A message from our Managing Director
When we launched our first report last year, our aim was simple. We wanted to share our data and insights, and to open up new conversations about the future of international private medical insurance (IPMI). We were the first in our sector to take that step because we believe transparency and communication are essential for building trust and helping our clients and intermediary partners plan with greater confidence. One year on, that purpose feels more important than ever. The pace of change in global healthcare is unrelenting. Expectations are rising, demand for IPMI is growing, and more customers are turning to international cover.
A New Claims Equation is emerging
At the same time, digital innovation and clinical advances are creating new opportunities to deliver better health outcomes for our members. This year’s data suggests the emergence of a potential new shift. For decades, cancer has defined the cost curve in IPMI. Today, while cancer remains one of our highest cost categories, claims appear to be stabilising, with frequency rising but severity reducing as people live longer and screening improves. It’s too early to say whether this represents the start of a sustained trend or simply a period of normalisation following the pandemic, but we’re monitoring it closely. At the same time, lifestyle-linked conditions such as obesity and type 2 diabetes are taking on a larger role, fuelled by ageing populations and the availability of new, costly treatments like GLP-1s - which we currently only cover for type 2 diabetes where clinically appropriate. This means we may see obesity and diabetes overtaking cancer as IPMI’s next big cost driver. However, these signals don’t stand alone; together, they’re shaping a developing pattern that we’re calling the New Claims Equation.
Building a sustainable IPMI future
Alongside the numbers, we’ve included expert perspectives and practical takeaways to support the conversations you are having with your clients. We also share more about Bupa Global’s response to this shifting landscape. We’re making access simpler with Blua and MembersWorld and strengthening delivery through investment in our healthcare management team and expanding our in-region clinical expertise. Bringing decisions closer to customers.
Upstream, we’re focused on prevention to support our members, including targeted screening and check-ups, earlier risk detection for diabetes and cholesterol, and day-to-day wellbeing support through our digital services and employer programmes.
On products, we’re launching more flexible cover, including updates already this year in Hong Kong, Egypt, Indonesia and Qatar. And behind the scenes, we’ve recently completed our first genomics pilot, which we’ll be rolling out in 2026. We’re also upgrading our data platforms, using AI to cut fraud and increase speed of straightforward claims, and collaborating with our intermediary partners via our Global Intermediary Advisory Board, so the way we price, design, and deliver cover stays aligned with the needs of our partners and their clients. All of these steps are part of a broader ambition to ensure the long-term sustainability of IPMI to keep innovating, delivering value, and supporting growth for our customers, partners and the wider industry.
"I hope you find our latest report both useful and thought-provoking. Above all, I hope it sparks the conversations that move our industry forward, so that together we can continue to shape a resilient, innovative and dynamic IPMI market in 2025 and beyond."
- Anthony Cabrelli, Managing Director, Bupa Global
Watch: Introducing the 2025 Healthcare Insights Report
Anthony Cabrelli shares why our 2025 report matters for our partners and the IPMI industry.