The Bupa timeline

Bupa starts with 38,000 customers in the UK, enabling people to choose where, when and by whom they're treated.

Bupa's first major company-paid group scheme starts… for the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).

A study carried out in British hospitals raises suspicions of the link between lung cancer and smoking.

Bupa helps to set up the International Federation of Voluntary Health Service Funds in support of the growth in private healthcare across the globe.

Bupa opens our first screening centre. Today we have the largest network of screening centres in Europe.

Bupa's first overseas business is established in Malta.

Bupa Medical Research is set up as an independent charity. It aims to use information generated from screening to improve health screening further.

Bupa Hospitals is formed.

Bupa expands into Asia with the opening of our Hong Kong business.

Bupa opens its first purpose-built hospital, heralding a rapid hospital building and acquisition programme.

Bupa International launched to provide worldwide medical cover to people working outside their home country.

The first successful transfer of a human embryo takes place in America.

Bupa begins working with universities in the postgraduate training of doctors, and with the National Association of Theatre Nurses to increase safety and effectiveness of care.

Bupa MediCall is introduced as a telephone-based, 24-hour health information service.

The first Teddies childcare nursery is born in the south of England with the aim of giving children the best start in life.

Bupa Dental Cover is launched with 2,800 dentists looking after 100,000 people. And Bupa Travel Services launches a new range of single trip and annual cover schemes.

Bupa Health Assurance was established in the UK to allow Bupa to develop into other health-related protection markets.

New ventures include:

• Bupa Ireland and Bupa Thailand
• Bupa Health Monitor - a full health check with a two-year programme of advice on improving lifestyle
• Bupa Fitness Manager - a sophisticated fitness assessment programme
• Bupa Health Fund - a chance to accumulate credits to buy a wide range of additional Bupa services
• Disease management schemes to help people with problems like diabetes and back pain
• Bupa Care Homes is started with the purchase of 30 homes

Acquisition of four major care operators in the UK forms UK Bupa Care Services. The number of Teddies childcare nurseries grows to 13 and the Bupa Childcare Strategy is conceived.

Bupa takes over UK cash plan provider the Coventry and Warwickshire Hospital Saturday Fund, which was founded in 1870 as the first hospital contributory scheme in the country.

Acquisition of AXA Australia Healthcare, Bupa becomes a major player in the Australian health insurance market.

Bupa International acquires AMEDEX now Bupa Latin America and the Caribbean and ihi danmark now ihi Bupa.

Bupa sets up a Representative Office in China to start gaining knowledge of the local market with a view to offering Chinese consumers distinctive private healthcare services.

Acquisition of Clinovia in England, later to become Bupa Home Healthcare.

The acquisition of Health Dialog means Bupa is the sole owner of the USA care management company.

Bupa acquires Amity Group in Australia and Guardian Health Care in New Zealand as a natural extension of our UK aged care specialism.