AVA expat health insurance (AVA Expat): broker profile and positioning
AVA has placed its expat health contracts with AIG Europe since 1981. It is one of the most affordable insurers in our panel, with a plan dedicated to digital nomads and Working Holiday Visas.
StatusWholesale broker, contracts underwritten by AIG Europe SA
Head officeParis 9th arrondissement, on the market since 1981
ProductsAVA Expat (standard expatriation) and Plan Santé DigiNomad (nomads, Working Holiday Visas)
Maximum subscription age55 (AVA Expat plan)
Excluded zonesIran, Syria, Cuba, Sudan, North Korea, Crimea
AVA is a Paris-based wholesale broker, on the travel and expatriation insurance market since 1981, one of the longest-established players in our panel on this segment. Its expat health contracts are underwritten by AIG Europe SA, a major insurer: AVA negotiates the cover and handles distribution, without carrying the risk itself.
The range is built around two main products: AVA Expat for standard expatriation, open up to age 55, and Plan Santé DigiNomad for digital nomads and Working Holiday Visa holders. Cover extends worldwide, including the United States and Canada for an extra premium, except for a handful of countries under international embargo. Several excess levels let you adjust the premium to your budget.
Direct billing works for hospitalisation, including in the United States after assistance approval, and customer service is available in French throughout the process. Relapses of pre-existing conditions, pregnancies already under way and amateur motorsports remain excluded, and dental care is subject to a waiting period of 90 to 180 days depending on the treatment. AVA positions itself clearly on value for money rather than premium cover: a good choice on a tight budget, less so for anyone over 55, whom our other insurers cover better.
Tight budgets for long-term expatriation
The best value for money in the panel for a standard expatriation on a tight budget.
Digital nomads and Working Holiday Visas
A dedicated plan, Plan Santé DigiNomad, calibrated for this more frequent kind of mobility.
Anyone under 55
The age limit on the main AVA Expat plan; beyond that, other insurers in the panel take over.
Anyone wanting direct billing for hospital care
Direct billing works for hospitalisation, including in the United States after assistance approval, with no heavy upfront costs.
Worldwide, including the United States and Canada for an extra premium, except for a list of countries under embargo (Iran, Syria, Cuba, Sudan, North Korea, Crimea).
Plans we place- Relapse of a pre-existing condition is not covered.
- Pregnancy already under way at the effective date is excluded.
- Amateur motorsports and aerial disciplines (microlighting, hang-gliding, parachuting, paragliding) are excluded.
- Dental care is subject to a 90-day waiting period, 180 days for prosthetics.
- Subscription beyond age 55 is not available on the AVA Expat plan.
Your questions about AVA.
Can you take out AVA Expat after age 55?
No, the AVA Expat plan is not available beyond this age. For an older profile, other insurers in our panel, such as Bupa Global, accept later subscriptions.
Does AVA cover the United States?
Yes, for an extra premium, as with Canada. Only a handful of countries under international embargo (Iran, Syria, Cuba, Sudan, North Korea, Crimea) remain excluded.
What is the difference between AVA Expat and Plan Santé DigiNomad?
AVA Expat is aimed at standard, long-term expatriation, while Plan Santé DigiNomad targets digital nomads and Working Holiday Visa holders, with cover calibrated for this more frequent kind of mobility.
Page written by Izem Expat based on the policy wording and information documents published by the insurer; it is not binding on the insurer. Exact benefits depend on the plan and the year of subscription.
Reviewed by Mustapha Naït Cherif