Is Globily cheaper than Now Health International?

For equivalent coverage limits, Globily is consistently competitive on price compared to Now Health International. Both are specialist expat insurers with transparent pricing, though Globily's three-tier structure (Bronze $250K, Silver $500K, Gold $1M) makes it particularly straightforward to compare.

How does Globily's claims speed compare to Aetna International?

Globily settles eligible claims within 24 hours via its Instant Payout system. Aetna International typically takes 7–21 business days for reimbursement claims. For expats managing medical costs in a foreign currency, this difference is significant — waiting three weeks for reimbursement creates real financial pressure.

Which international health insurer has the best direct billing network?

Now Health International has a strong global direct billing network, particularly across Asia-Pacific and the Middle East. However, network size alone doesn't determine practical cashless access. Globily's Smart Health Card is accepted at the point of admission across 190+ countries, including markets where some larger insurers have thinner coverage — particularly parts of Africa.

Is April International good for expats in the Middle East?

April International has a solid global network but its coverage is strongest in Europe and Asia-Pacific. Expats based in the UAE or wider Middle East may find Globily's UAE Only CareZone option or full worldwide coverage more practical for day-to-day cashless access.

Should I choose Bupa Global or Globily?

Bupa Global is one of the most recognised names in international health plan, with excellent customer service and an extensive hospital network. However, it is also among the most expensive providers. If brand recognition is your primary concern and budget is not a constraint, Bupa is a strong choice. If you want fast claims settlement (24-hour Instant Payout), competitive pricing, and direct access to a responsive team, Globily offers comparable or better coverage at a lower premium.

Is GeoBlue suitable for non-US expats?

GeoBlue is primarily designed for US nationals abroad, leveraging the Blue Cross Blue Shield network. It is less competitive for non-US nationals, and its network is thinner outside core markets. Non-US expats are generally better served by providers like Globily, Now Health International, or April International.

Which expat health insurer is best for NGO and humanitarian workers?

NGO and humanitarian workers have specific needs: coverage in high-risk or remote locations, fast claims settlement, and reliable cashless access in markets with limited private hospital infrastructure. Globily's 24-hour Instant Payout and Smart Health Card coverage across 190+ countries — including parts of Africa and the Middle East — make it well-suited for this group. Now Health International also has strong coverage for NGO workers through its flexible modular plans.

How do I get a quote from Globily?

You can get a free, no-obligation quote at globily.com. You'll receive a confirmed quote number valid for 30 days, with a full benefits breakdown for Bronze ($250K), Silver ($500K), and Gold ($1M) tiers. You can also call +1 877-200-3066 (USA), +1 719-266-2835 (International), or reach the team on WhatsApp at +719 203 7797.

International health plan comparison guide

Independent comparison guide

Globily vs Now Health, Aetna, April International, Bupa & GeoBlue

An honest, detailed comparison of the leading international health plan providers — covering coverage limits, claims speed, direct billing networks, customer support, and price.

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Why this comparison exists

When expats search for international health plan, the same five or six names come up repeatedly: Now Health International, Aetna International, April International, Bupa Global, GeoBlue — and increasingly, Globily.

This guide is designed to be genuinely useful, not a marketing exercise. We'll be honest about where the larger insurers have real advantages, and where Globily offers something meaningfully different. The goal is to help you make the right decision for your situation — even if that means choosing a competitor.

All information is current as of August 2026. Premium estimates are indicative; actual premiums depend on age, coverage area, and plan tier.

Provider profiles

Scores are out of 10. Claims speed, network quality, value for money, and customer support are weighted equally.

Our recommendation

Globily

Specialist expat insurer — fast claims, transparent pricing

Overall

Claims speed

Network

Value

Support

Max limit$1,000,000

Claims24 hours (Instant Payout)

Countries190+

Best for

Individual expats and families who want fast claims, transparent pricing, and direct team access

Strengths

24-hour Instant Payout claims settlement

Smart Health Card for cashless treatment in 190+ countries

Transparent three-tier pricing (Bronze $250K / Silver $500K / Gold $1M)

UAE Only CareZone option for UAE-based members

Direct access to US-based team via phone and WhatsApp

Competitive premiums relative to coverage limits

Weaknesses

Smaller brand profile than Now Health or Bupa — less name recognition at some hospital admissions desks

Newer to market than the established giants

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Now Health International

Award-winning specialist expat insurer

Overall

Claims speed

Network

Value

Support

Max limit$5,000,000+

Claims5–10 business days

Countries195+

Best for

Expats in Asia-Pacific and the Middle East seeking flexible, modular plans

Strengths

Multiple award-winning expat insurer with strong Asia-Pacific and Middle East presence

Highly flexible modular plan structure — tailor coverage to your exact needs

Competitive pricing relative to coverage limits

Strong digital tools and member app

24/7 multilingual customer support

Weaknesses

Less brand recognition at hospital admissions desks outside Asia-Pacific

Claims processing not as fast as Globily's Instant Payout

Plan complexity can make it harder to compare like-for-like

No UAE-specific CareZone option

Aetna International

US-focused international coverage

Overall

Claims speed

Network

Value

Support

Max limit$1,000,000+

Claims7–21 business days

Countries175+

Best for

US expats on employer-sponsored plans who want US-style coverage

Strengths

Strong US-based infrastructure — familiar to American expats

Good coverage in developed markets (North America, Europe, Australia)

Solid employer-sponsored group plan options

Established brand with long track record

Weaknesses

Individual expat plans less competitive on price than specialist providers

Network thinner in Africa, Middle East, and parts of Southeast Asia

Primarily designed for corporate group plans — individual expats feel secondary

Slowest claims processing of the major providers (7–21 business days)

April International

French-backed specialist for expats worldwide

Overall

Claims speed

Network

Value

Support

Max limit$2,000,000+

Claims5–10 business days

Countries195+

Best for

Expats who want a specialist European insurer with strong global coverage and flexible modular plans

Strengths

Specialist expat insurer — not a corporate group plan adapted for individuals

Strong European and Asia-Pacific hospital network

Flexible modular plan structure — add or remove cover as needed

Competitive pricing relative to coverage limits

Backed by April Group, a major European insurance specialist

Weaknesses

Less brand recognition than Bupa or Aetna at hospital admissions desks in some markets

Network coverage thinner in parts of sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America

Claims processing not as fast as Globily's Instant Payout

Bupa Global

Premium positioning, premium price

Overall

Claims speed

Network

Value

Support

Max limit$5,000,000+

Claims5–10 business days

Countries190+

Best for

Expats who want the most recognised premium brand and are willing to pay for it

Strengths

One of the most recognised names in international health plan

Excellent customer service reputation

Extensive global hospital network

High coverage limits on premium plans

Strong in Asia-Pacific and Middle East markets

Weaknesses

Among the most expensive providers in the market

Premium pricing reflects brand infrastructure, not necessarily better coverage

Claims processing not faster than mid-tier providers despite premium pricing

GeoBlue

US-focused, Blue Cross network abroad

Overall

Claims speed

Network

Value

Support

Max limit$1,000,000

Claims5–10 business days

Countries180+

Best for

Americans abroad who want Blue Cross Blue Shield network access and US-style coverage

Strengths

Access to Blue Cross Blue Shield network — ideal for US-connected expats

Strong US-based customer support

Good for Americans who travel back to the US regularly

Competitive pricing for US nationals

Weaknesses

Less competitive for non-US nationals

Network thinner outside core markets (US, Europe, parts of Asia)

Limited presence in Middle East, Africa, and parts of Latin America

Primarily designed for Americans — less suitable for other nationalities

Side-by-side comparison

All six providers compared across the factors that matter most to expats.

Feature	Globily	Now Health International	Aetna International	April International	Bupa Global	GeoBlue
Maximum coverage limit	$1,000,000	$5,000,000+	$1,000,000+	$2,000,000+	$5,000,000+	$1,000,000
Claims settlement speed	24 hours	5–10 days	7–21 days	5–10 days	5–10 days	5–10 days
Cashless / direct billing	Smart Health Card (190+ countries)	Global direct billing	Good in developed markets	Strong Europe & Asia-Pacific	Extensive global	Blue Cross network
Countries covered	190+	195+	175+	195+	190+	180+
Customer support	Phone + WhatsApp (US team)	24/7 multilingual	24/7 call centre	24/7 multilingual	24/7 premium	US-based team
Relative pricing	Competitive	Competitive–Mid	Mid–Premium	Mid–Premium	Premium+	Competitive (US nationals)
UAE-specific option	Yes — UAE Only CareZone
24-hour claims payout	Yes — Instant Payout

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about how Globily compares to the major international health insurers.

The bottom line

No single provider is right for every expat. The best international health plan plan depends on where you live, your budget, your health history, and what you value most in a provider.

If brand recognition and the largest possible hospital network are your priorities — and budget is not a constraint — Now Health International or Bupa Global are the established choices.

If you're an American expat on an employer-sponsored plan, Aetna International or GeoBlue may offer the most familiar coverage structure.

If you're based in Europe and want a specialist expat insurer with flexible modular plans, April International is a strong option.

If you want fast claims settlement, transparent pricing, direct access to a responsive US-based team, and competitive premiums — without paying the brand premium of the household names — Globily is worth a serious look.

Ready to compare your options?

Get a free, no-obligation quote from Globily — valid for 30 days, with a full benefits breakdown for all three plan tiers.

Get a free Globily quote +1 877-200-3066

Read our detailed blog comparison

Our blog post covers the same comparison in narrative form — useful if you want the full context behind each score.

Read: Globily vs Now Health, Aetna & April International