Learning in Cambodia may be a life changing experience. International students are also attracted by the rich history of the country, her hospitable culture and cheap cost of living. However, tuition fee and accommodation are usually affordable whereas healthcare is not. There are limitations in the public healthcare system of Cambodia. In the case of anything more than basic care, you are better off in the hands of the private hospitals, which are mostly Phnom Penh based. And in the most dire situations, medical evacuation to Thailand or Singapore is the second best thing to offer.
This is where the international health insurance comes in. There is no official list of Top 10 ranked list of student plans specifically in Cambodia. However, focusing on the suppliers, which are most reliable among expatriates and overseas students, it is possible to construct a clear image. Ten of the most esteemed insurers, their major student-oriented plans, and why they are the best fit to Cambodia will be listed below.
Why International Students in Cambodia Need Health Insurance
Let’s get one thing straight. The mode of entry into the health insurance in Cambodia is no longer obligatory. The government lifted the mandate in 2022. However, it is an inseparable condition when you want the very peace of mind.
Why? This is because in Cambodia, any emergency can occur within a very short period of time. The number of motorbike accidents is common. The tropical diseases are not always anticipated by the students who are unfamiliar with the climate. Even minor trauma is bound to become complicated when visiting an under-resource.
The private sector has good hospitals like the Royal Phnom Penh and Sunrise Japan Hospital which are very high-priced. One night stay consumes hundreds of dollars. Intensive admission or surgery? Thousands. And in case you need evacuation of air to Bangkok or Singapore, you are in a bill of as much as $10,000.
The figures can be financial disasters to a student. Good insurance will ensure you will never have to make a choice between getting treatment or use up your education money.
The Top 10 International Health Insurance Providers for Cambodia
The following providers are not ranked by cost but by their presence, reputation, and suitability for expats and students in Cambodia. Each one offers plans that can be tailored for academic stays.
1. Cigna Global
Plans: Silver, Gold, Platinum, Close Care
Why it’s strong in Cambodia:
Cigna is a global powerhouse. Its higher-tier plans (Gold and Platinum) come with unlimited annual limits, covering even the most expensive emergencies. Their Close Care plan, on the other hand, offers local coverage only, which can save money if you don’t travel often.
Tip: Ask about their direct billing network in Cambodia. If your hospital is included, you won’t have to pay upfront and wait for reimbursement.
2. Allianz Care
Plans: Care, Care Plus, Care Pro
Why it’s strong in Cambodia:
Allianz Care is known for its flexibility. Their plans can be tailored to student needs, with solid inpatient and outpatient benefits. Medical evacuation and repatriation features are particularly robust—a crucial safeguard in Cambodia.
Tip: If you’re planning regional travel during holidays, Allianz Care’s worldwide emergency cover is especially useful.
3. AXA Global Healthcare
Plans: Foundation, Standard, Comprehensive, Prestige
Why it’s strong in Cambodia:
AXA offers tiered coverage, meaning you can pick a plan that balances affordability with security. Higher tiers include evacuation, repatriation, and additional wellness services. Their Virtual Doctor service allows online consultations, which is handy for routine care.
Tip: Students often choose Foundation or Standard for budget reasons. But if you want evacuation coverage, check the fine print—sometimes it’s only included at Comprehensive or higher levels.
4. International Medical Group (IMG)
Plans: Student Secure, Student Health Advantage, Patriot Exchange
Why it’s strong in Cambodia:
IMG is designed with students in mind. Their Student Secure and Student Health Advantage plans are among the most affordable for international learners. Applications are simple, and policies can be extended if you decide to study longer.
Tip: Review the deductible options carefully. Higher deductibles can lower monthly premiums, but weigh them against your actual risk tolerance.
5. April International
Plans: Essential, Comfort, Premium
Why it’s strong in Cambodia:
April International is popular with expats across Asia. They’re known for streamlined, paperless claims. Their Essential plan works well for young students, while Comfort and Premium are suited to those who want broader coverage.
Tip: Their digital reimbursement system can be a game-changer for students who prefer quick, cashless processes.
6. Now Health International
Plans: WorldCare, SimpleCare
Why it’s strong in Cambodia:
Now Health specializes in high-value plans. Their WorldCare plan provides up to $4.5 million in annual coverage. That’s more than enough for any conceivable evacuation or long-term treatment.
Tip: If you’re a student planning to stay in Cambodia for multiple years, Now Health’s long-term stability makes it an excellent choice.
7. Bupa Global / GeoBlue
Plans: Xplorer (for U.S. citizens)
Why it’s strong in Cambodia:
Bupa Global has one of the largest international networks. GeoBlue, its U.S. partner, makes it particularly attractive for American students. Service standards are high, and customer support is responsive.
Tip: U.S. citizens studying in Cambodia may find this the easiest provider to work with due to its U.S.-based infrastructure.
8. LUMA Health
Plans: Asia Care Plus Cambodia
Why it’s strong in Cambodia:
LUMA focuses on Southeast Asia. Their Cambodia-specific plan gives you a strong local support team and a large direct billing network across the region. This makes it particularly easy to use in Phnom Penh.
Tip: Students who plan to travel around Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Thailand, Laos) will find LUMA’s regional network invaluable.
9. Pacific Cross
Plans: Standard, Premier, Comprehensive
Why it’s strong in Cambodia:
Pacific Cross is a favorite among long-term expats. They’re known for fair premiums and regional coverage that includes many Southeast Asian countries. Their plans are straightforward and easy to navigate.
Tip: Pacific Cross is often chosen by younger students on a budget because of its affordability and decent accident coverage.
10. Mondassur
Plans: Student Insurance Cambodia
Why it’s strong in Cambodia:
Mondassur specializes in student insurance plans. Their coverage includes medical evacuation, repatriation, and civil liability, which can be a requirement in some universities.
Tip: Civil liability coverage is sometimes overlooked but useful if you accidentally cause damage or injury in your student housing.
Essential Coverage for International Students in Cambodia
Not every insurance plan is created equal. While choosing, focus on the essentials:
- Medical Evacuation: This is critical. If you’re severely injured or ill, you may need to be flown to Bangkok or Singapore for treatment.
- Repatriation: Covers the cost of returning remains to your home country in the worst-case scenario.
- In-patient and Out-patient Care: Hospitalization, surgeries, emergency visits, and doctor consultations must be included.
- Accident Coverage: Essential, given Cambodia’s road conditions and reliance on motorbikes.
- Emergency Services: Look for 24/7 helplines and multilingual support.
💡 Tip: Always confirm with your university if they require specific coverage. Some universities have partnerships with certain insurers or minimum coverage levels.
How to Choose the Right Plan
- Start with Your University: Contact the admissions office. Ask if there are mandatory insurance requirements for international students.
- Assess Your Budget: Be realistic about what you can afford monthly. International plans range from $50–$200 per month for student coverage.
- Compare Benefits, Not Just Price: A cheap plan without evacuation coverage is risky in Cambodia. Always balance cost with protection.
- Check the Network: Does the provider have a direct billing relationship with your hospital of choice in Phnom Penh? If not, you may need to pay upfront.
- Read the Fine Print: Some providers exclude pre-existing conditions or mental health coverage. Make sure you understand the exclusions.
Pro Tips:
Learning in Cambodia is not only very exciting, but it also has some health hazards that a student can not afford to overlook. The national healthcare system will not be on international standards. Better but costly are the hospitals privately owned. And the price of medical evacuation may be greater than one year tuition.
Selecting an appropriate insurance plan does not involve keeping with the times, it involves ensuring your health and future. The above ten providers, namely Cigna Global, Allianz Care, AXA, IMG, April International, Now Health, Bupa Global/ GeoBlue, LUMA Health, Pacific Cross, and Mondassur, have already recorded a track record with expats and the students in the Southeast Asian region.
Make time to compare, ask and see more than the premium. Sabotage of tranquility in a new country is invaluable. The right plan can make you concentrate on your studies, explore the Cambodian culture, and spend your time overseas without these horrors of unforeseen medical expenses looming.
References:
- Allianz Care. (2025). International health insurance for students and expats. Allianz Care. https://www.allianzcare.com
- April International. (2025). Student and expat health insurance plans. April International. https://www.april-international.com
- AXA Global Healthcare. (2025). International student and expat health insurance plans. AXA. https://www.axaglobalhealthcare.com
- Bupa Global. (2025). Health insurance plans for international students and expats. Bupa Global. https://www.bupaglobal.com
- Cigna Global. (2025). International health insurance for students and expats. Cigna. https://www.cignaglobal.com
- GeoBlue. (2025). International health insurance solutions for U.S. citizens abroad. GeoBlue. https://www.geobluetravelinsurance.com
- International Medical Group (IMG). (2025). Student and expat health insurance. IMG. https://www.imglobal.com
- LUMA Health. (2025). Health insurance Cambodia – Asia Care Plus. LUMA Health. https://www.lumahealth.com
- Mondassur. (2025). Student insurance Cambodia. Mondassur. https://www.mondassur.com
- Now Health International. (2025). WorldCare and SimpleCare plans. Now Health International. https://www.now-health.com
- Pacific Cross Insurance. (2025). Health insurance for expats in Asia. Pacific Cross. https://www.pacificcross.com
