How Beverly Cook Leads Expacare Through Medical Inflation, AI Innovation, and Changing Insurance Needs

Interview: Beverly Cook, Managing Director of Expacare Hospitals & Healthcare

Date: 2 June 2025

Career Journey and Specialisation in Insurance

Beverly Cook has spent over 20 years with Expacare, building a long-standing career in insurance. She shares that her entry into insurance was unplanned but became a lasting commitment due to the variety and impact of the work. Starting in accounting in the late 1980s, her role quickly broadened to operations, IT, and compliance. This diverse experience deepened her appreciation for the industry’s complexity and value, eventually leading her to Expacare.

Key Responsibilities as Managing Director

As Managing Director of a relatively small company, Beverly is hands-on across multiple departments, including administration, claims, IT, compliance, HR, and finance. This direct involvement helps her maintain smooth operations and uphold high service standards for Expacare’s members. The role’s diversity also keeps her engaged and connected to all parts of the business.

Proudest Career Moment

One standout achievement is Beverly’s role in establishing Expacare Insurance Company (Mauritius) Limited in 2018. This involved adapting to a new regulatory environment outside the UK, which was challenging. The successful launch has been key to Expacare’s growth and its ability to extend services globally.

Challenges in the Role

Rising claims costs due to global medical inflation, technological advances, and growing treatment demand pose ongoing challenges. Expacare prioritises sustainable pricing to avoid sharp premium hikes that could affect policyholders. They work closely with healthcare providers to negotiate rates and keep services cost-effective, balancing premiums with comprehensive coverage.

Technology and the Future of Insurance

Technology, especially artificial intelligence (AI), is increasingly important in insurance. Beverly highlights that while AI offers efficiency gains, it must be implemented carefully to protect confidentiality and data security. AI is seen as a tool to handle routine tasks, freeing up human experts for complex decisions and better member care.

Differentiation in the International Private Medical Insurance (IPMI) Market

Expacare has operated globally for over 40 years, with a strong presence in Africa through on-the-ground support. Their personal approach focuses on combining quality insurance with empathetic, responsive service, which is especially valuable in crises. They also offer flexible products that allow members to adjust coverage to their specific needs.

Managing Rising Medical Inflation

To address global medical inflation, Expacare proactively negotiates with hospitals and medical providers to control costs. These partnerships help keep premiums competitive and affordable, ensuring members receive comprehensive coverage without unexpected increases.

Customisable Health Insurance Plans

Plans like Choices Worldwide allow clients to select coverage that fits their individual requirements. This flexibility lets them balance premium costs with the benefits they value most, avoiding payment for unnecessary coverage.

Assessing Unique Insurance Needs

Expacare takes a personalised approach, regularly reviewing client needs to adapt coverage as circumstances change. They incorporate member feedback to improve the claims process and ensure plans remain relevant and affordable.

Insurance Market Trends for 2025

• Medical Inflation: Continues to pressure premiums, requiring cost management without reducing coverage quality.
• Artificial Intelligence: Will automate more processes but must support, not replace, human judgment.
• Fraud Prevention: Increased focus on detecting and addressing fraud by patients and providers.

Beverly advises businesses to stay agile, implement AI thoughtfully, and build strong partnerships to protect client interests.

About Beverly Cook

Beverly Cook joined Expacare in 2002 initially as a client through her consultancy. She took on the Managing Director role in 2006. Beyond Expacare, Beverly contributes to the insurance industry by representing the company at the Association of International Medical Insurance Providers (AIMIP) and engaging with the Insurance Fraud Investigators Group (IFIG) to combat fraud across insurance sectors.