No topic

Healthcare Basics

April International review: A guide for expats

In this guide, we’ll take a look at April’s key features, costs and more to see if it’s worth it.

writer

Updated 19-8-2026

If you’re planning to live or work abroad, you’ll likely need some form of international health insurance. In fact, many countries won’t even allow you to get a visa without a valid policy. 

With almost 40 years’ experience, April International has solidified it’s place a top provider for expat health insurance. But is it right for you?

Key takeaways

  • Global Network. 2 million healthcare providers in 192 countries
  • Tiered Plans. Customise your policy plan to suit your needs
  • For Internationals. Designed for expats, digital nomads, remote workers, international students.
  • Digital Access. Mange your policy via you easy-to-use mobile app
  • Enrolment Limit. Must enrol before turning 70

Who is April International? Company overview

April International, or April, is a French insurance company founded in 1988. It specialises in international health insurance and has a network of more than 2 million healthcare providers in 192 countries.

April’s policies are designed for expats, digital nomads, remote workers and international students. And they offer fully digital cover, so you can sign-up, manage your policy and submit claims globally from one easy-to-use app.

April International is regulated and compliant in multiple markets, including the UK, France and the EU and multiple Asian countries.

April International

APRIL International is a health and travel insurance provider operating in 180 countries. Their range of insurance products is tailored to the needs of expats, whether you’re relocating your family, studying for a semester abroad, enjoying a working holiday, or simply traveling. Thousands of expats already trust APRIL International.

Coverage details by plan

April’s plans come with the same maximum limit, but they differ in what they cover and how much the sub-limits are for certain things. Here’s a quick overview, or dive into each plan in more detail below.

  • International: This is an entry-level plan to cover the essentials. The maximum annual plan limit is £1,000,000. Good for younger expats or those on a budget.
  • International Plus: This covers more than the basic plan. The maximum annual plan limit is £1,000,000. Would suit someone who wants emergency cover and some routine health cover as well.
  • Executive: This includes maternity cover. The maximum annual plan limit is £1,000,000. Suitable for someone with an established career or looking to start a family.
  • Executive Plus: The top cover available. The maximum annual plan limit is £1,000,000. Has higher sub-limits than the cheaper tiers.

International Plan

Key features:

  • Annual Maximum Coverage: £1,000,000 / $2,000,000 / €1,500,000
  • Monthly Premium Range: £114.83 – £346.00
  • Geographical Coverage: Worldwide or Worldwide excluding USA and the Caribbean

Included Core Benefits:

  • Inpatient Cover
  • Post-hospital Treatment
  • Cancer Cover
  • Emergency Medical & Non-medical Evacuation
  • Vaccination
  • Chronic Condition Treatment
  • Out of Area Cover

International Plus Plan

Key features:

  • Annual Maximum Coverage: £1,000,000 / $2,000,000 / €1,500,000
  • Monthly Premium Range: £179.93 – £487.54
  • Geographical Coverage: Worldwide or Worldwide excluding USA and the Caribbean

Included Core Benefits:

  • All benefits from the International Plan, PLUS;
  • Outpatient Cover
  • Routine Dental Treatment
  • Mental Health Cover
  • Routine Health Checks

Executive Plan

Key features:

  • Annual Maximum Coverage: £1,000,000 / $2,000,000 / €1,500,000
  • Monthly Premium Range: £290.56 – £752.05
  • Geographical Coverage: Worldwide or Worldwide excluding USA and the Caribbean

Included Core Benefits:

  • All benefits from the International Plus Plan, PLUS;
  • Maternity Care

Executive Plus Plan

Key features:

  • Annual Maximum Coverage: £1,000,000 / $2,000,000 / €1,500,000
  • Monthly Premium Range: £372.37 – £907.87
  • Geographical Coverage: Worldwide or Worldwide excluding USA and the Caribbean

Included Core Benefits:

  • All benefits from the Executive Plan

Everyone’s quote will look slightly different as each policy is tailored to your specific needs. Get your personal quote on April’s website.

Photo via Pexels

How much does April International cost?

AgeInternationalInternational PlusExecutiveExecutive Plus
25£114.83£179.93£290.56£372.37
35£157.92£226.04£364.64£465.28
45£202.10£288.12£464.60£590.86
55£346.00£487.54£752.05£907.87

* Factors: Birthday is 1 January 2000, 1990, 1980, 1970. Lives in the United Kingdom. Coverage is Worldwide excluding the USA and the Caribbean. Cover begins on 10 January 2026. Quotes generated on 16 December 2025. £250 excess. Monthly cost. No pre-existing conditions. No plan add-ons. Male.

Pros and cons of April International

Pros

  • Global network of more than 2 million healthcare professionals in 192 countries
  • App is highly regarded
  • Often scores well in industry reviews
  • Policies are flexible and customisable

Cons

  • You need apply before turning 70, which is lower than other insurers
  • Complex claims can take a while to pay out
  • High out-of-pocket costs for some claims
  • Annual limits can be lower than other insurers, so might not be appropriate for expensive countries
  • Some treatments require pre-authorisation

Who should choose April International?

Best for:

  • If you’re living in a country with low healthcare costs
  • Those on a budget
  • If you want to manage your policy digitally

Not ideal for:

  • If you need a higher level of cover
  • If you have pre-existing conditions

There are other insurers that have higher levels of cover. If you want the extra peace of mind then that’s something to consider. 

How flexible are April International’s policies?

April’s policies come with a 14-day cooling-off period from the start date. It might be possible to cancel that but it depends on each individual policy. If you do need to cancel then April says to get in touch directly.

For April UK customers, you’ll get sent an email around four to six weeks before your policy ends. If you want to renew, you’ll need to follow the instructions in that email and make any updates to your policy before it expires.

How does April International compare to other insurance providers?

April International vs. Cigna Global

  • Number of plans: April offers 4 plans (International, International Plus, Executive, Executive Plus). Cigna offers 3 plans (Silver, Gold, Platinum).
  • Annual plan limits in USD: All April plans have a limit of $2,000,000. Cigna plans range from $1,000,000 for Silver, $2,000,000 for Gold, and Unlimited for Platinum (for inpatient and daypatient treatment).
  • Network size: April has 2 million providers globally. Cigna has 1.5 million in 200 markets.

Target Audience & Features Comparison:

  • April International: Targets younger expats or long-term travellers seeking flexibility. Key features include claim settlement within 5 days and affordable cover.
  • Cigna Global: Targets older retirees (with no upper age limit) and people wanting a more customised plan. Key features include customisable care and no upper age limits.

Visit Cigna’s website to get a personalised quote.

April International vs. Allianz Care

  • Number of plans: April offers 4 plans (International, International Plus, Executive, Executive Plus). Allianz Care offers 3 plans (Care Base, Care Enhance, Care Signature).
  • Annual plan limits in USD: All April plans have a limit of $2,000,000. Allianz Care limits range from $1,350,000 for Care Base, $2,700,000 for Care Enhance, and $5,000,000 for Care Signature.
  • Network size: April has 2 million providers globally. Allianz Care has over 2 million providers in 200 markets.

Target Audience & Features Comparison:

  • April International: Targets younger expats or long-term travellers seeking flexibility. Key features include claim settlement within 5 days and affordable cover.
  • Allianz Care: Targets retirees and professionals seeking reliable care. Key features include an easy-to-use app and website, and the option to choose cover specifically for Europe or Africa, as well as worldwide and worldwide excluding USA.

Visit Allianz’s website to get a personalised quote.

How to get started with April International

Step-by-step sign-up guide

  1. Choose your cover. Visit the April International website. Select the type of cover, the country of coverage and personal limits.
  2. Get your personalised quote. April will give you a custom quote based on your individual circumstances.
  3. Compare plan options. Look at what each plan offers and, if applicable, see how you can reduce your premiums by including a voluntary excess.
  4. Complete the application. If you’re happy with a plan then you can proceed.
  5. Submit required documents. You might be required to submit documents to prove your ID and residency.
  6. Make your first payment. Choose whether you’ll pay monthly, quarterly or annually. Then enter your payment details and make your first payment.
  7. Receive policy confirmation. You’ll get an email with all the important information. Keep this somewhere safe and easy to access.

Tips for getting the best quote

  • Include a voluntary excess. This may help to lower your premium.
  • Look if there’s a payment surcharge. Pay annually if it means you’ll get a discount or not be charged a surcharge.
  • Avoid unnecessary extras. Only get coverage in countries you’ll need it and don’t pay for treatment options you won’t ever use. If you’re not having children then you don’t need pregnancy cover.

The verdict: is April worth it?

April International could be a good option if you’re under 70 years of age, living in a country with low healthcare cost, looking for a more budget-friendly option and are happy to manage your policy via an app.

April’s customisable plans and large global network of providers, coupled with a digital user experience, aim to make their cover super accessible for expats and those living abroad.

When looking for the best policy for you, it’s always good to compare quotes from multiple providers, focusing on coverage and limits and how that balances with your budget.

FAQ

Readers' questions

Does April International cover pre-existing conditions?

No, it doesn’t.

Any conditions you have in the two years before taking out cover will not be covered. The only exception is if you have bought a plan add-on for a pre-existing condition. In any case, you should declare pre-existing conditions when purchasing a plan or the whole plan could be voided.

Is there a waiting period for coverage?

There’s no waiting periods for core cover. Certain other benefits might require a waiting period, such as pregnancy cover.

Can I cancel my policy anytime?

You have a 14-day cooling-off period after your policy start date. It is possible to cancel after this, but it will depend on the policy details and incur fees. April International suggests you get in touch directly to discuss your options.

Does April International cover dental and vision?

Dental cover is included in the three higher plans. Cover levels increase from International Plus, to Executive and then again for Executive Plus. Optical cover is included in the highest plan only.

What's the maximum age for enrolment?

The maximum age limit for new customers is 70.

Are prescription drugs covered?

Yes, prescription drugs are included in outpatient cover for the three higher plan tiers.

Author

Jason Loewenthal

About the author

Jason is an author at Expatica. He grew up between South London and Northern NSW and has lived in four continents, so he has first-hand experience of navigating different countries. He’s previously written for sites such as Finder.