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
BUPA Global and IMG Global represent opposite approaches to international health insurance. BUPA Global offers premium, all-inclusive coverage with industry-leading mental health and pre-existing condition handling. IMG Global focuses on affordability with high-deductible options for budget-conscious expats.
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
IMG Global
- Trustpilot: 4.6/5 stars
- Lowest premiums in category
- Deductibles up to $25,000 available
- 50% deductible waived outside US
- High coverage limits ($8M)
The price difference is dramatic — IMG Global can cost 50-70% less than BUPA Global. The question is what you're giving up for those savings.
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Coverage Comparison
This comparison highlights the premium vs budget trade-off clearly. BUPA Global includes benefits that IMG Global either limits or charges extra for.
| Feature | BUPA Global | IMG Global |
|---|---|---|
| Inpatient Care | ||
| Outpatient Care | ||
| Annual Maximum | Unlimited | $1M - $8M |
| Mental Health | Full parity | Limited |
| Maternity | Up to $75,000 | Limited ($5-10K) |
| Dental | Included (Premier+) | Add-on |
| Vision | Included (Premier+) | Add-on |
| Medical Evacuation | $500,000 | |
| Pre-existing Conditions | Often covered | Usually excluded |
| No-Claims Discount |
Key Differences
- Mental health: BUPA Global treats mental health equally to physical health. IMG Global's coverage is more limited — a significant gap if mental health care matters to you.
- Pre-existing conditions: BUPA Global often covers pre-existing conditions from the start. IMG Global typically excludes them.
- Maternity: BUPA Global offers up to $75,000 for maternity. IMG Global's coverage is limited to $5-10,000.
- Dental/vision: Included in BUPA's Premier and Elite plans. Add-on with IMG Global.
- No-claims discount: BUPA rewards claim-free years. IMG does not.
- Coverage limits: BUPA offers unlimited coverage. IMG caps at $8M (still very high).
Pricing
The price difference is substantial. BUPA Global typically costs 2-3x more than IMG Global for comparable age profiles.
| Profile | BUPA Global | IMG Global |
|---|---|---|
| Single, Age 30 | $200-300/mo | $75-120/mo |
| Single, Age 45 | $350-450/mo | $120-180/mo |
| Couple, Age 35 | $400-550/mo | $150-220/mo |
| Family of 4 | $700-950/mo | $280-400/mo |
Prices based on comprehensive plans excluding US coverage. IMG Global prices can be significantly lower with higher deductibles.
The Math
For a 35-year-old single expat, the annual difference is roughly:
- BUPA Global: ~$3,000/year
- IMG Global: ~$1,200/year
- Savings with IMG: ~$1,800/year
Over 5 years, that's $9,000 in premium savings. The question is whether BUPA's additional benefits are worth that difference for your situation.
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Network and Claims
Provider Networks
BUPA Global offers access to 1.7 million providers globally with good direct-billing availability in major hospitals.
IMG Global has a smaller direct-billing network. You may need to pay upfront and claim reimbursement more often, though you can see any licensed provider.
Claims Process
BUPA Global has a strong claims reputation with fast settlements and few rejections. Their MembersWorld app handles digital claims.
IMG Global actually edges BUPA on Trustpilot (4.6 vs 4.4), with customers praising reliable claim payments despite the lower premiums.
Customer Service
Both offer 24/7 multilingual support. BUPA Global includes access to in-house medical professionals. IMG Global is known for responsive service.
Who Should Choose Which
Choose BUPA Global If:
- Mental health coverage is essential
- You have pre-existing conditions
- You need strong maternity benefits
- You want dental/vision included
- All-inclusive coverage gives you peace of mind
- Budget is flexible for premium protection
Choose IMG Global If:
- Minimizing premium cost is priority #1
- You're young and healthy
- You don't have pre-existing conditions
- You don't need maternity coverage
- Mental health coverage isn't critical
- You can handle a high deductible
Our Verdict
This isn't a close comparison — it's a choice between two fundamentally different products.
Choose BUPA Global if you want true comprehensive coverage with no gaps. Their mental health parity, pre-existing condition handling, and all-inclusive benefits justify the premium for people who need these features.
Choose IMG Global if you're healthy, young, and primarily want protection against catastrophic medical costs. Their 4.6/5 Trustpilot rating proves you can trust them to pay claims despite the low prices.
For most healthy expats under 40 without complex health needs, IMG Global offers excellent value. For anyone with pre-existing conditions, mental health concerns, or family planning needs, BUPA Global is worth the investment.
Consider Your Actual Needs
Don't pay for benefits you won't use, but don't skimp on coverage you need. If you have any history of mental health treatment, pre-existing conditions, or might have children, BUPA's higher premiums could save you money in the long run.
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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.
