Case study: Regency for Expats sales thoughout Asean

As an expat, finding reliable health insurance is crucial for peace of mind while living abroad. Whether you're in Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, or anywhere else, you want coverage that delivers when you need it most. Regency for Expats markets itself as an international health insurer tailored for globally mobile individuals, offering plans like Standard, Major Medical, Comprehensive, and Fully Comprehensive. But with growing concerns about claim denials, regulatory oversight, and company transparency, many expats are asking: Is Regency for Expats legitimate?

In this article, we'll dive into the facts based on user experiences, former employee insights, and independent research. We'll cover the company's background, red flags, real testimonies, and alternatives to help you decide if it's right for your expat life.

Understanding Regency for Expats: Company Overview

Regency for Expats is a trading name of Regency Assurance, a company registered in Nevis, a small Caribbean island known for its tax haven status. They claim to provide private health insurance for expats in over 120 countries, with no need for detailed medical history during the application process—just basic details like name, contact info, and payment method. This simplicity is appealing for expats on the move, but it raises questions about how they handle claims.

The company states it's regulated by the Financial Services Regulatory Commission (FSRC) in Nevis, but this oversight is minimal compared to regulators in the US, UK, or EU. Unlike major insurers like April, Henner, AXA, or Allianz, Regency doesn't have pre-existing contracts with hospitals for direct billing in many locations, meaning policyholders often pay upfront and seek reimbursement later. Their website emphasizes quick claims processing and high satisfaction rates (e.g., 84% in a 2025 survey), but online reviews tell a different story.

Red Flags: Regulation, Transparency, and Business Practices

One major concern is Regency's lack of regulation in most countries where expats live. Being based in Nevis means limited legal recourse if claims are denied—expats can't easily appeal to local authorities in places like Thailand or the UAE. Research shows no physical offices listed beyond postal addresses in Bangkok and Hong Kong, which users report as non-existent upon visiting.

Additionally, there's no mention of reinsurance partners, which reputable insurers use to back large claims. The application form's lack of medical questions allows easy sign-ups but enables denials based on "pre-existing conditions" that policyholders might not even know about. This clause includes conditions that "existed without your knowledge," which many reviewers call unfair and predatory.

Connections to brokers like NowCompare (allegedly owned by the same group) add to the skepticism. Former employees claim NowCompare pushes Regency plans exclusively, despite posing as independent, and employs staff to post fake positive reviews on sites like Trustpilot.

Testimonies from Former Employees: Insider Warnings

A former employee of Alliance International (which operates NowCompare) shared alarming insights in 2025: "Regency and NowCompare are owned and operated by the same people... The business model is to 'ACT' like an independent broker... but Regency is what you will see on top." They accused the company of faking reviews and employing a claims team with little expertise—led by figures like Douglas Wescott and Maria Cassidy—who allegedly delay and reject valid claims systematically.

The ex-employee highlighted Regency's unregulated status: "In stark contrast to reputable insurers like Cigna, AXA, or Allianz, Regency operates without regulation from any recognized governing body." This allows them to deny claims by citing loopholes, especially pre-existing conditions, since no medical history is collected upfront.

Client Experiences: Denied Claims and Frustrations

Dozens of expat reviews from 2023-2025 paint a picture of reliable small reimbursements but consistent denials for larger claims. Here's a selection of real testimonies:

• Chris Bailey (August 2025): "Refused claim after contradicting two separate MDs... VERY unsatisfied. I was sold a life insurance policy... I wasted THOUSANDS of Dollars."
• J.F. (July 2025): "I would give zero stars if I could... They refused to cover , claiming it was a 'pre-existing condition'... This feels like a deliberate attempt to avoid paying out."
• Peter Kessler (June 2025): "Never again with Regency... Immediate insurance coverage... but after three days, I developed severe abdominal pain... No reimbursement. I'm now in pain... and have asked the 24-hour emergency service for help, but have received no response."
• Philip Creech (June 2025): "Regency sold me a 15-year life insurance policy... They have dropped me, literally stealing more than US$ 6000. Scammers!"
• GK (December 2024): "They only cover small claims... For GBP 1000, they refuse to pay, citing pre-existing... Regency are 'regulated' in Nevis—which means you practically have no recourse."
• Ritwik Ghosh (December 2024): "Have used different insurance companies over last 20 years, but haven’t come across as malicious as Regency... They will play clients like a ping pong ball."
• Mark Mottershead (August 2024): "DO NOT USE!!!... If you find you have cancer... they won't pay out as it is deemed an UNKNOWN pre-existing condition... This is exactly what happened to me."
• TB (July 2024): "They only cover small claims... but if you have a larger claim, they will do everything in their power to NOT pay out... Pure scammers!"

Common themes include:

• Denials for "pre-existing" issues, even if undiagnosed.
• Delays in processing, requiring endless documentation.
• No empathy during emergencies, like surgeries or hospital stays.
• Fake reviews inflating ratings (e.g., Trustpilot detects and removes them).

On Trustpilot, Regency holds a 4/5 rating from 270 reviews, but 28% are 1-star, focusing on denied claims. Reddit threads and expat forums like ASEAN NOW echo this, warning of no real offices and poor recourse in Nevis.

Is Regency for Expats Worth It for Expats?

Based on the evidence, Regency for Expats appears legitimate in the sense that it exists and issues policies, but its practices raise serious doubts about reliability. It's cheap for a reason—low premiums often lead to denied claims, especially for major medical needs. If you're an expat in high-risk areas or with potential health issues, the lack of robust regulation and history of denials make it risky.

Pros (from positive reviews): Easy sign-up, quick small claims, responsive for quotes. Cons: Poor for large claims, minimal oversight, potential for fake promotions.

Alternatives for expats:

• Asean insurers: April, Lumahealth or Henner
• William Russell Insurance
• Allianz Care: Comprehensive plans with global networks.

Always check local regulations (e.g., for Thai visas, Regency may not qualify) and read policies carefully.

Conclusion: Final Advice for Expats Searching for Health Insurance

If you're considering Regency for Expats, proceed with caution. Read independent reviews, consult brokers not affiliated with them, and prioritize insurers with strong regulatory backing. Health insurance isn't just about cost—it's about protection when life abroad gets unpredictable.

For expats in Thailand, Vietnam, or beyond, shop around and verify claim payout rates. If you've had experiences with Regency, share them to help others.