The decision to pursue education in the Kingdom of Bhutan combines an opportunity to continue education with a unique chance to be immersed in culture. The country is known as much for its Gross National Happiness philosophy and its breathtaking Himalayas as it is for being a calm setting for furthering one's knowledge. For however, international students with a spouse or children realize that there is another factor at play when it comes to studying in Bhutan; the ability to access quality medical care.

Pursuing an advanced degree in Uzbekistan is an exciting move. However, once you are no longer solely responsible for your health, and then factor in a spouse and/or children, it becomes much more complicated. You need a "safety-net", in the middle of the night in Tashkent. In Uzbekistan there is little or no support from what could be described as a 'student local family' policy. As such, the best way to provide medical coverage for dependents (spouse/children) is through using an International Expatriate or Student Health Plan with Dependent Coverage.

To pursue higher education in Turkmenistan as an international student represents a significant undertaking with a unique cultural and academic perspective. However, for international students who bring spouses or children along with them to Turkmenistan, the practicalities associated with obtaining adequate healthcare require detailed consideration. In most Western countries, access to the student health scheme is generally automatic and compulsory. This contrasts significantly with what exists in Turkmenistan. International students are largely reliant upon global private medical insurance (IPMI) to provide for their families' healthcare needs. 

Studying abroad can be an experience of a lifetime for many people; however, for Eritrean students who may need to cross borders (for example), and/or for international students coming into Eritrea – the logistical challenges of having access to quality health care can be overwhelming when you are bringing a spouse or dependents with you. Your goal is not simply to have some documentation that will allow you to meet a visa requirement; you are creating a protective umbrella for your family while living in foreign country.

It is a colossal shift in your life to take your family to another country to study. In Zimbabwe, the academic opportunities are plentiful, but the health care system seems to have two legs: the public system, which is often overstretched and the private one, which is of good quality of care but poses a high price point. Out-of-pocket payments form a risky strategy to an international student.