Optimum Global’s GEM Plans: New Rates for 2025 and Why They Still Offer Outstanding Value
Optimum Global has announced updated rates for its popular GEM international health insurance plans, effective July 1, 2025. The average increase across all plans is just 6%, which remains highly competitive – especially when compared to the global medical trend in 2025 of 10%+. As highlighted in our 2025 Medical Trend Report, most insurers are raising premiums in the 10–12% range this year.
That makes Optimum Global’s modest increase particularly attractive for companies and individuals seeking high-quality, customizable, and regionally-flexible coverage for expats.
A Quick Overview of the GEM Plans
Optimum Global’s GEM suite includes five core plan levels – Emerald, Sapphire, Ruby, Jade, and Diamond – with varying benefit levels and flexibility. Each of these plans is designed to meet the healthcare needs of globally mobile individuals, families, and employers of expatriates.
Key features include:
Regional Area of Cover Options
Choose from five different areas of cover to match your risk and budget profiles:
- Worldwide
- Worldwide excluding the USA
- Asia (defined as Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, East Timor, India, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam)
- Africa
- Africa, India & Pakistan
Out-Patient Co-Pay and Deductible Flexibility
- Out-patient co-pay: Nil, 10%, or 20%
- Deductible: Choose from six options, from Nil to US$10,000
This level of customization allows clients to tailor their plans to manage both cost and access—something few international health insurers offer with such breadth.
Attractive Pricing for Families and Smaller Groups
- A 10% discount is available for individual and family plans with one or more children
- Group pricing tiers for:
- 3–9 lives
- 10–19 lives
- 20+ lives
Groups of 5+ employees are eligible for Medical History Disregarded (MHD) underwriting, allowing full cover for pre-existing conditions.
Onshore Licensing in Key African Markets
For employers operating in regulated markets across Africa, Optimum Global provides fully compliant, licensed solutions in:
Angola, DRC, Kenya, Libya, Morocco, Nigeria, Tanzania, Tunisia, and Zimbabwe
All plans are 100% reinsured by AXA, providing added confidence in claims management and financial backing.
Why It Matters: A Smart Solution for Expat Employers
For companies managing expatriate teams, the ability to balance coverage quality and cost is essential. With premiums rising sharply across the industry, Optimum Global’s updated pricing provides real value.
Their flexible underwriting, region-based pricing, and broad benefit levels make the GEM plans a compelling choice for:
- Small to mid-sized enterprises looking for MHD solutions
- Employers operating across Africa and Asia
- Globally mobile families needing international portability
- Organizations seeking better plan design control
Common Questions
Here are some answers to frequent questions about Optimum Global’s group offerings, drawn from their Group Plans FAQ:
- Is MHD available for small groups? Yes – groups of 5+ can apply for MHD underwriting.
- Is there cover for chronic conditions and cancer? Yes – all plans include inpatient and outpatient treatment for chronic conditions and cancer care.
- Can plans be customized by employee location? Yes – regional area of cover selection allows you to localize your coverage by geography.
- How quickly can policies be set up? Once all documents are submitted, plan issuance can take as little as a few business days.
Important note: these plans are not available to expats in mainland China. If you are an expat living and working in mainland China, please click here to request an international health insurance quote (making sure to note your as ‘Country of Expat Residence’ as China).
Ready to Explore Optimum Global?
If you’re considering a new international health insurance solution – or simply want to compare your current provider to what’s available – Optimum Global’s GEM plans are worth a closer look.
Contact us to receive a tailored proposal and learn how Optimum Global compares to other leading international insurers.
To learn more please get in touch: [email protected] or click here to contact us.
