KING OF PRUSSIA, PA — With a growing number of Americans contemplating a move abroad, reliable international health insurance has emerged as a vital factor for potential expats, according to a new study conducted by Harris Poll on behalf of GeoBlue and International Citizens Insurance (ICI).
The survey revealed that 42% of Americans are seriously considering relocating outside the U.S. in the next two years. However, for 31% of these individuals, concerns about healthcare coverage abroad remain the primary barrier, surpassing worries about work or social life in a foreign country.
GeoBlue’s Vice President of Individual Sales, Don Van Scyoc, emphasized the importance of proper coverage for those planning to live overseas. “If you’re moving abroad and planning to use your existing domestic health plan, you risk finding yourself with little to no coverage overseas,” he remarked. “International health insurance provides peace of mind and ensures you can get and pay for care, from the routine to the critical.”
The study also found that 82% of expats reported their international health coverage gave them peace of mind while living abroad, and 76% said it increased their confidence in navigating foreign healthcare systems. The value of this coverage is underscored by the fact that 57% of expats used it for unexpected medical needs and almost half relied on it for routine care.
A separate trend contributing to this growing need is the rise of digital nomadism. According to an MBO Partners report, the number of Americans identifying as digital nomads reached 18.1 million in 2024, a staggering 147% increase since 2019, fueled in part by pandemic-driven shifts to remote work.
Despite the clear benefits, 36% of surveyed expats moved abroad without international health insurance, often due to misconceptions about the adequacy of U.S. domestic health plans for overseas care. With domestic plans offering little to no international coverage, the need for specialized insurance is expected to grow alongside the increasing number of individuals pursuing an expat lifestyle.
This research, conducted between December 2024 and January 2025, involved 428 consumers who were either current or former expats or those considering a move abroad. The findings reflect the critical role that comprehensive international health insurance plays in enabling a secure and seamless transition to life outside the U.S. for this growing population.
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