UnitedHealthcare is withdrawing from international private medical insurance in the Americas, Europe, Africa and the Middle East, the insurer confirmed to Becker’s Sept. 29.
According to a Cigna news release, UnitedHealthcare Global will exclusively recommend the Cigna Global Health Benefits business as the preferred international health insurer for clients. GHB falls under the Cigna Healthcare International Health division, which provides health solutions for organizations that have mobile employees and families.
The agreement does not encompass UHC Global products, provider networks or service platforms. No financial terms have been disclosed, the Cigna release said. Nothing changes for current GHB clients and customers under the agreement.
“This agreement provides a clear pathway forward for UHC Global clients and broker partners,” Cigna GHB CEO Wendy Sherry said. “We look forward to working closely with the UHC Global team to ensure a thoughtful, well-managed experience while earning the trust and confidence of UHC Global clients and brokers through our deep commitment to meeting the evolving needs of their globally mobile workforces.”
Jason Sadler, president of Cigna Healthcare International Health, said the move “marks an important milestone in our growth strategy.”
UnitedHealthcare said the withdrawal stems from a lack of alignment with core product offerings.
“We believe this is a positive transition opportunity for our customers and members and selected Cigna as our preferred partner based on its ability to deliver quality service at scale,” a UnitedHealthcare statement shared with Becker’s said. “Customers remain free to consider Cigna or any other insurer and should evaluate available options based on their own needs and circumstances.”
UnitedHealthcare’s total commercial membership is roughly 30 million as of June 30, and the transition involves fewer than 100,000 members, the company said.
In recent years, UnitedHealth Group has been shedding some of its international businesses, including its Brazilian assets and Optum UK. In 2025, the company agreed to sell its last South American business, Banmedica, for $1 billion, according to a CNBC report.
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