Situation Overview: A System on the Brink of Collapse

The unfolding situation in El Fasher, North Darfur, represents a catastrophic and interconnected humanitarian disaster. Understanding the strategic interplay between escalating violence, oppressive siege conditions, and a rapidly worsening public health emergency is critical to grasping the full scale of the crisis. The city has become a trap for its civilian population, where the fundamental pillars of survival—safety, health, and access to basic necessities—are systematically being dismantled.

International private medical insurance growth in Kenya East Africa

AXA Global Healthcare has announced a major expansion across Africa through two landmark strategic collaborations. The company is partnering with Old Mutual General Insurance Kenya for local underwriting and has established an exclusive distribution agreement with Executive Healthcare Solutions (EHS). This dual-pronged strategy is designed to significantly enhance international private medical insurance (IPMI) offerings and drive substantial growth throughout the region.

The debate over healthcare access and costs for non-citizens is a global one, sparking conversations about fairness, financial sustainability, and national responsibility. Recently, this discussion has intensified in South Korea, with headlines focusing on a rapid surge in medical expenses for foreign nationals covered by the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS).

The Saudi Arabian insurance sector is on a trajectory of unprecedented expansion, with a specific and profound surge forecasted for health insurance. According to a white paper by Bupa Arabia, health insurance premiums are projected to nearly double from SAR 42 billion ($11.2 billion) in 2024 to SAR 83 billion by 2030. This growth is a central component of the broader insurance market's expansion, which is expected to see gross written premiums (GWP) rise from SAR 75.9 billion in 2024 to over SAR 129 billion by 2030.

In this iPMI Global article, we explore a proposal by former Labour leader Neil Kinnock to levy VAT on private healthcare services in the UK. This measure aims to generate significant revenue for the National Health Service (NHS), which faces funding challenges. A similar tax was recently imposed on private school fees and that analysis suggests this new healthcare tax could raise over £2 billion. Polling indicates public support for increased taxation on private healthcare firms to benefit the NHS, framing this as a step towards addressing unequal access to care within a perceived two-tier system.

Cigna Healthcare Middle East, a global health services company, has signed a MoU with Ignyte, to provide comprehensive and scalable health coverage to start-ups registered with Ignyte.

Ignyte is a key initiative under the Dubai Digital Economy Strategy, designed to drive exponential growth for start-ups across industries.  This announcement makes Cigna Healthcare the first and exclusive healthcare provider associated with Ignyte.

In this iPMI Global Regional Insights article we explore the key trends shaping international private medical insurance in Latin America. We read the recent iPMI Global Round Table, iPMI Global LATAM iPMI, Assistance and Cost Containment Strategies and delve into several trends that are shaping healthcare and international private medical insurance (iPMI) in Latin America.

In this iPMI Global Regional Insights article we explore the key differences between public and private healthcare in Latin America. We read the recent iPMI Global Round Table, iPMI Global LATAM iPMI, Assistance and Cost Containment Strategies and delve into key differences between public and private healthcare in Latin America.

Bupa Global has launched its first African office in Nairobi, Kenya, recognizing the country as a significant growth market within its global strategy. This move follows the acquisition of an insurance license and is part of a substantial £55M investment in digital innovation and local partnerships. The Nairobi office aims to improve access to world-class healthcare across East Africa by employing a local team and offering various international health insurance plans. This expansion is further supported by Kenya's growing economy and the government's focus on increasing access to quality healthcare, creating a favorable environment for Bupa Global's services and digital tools.

Türkiye is implementing a significant reform to its health insurance system for foreign residents, effective April 1, 2025. 

The new regulations aim to provide broader and more reliable healthcare coverage for expatriates by mandating state-supervised insurance standards and extending access to selected public hospitals. However, this enhanced coverage will come at a significantly higher cost, as ineffective and low-cost policies designed primarily for residence permit applications will be phased out. The reform introduces minimum annual coverage limits, upfront payment requirements, and a shift in commission structures. While initially, public hospital coverage will primarily focus on emergency treatments, further details regarding scheduled appointments and elective procedures are expected. Foreign residents have a limited window before April 1, 2025, to secure existing insurance policies that could offer coverage at lower rates for a longer period.