Bupa Arabia Expands the “Bupa No Pre-Approvals” Initiative to More Than 17 Hospitals
Bupa Arabia for Cooperative Insurance concluded its participation as a sponsor of the Global Insurance Conference & Exhibition (InGate 2025), the first platform of its kind in the Kingdom and the wider region.
The exhibition was recently held in Riyadh under the patronage of His Excellency Mohammed Al-Jadaan, Minister of Finance and Chairman of the Financial Sector Development Program Committee, and organized by the Insurance Authority, to discuss the future of the sector and accelerate the transition toward a more innovative and sustainable ecosystem that reinforces its role in supporting the national economy.
Bupa Arabia’s participation underscored its commitment to supporting the national transformation of the health insurance sector and highlighting its pioneering initiatives in innovation, digital transformation, and healthcare integration. These efforts contribute to enhancing customer experience and strengthening the efficiency of the Kingdom’s health insurance system, in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030 and the Health Transformation Program.
Direct Access to Care
During the conference, Bupa Arabia showcased a series of its most innovative initiatives, foremost among them the “Bupa No Pre- Approvals” initiative, the first health insurance model in the Kingdom that enables beneficiaries to receive outpatient services — including laboratory tests, radiology, and medications — without the need for prior approvals.
The initiative currently includes more than 17 hospitals across various regions in the Kingdom. The company also announced an expansion plan following the signing of several agreements during the conference with leading healthcare providers such as Saudi German Hospital, Al Salama Hospital, and King’s College Hospital London.
These agreements aim to strengthen integration between the public and private sectors and contribute to building a more efficient and sustainable insurance and healthcare ecosystem that enhances operational and financial stability while reinforcing the sector’s contribution to the national economy.
Digital Experience
Bupa Arabia has also continued to lead the way in enhancing customer experience through the launch of innovative digital services. It was the first insurance company in the Kingdom to introduce the hospital network upgrade, enabling members to expand their hospital coverage for access to a wider range of healthcare providers. Bupa Arabia was also the first to offer its members the flexibility to upgrade their insurance benefits, such as room category or maternity coverage limit, directly through the Bupa Arabia App.
The company achieved a remarkable 81% customer satisfaction score, significantly higher than the industry average of 52%, reflecting its strong commitment to excellence in service quality and client engagement. This leadership demonstrated Bupa’s human-centered approach to building a more connected and efficient healthcare experience for all members.
Integrated Model
Bupa Arabia also highlighted its integrated healthcare model through its healthcare delivery arm, now known as Bupa CareConnect, which unifies digital, on-site, and home-based care within one digital ecosystem.
The company provides more than 400,000 annual medical consultations through its 24/7 Digital Clinic, operated by qualified Saudi physicians. It also offers home-based laboratory services and medication delivery directly to patients’ doorsteps.
Connected Care
Bupa Arabia’s services extend to workplace environments through 15 on-site clinics located within major national organizations including the Public Investment Fund (PIF), National Housing Company (NHC), Savola Group, King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), and Alinma Bank.
The company is also preparing to open its first integrated physical clinic in Riyadh, which will serve as a national model for preventive and primary care — combining medical consultations, chronic disease management, and preventive follow-ups within one unified digital ecosystem.
Shift Toward Prevention and Innovation
In this context, Mr. Tal Nazer, CEO of Bupa Arabia, said:
“Our participation in the first Global Insurance Conference & Exhibition marked a pivotal moment for Saudi Arabia’s insurance industry, one defined by integration, prevention, and innovation. At Bupa Arabia, we moved beyond the traditional insurance model toward a fully connected digital healthcare experience that put people’s well-being at the center of everything we did. Our goal was not just to cover illness, but to prevent it, enhance quality of life, and deliver a seamless, data-driven journey of care.”
He added:
Mr. Nazer also participated in a panel discussion titled “Leadership Insights – Driving Growth in the Saudi Insurance ,” alongside several executive leaders. The session focused on future industry trends, including innovation, digital transformation, and integrated healthcare services. During the discussion, he highlighted Bupa Arabia’s leadership in shaping a proactive, human-centered insurance model aligned with major shifts across the Saudi market.
A Sustainable Sector
Bupa Arabia continues to invest in digital innovation and in building a national value-based care ecosystem that enhances the future of healthcare in the Kingdom, driving it toward a more connected, accessible, and human-centered model.
The Global Insurance Conference & Exhibition 2025 represented a major step forward in advancing the Kingdom’s financial sector. The event welcomed more than 150 institutions, 100 international speakers, and over 7,000 attendees, including experts, investors, and technology leaders.
The exhibition focused on transforming ideas and insights into practical solutions that strengthen innovation, expand the insurance market, stimulate sustainable growth, and align the sector with national priorities such as digital transformation, economic diversification, and the development of national talent.
Infographic
Bupa Arabia Showcases Its Initiatives at the Global Insurance Conference in Riyadh
Supporting Health Transformation
- A commitment to supporting the national transformation of the health insurance sector in alignment with Vision 2030.
Innovative Initiatives
- The “Bupa No Pre- Approvals” initiative expanded to more than 17 hospitals.
Digital Transformation
- An app that allows members to upgrade their benefits and hospital network directly.
- Work underway to open the first integrated primary care clinic in Riyadh.
Connected Care
- More than 400,000 annual medical consultations and fully integrated home-based digital services.
Healthy Workplace Environment
- 15 on-site clinics across major national organizations, in addition to an integrated clinic.
Customer Satisfaction
- Achieving 81% customer satisfaction, compared to the industry average of 52%.
