Bupa Global in Vietnam: Health Insurance for Expats
Bupa Global distinguishes itself as a top-of-the-line international health insurance provider, with premium benefits for expats in Vietnam. Families, executives, and individuals over 50 will find Bupa’s five tiers of coverage ideal, with annual maximums starting at about USD $1,353,030.
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Are you an expat deciding which health insurance you need for Vietnam? Are you trying to compare providers that specialize in the best benefits for you and your family?
In this article, we will outline what Bupa Global offers to expats in Vietnam. We’ll compare the company’s unique offerings to other international insurers, explain direct billing options, and more. Read on to see if Bupa is the right provider for you.
Bupa Global International Plans for Expats in Vietnam in 2026
Bupa Global’s five international health insurance plans are the Major Medical, Select, Premier, Elite, and Ultimate plans, with annual maximums ranging from about USD $1,353,030 to unlimited. Expats can choose worldwide coverage or worldwide excluding U.S. coverage to save on premiums.
Bupa’s premium offerings make it more expensive than other brands like NOW Health or April International, but they offer unique value through a wide network of partner hospitals, some pre-existing conditions coverage, in-person customer service, and bespoke plans for excellent coverage.
See the table below for a breakdown of annual maximums by plan:
| Bupa Global Annual Benefit Limits Comparison | ||
| Plan | Annual Benefit Limit GBP | Annual Benefit Limit (USD) |
| Major Medical | £2,000,000 | About $2,706,060 |
| Select | £1,000,000 | About $1,353,030 |
| Premier | £1,500,000 | About $2,029,545 |
| Elite | £3,000,000 | About $4,059,090 |
| Ultimate | Unlimited | Unlimited |
Benefits Comparison of Bupa Global Plans
Bupa Global has over two million providers in their extensive global healthcare network, making it one of the largest in the world. With on-demand digital tools, options for second medical opinions, direct billing, and 24/7 multilingual support, Bupa gives expats in Vietnam every perk.
We’ve outlined some of Bupa’s benefits by plan below.
| Bupa Global Benefits Coverage Comparison | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Major Medical | Select | Premier | Elite | Ultimate | |
| Day-to-day private healthcare | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Private hospital accommodation | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Operating room, medicines, and surgical dressings | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cancer treatment | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Mental health | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Rehabilitation | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Home nursing | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Medical evacuation | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Medical repatriation | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Diagnostic tests | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Health checks | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Outpatient prescribed medicines and dressings | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Vaccinations | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Optical and dental | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Maternity | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Newborn care | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Assisted fertility treatment | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Complementary therapies | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Lifecare concierge | No | No | No | No | Yes |
| Cover for your children at no extra costs | No | No | No | No | Yes |
Pre-existing Conditions Coverage from Bupa
Pre-existing conditions are not automatically covered on Bupa plans, but you may get coverage for certain conditions, like pregnancy or dental, after a waiting period. Coverage is also dependent on whether you select full medical underwriting or moratorium underwriting.
Medical Underwriting through Bupa
Pre-existing conditions are not covered with medical underwriting, according to Bupa’s website. New conditions can receive coverage.
Full medical underwriting is when an insurer asks you to provide information about your lifestyle and medical history before the policy begins so that they know of any pre-existing conditions and can confirm what coverage you can receive.
Full medical underwriting helps expats know exactly what is and isn’t covered under their chosen plan, and while the application can take longer, making a claim is quick and easy.
Moratorium Underwriting through Bupa
Bupa may cover pre-existing conditions that started before the policy under moratorium underwriting. Expats who haven’t had symptoms, treatment, or medical advice for the condition in the previous two years may receive covered treatment.
Moratorium underwriting allows expats to not tell Bupa about health issues before coverage starts. Bupa will ask for your medical history when you file a claim. From there, Bupa can decide if the condition was pre-existing and whether or not to cover it.
Moratorium underwriting takes longer once claims are submitted but are faster upfront when applying for coverage. Note that moratorium underwriting can also be more costly if you need a pre-treatment form from your doctor.
| Bupa Plans With Additional Coverage After Waiting Period | |||
| Health Checks | Maternity | Dental & Optical | |
| Major Medical | Unavailable | Unavailable | Unavailable |
| Select | Yes | Unavailable | Unavailable |
| Premier | Yes | Unavailable | Yes |
| Elite | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Ultimate | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Price of Bupa Global for Vietnam Expats
Bupa plans are more expensive than many other competitors, making Bupa better for affluent families, retirees, and or executives. An individual international health insurance plan from Bupa can cost anywhere from about USD $2,500 to $12,000+, with family plans reaching USD $20,000 to $30,000+.
According to Pacific Prime’s Cost of International Health Insurance Report, individuals in Vietnam paid an average of USD $4,547 in 2024 for international health insurance, while families paid an average of USD $12,505. This puts Bupa well above the average prices.
Below, we compare average prices for individual international health insurance from NOW Health, Cigna, and Bupa:
International Health Insurance Price Comparison: NOW Health vs. Cigna vs. Bupa (USD) |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| Insurer | Age 30 (Annual Estimate) | Age 45 (Annual Estimate) | Age 60 (Annual Estimate) |
| NOW Health International | $1,500–$2,500 | $2,200–$4,000 | $5,000–$7,500 |
| Cigna Global | $1,800–$2,800 | $3,200–$5,500 | $6,500–$9,000 |
| Bupa Global | $2,500–$3,500 | $4,500–$6,500 | $8,000–$12,000+ |
To lower costs, expats in Vietnam may consider excluding U.S. or European coverage.
All Bupa plans come with the option for worldwide coverage or worldwide coverage excluding the United States. The Select, Premier, Elite, and Ultimate plans also offer worldwide coverage excluding the United States and Europe.
Including coverage for the United States is much riskier for insurers, as U.S. healthcare is extremely expensive. Because of this, excluding U.S. coverage from a Bupa Global plan can reduce premiums by roughly 30% to 50%.
Please note that all insurance prices are highly individual, with costs depending on health history, plan selection, deductibles, copays, and more. For exact prices, please use our free quote tool.
Direct Billing and Filing Claims with Bupa Global
Bupa has direct billing options at top facilities in Vietnam, including Vinmec International Hospital. To enjoy these benefits, contact Bupa before your visit to secure a Guarantee of Payment (GOP), and always bring your Bupa membership card and your physical passport to the hospital.
Some of the top medical facilities in Vietnam where Bupa offers direct billing include:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Bupa’s digital tools?
MembersWorld helps you with tasks like submitting claims, requesting pre-authorization, or accessing your membership card. Blua lets you see a doctor online, get prescriptions delivered, and set wellness goals. Global Virtual Care (GVC) allows unlimited virtual appointments with doctors for free.
What is the best international health insurance for expats?
The best international health insurance depends on your budget and health history, but Bupa is a favorite with expats for top-of-the-line care. Cigna and NOW Health offer less expensive coverage, with Cigna being a go-to provider for American expats.
Is Bupa or Allianz insurance better?
Expats who want premium-level support and vast hospital networks traditionally prefer Bupa. Allianz offers more affordable prices and entry-level plans.
Conclusion
Bupa is ideal for those who are willing to pay more money for sophisticated digital tools, a massive medical network, and excellent plan benefits. If you’re still deciding which provider is best for you, read our article on the top 10 insurance companies in Vietnam for expats in 2026.
To start comparing quotes, use our free quote tool or talk to one of our professional brokers. They can help you get the best deal on a plan, compare other top providers like Cigna, and more.
Serena earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of British Columbia, Canada. As such, she is an avid advocate of mental health and is fascinated by all things psychology (especially if it’s cognitive psychology!).
Her previous work experience includes teaching toddlers to read, writing for a travel/wellness online magazine, and then a business news blog. These combined experiences give her the skills and insights she needs to explain complex ideas in a succinct way. Being the daughter of an immigrant and a traveler herself, she is passionate about educating expats and digital nomads on travel and international health insurance.
- Bupa Global in Vietnam: Health Insurance for Expats - July 17, 2026
- NOW Health International in Vietnam: Plans for Expats - July 13, 2026
- Cigna Health Insurance in Vietnam: A Guide for Expats (2026) - July 13, 2026
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