Written by
John Spencer
John Spencer is the founder of Compare Expat Plans, where he focuses on helping people compare health plans for life abroad. He emphasizes clear information, neutral analysis, and practical decision support.
Overview
Allianz Care and BUPA Global both offer comprehensive international health insurance, but they take different approaches. Allianz Care offers flexibility and competitive pricing, while BUPA Global provides more inclusive premium coverage with better mental health and pre-existing condition handling.
Allianz Care
- Network: 2M+ providers globally
- Flexible plan tiers (Essential to Platinum)
- Strong in Europe and Asia
- Up to 60% savings with high deductibles
- MyHealth digital tools
BUPA Global
- Trustpilot: 4.4/5 stars
- Mental health parity (equal to physical)
- Pre-existing conditions often covered
- Dental/vision included in top tiers
- No-claims discount available
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Coverage Comparison
BUPA Global includes more benefits in their standard plans, while Allianz Care takes a more modular approach where you add what you need.
| Feature | Allianz Care | BUPA Global |
|---|---|---|
| Inpatient Care | ||
| Outpatient Care | ||
| Mental Health | Good coverage | Full parity |
| Maternity | Up to $30,000 | Up to $75,000 |
| Dental | Add-on | Included (Premier+) |
| Vision | Add-on | Included (Premier+) |
| Telemedicine | 24/7 Global | |
| Medical Evacuation | ||
| Pre-existing Conditions | Varies | Often covered |
| No-Claims Discount |
Key Differences
- Mental health: BUPA Global offers full mental health parity — same limits as physical health. Allianz Care covers mental health but with separate limits.
- Maternity: BUPA Global has higher maternity limits ($75,000 vs $30,000) in comparable plans.
- Pre-existing conditions: BUPA Global is more likely to cover pre-existing conditions from day one. Allianz Care typically requires waiting periods or exclusions.
- Dental/vision: Included in BUPA's Premier and Elite plans. Add-on with Allianz Care.
Pricing
Allianz Care is significantly more affordable than BUPA Global, typically 30-40% less for comparable coverage. This reflects BUPA's more inclusive approach.
| Profile | Allianz Care | BUPA Global |
|---|---|---|
| Single, Age 30 | $130-180/mo | $200-300/mo |
| Single, Age 45 | $200-280/mo | $350-450/mo |
| Couple, Age 35 | $260-360/mo | $400-550/mo |
| Family of 4 | $400-600/mo | $700-950/mo |
Prices based on comprehensive plans excluding US coverage. Your actual quote may vary based on specific plan selection, deductible, and location.
Notes on Pricing
- Allianz Care's high-deductible options can reduce premiums by up to 60%
- BUPA's no-claims discount rewards claim-free years
- Adding dental/vision to Allianz closes some of the price gap
- Both charge significantly more for US coverage
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Network and Claims
Provider Networks
Allianz Care has a network of over 2 million providers worldwide, with particular strength in Europe and Asia.
BUPA Global offers access to 1.7 million providers globally, with excellent coverage in major expat destinations.
Both networks are extensive. You're unlikely to have trouble finding care with either provider in popular expat locations.
Claims Process
Allianz Care processes most claims within 5 business days. Their MyHealth app allows digital claim submission and tracking.
BUPA Global has strong claims reviews, with customers praising fast settlements. Their MembersWorld app handles claims digitally.
Customer Service
Both providers offer 24/7 multilingual support. BUPA Global includes access to in-house doctors and nurses for medical advice.
Who Should Choose Which
Choose Allianz Care If:
- Budget is a primary concern
- You want to customize coverage
- You're based in Europe or Asia
- You prefer high-deductible options
- You don't have pre-existing conditions
- Mental health parity isn't essential
Choose BUPA Global If:
- Mental health coverage is a priority
- You have pre-existing conditions
- You want all-inclusive benefits
- Higher maternity limits matter
- You value no-claims discounts
- Budget is flexible for premium coverage
Our Verdict
This comparison comes down to budget versus benefits.
Choose Allianz Care if you want solid international coverage at a competitive price and don't need the extras BUPA includes. Their flexibility and high-deductible options make them a good value choice.
Choose BUPA Global if mental health parity, pre-existing condition coverage, or all-inclusive benefits are priorities. You'll pay more, but you get a more comprehensive product with fewer surprises.
For healthy expats primarily concerned with cost, Allianz Care is the better value. For those who want maximum protection and can afford it, BUPA Global delivers.
Ready to Decide?
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Disclaimer: This comparison is for informational purposes only. Prices, coverage, and plan details change frequently. We are not insurance brokers. Verify all information with the providers before purchasing.
