Studying abroad is life-changing, offering new cultures and opportunities, but also risks. A crucial, often ignored step in preparing to study in Burkina Faso is getting proper health insurance.
Unexpected illness or injury abroad can become complex without proper insurance. Many universities and visa authorities demand proof of health coverage. Beyond meeting these requirements, having insurance ensures peace of mind. This guide reviews top international health insurance providers for students in Burkina Faso, detailing their offerings, ideal users, and essential factors for comparing plans.
Why International Students in Burkina Faso Need Specialized Health Insurance
International students need health insurance, not just travel insurance. Travel insurance is short-term and covers emergencies during short trips. In contrast, student insurance is designed for long-term stays abroad, offering comprehensive coverage for months or even years.
Most student plans include:
- Emergency medical care
- Hospitalization
- Outpatient visits
- Prescription medication
- Medical evacuation or repatriation
- Limited mental health coverage
- Sometimes maternity and sports injury coverage
Burkina Faso’s public healthcare offers basic services but lacks infrastructure and specialized care, especially outside cities like Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso. For advanced treatment, private care or evacuation to countries like Ghana, Senegal, or France may be necessary. Without insurance, these expenses can be overwhelming.
Key Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Provider
Before jumping into the list of top insurers, it’s worth noting what to look for:
- Compliance with Visa or University Requirements
Some universities require proof of insurance with specific coverage minimums. Make sure the policy meets these. - Geographical Coverage
Will you travel to other countries during your studies? Some policies include multi-country coverage or worldwide protection (except certain exclusions like the U.S.). - Evacuation and Repatriation
Given Burkina Faso’s limited advanced medical facilities, this is crucial. - Mental Health and Preventive Care
Increasingly important for student well-being, but not all plans include this. - Ease of Claims and Customer Support
Look for providers with 24/7 multilingual support, fast claims processing, and a reliable hospital network. - Budget vs. Coverage Trade-Off
Cheapest is rarely best. Focus on value—coverage breadth, limits, and reliability—rather than price alone.
Top Health Insurance Providers for International Students in Burkina Faso
Below are the most reputable and widely used providers for overseas students in Burkina Faso. Each has a track record of working with students and expats in diverse regions, including West Africa.
1. IMG (International Medical Group)
Coverage Highlights:
- Flexible plans with adjustable coverage levels
- High coverage limits
- Telehealth access
- Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation
- Mental health coverage included
Special Notes:
IMG is one of the most student-friendly providers globally. They understand the unique needs of young adults studying abroad, offering customizable plans to avoid overpaying for unnecessary coverage. The inclusion of telehealth is especially valuable in Burkina Faso, where local specialist availability may be limited.
Best For:
Students wanting flexibility in building a plan that balances affordability with robust protection.
2. MSH International
Coverage Highlights:
- Comprehensive accident and emergency care
- Full hospitalization coverage
- Strong outpatient and pharmacy benefits
- Excellent multilingual customer support
Special Notes:
MSH specializes in expat and student health insurance, with a well-established presence in Africa. Many universities recognize and recommend their plans, making compliance simpler.
Best For:
Students prioritizing reliable customer support and a proven African network.
3. Indigo Expat / Expat Junior
Coverage Highlights:
- Specifically tailored for ages 18–30
- Ideal for working holiday visas and temporary stays
- 24/7 global assistance
- Covers medical emergencies, hospitalization, and more
Special Notes:
Their “1st Euro” fully private plans mean you’re covered from the first expense without needing to use public healthcare first. This can save valuable time during emergencies.
Best For:
Younger students and those on shorter-term programs seeking private-first care.
4. APRIL International
Coverage Highlights:
- Immediate issuance of insurance certificates
- Large international student customer base
- Online application and management
Special Notes:
APRIL is known for speed—students often get certificates within 24 hours, which is helpful for tight visa deadlines. Their plans are recognized by leading institutions worldwide.
Best For:
Students facing urgent application deadlines or needing a widely accepted plan.
5. International Student Insurance (ISI)
Coverage Highlights:
- Affordable, tiered plans for budget or premium needs
- Mental health, sports, and maternity coverage options
- Meets most student visa requirements
- High customer satisfaction ratings
Special Notes:
ISI understands the balance students need—cost-effectiveness without sacrificing essential coverage. Their sports coverage is a bonus for active students.
Best For:
Budget-conscious students who still want extras like mental health and sports coverage.
6. AXA Global Healthcare
Coverage Highlights:
- Wide-reaching hospital network
- Specializes in student and expat health coverage
- Strong customer service
Special Notes:
AXA’s global presence means easier access to partner hospitals worldwide. In Burkina Faso, having such a network can be invaluable for arranging private care.
Best For:
Students who value global brand recognition and dependable claims processing.
7. Now Health International
Coverage Highlights:
- Comprehensive international medical policies
- Burkina Faso included in coverage regions
- Quick claims turnaround
Special Notes:
Now Health focuses on speed—fast enrollment, fast claims, and responsive support. Particularly valuable for students juggling studies and administrative matters.
Best For:
Students wanting fast, hassle-free claims and worldwide reach.
8. Insubuy
Coverage Highlights:
- Specializes in student, tourist, and expat policies
- Coverage for accidents, illness, and emergencies
- Flexible short- and long-term options
Special Notes:
Insubuy acts as a broker, offering multiple plans from different insurers. This gives students the ability to compare options in one place.
Best For:
Those who want to shop and compare before deciding.
9. Medibank (For Australia-Bound Students)
Coverage Highlights:
- Visa-compliant for Australian student visas
- Extensive benefits including hospital, medical, pharmacy, ambulance, and mental health
- Suitable for students moving from Burkina Faso to Australia
Special Notes:
While not directly for study in Burkina Faso, Medibank is a strong option if your program includes a semester or transition to Australia.
Best For:
Students on multi-country study programs involving Australia.
10. StudyCo Health Insurance
Coverage Highlights:
- Student-specific plans that meet visa requirements
- Medical and emergency coverage
- Tailored to student life abroad
Special Notes:
StudyCo focuses on students’ academic journeys, offering coverage that considers extracurriculars, field trips, and living abroad’s unique demands.
Best For:
Students wanting study-abroad-specific protections.
Additional Recommendations for International Students in Burkina Faso
While choosing from the providers above, keep these practical steps in mind:
- Check Your University’s Policy
Some schools in Burkina Faso partner with specific insurers. If so, using their preferred provider might simplify paperwork and claims. - Understand Local Healthcare Access
In cities like Ouagadougou, private hospitals are available but may require upfront payment. Your insurer should either pay directly or reimburse quickly. - Evaluate Evacuation Coverage
In severe cases, medical evacuation to Accra (Ghana) or Dakar (Senegal) may be necessary. Ensure your policy covers this with realistic limits—at least USD 100,000 for evacuation is recommended. - Review Exclusions Carefully
Some plans exclude pre-existing conditions, high-risk sports, or certain mental health treatments. Know these before you commit. - Use Comparison Tools
Platforms like Insubuy or International Student Insurance’s comparison service can save hours of research.
Common Coverage Inclusions for Students in Burkina Faso
Most comprehensive plans will include:
- Emergency hospital treatment: Inpatient care after accidents or sudden illness.
- Ambulance and evacuation: Ground or air ambulance to the nearest suitable facility.
- Physician visits: Routine and specialist consultations.
- Limited dental: Usually emergency dental treatment only.
- Mental health services: Counseling or psychiatric treatment, sometimes capped annually.
- Repatriation: Return to your home country if medically necessary.
Final Thoughts
As an international student in Burkina Faso, selecting the right health insurance is crucial. It’s not just about visa compliance; it’s about peace of mind for your studies. Options like IMG’s adaptable plans, MSH’s African network, and APRIL’s fast certification cater to diverse needs and budgets. Prioritize balancing cost, coverage, and support, and decide before traveling. Burkina Faso offers vibrant cultural and academic experiences. With the right insurance, you can immerse yourself in these opportunities, assured of protection against unforeseen events.
Top 10 health insurance for overseas international students in The Burkina Faso:
- IMG (International Medical Group)
- MSH International
- Indigo Expat / Expat Junior
- APRIL International
- International Student Insurance (ISI)
- AXA Global Healthcare
- Now Health International
- Insubuy
- Medibank (for Australia-bound students)
- StudyCo Health Insurance
References :
- International Medical Group. (2025). Student health insurance plans. https://www.imglobal.com
- MSH International. (2025). Student and expatriate health insurance. https://www.msh-intl.com
- Indigo Expat. (2025). Expat Junior: Health insurance for young travelers. https://www.indigo-expat.com
- APRIL International. (2025). International student health insurance. https://www.april-international.com
- International Student Insurance. (2025). Health insurance for international students. https://www.internationalstudentinsurance.com
- AXA Global Healthcare. (2025). Student and expat health insurance. https://www.axaglobalhealthcare.com
- Now Health International. (2025). International health insurance plans. https://www.now-health.com
- Insubuy. (2025). Student and travel medical insurance. https://www.insubuy.com
- Medibank. (2025). Overseas student health cover (OSHC). https://www.medibank.com.au
- StudyCo. (2025). International student health insurance. https://www.studyco.com
