International health insurance for retirees living abroad
Retiring abroad means leaving behind the health system you know. An international plan gives you private treatment where you live and the option of treatment back home, and it continues if you move again. The earlier you apply, the more of your health history it can cover.
Why retirees need a plan for where they live
Your home system may not follow you. Medicare usually doesn’t cover care outside the US. EU and UK state pensioners may be entitled to public healthcare in their new country through an S1 form, but that is public care with its waiting lists, not a private choice of doctor and hospital. An international plan sits alongside whatever public entitlement you have.
Age and medical history
International plans are individually underwritten. You declare your history and the insurer decides, condition by condition: covered as standard, excluded, or covered with a loading. Allianz Care and Cigna Global can reach different decisions on the same history, which is why we present both. Entry-age rules also differ between insurers, so give us every age in the household and we tell you which plans are open to you.
What it costs at 64: a real example
In September 2026 we quoted a 64-year-old living in Portugal with Allianz Care, Europe area, no deductible: €5,241 a year for hospital cover on Care Base, up to €14,027 on Care Signature with out-patient cover, indicative before underwriting. Hospital-only cover with a deductible is the most economical way to protect against the large bills. More examples are on our international health insurance page.
Retirement visas
Most retirement routes require health insurance. Thailand’s O-A visa sets minimums of THB 40,000 out-patient and THB 400,000 in-patient. Spain’s non-lucrative residence requires insurance with an insurer authorised to operate in Spain. Portugal asks for proof of health cover on most residence routes. We check the certificate against your visa before you apply.
How we work
Both insurers, side by side
Allianz Care and Cigna Global configured on the same terms, with our recommendation in writing.
One adviser, quote to claim
The person who quotes your plan handles the application, the certificate, renewals and claims.
No fee to you
We are paid by the insurer. Quotation, comparison and help with claims cost you nothing.
Get your international health insurance quote
Four details are enough to start. We reply in writing within one working day with Allianz Care and Cigna Global configured for you.
Thank you
We will come back to you in writing within one working day.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an age limit?
Entry-age rules differ between insurers and plans. Tell us the ages of everyone to be insured and we confirm which plans are open before we quote.
Will my pre-existing conditions be covered?
Not automatically. The insurer assesses your history and may cover a condition, exclude it or apply a loading. Declaring everything is what protects a future claim.
Can I be treated in my home country?
Yes, if it is inside your area of cover. With Cigna Global, temporary stays in your country of nationality are covered for up to 180 days per policy year when it is inside the area.
I am a US retiree. Which insurer?
Cigna Global. Allianz Care does not accept US citizens.
Related reading
Adler & Rochefort is the commercial brand of Ownizo, Unipessoal Lda., an insurance broker registered with the Autoridade de Supervisão de Seguros e Fundos de Pensões (ASF) under no. 425591790/3, authorised to carry on insurance mediation in the life and non-life branches, and not a tied agent of any insurer. We are appointed to distribute the international health plans of Allianz Care, Cigna Global and APRIL International. Availability depends on your nationality, your main country of residence and local law, and is confirmed before any quotation. This page is general information, not advice on a specific case, and not an offer of insurance. Acceptance, cover, limits, exclusions and premium are determined by the insurer following medical underwriting and are governed exclusively by the policy conditions issued.