A study in china is a very exciting experience. International students are multiplying in the country each year, the universities already have Mandarin and English programs, offer scholarships, and now have a world-renowned reputation. However appealing, relocating to China does not pass without difficulties as well. First of them is healthcare.
Health insurance is too significant to be ignored by international students. In fact, it is not optional. All foreign students are required by the Ministry of Education to receive extensive health insurance as one of the conditions of registration and residence (China Daily, 2025). Most universities automatically enroll students into the Ping An Annuity student scheme approved by the government unless you can demonstrate that you have an equal or better insurance.
So which plan is best for you? Let’s break it down.
Why Health Insurance Is Essential in China
The healthcare in China is developing very quickly, however, it remains a two-tier system. The preponderance of public hospitals is a disadvantage, but they are challenging because of waiting time, language barrier, and inconsistent quality of services among international students. There are international and private clinics in such big cities as Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, but they are very costly.
One visit to a hospital in a private establishment could be expensive than one month of rent. Emergency operation or protracted stay in a hospital can cost tens of thousands of dollars. These expenses may all be on the shoulders of the students without sufficient insurance.
This was the reason why the government has compelled medical coverage. But not all plans are equal. Others include only simple accidents and hospitalization. Others offer evacuation, outpatient care or global networks. Knowing such differences will save you from ugly surprises in the future.
Key Features to Look for in a Student Plan
Before we jump into providers, it’s worth setting out what you should expect in a reliable plan. International students in China should consider:
- University compliance: Does the plan satisfy the Ministry of Education’s requirement?
- Hospital network: Will you have access to English-speaking doctors or international hospitals?
- Inpatient and outpatient coverage: Does it cover both major hospital stays and everyday checkups?
- Emergency evacuation: If treatment isn’t available locally, can you be transported to Hong Kong, Singapore, or elsewhere?
- Repatriation: Will the plan help if you need to return to your home country for treatment?
- Mental health support: Growing numbers of student plans now include counseling or therapy sessions.
- Cost versus coverage: Is it affordable while still protecting you against serious risk?
These features form the backbone of a good decision. With that in mind, let’s examine the top 10 insurance providers for students in China.
1. Ping An Annuity
For most students, Ping An is the default option. Officially known as the “Comprehensive Medical Insurance & Protection Scheme for Foreigners Staying in China,” it is offered through universities like Tsinghua and Tongji.
- Pros: Affordable, government-approved, and automatically recognized for residence.
- Cons: Limited to basic coverage, with caps on outpatient visits and hospitalization. Evacuation and international care are not included.
Ping An works well for students who want to minimize cost and satisfy legal requirements. But if you want global protection, you may need something more robust.
2. Cigna (Global + Cigna–CMB Joint Venture)
Cigna is one of the world’s largest health insurers. In China, it operates both through Cigna Global (international student policies) and Cigna-CMB, a joint venture with China Merchants Bank.
- Pros: Flexible, modular plans. You can add dental, vision, or maternity. Strong global evacuation benefits.
- Cons: Premiums can be higher than local-only plans.
Cigna is best suited to students who travel often or want international protection beyond China.
3. Allianz Care
Allianz is widely respected for student-specific insurance. In China, it offers both global student plans and China-specific health plans tailored for expatriates.
- Pros: Large international hospital network, multilingual support, mental health benefits included.
- Cons: Premiums are not the cheapest, especially for comprehensive packages.
If peace of mind matters more than price, Allianz is a reliable option.
4. Bupa Global
Bupa is a household name in international health insurance. Its global student policies cover China and beyond.
- Pros: Access to premium clinics, especially in Shanghai and Beijing. Excellent customer support.
- Cons: Plans are more expensive than average.
Bupa is ideal for students from families willing to pay more for top-tier healthcare access.
5. AXA (Global + AXA Tianping / ICBC-AXA)
AXA operates both as AXA Global Healthcare and through Chinese ventures like AXA Tianping and ICBC-AXA.
- Pros: Good balance of local and international options. Coverage can include evacuation and worldwide networks.
- Cons: Some plans are complex to navigate and may require local enrollment help.
Students looking for flexible coverage across both China and their home country may find AXA appealing.
6. IMG (International Medical Group)
IMG specializes in student plans, including Student Health Advantage and StudentSecure.
- Pros: Affordable international student packages. Evacuation and repatriation included.
- Cons: Lower limits compared with premium providers like Bupa or Allianz.
IMG is a good fit for budget-conscious students who still want international protection.
7. Now Health International
Now Health is a newer player with a strong digital-first approach. Their WorldCare student plans are popular among young travelers.
- Pros: Fast claims processing, clear online account management, wide networks in Asia.
- Cons: Limited brand recognition compared to Allianz or Cigna.
Students comfortable with digital solutions may prefer Now Health’s streamlined service.
8. MSH International
MSH has strong roots in Asia, especially for expatriates in China. It offers global coverage with localized support.
- Pros: Designed with expats in mind. Wide China hospital network. 24/7 multilingual helpline.
- Cons: Premiums vary by age and coverage level.
For students planning longer stays, MSH provides stability and extensive local connections.
9. APRIL International
APRIL’s MyHEALTH China plan and international options are popular among expatriates and students.
- Pros: Modular, transparent coverage with options for outpatient, maternity, and evacuation.
- Cons: Not as well-known outside Asia, though highly rated in the region.
APRIL suits students who want customization and flexibility.
10. William Russell
William Russell is a UK-based insurer focusing on expat health coverage.
- Pros: Personal service, clear policies, and international portability.
- Cons: Smaller scale compared to giants like Allianz or Cigna.
For students who value personalized attention over scale, William Russell is worth considering.
Putting It All Together
Choosing the right plan isn’t about picking the most famous name. It’s about aligning your needs with what each provider offers. Here’s a quick comparison:
- Most affordable and compliant: Ping An Annuity.
- Best for global coverage: Cigna, Allianz, Bupa.
- Best for budget-conscious students: IMG, Now Health.
- Best for expat-style services in China: MSH, APRIL.
- Best for personalized support: William Russell.
Practical Steps for Students
- Check with your university: Many will auto-enroll you in Ping An unless you present proof of other coverage.
- Get multiple quotes: Prices vary widely depending on age, program length, and benefits.
- Review exclusions carefully: Look for waiting periods, pre-existing condition limits, or caps on outpatient visits.
- Ask about evacuation: In emergencies, having coverage for transfer to Hong Kong or Singapore can be lifesaving.
- Balance cost with risk: Spending slightly more for global protection often makes sense.
- Consider portability: If you plan to study in other countries later, ensure your plan moves with you.
Pro Tips:
Health insurance to international students in China is not just a ritual. It is a type of insurance to your health, money and mind. Although Ping An is the benchmark, most of the students have the advantage of overlaying or substituting it with international plans.
The most suitable alternative will vary according to your budget, travelling intend, as well as your health requirements. It does not really matter whether you prefer the affordability of IMG, the worldwide network of Cigna, or the customer-focused service provided by William Russell, but rather confidence is the key. Financial fear should not make you lose out on getting medical assistance.
Studying overseas is a matter of discovery and development. Having the proper insurance will mean that should something go wrong you will be covered literally.
References:
- Allianz Care. (n.d.). International student health insurance. Allianz. https://www.allianzcare.com/en/personal-international-health-insurance/who-we-help/students.html
- Allianz Care. (n.d.). International health insurance in China (plans for China). Allianz. https://www.allianzcare.com/en/personal-international-health-insurance/products-and-services/specialised-international-plans/plans-for-china.html
- APRIL International. (2024). 2024 guide to health insurance & healthcare in China. APRIL International. https://www.april-international.com/en/long-term-international-health-insurance/guide/2024-guide-to-health-insurance-and-healthcare-in-china
- AXA Global Healthcare. (n.d.). Health insurance in China for foreign expats. AXA Global Healthcare. https://www.axaglobalhealthcare.com/en/international-health-insurance/china/
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- China Daily / Study in China. (2025, September 18). Medical insurance guide for international students in China. China Daily. https://studychina.chinadaily.com.cn/s/202509/18/WS68cbca7a498e3685503354d8/medical-insurance-guide-for-international-students-in-china.html
- Cigna Global. (n.d.). International health insurance in China. Cigna Global. https://www.cignaglobal.com/where-we-cover/china
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- Shanghai Municipal Government (English). (2025, August 25). Insurance guide for international students in China. Shanghai Government. https://english.shanghai.gov.cn/en-FAQs-StudyinShanghai/20250825/1c41f83569884262af2d8f0f24756e16.html
- Tsinghua University — International Students & Scholars Center. (n.d.). Health insurance (for students). Tsinghua University. https://is.tsinghua.edu.cn/dfadfgasq/eaWellbeingq/HealthInsurance.htm
- Tongji University. (n.d.). Comprehensive medical insurance & protection scheme for foreigners staying in China (Ping An) [PDF]. Tongji University. https://study.tongji.edu.cn/InsuranceGuide.pdf
- Wuxi Municipal Government. (2018, December 10). Brief introduction of Ping An Life Insurance overall insurance & benefit plan for people coming to China. Wuxi Government. https://en.wuxi.gov.cn/2018-12/10/c_403889.htm
- William Russell. (n.d.). International health insurance. William Russell. https://www.william-russell.com/international-health-insurance/
