta, Bali, and Surabaya. Allianz has approximately 280 partners with growing coverage in secondary cities. For expats in Indonesia, particularly those working in remote areas (mining, oil and gas, development), evacuation capability is more important than outpatient network size — and here both AXA (unlimited evacuation) and Cigna ($5M evacuation limit) are preferable to Allianz’s lower limits.

Strengths and Weaknesses

AXA Strengths

• Unlimited emergency medical evacuation coverage on all tiers
• Most comprehensive chronic condition coverage among the three
• Deep Southeast Asian presence with local offices and staff
• Strong track record on complex and high-value claims
• Generous maternity and newborn coverage (up to 90 days)
• Guaranteed payment letters for non-network hospitals

AXA Weaknesses

• Highest base premiums of the three providers
• Only two geographic zones (no regional discount option)
• Fixed tier structure — no modular customization
• Steeper age-related premium increases after 50
• Claims process can be slower for complex cases requiring additional documentation

Cigna Strengths

• Most flexible modular plan design — build exactly the coverage you need
• Largest direct billing network in Southeast Asia
• Fastest claims reimbursement times (5-7 business days average)
• Best mobile app and digital claims experience
• Shortest maternity waiting period (10 months)
• Medically trained 24/7 helpline staff
• Gap exemption for emergency treatment without pre-authorization

Cigna Weaknesses

• Complex pricing — modular design makes direct comparisons difficult
• Evacuation coverage has limits ($5M) versus AXA’s unlimited
• Outpatient module pricing can push comprehensive plans above competitor pricing
• Coverage limits on chronic conditions may be lower than AXA at similar total cost
• Pre-existing condition loadings can be high (up to 50% premium increase)

Allianz Strengths

• Lowest premiums across virtually all profiles and tiers
• Only provider offering true regional plans (significant savings for Asia-only expats)
• Mental health included as standard on Care Pro
• Strong financial ratings (AA from S&P)
• Excellent mobile app for claims submission
• Competitive maternity coverage at lower price points
• Rapidly growing Southeast Asian provider network

Allianz Weaknesses

• Slower claims reimbursement times (7-14 business days)
• Lower evacuation coverage limits ($1.5M maximum)
• Least flexible on pre-existing condition coverage
• Pre-authorization can take up to 72 hours
• Chronic condition sub-limits are lower than AXA or Cigna
• Newborn coverage limited to 60 days (vs. AXA’s 90 days)

Which Provider Is Best for You?

After this detailed comparison, the question remains: which provider should you choose? The answer depends entirely on your individual circumstances. Here are our recommendations by common expat profile:

Choose AXA If:

• You have a chronic condition or anticipate developing one (AXA’s chronic coverage is unmatched)
• You live or work in remote areas where unlimited evacuation coverage is critical
• You prefer a comprehensive fixed-tier plan without the complexity of modular options
• You value a deep local presence with in-country claims processing
• You are planning a pregnancy and want generous maternity and newborn coverage

Choose Cigna If:

• You want maximum flexibility to customize your coverage (younger expats, digital nomads)
• You value the largest direct billing network in Southeast Asia
• You want the fastest possible claims reimbursement
• You prioritize digital experience and mobile-first interactions
• You are planning a pregnancy and want the shortest waiting period (10 months)
• You frequently travel to areas where you need robust evacuation support

Choose Allianz If:

• You want the lowest possible premium for equivalent coverage levels
• You live exclusively in Southeast Asia and can benefit from the regional plan discount
• You value mental health coverage as a standard benefit
• You are a family looking for the best value comprehensive coverage
• You prefer a provider with top-tier financial strength ratings
• You want a mobile-first claims experience with a highly rated app

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper: AXA, Cigna, or Allianz?

Allianz is consistently the most affordable of the three across virtually all age groups and plan levels. For a 35-year-old on a comprehensive plan with worldwide excluding USA coverage, Allianz premiums are typically 5-15% lower than Cigna and 10-20% lower than AXA. However, Cigna’s modular design means a bare-bones Cigna plan (Core module only) can be cheaper than Allianz’s entry-tier Care Essentials. The cheapest option depends on the specific coverage you need.

Can I switch between AXA, Cigna, and Allianz without losing coverage?

Switching providers generally requires re-underwriting, which means any conditions that developed under your current policy could be classified as pre-existing by the new provider. Some providers offer “continuity of coverage” provisions for switchers with equivalent coverage, but these are assessed case by case. If you are considering switching, speak to a broker about continuity options before cancelling your current policy.

Do all three providers cover pre-existing conditions?

All three assess pre-existing conditions during underwriting. AXA is the most likely to cover chronic conditions that arise during the policy period. Cigna is the most willing to cover declared pre-existing conditions with a premium loading. Allianz is the least flexible, often applying permanent exclusions for pre-existing conditions. No provider automatically covers pre-existing conditions without disclosure.

Which provider has the best hospital network in Southeast Asia?

Cigna has the largest direct billing network in Southeast Asia, with 3,000+ facilities across the region. This is significantly more than AXA (1,200+) and Allianz (1,500+). However, all three providers have direct billing agreements with the major international-standard hospitals that most expats use in Bangkok, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Manila, Jakarta, and Bali.

How do claims reimbursement times compare?

Cigna has the fastest average reimbursement time at 5-7 business days, followed by AXA at 5-10 business days, and Allianz at 7-14 business days. All three providers offer online and mobile claims submission. Cigna’s real-time claims tracking via their mobile app gives them an edge in transparency and predictability.

Is AXA worth the higher premium?

AXA can be worth the premium if you value unlimited evacuation coverage, comprehensive chronic condition coverage, or if you anticipate needing complex claims support (cancer treatment, major surgery, chronic disease management). For healthy individuals who primarily need emergency coverage and routine outpatient care, Cigna or Allianz may offer better value.

Does Allianz’s regional Asia plan cover emergency treatment outside Asia?

Allianz’s regional Asia plan covers treatment within the defined Asia zone only. If you need emergency treatment outside Asia, it would not be covered unless you have worldwide coverage. However, Allianz’s emergency evacuation coverage can evacuate you to the nearest appropriate facility within your coverage zone. If you travel outside Asia regularly, you should opt for worldwide excluding USA coverage instead.

Can I add dental and vision coverage to any plan?

With Cigna, dental and vision are available as add-on modules to any plan. With AXA, dental and vision are included only on Elite and Prestige tiers. With Allianz, dental is available as an add-on on Care Plus and included on Care Pro, while vision is included on Care Pro only. If standalone dental and vision flexibility is important to you, Cigna’s modular approach offers the most options.

What happens to my coverage if I move countries?

All three providers offer portability within your chosen coverage zone. If you move from Thailand to Vietnam, for example, your coverage continues seamlessly. However, if you move to a country in a different zone (e.g., from Southeast Asia to the USA), you would need to upgrade to a wider coverage zone, which will increase your premium. Cigna is notable for allowing zone changes without re-underwriting of your health status, while AXA and Allianz may require medical reassessment for zone upgrades.

How do I get a quote from all three providers at once?

Working with an independent international health insurance broker like Compare Global Care is the easiest way to get simultaneous quotes from AXA, Cigna, Allianz, and other providers. Brokers have access to each provider’s quoting system and can present side-by-side comparisons with equivalent coverage levels. The broker’s service is free — they are paid by the insurer when you purchase a policy, and the premium you pay is the same whether you use a broker or go direct to the provider.