Studying overseas is a thrilling jump of the darkness. New culture. New academic challenges. New people. But it’s not all sunshine. Health insurance is one of the most neglected, but equally important factors of international education, particularly when you are going to one of the countries such as Turkmenistan.
Let’s be honest. The healthcare system of Turkmenistan is emerging. Although there are the basic public services, they are mostly underfunded and there are few English speaking employees and they have old machines. When you are a foreign student arriving in Ashgabat or one of the towns of Turkmenistan where a university is located, strategic thinking will not suffice, you will need some sort of protection. International student health insurance comes in, that is where.
This guide has the best 10 international health insurance companies that are relied upon by the students in Central Asia and Turkmenistan is not an exception. We will also outline the best of each insurer, the type of coverage they provide, and the way to select the best according to your needs.
Why Health Insurance Matters in Turkmenistan
And there is no use sugarcoating the fact that the international student insurance market is not well developed in Turkmenistan. The majority of the local policies are created to address people or expats under government contracts. In the case of international students, that establishes a service gap. And this loophole will come at a heavy price should you require any hospitalization, emergency operation or repatriation.
So what’s the solution? The reason is that global health insurers are providing student-centered plans, or plans that are set up to address visa requirements, English-language support, and provide 24/7 access to care.
It is time to consider the 10 best providers that will give you the peace of mind as you pursue your academic goals in Turkmenistan.
🌍 Top 10 Health Insurance Providers for International Students in Turkmenistan
1. IMG Global – Student Journey Series
- Why it’s recommended: IMG is a well-known name in the student insurance space with a long history of serving globally mobile students.
- Plan highlights:
- Choose between Lite, Plus, and Platinum options
- Up to $500,000 coverage depending on the tier
- Mental health support
- Access to 24/7 telehealth services
- Choose between Lite, Plus, and Platinum options
- Best for: Students looking for tiered plans with mental health services included.
Whether you’re doing a semester exchange or a full degree, IMG’s flexibility makes it a strong contender.
2. International Student Insurance (ISI)
- Why it’s recommended: ISI specializes in just one thing—health insurance for international students.
- Plan highlights:
- Meets student visa requirements for most countries
- Includes mental health, maternity, and even sports injuries
- Competitive premiums and straightforward claims
- Meets student visa requirements for most countries
- Best for: Budget-conscious students who want all-around protection without hidden surprises.
It’s also recognized by many universities as an approved provider.
3. April International
- Why it’s recommended: A modern, tech-first insurance provider trusted by over 500,000 international clients.
- Plan highlights:
- Covers both medical and non-medical emergencies
- Includes global second medical opinions
- Civil liability and legal assistance are also included
- Covers both medical and non-medical emergencies
- Best for: Students who want added legal or civil protection, not just basic medical.
If you’re living in dorms or shared housing, civil liability coverage can be a big plus.
4. Cigna Global
- Why it’s recommended: One of the most customizable insurance providers in the market.
- Plan highlights:
- Modular design: you choose what to add—dental, vision, evacuation, outpatient
- 24/7 multilingual assistance
- Wide international medical network
- Modular design: you choose what to add—dental, vision, evacuation, outpatient
- Best for: Students who want to tailor their coverage down to the detail.
Cigna’s flexibility is especially useful if you’re managing chronic health conditions or planning to travel across borders.
5. Seven Corners – Liaison Student Plan
- Why it’s recommended: Great customer service and fast claim turnaround times.
- Plan highlights:
- Built for U.S. and non-U.S. students studying abroad
- Covers prescriptions, physician visits, and hospitalization
- Emergency evacuation and repatriation included
- Built for U.S. and non-U.S. students studying abroad
- Best for: Students who want fast claims and responsive support teams.
It’s a solid pick if you’re new to managing international insurance and want simplicity.
6. Insubuy
- Why it’s recommended: Not just an insurer, but a comparison platform offering multiple top-rated student plans.
- Plan highlights:
- Offers ExchangeGuard and other plans underwritten by trusted names
- Clear side-by-side comparisons of plans, benefits, and pricing
- Simple online application and claims tracking
- Offers ExchangeGuard and other plans underwritten by trusted names
- Best for: Students who want to compare different policies before buying.
Insubuy is also useful if your university gives you options but no clear guidance.
7. Allianz Care
- Why it’s recommended: Global reputation, widely recognized by embassies and institutions.
- Plan highlights:
- Comprehensive outpatient, inpatient, and dental modules
- Mental health and maternity care available
- 24/7 multilingual emergency assistance
- Comprehensive outpatient, inpatient, and dental modules
- Best for: Students who want top-tier care with excellent network access.
Allianz plans may cost more, but they offer deep value—especially if you’re staying long-term.
8. StudentSecure by HCCMIS / Tokio Marine
- Why it’s recommended: Designed specifically for international students, with four tiers from basic to elite.
- Plan highlights:
- Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation
- Coverage for mental health, accidents, and sports injuries
- Dependents can be added at an additional cost
- Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation
- Best for: Students with active lifestyles or those participating in sports programs.
The higher-tier plans also cover pre-existing conditions after a waiting period.
9. PSI Service
- Why it’s recommended: Known for affordability and easy access for international students.
- Plan highlights:
- Instant online purchase and confirmation
- Simple claim submission process
- Emergency repatriation and basic coverage options
- Instant online purchase and confirmation
- Best for: Students who want low-cost, no-fuss insurance while studying in remote locations.
It’s ideal for short-term academic programs or internships as well.
10. International-Sante.com
- Why it’s recommended: French-based provider with affordable plans starting at €33/month.
- Plan highlights:
- Repatriation, civil liability, and medical assistance included
- Plan certificates delivered instantly upon purchase
- Budget-friendly but compliant with most visa programs
- Repatriation, civil liability, and medical assistance included
- Best for: EU students or French-speaking students studying in Turkmenistan.
It’s a hidden gem for students on tight budgets who still want good coverage.
🧠 Key Coverage Areas You Should Look For
Before you settle on any plan, double-check that it includes these critical areas:
| Coverage Area | Why It Matters |
| Emergency hospital care | Prevents major financial loss during severe illness or accidents |
| Repatriation & evacuation | Covers return flights home in case of extreme illness or death |
| Mental health services | Crucial for dealing with culture shock, homesickness, or depression |
| Routine doctor visits | Keeps you healthy during semester cycles |
| Telemedicine or virtual care | Saves time for non-emergency health needs |
| Maternity (if applicable) | Essential for long-term students with family plans |
| Civil liability | Protects you if you accidentally cause harm to others |
Always read the fine print. Some plans exclude high-risk sports, war zones, or require additional paperwork for mental health claims.
📌 How to Choose the Right Plan for Turkmenistan
Choosing the right plan isn’t just a numbers game. It’s about context. Here’s a step-by-step framework:
✅ 1. Confirm university or visa requirements
Turkmenistan may not always mandate health insurance, but some universities might. Always ask for their approved provider list.
✅ 2. Consider your lifestyle
Are you going to travel across Central Asia during breaks? Then look for a multi-country plan. Into hiking or sports? Make sure injuries are covered.
✅ 3. Decide your budget range
Plans start from €33/month to $200+/month depending on tier and inclusions. Budget isn’t everything, but it sets the boundaries.
✅ 4. Look for fast service
Pick a provider with fast certificate generation and digital claim submission. Paperwork delays can affect your visa or class enrollment.
✅ 5. Evaluate long-term needs
Planning a two-year degree or bringing dependents? Go with a modular plan like Cigna or Allianz that grows with you.
Pro Tips:
You cannot go without your passport. No health insurance and do not study.
Turkmenistan might not be on the international radar of students but the more the better to be armed. There are health emergencies that are not time or cost conscious. As well as in the land of few English speaking clinics and uneven care quality, 24/7 international health insurance is not a luxury, but a necessity.
Choose wisely. Invest once. Then concentrate on what matters the most, that is, education, your new experiences and tranquility of mind.
References:
- Allianz Care. (2024). Student Health Plans. https://www.allianzcare.com/en/student-health-insurance.html
- April International. (2024). International Student Insurance Plans. https://www.april-international.com/en/student
- Cigna Global. (2024). International Student Health Insurance. https://www.cignaglobal.com/health-insurance/student
- HCCMIS (Tokio Marine). (2024). StudentSecure Insurance Plans. https://www.hccmis.com/student-health-insurance/studentsecure/
- IMG Global. (2024). Student Journey Health Insurance. https://www.imglobal.com/img-insurance-plans/student-health-insurance
- Insubuy. (2024). ExchangeGuard and Student Plans Comparison. https://www.insubuy.com/student-health-insurance/
- International Student Insurance. (2024). Compare Plans for Students. https://www.internationalstudentinsurance.com/student-health-insurance/
- International-Sante.com. (2024). Assurance Santé pour Étudiants Internationaux. https://www.international-sante.com
- PSI Services. (2024). Student Insurance. https://www.psiservice.com
- Seven Corners. (2024). Liaison Student Insurance. https://www.sevencorners.com/plans/liaison-student
