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 IMG Global If:
- ✓ You need strong US coverage
- ✓ You're in Latin America or Caribbean
- ✓ You want high deductible options ($25K)
- ✓ You're American or have US family ties
Choose Now Health If:
- ✓ You're based in Asia or Middle East long-term
- ✓ You don't need US coverage
- ✓ You value Traditional Chinese Medicine
- ✓ You want enhanced mental health benefits
Overview
IMG Global and Now Health International serve the international health insurance market from opposite sides of the Pacific. IMG, based in Indianapolis, has deep roots in US healthcare and serves expats worldwide with particular strength in the Americas. Now Health, headquartered in Hong Kong, specializes in Asia-Pacific and Middle East markets.
The key differentiator is US coverage. IMG handles US healthcare seamlessly—if you're American, have family in the US, or need occasional US coverage, IMG has clear advantages. If you're based in Asia with no US ties, Now Health offers better regional expertise and often better pricing.
Both are mid-tier insurers offering solid coverage at reasonable prices. Neither commands the premium of Cigna or Bupa, but both deliver reliable service and comprehensive plans for their target markets.
IMG Global at a Glance
- Parent Company: International Medical Group
- Founded: 1990
- Network: 900K+ providers globally
- Headquarters: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
- Best For: Americans abroad, US coverage needs
- Pricing: Competitive mid-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
- Pricing: Competitive mid-tier
Coverage Comparison
Both insurers offer comprehensive international coverage. IMG provides higher maximum limits and stronger US options, while Now Health includes unique benefits like Traditional Chinese Medicine and enhanced mental health.
| Coverage Feature | IMG Global | Now Health |
|---|---|---|
| Inpatient Hospital | Up to $8M (Select) | 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 (varies) | Included |
| Medical Evacuation | Up to $1M | Up to $1M |
| Alternative Medicine | Limited | Traditional Chinese Medicine included |
| US Coverage | Excellent (native) | Limited (add-on) |
Plan Tiers Compared
| Plan Tier | IMG Global | Now Health |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | Global Medical Insurance | WorldCare Lite |
| Mid-Range | Global Select | WorldCare Classic |
| Comprehensive | Global Select Plus | WorldCare Prestige |
| Deductible Range | $0 - $25,000 | $0 - $5,000 |
| Annual Maximum | $1M - $8M | $2.6M (Prestige) |
| Lifetime Maximum | Varies by plan | Unlimited |
Key difference: IMG offers higher annual maximums ($8M vs $2.6M) and much higher deductible options ($25K vs $5K). This flexibility lets cost-conscious expats reduce premiums significantly. Now Health's advantage is included benefits like TCM and enhanced mental health coverage.
Coverage Highlights
IMG Global Strengths
- ✓ Higher coverage maximums (up to $8M)
- ✓ Excellent US coverage (native insurer)
- ✓ High deductible options ($25K)
- ✓ Strong Latin America network
- ✓ 24/7 multilingual support
Now Health Strengths
- ✓ Traditional Chinese Medicine coverage
- ✓ Enhanced mental health benefits
- ✓ Vision included in some plans
- ✓ Unlimited lifetime maximum
- ✓ Superior Asia hospital relationships
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Pricing Breakdown
IMG and Now Health are competitively priced—often within 10-15% of each other for comparable coverage. IMG can be cheaper when you use high deductibles; Now Health is often cheaper for comprehensive plans in Asia.
| Profile | IMG Global | Now Health |
|---|---|---|
| Single, Age 30 (excl. US) | $100-150/mo | $120-170/mo |
| Single, Age 40 (excl. US) | $150-220/mo | $180-250/mo |
| Single, Age 50 (excl. US) | $250-350/mo | $280-380/mo |
| Single, Age 30 (incl. US) | $180-280/mo | $200-300/mo |
| Family of 4 (excl. US) | $380-520/mo | $420-600/mo |
Pricing note: IMG's higher deductible options ($10K-$25K) can reduce premiums dramatically—sometimes 40-50%. If you're healthy and want catastrophic-only coverage, IMG's flexibility is valuable. Now Health maxes out at $5,000 deductible.
Deductible Comparison
IMG offers broader deductible flexibility, which significantly impacts pricing:
IMG Deductible Options
- $0 — Full premium
- $500 — ~12% discount
- $2,500 — ~28% discount
- $5,000 — ~35% discount
- $10,000 — ~45% discount
- $25,000 — ~55% discount
Now Health Deductible Options
- $0 — Full premium
- $500 — ~15% discount
- $1,500 — ~25% discount
- $3,000 — ~35% discount
- $5,000 — ~40% discount
- (No higher options)
Network & Direct Billing
Both insurers maintain similar-sized networks (900K+ providers), but their regional strengths differ significantly. IMG excels in the Americas; Now Health excels in Asia-Pacific.
| Region | IMG Global | Now Health |
|---|---|---|
| Global Network Size | 900K+ providers | 900K+ providers |
| United States | Excellent (native) | Limited |
| Latin America | Strong | Good |
| Hong Kong | Good | Excellent (HQ) |
| Singapore | Good | Excellent |
| UAE/Middle East | Good | Excellent |
| Thailand | Strong | Strong |
| Europe | Strong | Good |
| Direct Billing | Good globally | Strong in Asia |
Direct Billing Experience
IMG Direct Billing
IMG's US roots show in their Americas coverage—excellent direct billing throughout the US, Mexico, Costa Rica, and other popular expat destinations. Their guarantee of payment system works smoothly with major US hospitals.
In Asia, IMG's direct billing works but isn't as deeply established as regional specialists. You may encounter more reimbursement situations in Asia compared to Now Health.
Now Health Direct Billing
Now Health's Hong Kong headquarters gives them exceptional relationships with Asian hospitals. Direct billing is seamless in Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, and UAE. Their local teams know the hospitals personally.
In the US and Latin America, Now Health's direct billing is more limited. Members in these regions often pay upfront and submit for reimbursement, which Now Health processes quickly.
Regional Strengths
Geography should heavily influence your choice between these two insurers:
United States
Winner: IMG Global (clearly) — IMG is a US company with deep US healthcare integration. If you need US coverage—even occasionally—IMG is the obvious choice. Now Health can add US coverage, but it's an afterthought compared to IMG's native capabilities.
Latin America & Caribbean
Winner: IMG Global — IMG has strong presence in Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, and throughout the Caribbean. Many American retirees in these regions choose IMG. Now Health covers these areas but isn't specialized.
Hong Kong & Singapore
Winner: Now Health — Now Health's home turf. Superior hospital relationships, faster claims processing, and deep local expertise. The choice is clear for these financial centers.
UAE & Middle East
Winner: Now Health — Now Health has expanded aggressively in the UAE market. Better hospital networks in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. IMG works but isn't their focus market.
Thailand & Southeast Asia
Winner: Now Health (edge) — Now Health's TCM coverage appeals to many Southeast Asia expats. Better Bangkok hospital relationships. IMG is solid but Now Health has regional advantages.
Europe
Winner: Tie — Neither specializes in Europe. Both work adequately, but Europe-based expats might consider Allianz or AXA instead. If choosing between these two, IMG has slightly better European coverage.
Claims Experience
Both insurers process claims professionally without significant complaints. The experience differs based on where you're located and how you prefer to interact with your insurer.
IMG Global Claims
- Submission: App, portal, email, fax
- Processing time: 5-10 business days
- Reimbursement: Direct deposit, check
- Languages: English, Spanish, other major
- 24/7 support: Yes
IMG's US headquarters means great phone support during US business hours and 24/7 emergency assistance. Their mobile app handles claims submission well. Spanish-speaking support is strong for Latin America members.
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 processes claims efficiently within Asia. Chinese and Arabic language support serves their core markets well. Not 24/7 but covers Asian business hours comprehensively.
Both perform well: Neither has significant claims issues. Choose based on location and language preferences rather than claims reputation—both deliver.
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Pre-existing Conditions
Both insurers require medical underwriting with similar approaches to pre-existing conditions.
IMG Global Approach
- • Full medical underwriting
- • Case-by-case evaluation
- • May exclude, load premium, or add waiting periods
- • Some plans offer "look-back" options
- • Typically 12-24 month wait for pre-existing
Now Health Approach
- • Medical underwriting required
- • Individual assessment
- • Exclusions or premium loading possible
- • Generally 24-month wait for pre-existing
- • Group scheme flexibility available
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 Mexico
65-year-old, wants coverage for occasional US visits to see grandchildren. Budget-conscious.
→ IMG Global Select — US coverage is essential. IMG's Latin America network is strong. High deductible ($10K+) keeps costs manageable. Better fit than Now Health for this scenario.
British Family in Hong Kong
Family of 4, parents age 40. No US ties. Value comprehensive coverage and local expertise.
→ Now Health WorldCare Classic — Hong Kong is Now Health's home. Superior hospital relationships. TCM coverage is useful. IMG works but Now Health is better positioned here.
American Digital Nomad in Thailand
32-year-old, healthy, moves around Asia. Parents in US, visits home annually.
→ IMG Global Medical Insurance — US coverage for home visits is valuable. Good Thailand coverage. High deductible keeps costs low for healthy nomad. IMG's flexibility fits the mobile lifestyle.
Australian Consultant in Dubai
45-year-old, single, on contract. Needs mental health coverage. No Americas travel planned.
→ Now Health WorldCare Classic — UAE is Now Health territory. Enhanced mental health benefits matter. No need for US coverage. Better regional expertise and potentially better pricing.
Cost-Conscious Young Expat
28-year-old, healthy, wants catastrophic coverage only. Based in Vietnam.
→ IMG with $10K-$25K deductible — IMG's high deductible options can cut premiums by 50%+. If you're healthy and just want emergency backup, IMG's flexibility is valuable. Now Health maxes out at $5K deductible.
TCM User in Singapore
52-year-old, uses Traditional Chinese Medicine regularly. Values integrated healthcare approach.
→ Now Health WorldCare Classic — TCM coverage is included and meaningful. Singapore is Now Health's strength. IMG doesn't cover TCM meaningfully. Clear choice for this lifestyle.
Who Should Choose Which
Choose IMG Global If You:
- ✓ Need US coverage (essential or occasional)
- ✓ Are based in Latin America or Caribbean
- ✓ Are American with family in the US
- ✓ Want high deductible options ($10K-$25K)
- ✓ Prefer US-based customer service
- ✓ Need higher coverage maximums ($8M)
- ✓ Want 24/7 multilingual support
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 scale
- ✓ Are in Hong Kong, Singapore, or UAE
- ✓ Want unlimited lifetime maximum
Final Verdict
IMG Global and Now Health International are both competent mid-tier international health insurers. The choice primarily depends on geography and US coverage needs.
IMG Global is the clear choice for anyone needing US coverage, based in Latin America, or preferring high-deductible options. Their US roots show in excellent Americas coverage and 24/7 English/Spanish support.
Now Health is the smarter choice for Asia and Middle East expats who don't need US coverage. Their regional expertise, TCM coverage, and enhanced mental health benefits serve their core markets well.
If you're between regions or uncertain, get quotes from both. They're competitively priced, and the actual numbers for your specific situation may clarify the choice.
Bottom Line
IMG Global for US coverage and the Americas. Now Health for Asia-Pacific and Middle East. Both are solid mid-tier choices—match their strengths to your location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is IMG a legitimate insurer?
Yes. IMG (International Medical Group) has operated since 1990 and is based in Indianapolis, Indiana. They're regulated in the US and have solid financial ratings. They serve millions of members worldwide and are a legitimate, established international health insurer.
Which is better for families?
Depends on location. For Asia-based families, Now Health often provides better value with superior regional coverage. For Americas-based families or those needing US coverage, IMG is the better choice. Both offer solid family plans.
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.
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.
Which processes claims faster?
Both process routine claims in 5-10 business days. Now Health may be faster in Asia due to local operations. IMG may be faster in the Americas. Neither has significant claims complaints.
Which has better customer service?
IMG offers 24/7 multilingual support with strong English and Spanish. Now Health offers extended hours with English, Chinese, and Arabic. Choose based on your language preferences and time zone—both are responsive.
