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.
Quick Verdict
Best Overall
Cigna Global
Strongest Asia network with China coverage often included. Excellent Hong Kong and Singapore hospitals. Global flexibility if you relocate.
Learn MoreBest Value in Asia
Now Health
Asia specialist with competitive pricing. Native Chinese support. Best for those committed to staying in Asia long-term.
Learn MoreBest Service Standards
Bupa Global
Premium service with strong Hong Kong presence. Excellent for executives and families wanting top-tier support.
Learn MoreSide-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Bupa Global | Cigna Global | Now Health |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asia-Pacific network | Excellent | Excellent | Asia specialist |
| Hong Kong hospitals | All major | All major | Comprehensive |
| Singapore network | Very strong | Very strong | Strong |
| China coverage | Tier 1 cities | Extensive | Good |
| Regional HQ | Hong Kong | Hong Kong | Hong Kong |
| Chinese language support | Yes | Yes | Yes—native |
| Direct billing | Widespread | Widespread | Asia-focused |
| Evacuation coverage | Global | Global | Regional |
Bupa Global
Bupa Global has a strong Asia-Pacific presence with regional headquarters in Hong Kong. They're a premium choice for executives and families who want high service standards and comprehensive hospital networks across the region.
Asia-Pacific Strengths
- Regional HQ in Hong Kong—local decision-making
- All major Hong Kong private hospitals
- Very strong Singapore network (Mount Elizabeth, Gleneagles)
- Chinese language customer support
- Direct billing widespread across Asia
- Premium service standards
Limitations
- Higher premiums than Now Health
- China coverage may require add-on
- Some tier-2 Asian cities less covered
- Premium pricing for premium service
Cigna Global
Cigna Global offers the most comprehensive Asia-Pacific coverage, often including mainland China without additional riders. Their global network means flexibility if you relocate outside Asia, while maintaining excellent regional coverage.
Asia-Pacific Strengths
- Extensive China coverage often included
- Excellent Hong Kong and Singapore networks
- Strong across Southeast Asia (Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines)
- Global flexibility—coverage travels with you
- Chinese and other Asian language support
- Comprehensive direct billing network
Limitations
- Highest premiums of the three
- May be paying for global coverage you don't need
- Corporate feel—less personalized service
- Complex plan options to navigate
Now Health International
Now Health is an Asia specialist, designed specifically for expats living in the region. Their competitive pricing and native understanding of Asian healthcare systems make them attractive for cost-conscious expats committed to Asia.
Asia-Pacific Strengths
- Most competitive Asia pricing
- Designed specifically for Asia expats
- Native Chinese language support
- Strong Hong Kong hospital network
- Good understanding of Asian healthcare
- Flexible plan options for region
Limitations
- Less global coverage if you leave Asia
- Smaller insurer than Bupa or Cigna
- Regional evacuation vs global
- Network gaps in some Southeast Asian countries
Find the Right Coverage for Asia
Compare plans designed for Asia-Pacific expats. Hong Kong, Singapore, and regional coverage from insurers who understand the market.
Compare Asia PlansWe may earn a commission when you apply through our links. This does not affect our recommendations.
Pricing Comparison
Annual premiums for Asia-Pacific based expats. Hong Kong and Singapore are the most expensive markets.
| Scenario | Bupa Global | Cigna Global | Now Health |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age 35, Hong Kong base | $5,500-7,500/yr | $5,800-8,000/yr | $4,500-6,500/yr |
| Age 35, Singapore base | $6,000-8,500/yr | $6,200-8,800/yr | $5,000-7,200/yr |
| Age 45, Hong Kong base | $7,500-10,500/yr | $8,000-11,000/yr | $6,500-9,000/yr |
| Family (2+2), Hong Kong | $14,000-19,000/yr | $15,000-20,000/yr | $12,000-16,000/yr |
| With China coverage | +10-15% | Often included | +5-10% |
Asia-Pacific premiums are generally higher than global averages due to expensive healthcare in Hong Kong and Singapore. Prices vary by specific plan level and coverage options.
Asia-Pacific Considerations
Hong Kong Healthcare Costs
Hong Kong has excellent private healthcare but extreme costs. A standard hospital room runs HKD 5,000-15,000/night ($640-1,920). Surgeries can exceed HKD 500,000 ($64,000). All three insurers have strong Hong Kong networks, but ensure your coverage limits match these high costs. Comprehensive coverage is essential.
Singapore Medical Inflation
Singapore healthcare costs rival Hong Kong and rise 8-10% annually. Top hospitals (Mount Elizabeth, Gleneagles, Raffles) are expensive. All three insurers have strong Singapore networks. Consider plans with inflation protection or high coverage limits. Budget for premium increases as you age.
Mainland China Coverage
China coverage varies significantly. Cigna often includes China in base plans. Bupa and Now Health may require add-ons. If you travel to China regularly or might relocate there, verify coverage. Tier 1 cities (Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen) have international hospitals; tier 2-3 cities have limited English-speaking options.
Southeast Asia Travel
Many Asia-Pacific expats travel frequently within the region—Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines. All three insurers cover these countries, but network depth varies. Cigna has the broadest Southeast Asian network. Now Health is good but focused on major hubs. Bupa is strong in main cities. If you travel extensively, network breadth matters.
Language Support
All three offer Chinese (Mandarin/Cantonese) customer support—essential in this region. Now Health has the most native Asian language capability. Bupa and Cigna have multilingual teams in Hong Kong. Verify your preferred language is supported, especially for claims and complex medical situations.
Best For
Choose Bupa If:
- Premium service matters most
- You're an executive or senior professional
- Hong Kong is your primary base
- You want established brand reliability
- Family coverage is priority
Choose Cigna If:
- You need China coverage included
- You travel across all of Asia
- You might relocate globally
- Comprehensive coverage is priority
- You want the broadest network
Choose Now Health If:
- Budget is primary concern
- You're committed to Asia long-term
- Native Asian support appeals
- You don't need global coverage
- Hong Kong/Singapore focused
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Asia-Pacific premiums so high?
Hong Kong and Singapore have some of the world's highest healthcare costs—comparable to or exceeding the US for some procedures. Private hospital rooms, specialist consultations, and surgeries are expensive. Insurers price accordingly. Consider higher deductibles to reduce premiums while maintaining coverage for major expenses.
Do I need separate China coverage?
It depends on the insurer. Cigna often includes mainland China in Asia-Pacific plans. Bupa and Now Health may require add-ons or have China as a separate zone. If you visit China regularly or might relocate, verify coverage. International hospitals in Shanghai and Beijing are expensive—coverage is essential.
Which insurer has the best Hong Kong network?
All three have excellent Hong Kong networks covering major private hospitals (Adventist, Canossa, Hong Kong Sanatorium, Matilda). Bupa and Cigna have slight edges in direct billing relationships. Now Health covers the key hospitals but may have fewer direct billing options at smaller facilities. For major hospitals, all three work well.
What about coverage in Japan, Korea, or Australia?
All three cover Japan, South Korea, and Australia within Asia-Pacific plans. Cigna has the strongest networks across all three. Bupa is excellent in Australia (where they have domestic operations). Now Health covers these countries but with more limited networks than the larger insurers. If these countries are important, Cigna or Bupa may be better choices.
Can I use public healthcare and keep insurance for private?
In Hong Kong and Singapore, public healthcare exists but has long waits. Most expats use private insurance for timely access. Some choose cheaper plans and use public hospitals for non-urgent care. This hybrid approach works but requires understanding both systems. All three insurers work alongside public healthcare—there's no conflict.
What if I relocate outside Asia-Pacific?
Cigna and Bupa offer global plans that travel with you—switching zones adjusts premiums but maintains coverage and history. Now Health is Asia-focused; relocating outside Asia may require switching insurers. If global mobility matters, choose Cigna or Bupa from the start to avoid re-underwriting when you move.
Disclaimer: Asia-Pacific healthcare markets vary significantly by country. Hong Kong and Singapore costs are among the world's highest; other Asian countries are more affordable. Coverage options and pricing change regularly. Verify specific networks and benefits with insurers before purchasing.
