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
Choose GeoBlue If:
- ✓ You're American and want BCBS network access
- ✓ You need strong US coverage
- ✓ You value direct billing in the US
- ✓ You're based in Latin America or Europe
Choose Now Health If:
- ✓ You're based in Asia or Middle East
- ✓ You don't need US coverage
- ✓ You value Traditional Chinese Medicine
- ✓ You want enhanced mental health benefits
Overview
GeoBlue and Now Health represent two different philosophies in international health insurance. GeoBlue is the global arm of Blue Cross Blue Shield, America's most recognized health insurance brand, offering expats seamless access to the US healthcare system alongside worldwide coverage. Now Health, founded in Hong Kong by industry veterans, focuses on delivering expert service and value in Asia-Pacific and Middle East markets.
For Americans abroad, GeoBlue is often the default consideration—the Blue Cross name is familiar and trusted. But if you're not American, or you're based in Asia without US ties, Now Health frequently delivers better value and regional expertise.
Both are legitimate, well-established insurers. GeoBlue benefits from BCBS's massive network and brand trust. Now Health benefits from focused expertise in high-cost healthcare markets like Hong Kong and Singapore where attention to detail matters.
GeoBlue at a Glance
- Parent Company: Blue Cross Blue Shield Association
- Founded: 2008 (BCBS dates to 1929)
- Network: 1.5M+ via BCBS Global Core
- Headquarters: King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Best For: Americans abroad, US coverage needs
- Pricing: Mid-to-premium tier
Now Health at a Glance
- Parent Company: Now Health International
- Founded: 2012 (by Cigna/Aetna veterans)
- Network: 900K+ providers
- Headquarters: Hong Kong
- Best For: Asia/Middle East expats, value seekers
- Pricing: Competitive mid-tier
Coverage Comparison
Both insurers offer comprehensive international health coverage. GeoBlue provides higher maximum limits and superior US integration, while Now Health includes unique benefits like Traditional Chinese Medicine and enhanced mental health coverage.
| Coverage Feature | GeoBlue | Now Health |
|---|---|---|
| Inpatient Hospital | Up to $5M (Xplorer) | Up to $2.6M |
| Outpatient Care | Full coverage | Full coverage |
| Mental Health | Included (varies by plan) | Included (enhanced) |
| Maternity | Optional add-on | Optional add-on |
| Dental | Optional add-on | Optional add-on |
| Vision | Optional add-on | Included in some plans |
| Wellness/Preventive | Included | Included |
| Medical Evacuation | $500K - $1M | Up to $1M |
| Alternative Medicine | Limited | Traditional Chinese Medicine included |
| US Coverage | Excellent (BCBS network) | Limited (add-on) |
Plan Tiers Compared
| Plan Tier | GeoBlue | Now Health |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | Xplorer Essential | WorldCare Lite |
| Mid-Range | Xplorer | WorldCare Classic |
| Comprehensive | Xplorer Premier | WorldCare Prestige |
| Deductible Range | $0 - $5,000 | $0 - $5,000 |
| Annual Maximum | $1M - $5M | $2.6M (Prestige) |
| Lifetime Maximum | $5M - Unlimited | Unlimited |
Key difference: GeoBlue's connection to Blue Cross Blue Shield gives it unmatched US coverage—virtually every US hospital accepts BCBS. Now Health's advantage is regional expertise in Asia and included benefits like TCM that GeoBlue doesn't offer.
Coverage Highlights
GeoBlue Strengths
- ✓ BCBS network access (US gold standard)
- ✓ Higher coverage maximums (up to $5M)
- ✓ Excellent US direct billing
- ✓ Familiar US-style coverage structure
- ✓ Strong Latin America coverage
Now Health Strengths
- ✓ Traditional Chinese Medicine coverage
- ✓ Enhanced mental health benefits
- ✓ Vision included in some plans
- ✓ Superior Asia hospital relationships
- ✓ Often better pricing in Asia
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Pricing Breakdown
GeoBlue and Now Health are competitively priced for their respective markets. GeoBlue tends to be slightly more expensive, reflecting the BCBS brand premium and comprehensive US coverage. Now Health often undercuts GeoBlue by 10-15% for Asia-based expats.
| Profile | GeoBlue | Now Health |
|---|---|---|
| Single, Age 30 (excl. US) | $120-180/mo | $120-170/mo |
| Single, Age 40 (excl. US) | $180-260/mo | $180-250/mo |
| Single, Age 50 (excl. US) | $300-420/mo | $280-380/mo |
| Single, Age 30 (incl. US) | $200-320/mo | $200-300/mo |
| Family of 4 (incl. US) | $600-900/mo | $520-700/mo |
Pricing note: GeoBlue's pricing includes robust US coverage—you pay for it whether you use it or not. If you don't need US coverage, Now Health often provides better value. But for Americans with US ties, GeoBlue's US integration is worth the premium.
Deductible Options
Both insurers offer similar deductible structures with comparable premium discounts:
GeoBlue Deductible Options
- $0 — Full premium
- $250 — ~10% discount
- $500 — ~15% discount
- $1,000 — ~22% discount
- $2,500 — ~30% discount
- $5,000 — ~38% discount
Now Health Deductible Options
- $0 — Full premium
- $500 — ~15% discount
- $1,500 — ~25% discount
- $3,000 — ~35% discount
- $5,000 — ~40% discount
Network & Direct Billing
GeoBlue's connection to Blue Cross Blue Shield gives it exceptional network strength, especially in the US. Now Health's smaller but focused network excels in Asia-Pacific where they've cultivated deep hospital relationships.
| Region | GeoBlue | Now Health |
|---|---|---|
| Global Network Size | 1.5M+ (via BCBS alliance) | 900K+ providers |
| United States | Excellent (BCBS native) | Limited |
| Europe | Strong | Good |
| Hong Kong | Good | Excellent (HQ) |
| Singapore | Good | Excellent |
| UAE/Middle East | Good | Excellent |
| Latin America | Strong | Good |
| Thailand | Good | Strong |
| Direct Billing | Excellent globally | Strong in Asia |
Direct Billing Experience
GeoBlue Direct Billing
GeoBlue's BCBS connection means virtually every US hospital accepts direct billing. Show your GeoBlue card and the hospital handles the rest. This is GeoBlue's killer feature for Americans.
Internationally, GeoBlue's Global Core network offers direct billing at major hospitals in most countries. Not as seamless as in the US, but still smooth at partner facilities.
Now Health Direct Billing
Now Health excels at direct billing in Asia-Pacific. Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, and UAE hospitals know them well. Their local teams maintain personal relationships with hospital billing departments.
In the US, Now Health's direct billing is more limited. Members typically pay upfront and file for reimbursement, which Now Health processes efficiently but isn't as smooth as GeoBlue's native US coverage.
Regional Strengths
Your location strongly influences which insurer serves you better:
United States
Winner: GeoBlue (clearly) — GeoBlue IS Blue Cross Blue Shield internationally. Every US hospital that accepts BCBS (virtually all of them) accepts GeoBlue. For US coverage, nothing beats this connection. Now Health can add US coverage, but it's not comparable.
Latin America & Caribbean
Winner: GeoBlue — GeoBlue has strong presence in Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, and Caribbean nations popular with American retirees. Now Health covers these areas but isn't specialized.
Hong Kong & Singapore
Winner: Now Health — Now Health's home turf. Superior hospital relationships and local expertise. Better value in these expensive healthcare markets. GeoBlue works but isn't optimized for Asia.
UAE & Middle East
Winner: Now Health — Now Health has expanded aggressively in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Better hospital networks and often better pricing. GeoBlue is adequate but less specialized.
Thailand & Southeast Asia
Winner: Now Health — TCM coverage is valuable here. Better Bangkok hospital relationships. Now Health's regional expertise shows. GeoBlue covers the region adequately but without regional specialization.
Europe
Winner: GeoBlue (slight edge) — Both are adequate for Europe. GeoBlue's larger network gives it an edge. Neither specializes in Europe—consider Allianz or AXA for Europe-focused coverage.
Claims Experience
Both insurers process claims professionally. GeoBlue benefits from BCBS infrastructure; Now Health benefits from regional expertise and smaller scale allowing personal attention.
GeoBlue Claims
- Submission: App, portal, email
- Processing time: 5-10 business days
- Reimbursement: Direct deposit, check
- Languages: English, Spanish
- 24/7 support: Yes
GeoBlue's mobile app is excellent—modern, easy to use, with real-time claims tracking. Their 24/7 support line is staffed by knowledgeable agents. The BCBS brand means established processes.
Now Health Claims
- Submission: App, portal, email
- Processing time: 5-7 business days
- Reimbursement: Direct deposit preferred
- Languages: English, Chinese, Arabic
- Support hours: Extended hours (Asia-focused)
Now Health's Hong Kong team handles claims efficiently. Members report good communication and fast turnaround in Asia. Chinese and Arabic language support serves their core markets well.
Both perform well: Neither has significant claims complaints. GeoBlue's app and 24/7 support are slightly more polished. Now Health's regional teams provide more personalized service in Asia.
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Pre-existing Conditions
Both insurers require medical underwriting with similar approaches to pre-existing conditions.
GeoBlue Approach
- • Full medical underwriting
- • Case-by-case evaluation
- • May exclude, load premium, or add waiting periods
- • Typically 12-24 month wait for pre-existing
- • Some plans offer "look-back" periods
Now Health Approach
- • Medical underwriting required
- • Individual assessment
- • Exclusions or premium loading possible
- • Generally 24-month wait for pre-existing
- • Some flexibility for group transitions
Important: Always disclose pre-existing conditions fully. Non-disclosure can void your policy. Both insurers investigate claims related to pre-existing conditions carefully.
Real-World Scenarios
Here's how each insurer typically performs in realistic expat situations:
American Retiree in Costa Rica
68-year-old, needs coverage for annual US visits to doctors. Familiar with Blue Cross from career.
→ GeoBlue Xplorer — BCBS familiarity plus excellent US coverage. Can see US doctors seamlessly during visits home. Costa Rica coverage is strong. Brand trust matters for retirees.
Australian Entrepreneur in Singapore
42-year-old, no US ties. Values comprehensive coverage and local expertise.
→ Now Health WorldCare Classic — Singapore is Now Health's strength. No need for US coverage means better value. Better local hospital relationships. Clear choice for this scenario.
American Tech Worker in Amsterdam
35-year-old, healthy, visits family in US twice yearly. Company provides insurance budget.
→ GeoBlue Xplorer — US visits require solid US coverage. BCBS network means easy doctor access in US. Europe coverage adequate. Worth paying for BCBS connection.
British Couple in Thailand
Both 55, use Traditional Chinese Medicine. No Americas travel planned.
→ Now Health WorldCare Classic — TCM coverage is valuable for their lifestyle. Thailand is Now Health territory. No need for US coverage. Better value and regional expertise.
American Family in Dubai
Family of 4, kids in school. Parents age 40. Visit US grandparents annually.
→ Either works—compare quotes — GeoBlue provides better US coverage for annual visits. Now Health provides better Dubai expertise. Family pricing may favor one over the other. Get actual quotes.
Canadian Digital Nomad in Hong Kong
28-year-old, healthy, no US ties. Budget-conscious but wants quality coverage.
→ Now Health WorldCare Lite — Hong Kong is Now Health's home turf. Better pricing without US coverage overhead. Strong local coverage. GeoBlue's BCBS advantage doesn't help a Canadian.
Who Should Choose Which
Choose GeoBlue If You:
- ✓ Are American and value BCBS network
- ✓ Need strong US coverage
- ✓ Visit the US regularly
- ✓ Are based in Latin America or Caribbean
- ✓ Want familiar US-style insurance
- ✓ Value 24/7 English support
- ✓ Want higher coverage maximums ($5M)
Choose Now Health If You:
- ✓ Are based in Asia/Middle East long-term
- ✓ Don't need US coverage
- ✓ Value Traditional Chinese Medicine
- ✓ Want enhanced mental health coverage
- ✓ Prefer regional expertise over global brand
- ✓ Are in Hong Kong, Singapore, or UAE
- ✓ Want better value without US coverage premium
Final Verdict
GeoBlue and Now Health serve different markets with different strengths. The choice is clearer than many comparisons: it depends heavily on your nationality and US coverage needs.
GeoBlue is the natural choice for Americans abroad. The Blue Cross Blue Shield connection means seamless US coverage—no other international insurer can match this. If you're American and visit the US regularly, GeoBlue's premium is worth it.
Now Health is the smarter choice for non-Americans in Asia and Middle East who don't need US coverage. Their regional expertise, TCM coverage, and better pricing serve these markets better than GeoBlue's US-focused offering.
The exception: Americans in Asia who rarely visit the US might find Now Health sufficient. But if you value the BCBS safety net for any potential US healthcare needs, GeoBlue remains the safer choice.
Bottom Line
GeoBlue for Americans and those needing US coverage. Now Health for Asia/Middle East expats without US ties. Both are solid insurers—match their strengths to your nationality and location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is GeoBlue the same as Blue Cross Blue Shield?
GeoBlue is the international health insurance arm of Blue Cross Blue Shield. It's part of the BCBS Association and uses BCBS networks, but is specifically designed for expats and travelers. Your GeoBlue card works at BCBS providers in the US.
Can non-Americans use GeoBlue?
Yes, GeoBlue accepts non-US citizens. However, GeoBlue's main advantage—BCBS network access—is most valuable for those who need US healthcare. Non-Americans without US ties often find better value elsewhere.
Which is better for families?
Depends on location and nationality. For American families abroad, GeoBlue provides valuable US coverage for visits home. For non-American families in Asia, Now Health typically offers better value and regional coverage.
Can I switch between them?
Yes, but you'll undergo new underwriting. Pre-existing conditions developed on one plan become pre-existing on the other with typical 24-month waiting periods. Neither guarantees accepting your previous coverage terms.
Which has the better mobile app?
GeoBlue's app is more polished with better features—facility finder, digital ID cards, real-time claims tracking, and 24/7 support access. Now Health's app handles basics well but isn't as feature-rich. If app experience matters significantly, GeoBlue has the edge.
What about maternity coverage?
Both offer maternity as an optional add-on with 10-12 month waiting periods. Coverage and pricing are similar. Neither includes maternity in base plans. Add the coverage before conception for best results.
