I’ll be honest with you today. Yes, I work with virtually every major international insurer on the market. But over the years, I’ve naturally developed a few “favourites”. And no, not because they offer me perks - they don’t. But because certain providers make life easier for my clients — and by extension, for me. Smoother claims. Faster payments. Fewer surprises.
“Happy wife - happy life” they say. Same here for me.
And while I’ll save my full April International breakdown for another post (because that defiantly deserves its own post), today I want to focus on one of the most well-known brands in the industry — Bupa Global — and share a few honest thoughts about their offering.
Let’s start with the big picture. There are 5 core individual plans in their range:
Major Medical
Select
Premier
Elite
Ultimate
But I’ll say this right up front - Most of my clients only ever seriously consider two of them — Select and Ultimate. The others? Well... let’s just say it depends on the circumstances. Let me explain.
1. Major Medical
This is Bupa Global’s entry-level international policy. In theory, it’s an affordable way to access private cover. But in practice? It’s inpatient-only, with no outpatient, no diagnostics, no GP or specialist consultations.
I’ve yet to come across a real-life situation where this was a suitable long-term solution.
To put it bluntly in my eyes it’s like booking a very cheap business-class flight… and discovering that it’s stand-up place and it doesn’t include a seat.
For similar premiums, other providers will usually offer a more well-rounded plan.
2. Select
This is Bupa’s most streamlined policy. And it’s genuinely one of the best “smart money” options on the list if you want the Bupa brand but not the Ultimate price tag:
Full inpatient cover
Outpatient up to £7,500/year
Diagnostics, mental health, and vaccinations within annual limits
Online GP, evacuation, optional excess, and flexible geographical zones
And yes — you can remove US coverage if not needed, which reduces cost considerably
This policy works well for clients based in Europe, the Middle East or Asia, who are in good health and want something solid and recognisable — without paying for cover they’ll never use.
3. Ultimate
Now we’re talking.
This isn’t just a policy — this is a Rolls-Royce in the world of global plans.
This is the only international plan on the market with a dedicated medical concierge service.
And no, that’s not just a buzzword.
We’re talking:
You call from Singapore, Cape Town, Cannes — wherever you are.
"My knee just flared up. I need help."
30 minutes later - “Here’s the nearest private hospital. Appointment booked. Consultant briefed. Paperwork sorted.” You just show up.
Don’t forget that this concierge team DOES work for Bupa, so yes — it still matters how you phrase things and what you say as the condition should be eligible. But the fact that someone can take the entire administrative burden off your plate, wherever you are in the world — that’s a massive win.
And the benefits list? Let’s just say it’s long. Very long.
Unlimited annual benefit
Unlimited outpatient and diagnostics
Extensive dental and optical — beyond anything that others are offering
Full maternity cover (plus assisted fertility)
Mental health
Global access to Health Suites — not just private rooms, but often it’s like a “four season” president suite
Post-op rehabilitation — in any health resort worldwide, for up to 30 days
Genetic screening, health assessments, second opinions, concierge navigation
And yes — US coverage is optional. If you don’t need it, don’t pay for it. But if you do, it’s there — seamlessly.
Now let’s talk numbers.
There’s a reason why Rolls-Royce doesn’t list the cost of their cars and any options that you can “tick” on their website. Why? Because if you’re considering such car, then most likely you are prepared to pay any cost. Despite this, we all know that a decent speck Phantom is going to set you down for about £500k (and will deprecate as hell every year you own it, but that’s completely different story).
So what about the Ultimate then? Here is an idea for you:
A family of three (two adults + child) will set you down by approximately £45,000 per year
Elderly couple (ages 76 & 74)? Be prepared to pay just under £150,000 per year
Yes, it’s not a typo. It’s a real cost of that product. BUT - the level of access, service, and global flexibility you get in return? Quite simply — unmatched.
Summary:
Select is a great fit if you:
Want a strong, recognisable insurer
Need decent benefits without overpaying
Prefer simplicity and value
Ultimate is for you if:
You don’t want to hear the words “that’s not covered”
You want full support — anywhere, anytime
And you’re happy to invest in peace of mind
Everything else in the range? Often ends up being a compromise — and compromises rarely work well in insurance. So if you need an honest overview of your options (whether you are thinking about it for the first time or already have cover in place) -
Send me a message and let’s arrange a call. Because with medical cover, the small print matters and the extensive knowledge and right guidance matters even more.