Bupa Global
Bupa Global Major Medical
Premium worldwide private health cover from a London-based heritage insurer — top-up plan for international students who already have NHS access
From from £100/mo–350/mo
Last updated: April 27, 2026
Choose Your Plan
Available Plans
Compare coverage tiers and pick the plan that fits your needs.
Major Medical
From from £100 /month
- Outpatient: Not included (top-up only — assumes NHS or other day-to-day...
- Mental health: Covered same as physical health, up to annual...
Select
From from £160 /month
- Outpatient: Routine outpatient cover included
- Mental health: Covered up to annual limit
Most Comprehensive
Premier
From from £230 /month
- Dental: Routine dental treatment included
- Mental health: Covered up to annual limit
Elite
From from £350 /month
- Dental: Comprehensive dental
- Mental health: Covered up to annual limit
Coverage Comparison
Compare Plan Coverage
See exactly what each plan covers side by side.
| Feature | Major Medical | Select | Most Comprehensive Premier | Elite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core Coverage | ||||
| Outpatient Treatment | Not included (top-up only — assumes NHS or other day-to-day cover) | Routine outpatient cover included | Not covered | Not covered |
| Hospital (Inpatient) | Not covered | Not covered | Not covered | Not covered |
| Medication | Not covered | Not covered | Not covered | Not covered |
| Deductible / Co-pay | Not covered | Not covered | Not covered | Not covered |
| Dental & Vision | ||||
| Dental Care | Not covered | Not covered | Routine dental treatment included | Comprehensive dental |
| Dental Budget | Not covered | Not covered | Not covered | Not covered |
| Vision | Not covered | Not covered | Not covered | Not covered |
| Additional Benefits | ||||
| Mental Health | Covered same as physical health, up to annual limit | Covered up to annual limit | Covered up to annual limit | Covered up to annual limit |
| Pregnancy & Maternity | Not covered | Not covered | Not covered | Not covered |
| Telemedicine | | | | |
| Repatriation | | | | |
| Visa Compliant | | | | |
| Apply Major Medical → | Apply Select → | Apply Premier → | Apply Elite → | |
Major Medical
Select
Premier Most Comprehensive
Elite
Core Coverage
Outpatient Treatment
Not included (top-up only — assumes NHS or other day-to-day cover)
Routine outpatient cover included
Not covered
Not covered
Hospital (Inpatient)
Not covered
Not covered
Not covered
Not covered
Medication
Not covered
Not covered
Not covered
Not covered
Deductible / Co-pay
Not covered
Not covered
Not covered
Not covered
Dental & Vision
Dental Care
Not covered
Not covered
Routine dental treatment included
Comprehensive dental
Dental Budget
Not covered
Not covered
Not covered
Not covered
Vision
Not covered
Not covered
Not covered
Not covered
Additional Benefits
Mental Health
Covered same as physical health, up to annual limit
Covered up to annual limit
Covered up to annual limit
Covered up to annual limit
Pregnancy & Maternity
Not covered
Not covered
Not covered
Not covered
Telemedicine
Repatriation
Visa Compliant
What's Covered
Benefits and coverage details.
Included
Trusted UK heritage brand — Bupa has provided healthcare since 1947
Four tiers from affordable Major Medical to comprehensive Elite
Mental health treated equally to physical health on all plans
24/7 Global Virtual Care included on all tiers
Premiums are not increased after individual claims — designed to be used
Not Covered
More expensive than budget travel medical plans (Major Medical from ~£100/month)
Major Medical excludes routine outpatient — assumes you have NHS or domestic cover
Pre-existing conditions usually excluded or rated up after underwriting
Routine maternity only on Elite plan with 18-month waiting period
Pricing
Pricing by Age
Monthly net premium by age group. No hidden fees.
Age Group Monthly Premium
Fulfills insurance obligation
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about Bupa Global Major Medical
Yes, especially as a top-up to the NHS. International students on student visas pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (£776/year) for NHS access. Bupa Global Major Medical adds private hospital rooms, faster specialist access, and worldwide cover when travelling — but it's a premium choice, not a budget visa-compliance plan.
Bupa UK is a domestic UK private medical insurer (typically £45-90/month). Bupa Global is the international division offering worldwide cover at a higher price point — designed for expats, international students, and people who travel frequently outside the UK.
No — Major Medical is designed as a top-up to existing day-to-day cover (NHS or domestic insurance). It covers hospital admissions, surgery, cancer care, and mental health, but not routine GP visits or outpatient care. Choose Select or Premier if you want outpatient cover.
For planned treatment Bupa Global requires pre-authorisation via MembersWorld. For emergencies, get the treatment first and contact Bupa within 48 hours. Direct billing is available at most major international hospitals in their network.
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