About the report

In the Cost of International Health Insurance Report 2020-2021, we utilize pricing data from 100 countries, and rank them according to average individual and family health insurance premiums. We also contextualize the pricing trends by looking at the main drivers shaping health insurance costs globally.
Premium increases have not fallen outside of previous years’ sums, which are partially supported by the introduction of telehealth services. While clients have been avoiding the GP for fear of catching COVID-19, insurers are expecting claims to increase as Dubai opens up, however, it hasn’t been reflected on the premiums yet."
David Hayes,
Chief Executive Officer at Pacific Prime Dubai

What is the cost of international
health insurance globally?

Scores of countries this year witnessed a decline in their average cost of individual health insurance premiums. With that said, the US remains the country with the most expensive individual and family health insurance. It’s also worth pointing out that Hong Kong and Singapore surpassed Canada to take the second and third spots, respectively.
The top 5 most expensive countries for individual
and family health insurance in the world
Average individual premium in 2020 (USD)
1. The United States - $7,703
2. Hong Kong - $6,146
3. Singapore - $5,677
4. Canada - $5,230
5. Dubai - $5,207
Average family premium in 2020 (USD)
1. The United States - $21,817
2. Hong Kong - $17,425
3. Singapore - $15,964
4. Dubai - $15,377
5. Israel - $13,614

An in-depth look at
our key findings

The Americas remains a dominant region in the top 20 most expensive countries
The Americas remains a dominant region in the top 20 most expensive countries
Based on our ranking table for the top 20 countries with the most expensive IPMI premiums, a whopping 12 countries are in the Americas. Unsurprisingly, the US comes out on top due to its expensive healthcare costs, despite a major decline in prices this year.
Latin America may experience an increase in premiums in the next 5 years
Latin America may experience an increase in premiums in the next 5 years
Latin America offers extensive coverage for mental health, as opposed to many other regions. Based on the fact that behavioral and mental health conditions are the third priciest conditions, experts predict a rise in IPMI premiums in the coming 5 years. With that said, each Latin American country has different healthcare trends.
Hong Kong has reclaimed its place as the second most expensive location for health insurance
Hong Kong has reclaimed its place as the second most expensive location for health insurance
Due to a number of cost-driving factors, such as overutilization of health insurance, a rapidly aging population, and the COVID-19 pandemic; Hong Kong reclaims its spot this year as the second most expensive location in the world for both individual and family IPMI premiums.
Singapore is the second most expensive location in Asia for health insurance
Singapore is the second most expensive location in Asia for health insurance
In Asia, Singapore has the second most expensive IPMI premiums. The city-state is witnessing rising health insurance costs because of inflated medical charges and overuse of insurance. Moreover, there is an aging population and residents are inclined to make bad lifestyle choices.
China's premiums are going through a correction after years of increase
China's premiums are going through a correction after years of increase
In China, IPMI premiums this year have declined. This is because demand remains slow in the world’s second-largest economy, in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. When it comes to digitalization, Chinese insurers are adopting technology and innovation, which is transforming the country’s insurance sector.
A number of countries' premiums have decreased in 2020
A number of countries' premiums have decreased in 2020
A staggering 36 countries in our ranking table saw a decline in IPMI premiums, in sharp contrast to the trends in previous years. This has been predominantly due to the COVID-19 pandemic’s devastating impact on healthcare systems around the globe.
Insurers are taking a closer look at their regional pricing strategies
Insurers are taking a closer look at their regional pricing strategies
Insurers are reconsidering their pricing strategies for each region in order to find a balance between high service quality and operational sustainability, as well as to prepare for similar crises in the future.

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