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Many expats choose private health insurance to access fast care and a wide network of services in Ireland despite the country’s strong public health system. International providers AXA, Allianz Care, April International, Bupa, Cigna, and more offer the best plans for expats in Ireland.
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Are you unsure what kind of coverage you need as an expat in Ireland? Or maybe you’re debating whether to include maternity, dental, or outpatient care in your coverage benefits? Are you maybe concerned how your pre-existing conditions will impact your eligibility or costs?
To help you make an informed decision, this Pacific Prime guide compares the top 10 health insurance companies in Ireland. We review leading insurers based on affordability, flexibility, and expat-focused features, so you can find a plan that best suits your needs in Ireland.
Top 10 International Health Insurance Providers for Expats in Ireland
Here are the top 10 international health insurance providers for expats in Ireland:
- AXA
- Allianz Care
- April International
- Bupa
- Cigna
- HealthCare International Group
- VUMI
- IMG
- MSH International
- NOW Health International
If you’re looking for the best health insurance in Ireland for expats, these companies provide a range of plans to suit different needs and budgets. Let’s take a closer look at what each insurer provides and the types of plans available.
AXA: Health Insurance Plans for Expats in Ireland
AXA is a globally renowned health insurance provider that offers customizable plans for expats living in Ireland. AXA’s clients benefit from a second medical opinion service, the ability to add dependents, extensive coverage options, and flexible payment schedules (monthly, quarterly, or annually).
Overview of AXA’s expat health insurance plans in Ireland:
- Foundation Plan: A budget-friendly option for expats in Ireland seeking essential medical coverage. It includes inpatient hospital care, emergency treatment, medical transportation, and lab testing.
- Standard Plan: The most commonly chosen AXA plan for expats seeking basic but reliable coverage. It offers a higher annual limit than the Foundation Plan and includes added benefits such as dental care.
- Comprehensive Plan: Ideal for expats looking for robust protection, this plan adds outpatient care, treatment for chronic conditions, and vision benefits, with increased benefit limits across most services.
- Prestige Plan: A premium plan designed for those who want extensive coverage. It includes maternity care, annual wellness check-ups, and enhanced outpatient benefits.
- Prestige Plus Plan: AXA’s top-tier expat health insurance plan, offering an annual benefit limit of up to USD $8,000,000. This plan is ideal for expats who anticipate higher medical costs and want the most complete coverage available.
More details on AXA’s plan for expats in Ireland are listed below. Coverage amounts may vary based on the plan you choose.
| AXA Global Health Insurance Plans | |
| Plan | Annual Benefit Limit (USD) |
| Foundation | $160,000 |
| Standard | $1,600,000 |
| Comprehensive | $2,400,000 |
| Prestige | $3,200,000 |
| Prestige Plus | $8,000,000 |
Allianz Care: Health Insurance Plans for Expats in Ireland
Allianz Care is a leading global health insurance provider specializing in coverage for expats and their families. Known for their flexible plans and innovative services, Allianz Care has access to a worldwide network of more than 1.9 million medical providers, including full coverage in Ireland.
Overview of Allianz Care’s expat health insurance plans in Ireland:
- Allianz Care Plan: A solid entry-level option offering essential health coverage for expats in Ireland. Benefits include semi-private hospital rooms, oncology treatment, medical evacuation, home nursing, rehabilitation, and emergency outpatient care.
- Allianz Care Plus Plan: Builds on the Care Plan with added benefits such as private hospital room accommodation and emergency dental treatment, ideal for expats who want more comfort and convenience.
- Allianz Care Pro Plan: A more comprehensive option that expands benefit limits and adds coverage for preventive surgery and laser eye treatment. This plan is well suited for expats looking for enhanced protection and a wider range of services.
Below, we provide more details on Allianz Care’s health insurance plans for expats in Ireland, with coverage amounts varying depending on the specific plan you select.
| Allianz Care Expat Health Insurance Plans | |
| Plan | Annual Benefit Limit (USD) |
| Care | $2,500,000 |
| Care Plus | $4,000,000 |
| Care Pro | $5,000,000 |
April International: Health Insurance Plans for Expats in Ireland
April International’s MyHealth International plans are designed specifically for expatriates and their families living abroad. With five tiers of coverage, these plans range from essential emergency care to fully comprehensive protection, making them a flexible choice for expats in Ireland.
Overview of April International’s expat health insurance plans in Ireland:
- Emergency Plan: A starting plan offering USD $250,000 in annual benefits. It covers hospitalization for accidents or emergencies, cancer care in emergencies, and medical repatriation. Outpatient, dental, and vision care are not included.
- Formule Basic: Provides USD $500,000 in annual coverage with full hospitalization, comprehensive cancer treatment, and medical repatriation. It also includes low-level outpatient coverage and basic dental (USD $500/year) and vision benefits (USD $150 every two years).
- Essential Plan: Offers USD $1,000,000 in annual benefits with full hospitalization, enhanced outpatient care, and maternity coverage for natural delivery up to USD $3,000. Expats also gain stronger dental (USD $1,000/year) and vision (USD $250 every two years) benefits, plus private room coverage (USD $75/day).
- Comfort Plan: Includes full hospitalization, high outpatient and preventative care coverage, advanced cancer care, maternity benefits up to USD $6,000, and upgraded dental (USD $2,000/year) and vision (USD $500 every two years) coverage. Private room coverage is fully included.
- Premium Plan: Featured comprehensive hospitalization, advanced cancer treatment, premium maternity benefits (natural delivery up to USD $12,000), and the most generous dental (USD $4,000/year) and vision (USD $700 every two years) allowances. Private room coverage is also fully included.
Below, you’ll find a detailed overview of April International’s MyHealth plans for expats in Ireland, with coverage levels and benefits varying by tier.
| April MyHealth International Health Insurance Plans | |
| Plan | Annual Benefit Limit (USD) |
| Emergency | $250,000 |
| Basic | $500,000 |
| Essential | $1,000,000 |
| Comfort | $1,500,000 for Bahamas, Japan,
Puerto Rico, Singapore, and United States. Rest of the World: Unlimited |
| Premium | $3,000,000 for Bahamas, Japan,
Puerto Rico, Singapore, and United States. Rest of the World: Unlimited |
Bupa Global: Health Insurance Plans for Expats in Ireland
Bupa Global is one of the world’s leading providers of international health insurance, offering premium expat plans that cover direct access to an extensive network of specialists worldwide, coverage for pre-existing conditions, cancer treatment, mental health support, and preventive care.
Overview of Bupa Global’s expat health insurance plans in Ireland:
- Bupa Major Medical: Designed for expats in Ireland who only want protection against unexpected emergencies and high-cost medical expenses. This plan includes coverage for major inpatient care, medical evacuation, and repatriation but excludes routine checkups or wellness services.
- Bupa Select: Provides regional coverage, adding routine screenings, health checks, and medical evacuation services. This plan is a good option for expats who want essential day-to-day care alongside emergency protection.
- Bupa Premier: Expands on the Select plan by including dental care, optical benefits, and vaccinations. This mid-tier option is well-suited for expats who want more comprehensive everyday healthcare coverage in Ireland.
- Bupa Elite: The most comprehensive plan available, covering medical evacuation, repatriation, routine maternity care, complementary therapies, and a wide range of wellness services. This plan is ideal for expats and families seeking maximum coverage and peace of mind while living in Ireland.
More information on Bupa health insurance in Ireland for expats is provided below, with coverage levels and benefits depending on the plan you select.
| Bupa Global Health Insurance Plans | |
| Plan | Annual Benefit Limit (USD) |
| Major Medical | About $3,174,200 |
| Select | About $1,587,100 |
| Premier | About $2,380,600 |
| Elite | About $4,761,300 |
Cigna Global: Health Insurance Plans for Expats in Ireland
Cigna Global is one of the world’s top providers of international health insurance. With 24/7 multilingual customer support, access to a network of over 1.5 million hospitals and clinics, and coverage in more than 200 countries and territories, Cigna is a popular choice for expats moving to Ireland.
Overview of Cigna Global’s expat health insurance plans in Ireland:
- Cigna Silver Plan: Provides essential medical benefits for expats in Ireland, including inpatient and day-patient care, palliative care, transplant services, mental and behavioral health support, and emergency hospitalization outside your area of coverage.
- Cigna Gold Plan: Builds on the Silver plan with added benefits for emergency treatments, advanced imaging, rehabilitation, home nursing, obesity treatment, and coverage for congenital conditions.
- Cigna Platinum Plan: The most comprehensive option, offering extensive inpatient care, transplant services, palliative care, hospital accommodation for a parent or guardian, complementary therapies such as acupuncture, and much more.
More information on Cigna’s international health insurance plans for expats in Ireland is provided below, with annual benefit levels varying depending on the plan you select.
| Cigna Global Health Insurance Plans | |
| Plan | Annual Benefit Limit (USD) |
| Silver | $1,000,000 |
| Gold | $2,000,000 |
| Platinum | Unlimited |
HealthCare International Group: Health Insurance Plans for Expats in Ireland
HealthCare International Group (HCI) provides flexible and reliable international health insurance options designed for expats in Ireland. Their NIMBL Health is designed for expats who want a highly customizable health insurance plan in Ireland.
With four different benefit cap levels: USD $250,000, $1,000,000, $2,000,000, and $3,000,000, NIMBL Health makes it easy to find coverage that fits both your needs and your budget. Flexible deductibles are also available to help reduce annual premiums.
All NIMBL Health plans include inpatient treatment, cancer coverage, and emergency dental care as core benefits. For those seeking more protection, optional add-ons such as outpatient care, dental coverage, emergency evacuation, and maternity coverage (for group plans only) can be included.
Below are the annual benefit limits for HealthCare International’s NIMBL Health plans.
| HealthCare International NIMBL Health Plans | |
| Plan | Annual Benefit Limit (USD) |
| Core 1 | $250,000 |
| Core 2 | $1,000,000 |
| Core 3 | $2,000,000 |
| Core 4 | $3,000,000 |
VUMI: Health Insurance Plans for Expats in Ireland
VUMI (VIP Universal Medical Insurance) is a premium international health insurance provider offering tailored coverage for expats in Ireland. Renowned for its global medical network, in-house claims support, and exceptional customer service, VUMI brings peace of mind to expats relocating abroad.
Overview of VUMI’s expat health insurance plans in Ireland:
- Global Flex VIP Basic: An affordable entry-level plan designed for expats in Ireland who need essential healthcare protection, ensuring peace of mind with core benefits.
- Global Flex VIP Standard: A mid-tier option that expands on the Basic plan with broader medical coverage at a competitive price point.
- Global Flex VIP Superior: A balanced plan offering strong medical coverage, with added maternity and optical benefits but excluding dental.
- Global Flex VIP Ultra: A comprehensive plan that builds on the Superior level, adding dental coverage and higher benefit limits across key services.
- Global Flex VIP Total: VUMI’s most extensive plan, providing full coverage for inpatient and outpatient care, maternity, dental, optical, mental health support, palliative care, and rehabilitation services.
You can find more details below about the annual benefit limits for each of VUMI’s Global Flex VIP plans.
| VUMI Global Flex Plans | |
| Plan | Annual Benefit Limit (USD) |
| VIP Basic | $3,000,000 |
| VIP Standard | $3,500,000 |
| VIP Superior | $4,000,000 |
| VIP Ultra | $4,500,000 |
| VIP Total | $5,000,000 |
IMG Global: Health Insurance Plans for Expats in Ireland
IMG Global is a trusted international health insurance provider offering flexible and comprehensive coverage for expats and their families in Ireland. With four tiers of plans available, expats can choose annual benefit limits ranging from USD $1,000,000 to $8,000,000 per person.
All IMG plans include emergency medical evacuation, prescription drug coverage, and access to worldwide healthcare networks, giving expats peace of mind both in Ireland and when traveling internationally.
Overview of IMG Global’s expat health insurance plans in Ireland:
- IMG Bronze Plan: An entry-level plan providing essential benefits such as inpatient surgeries, outpatient care, physical therapy, prescription drugs, emergency ambulance services, and medical evacuation.
- IMG Silver Plan: Expands on the Bronze plan with higher benefit limits across most services, ideal for expats seeking broader coverage without high premiums.
- IMG Gold Plan: A comprehensive plan with full inpatient and outpatient benefits, higher limits for medical services, and lifetime coverage for emergency evacuation.
- IMG Platinum Plan: The most extensive option, including maternity and newborn care, congenital conditions, and newborn wellness services not available in lower tiers.
With its tiered flexibility and worldwide support, IMG Global is a top choice for expats in Ireland who want customizable international health insurance. More details on IMG Global’s annual benefit limits are outlined below.
| IMG Global Expat Health Insurance Plans | |
| Plan | Annual Benefit Limit (USD) |
| Bronze | $1,000,000 |
| Silver | $5,000,000 |
| Gold | $5,000,000 |
| Platinum | $8,000,000 |
MSH International: Health Insurance Plans for Expats in Ireland
MSH International is a leading global health insurer offering flexible and comprehensive coverage for expats in Ireland. Founded in 1974, MSH now protects more than 3.5 million people worldwide, supported by five regional head offices and 21 local service offices.
Expats choosing MSH International can benefit from a vast international network of healthcare providers, tailored coverage options, and additional life and disability protection.
Overview of MSH International’s First’Expat+ plans in Ireland:
MSH International’s First’Expat+ plans are designed to cover both routine and emergency care while you’re abroad. The plans feature four tiers of core benefits, which can then be customized with different annual coverage limits under Quartz, Pearl, Sapphire, or Diamond options.
- Hospi Plan: Focused on hospital care and emergency medical evacuation. Annual benefit limits range from USD $625,000 (Quartz) to USD $3,750,000 (Diamond).
- Health Plan: Expands coverage to include routine healthcare services, third-party liability, and legal assistance, in addition to hospital care.
- Health+ Plan: Builds on the Health plan with added vision and dental benefits.
- Health+Child Plan: Provides the most comprehensive coverage, adding maternity care to support expat families.
All MSH International’s Hospi plans cover hospitalization and medical evacuation. Coverage levels vary across four tiers, with the Quartz tier providing the most basic level of protection, while the Diamond tier offers the highest annual benefit limits.
Below is a table showing the annual benefit limits across the different tiers of MSH International’s Hospi plans.
| MSH International HOSPI Annual Benefit Limits (Outside of USA) | |
| Plan | Annual Benefit Limit (USD) |
| Quartz | $625,000 |
| Pearl | $1,250,000 |
| Sapphire | $2,000,000 |
| Diamond | $3,750,000 |
NOW Health International: Health Insurance Plans for Expats in Ireland
NOW Health International provides flexible and comprehensive international health insurance solutions for expats, families, and students in Ireland. With worldwide coverage options and the option to include the USA, NOW Health caters to global citizens who need reliable protection abroad.
NOW Health’s flagship product, WorldCare, offers four tiers of international health insurance, each with varying benefit limits and optional add-ons. Expats can also reduce premiums by selecting a copay (per visit excess).
Overview of NOW Health International’s WorldCare plans in Ireland:
- WorldCare Essential: Designed for expats seeking lower premiums, this plan provides an annual limit of USD $3 million. It includes essential inpatient and outpatient coverage, with optional dental and physiotherapy add-ons. Maternity coverage is not available under this tier.
- WorldCare Advance: With an annual limit of USD $3.5 million, Advance offers enhanced outpatient benefits and optional dental coverage. Groups of ten or more may also add routine maternity care. Individuals and families, however, do not have this option.
- WorldCare Excel: This plan raises the annual benefit limit to USD $4 million and includes both routine and complex dental coverage. Rehabilitation benefits are also expanded. While maternity is excluded for individuals and families, group plans can add routine maternity services.
- WorldCare Apex: The most comprehensive plan in the series, Apex includes up to USD $4.5 million in annual benefits. It comes with built-in coverage for routine dental and maternity care, along with extensive inpatient and outpatient benefits. Copay options are available to help reduce premium costs.
Below is a table showing the annual benefit limits across the different tiers of Now Health’s WorldCare plans.
| Now Health WorldCare Plans | |
| Plan | Annual Benefit Limit (USD) |
| Essential | $3,000,000 |
| Advance | $3,500,000 |
| Excel | $4,000,000 |
| Apex | $4,500,000 |
Health Insurance for Expats in Ireland
Ireland has operated a two-tier healthcare system since 1957, offering residents the choice between the HSE-run public system and private healthcare. This applies to expats as well: once you have secured the right to live or work in Ireland, you are generally eligible for public healthcare services.
Non-European students and retirees moving to Ireland from outside the EU must provide proof of private health insurance in Ireland as part of their visa application. This ensures they can access medical services without relying solely on the public system.
Public Healthcare in Ireland
The public healthcare system in Ireland offers two levels of access:
- Medical Card: Provides full coverage for inpatient and outpatient services, including GP visits, hospital treatment, and even eye, ear, and dental care.
- GP Visit Card: Allows free visits to a general practitioner (GP), but other services, such as specialist care, hospital treatment, and prescriptions, must be paid for. If you have a medical card, you don’t need a GP visit card.
While public healthcare fees are relatively low compared to many other countries, the system is often criticized for being under-resourced, with long waiting times for certain treatments.
That’s why 46% of Irish residents also purchase private health insurance—the highest rate in Europe. Private medical coverage helps people avoid delays, access a wider range of services, and choose their preferred hospitals, which are strengths especially valuable for expats.
Many expats in Ireland choose to secure an international health insurance plan. With an international plan, you gain access to a 24/7 support helpline in your preferred language, reduced waiting times for treatment, direct billing networks, and continuity of care across borders.
How to Compare Quotes for Ireland Health Insurance
Finding the best health insurance in Ireland starts with comparing quotes. With so many providers and plan types available, it can indeed feel overwhelming, but taking the time to compare ensures you get the right coverage at the right price.
When reviewing health insurance quotes in Ireland, keep these key factors in mind:
- Coverage: Check if the plan includes essential benefits such as hospital stays, outpatient care, and treatments for any pre-existing conditions you may have.
- Deductibles: Remember, a lower deductible usually means higher monthly premiums. Find the balance that works for your budget and healthcare needs.
- Premiums: Compare monthly and annual costs across multiple providers to make sure you’re getting value for money.
- Additional Benefits: Some plans include extras such as dental, vision, or maternity coverage, which may be worth considering.
By carefully weighing these factors, you can choose a plan in Ireland that provides both affordability and peace of mind. Speaking with a trusted insurance broker can also help you better understand your options and simplify the decision-making process.
Ready to find the right health insurance plan in Ireland? Use our free health insurance comparison tool to compare quotes from top insurers and get the best coverage for you and your family.
Why Use a Broker for Health Insurance in Ireland
For expats living in Ireland, navigating the health insurance market can be challenging. With so many insurers, plan options, and coverage levels, choosing the right policy on your own can feel overwhelming.
This is where a health insurance broker like Pacific Prime can make the process much easier. A broker provides expert advice specific to your needs, explains how the Irish healthcare system works, and helps you compare plans in a clear and simple way.
Key advantages of working with a health insurance broker:
- Expert knowledge of the Irish health insurance market
- Access to multiple insurance providers and plans in one place
- Personalized service to find the coverage that fits your lifestyle and budget
- Support with applications, claims, and policy administration
At Pacific Prime, we go beyond traditional brokerage. We offer free value-added services like claims support, policy management, and ongoing advice at no extra cost. Best of all, we simplify the process by comparing and recommending the health insurance plans that best fit your needs and budget.
Ready to protect your health in Ireland? Get in touch with us today and we’ll help you find the health insurance plan that best fits your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to purchase additional insurance if I already have coverage in my home country?
Getting an international health insurance plan in Ireland is usually a good idea. Many policies from your home country may not extend their coverage to Ireland. International health insurance plans offer better coverage and easier access to healthcare abroad.
How do I compare health insurance quotes in Ireland?
To compare quotes, look at coverage, deductibles, and premiums. Check what’s included, like inpatient, outpatient, and dental care. Also, consider the costs and any deductibles or copays.
Can I purchase health insurance in Ireland as a non-EU citizen?
Non-EU citizens can buy health insurance in Ireland. Many international providers offer plans for expats, including non-EU citizens. These plans provide full coverage and access to Ireland’s healthcare.
With his keen interest in journalism, especially in the healthcare and wellness field, Tawan joins Pacific Prime with the goal of creating content that simplifies health insurance solutions, helping people make informed choices and choose the best options for their needs. Tawan firmly believes that words have power that can shape the world for the better.
In his free time, Tawan loves to pick up his Nintendo Switch and wield his Master Sword in Hyrule’s dungeons. He is also an avid sci-fi books/shows enjoyer. You can spot him hanging around bookstores and game shops all day long!
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