If you’re moving abroad for work in 2025, one of the most critical (and legally required) parts of your journey is health insurance. Whether you’re a skilled worker in Europe, an engineer in the Middle East, or a caregiver in Asia, most countries demand that international workers have valid insurance to cover medical emergencies, hospitalization, and sometimes even evacuation.

As you read on, we break down the cost and coverage of international worker health insurance by country, what you’re expected to pay, and what to look for when choosing the right plan.

🌍 Why Health Insurance Is Non-Negotiable for Migrant Workers

• 🛡️ It’s legally required in most countries for visa issuance
• 💸 Avoids thousands of dollars in unexpected medical bills
• 🛫 Often checked by immigration officials before entry
• 🧾 Sometimes covered by the employer — but not always

Let’s explore your health insurance obligations, costs, and coverage in the top work destinations around the world.

🏥 Health Insurance Cost & Coverage by Country (2025)

🇩🇪 Germany

• Required for: All foreign workers (Blue Card, SSW, general work visa)
• Type: Public (e.g. TK, AOK) or private (e.g. Mawista, CareConcept)
• Monthly Premium: €120 – €200
• What It Covers: Doctor visits, hospitalization, prescriptions, maternity
• Note: Public insurance is accepted once you’re registered and employed

🇨🇦 Canada

• Required for: Most temporary foreign workers, especially LMIA-exempt
• Type: Provincial plans (if eligible) or private insurance
• Monthly Premium: $80 – $150 CAD
• What It Covers: ER visits, hospitalization, diagnostics, GP
• Note: In some provinces, workers are not eligible for public healthcare until after 3 months

🇦🇺 Australia

• Required for: TSS Visa holders, Employer-Sponsored Work Visa
• Type: Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC)
• Monthly Premium: AUD $100 – $160
• What It Covers: Inpatient care, GP, emergency ambulance
• Note: You must buy OVHC from an approved provider before visa is issued

🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates (UAE)

• Required for: All workers, across emirates
• Type: Employer-sponsored or private
• Monthly Premium: AED 200 – 500
• What It Covers: Emergency care, outpatient and inpatient care, sometimes dental
• Note: In Dubai and Abu Dhabi, employer insurance is mandatory by law

🇺🇸 United States

• Required for: J-1 Visa holders (exchange visitors), recommended for others
• Type: Private international plans (e.g. ISO, IMG, Seven Corners)
• Monthly Premium: $100 – $300 USD
• What It Covers: Hospitalization, doctor visits, emergency, evacuation, repatriation
• Note: H-1B and EB-3 visa holders may receive employer-based coverage

🇫🇷 France

• Required for: Work visa holders (Talent Passport, employee permits)
• Type: Temporary private insurance until enrolled in PUMA (French universal coverage)
• Monthly Premium: €60 – €120
• What It Covers: Hospital, primary care, prescriptions
• Note: After three months, you can register for French healthcare

🇯🇵 Japan

• Required for: SSW, instructor, engineer visas
• Type: National Health Insurance or Employer-provided insurance
• Monthly Premium: ¥15,000 – ¥30,000
• What It Covers: Up to 70% of medical costs, GP, hospital, maternity
• Note: Foreigners are eligible after residence registration

🇸🇬 Singapore

• Required for: S Pass, Employment Pass, Work Permit holders
• Type: Employer-sponsored mandatory basic health insurance
• Monthly Premium: Usually covered by employer; SGD 30 – 60 if private
• What It Covers: Inpatient hospital, surgery, limited outpatient
• Note: Minimum annual coverage required: SGD 15,000

🇰🇷 South Korea

• Required for: E-9, D-10, E-7 visa holders
• Type: National Health Insurance (NHI)
• Monthly Premium: ₩120,000 – ₩180,000
• What It Covers: 70% of medical fees, prescriptions, hospitals, tests
• Note: Mandatory for all foreign residents staying over 6 months

🇳🇿 New Zealand

• Required for: Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
• Type: Private insurance or public after PR
• Monthly Premium: NZD $80 – $130
• What It Covers: Emergency care, hospitalization, specialist treatment
• Note: Must show proof of insurance when applying for the visa

📊 Health Insurance Comparison Table (Monthly Cost in Local Currency)

🧠 What to Look for in an Expat Health Insurance Plan

• ✅ Covers the entire visa period (not just your first month)
• ✅ Includes hospitalization and outpatient treatment
• ✅ Offers emergency evacuation and repatriation
• ✅ Accepted by your host country’s immigration office
• ✅ Offers a visa compliance certificate if needed

📝 Tips Before Buying Your Insurance

1. Check your visa approval requirements — some countries need the insurance before applying
2. Ask your employer if they cover your insurance or if you must arrange it
3. Buy from a provider that gives official documentation in English
4. Don’t cancel your plan early — embassies can verify it during post-entry checkups

🔗 Trusted Insurance Providers for International Workers

• Foyer Global Health
• CareMed Travel Insurance
• IMG Global
• Allianz Care
• AXA International

Key Takeaways

• Health insurance is a core requirement for working abroad in almost every country
• Monthly premiums range from €40 to €200, depending on the destination and plan
• Some countries offer national healthcare enrollment, while others expect private coverage
• Always match the required benefits and coverage duration for your visa class

Things you can find here: Top 10 High-Paying Remote Jobs with Visa Sponsorship in 2025, Top Australian Companies Offering Visa Sponsorship for Skilled and Unskilled Immigrants in 2025, Best Travel Insurance Plans for Schengen, UK, and Canada Visas (2025 Comparison), Working in the US and Canada, Barbing and Dry Cleaning Jobs in the USA and Canada: Requirements, Visa Types, and Sponsorship Opportunities.

Pro Tip: For the best visa sponsorship jobs and insurance options for immigrants, explore our Visa Sponsorship section and Insurance category.

Written by our team of international travel and visa experts based in Canada. Read more helpful guides like this here.