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Allianz Care vs IMG Global (GPMI) for expats in Africa

Allianz Care and IMG Global Prima are two of the most underwriting-flexible international insurers, but they flex in different directions: Allianz for individuals choosing a basis, IMG for modular cover and group schemes. IPMIAfrica compares them for Africa.

At a glance

Where each one wins

Allianz's edge is individual underwriting choice and brand. On its international private medical insurance (IPMI) plans, an individual with medical history can choose Full Medical Underwriting, with 20 health questions and certainty from day one; Moratorium, with no health questions and a 24-month waiting period on pre-existing conditions; or CPME and switch terms when moving from another insurer, provided switch terms are properly maintained. Behind the plan is one of the world's largest insurers, and the structure is simple: three core plans, Care Base, Care Enhanced and Care Signature, with out-patient and dental modules added at the same level.

IMG's edge is modularity and group cover. Global Prima's five tiers cover the medical core, and dental and routine maternity are bolt-ons with six-month and ten-month waits respectively. For individuals IMG lists FMU, Moratorium and CPME; for company or group schemes that meet a minimum number of lives, Medical History Disregarded can set members' medical history aside entirely. If IMG cannot offer the route you applied for, it may offer an alternative. Our pre-existing conditions guide explains what each basis means for what is covered from day one.

On claims the two differ in style. Allianz requires pre-authorisation for inpatient and high-cost treatment and pays 80% of inpatient and 50% of other eligible benefits if you skip it, with emergencies to be reported within 48 hours and invoices within 60 days of discharge. IMG asks for pre-authorisation of planned inpatient treatment at least five working days ahead, then issues a Guarantee of Payment so the hospital is settled directly.

Allianz or IMG from Africa

For IPMIAfrica readers and employers in South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Egypt, Morocco, Tanzania and Mauritius, the practical differences are these.

• Area of cover. Allianz publishes four areas, Worldwide, Worldwide excluding USA, Africa only and Europe (Table of Benefits, Care, Nov 2025, p.20); all but Europe include Africa. IMG's area is confirmed at quote on the material this page is based on. In either case, check that the area includes any country you might travel to for complex treatment; our guide to regional versus worldwide cover explains how to weigh that.
• Evacuation. Allianz includes medical evacuation and repatriation on all three core plans, with pre-authorisation (Table of Benefits, Care, valid from 1 November 2025, p.9). IMG's evacuation terms are not set out in the material this page draws on, so ask IMG for its plan documents and compare the wording before comparing price. Our evacuation guide lists what the benefit should cover for someone who may need a flight.
• Currency. Both confirm the plan currency at quote.
• Paying the hospital. IMG's Guarantee of Payment, issued after pre-authorisation, means a member admitted to a hospital that accepts it does not fund the bill and claim back. Allianz pre-authorises inpatient treatment and handles out-patient and dental reimbursement through the MyHealth app, with a 24/7 multilingual helpline.
• Groups. An employer covering staff across several African countries should compare both on group terms: IMG's MHD basis, subject to the minimum number of lives, against Allianz's group cover, with group size, member health and price deciding it.

The honest summary is that these two are rarely separated by structure alone. An individual with medical history will usually lean towards Allianz for the choice of basis; an employer, or a family that wants to leave dental and maternity off the bill, will usually lean towards IMG. The price gap between them for the same person is only knowable by quoting both on the same day with the same inputs, which is what a live comparison does. Read the full profiles on our Allianz Care and IMG Global pages.

Which should you choose?

Read the full breakdowns: Allianz Care guide · IMG Global (GPMI) guide.

FAQ

General information, not personal or medical advice. Based on each insurer’s plan documentation; exact terms, limits and underwriting are confirmed at quote. Prices are indicative. Allianz and IMG names and logos are the property of their respective owners.