AXA Health review: complete guide for expats & digital nomads

A broken leg could cost you at least USD $5,000 in Spain, more than USD $8,000 in the UAE or upwards of USD $20,000 in the USA. Accidents are not something that most people plan for. But they’re exactly what international health insurance is designed for. They cover much more than just a broken leg, too.

AXA has been providing international private medical insurance for over 55 years. It’s one of the big players in the market and has a network of 1.9 million healthcare providers in over 190 countries.

This review will teach you all you need to know about AXA, so you can make an informed choice with your next international health insurance policy. For the pricing tables and comparisons with over providers, we’ve outlined our methodology.

An alternative to AXA: Cigna Global

Cigna Global is a health services company that serves expats and globally mobile individuals in more than 200 international jurisdictions. Cigna Global’s policies are easily customized to coverage and cost requirements, and customers can pick from three coverage levels, modular plans, and several cost-share options.

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Who is AXA? 

AXA is one of the largest insurance companies in the world. It covers a wide range of insurance. AXA Global is its international health insurance product.

Its international health insurance policies are designed for expats, digital nomads and international workers. You can get cover individually or through an employer.

AXA has a network of 1.9 million healthcare providers in over 190 countries. This is one of the largest networks in the world.

AXA Global Healthcare (UK) Limited is registered in England (no.3039521), with its registered office at 20 Gracechurch Street, London EC3V 0BG United Kingdom. AXA Global Healthcare (UK) Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. You can read more about its presence and regulation in other markets.

If we compare AXA to its competitors, its strong customer and fast claim times are among the most cited differences. It also has integrated wellbeing and mental health support.

Coverage details by plan

AXA’s plans include:

Foundation

The most basic policy. It covers core benefits only.

The maximum annual plan limit is £250,000. This is for those on a budget, like digital nomads or younger travellers.

Annual Maximum Coverage: £250,000 / €312,500 / $400,000

Monthly Premium Range: £109.87 – £301.44

Key Benefits:

• Hospital charges and surgery
• Second Medical Opinion service
• Virtual Doctor service
• Mind Health service
• Emergency cover
• Medical evacuation and repatriation
• Wide range of cancer treatment
• Ambulance transport
• CT, PET and MRI scans

Standard

This covers a bit more than Foundation and has a higher maximum annual plan limit is £1,000,000.

This might suit someone a bit older who has a bit more certainty around their income.

Annual Maximum Coverage: £1,000,000 / €1,275,000 / $1,600,000

Monthly Premium Range: £133.90 – £405.40

Key Benefits: Includes all Foundation benefits, PLUS:

• Dental care (not check-ups)

Geographical Coverage: Worldwide or Worldwide excluding USA

Comprehensive

This covers everything that the two highest plans cover, apart from pregnancy.

Annual health checks are an optional add-on. The maximum annual plan limit is £1,500,000. Families and those with established careers might look at this plan.

Annual Maximum Coverage: £1,500,000 / €1,900,000 / $2,400,000

Monthly Premium Range: £260.47 – £653.86

Key Benefits: Includes all Standard benefits, PLUS:

• Out-patient treatment, tests and vaccinations
• Out-patient drugs and dressings
• Chronic conditions
• Eye tests and prescription glasses

Geographical Coverage: Worldwide or Worldwide excluding USA

Prestige

This covers everything and has a maximum annual plan limit of £2,000,000.

This would suit higher earners and older expats.

Annual Maximum Coverage: £2,000,000 / €2,550,000 / $3,200,000

Monthly Premium Range: £444.01 – £901.57

Key Benefits: Includes all Comprehensive benefits, PLUS:

• Routine pregnancy cover
• Annual health checks

Geographical Coverage: Worldwide or Worldwide excluding USA

Prestige Plus

The same as Prestige, but a maximum annual plan limit of £5,000,000.

As with Prestige, this would suit those with the most income who want the best level of cover.

Annual Maximum Coverage: £5,000,000 / €6,375,000 / $8,000,000

Monthly Premium Range: £577.07 – £1,132.43

Key Benefits: Includes all Prestige benefits.

Geographical Coverage: Worldwide or Worldwide excluding USA

How much does AXA cost?

* Factors: Birthday is 1 January 2000,1990,1980,1970. Lives in the United Kingdom. Self-employed. Coverage is Worldwide excluding USA. Cover begins on 15 December 2025. Quotes generated on 20 November 2025. £250 excess. Monthly cost. If you choose to pay yearly you’ll get a 5% discount on your premium.

Pros and cons of AXA

Advantages

• High coverage limits
• Global network access
• Customer service quality
• Claims processing efficiency
• Mental health coverage
• Predictable renewal prices
• Discount for paying annually

Disadvantages

• Premiums can be quite expensive compared to other providers
• Can exclude long-term conditions from coverage
• Policies aren’t as flexible as other providers
• Rules around pre-existing conditions can slow down treatment
• Outpatient services are limited on lower tiers

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Who should choose AXA?

Best for:

• Retirees and older expats who need comprehensive coverage
• Expat families

AXA has two main coverage options: Worldwide and Worldwide excluding USA. This is a binary choice which can make it easy when you’re deciding where you want to be covered.

Less ideal for:

• Expats on a smaller budget 
• Digital nomads
• If you have major pre-existing conditions

If you’re on a budget, you might want to look at a provider like April International. This has cheaper premiums in general. 

Other providers also offer more choice on where you’re covered, which can in turn also lower the premiums. If you’re living somewhere with lower healthcare costs, you might need a lower level of cover.

You might also need a more specialist or local provider if you have complex pre-existing conditions.

How flexible are AXA’s policies?

When you take out a policy, there’s a cooling-off period. That means you can cancel your policy by writing to AXA or calling within the first 14 days of receiving your membership pack. You can get a refund on your premium if no claims have been paid out already. 

After the cooling-off period ends:

• If you pay monthly, you can cancel your policy from the next monthly payment date.
• If you pay quarterly, you can cancel your policy from the next payment date.
• If you pay annually, you can cancel your policy and receive a pro-rata refund based on whole months remaining in the year, minus an administration fee of £50/$70/€55.

AXA won’t pay for any treatment after the cancellation date.

In terms of renewals, AXA should send your renewal documents about a month before your plan is due to renew. Auto-renewal can sometimes be the default, so check if it is with your plan. You should review your documents and contact AXA if you have any queries.

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How does AXA compare to other providers?

AXA vs. Cigna Global

Check out Cigna’s website for more information on pricing and policies.

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Cigna Health Insurance review: the best option for expats?

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AXA vs. Allianz

Check out Allianz Health’s website for more information on pricing and policies.

How to get started with AXA

Step-by-step sign-up guide

1. Visit the AXA Global website. You can see a detailed comparison of the different plans there.
2. Get your personalised quote. At the top of the page you’ll be able to click on a link to start generating a quote.
3. Compare plan options. See what each plan includes and work out what you’ll need. If you play around with deductibles you can see how much the premium changes.
4. Complete the application. Once you’ve decided the plan you want, you can then call or email AXA. AXA also lets you request a callback.
5. Submit required documents. You’ll need to prove your ID. This information will be given to you when you speak to someone at AXA.
6. Make your first payment. When you’ve finalised all your policy information, the final thing required is payment. 
7. Receive policy confirmation. You’ll get your policy documents emailed to you. Check them to see if the information is correct.

Tips for getting the best quote

• Be flexible with how much your deductible is. If you’re going somewhere with high healthcare costs, you’re likely to reach that level quickly. 
• Pay annually if it means you’ll get a discount.
• Only get coverage in the USA if you absolutely need it. 
• If you only get inpatient cover, it’ll save you money. But this also depends on your individual circumstances.
• Don’t add any expensive extras that you won’t use, such as pregnancy cover if you’re not planning to have children.

Final verdict: is AXA worth it?

As one of the biggest players in the international health insurance market, AXA has a lot to offer.

If you’re after a one-size-fits-all approach and peace of mind, then AXA could be right for you. 

There are cheaper providers out there, but AXA has an extensive global network, good customer service reviews, fast claims and a strong reputation. You get what you pay for.

That said, if you want a more customised plan in terms of coverage or location, you might want to look elsewhere.
To understand what’s on offer, you should compare quotes with multiple providers and see what each has and how much they cost.