Expatriate health insurer Bupa International is launching a new range of services, making it easier for customers to manage their health insurance online.

Customers can benefit from a new SMS service – an industry first, the company says – that will notify them when new documents are available on Bupa International's secure member website. They can also use the site to request a second medical opinion, complete pre-populated claim forms and track the progress of their claim.

Online versions of policy documents can be downloaded, 24 hours a day, from anywhere in the world, so customers no longer need to carry their health insurance documents with them or wait for them to arrive by post. They can specify a preferred address where claim reimbursements can be sent, which, as Bupa International points out, could be useful for expatriates who are frequent travellers, or people with multiple addresses.

Other options include the ability to check how much benefit they have remaining and how many medical provider visits they are entitled to, and to monitor their deductible (excess) balances.

Tim Slee, global sales director for Bupa International, said, "Our new services are part of a significant upgrade to the online services for all our brokers and insured members. They have been designed following feedback from customers who want to manage their health insurance online, and to access a comprehensive library of information and expert advice."

For more information, visit www.bupa-intl.com