Pursuing higher education in Mauritania presents the opportunity for a culturally rich experience; however, when an international student relocates with their spouse(s) and/or children, they may find that the academic benefits of being in Mauritania will likely be overshadowed by the harsh realities of the healthcare system. As a non-citizen, foreign nationals have no access to the socialized public health insurance available to citizens of their home countries, and if they do seek private care, the options available to them are limited at best.
Therefore, the issue of how to obtain medical insurance for your family cannot be treated as an after-thought, but rather it should be considered a fundamental part of your relocation strategy. This article provides an overview of the challenges associated with obtaining comprehensive family medical insurance in a country where the risk of illness and injury is high so that you can ensure your family’s health and well-being while you continue to study.
The Reality of Healthcare in Mauritania
You need to know what it is that you’re going to insure against in order to consider your policy choices. The Mauritanian public health-care system has numerous deficiencies. Many hospitals lack sufficient staff and have an ongoing deficit in regard to advanced medical equipment and necessary medicines. Although the Mauritanian government works to improve the public health-care system for all its citizens, it does not exist as a system to serve the requirements or expectations of the global community.
Private options such as Clinique Chiva and Clinique Elihsane can be found in the capital, Nouakchott. Both offer a better level of care than in a public hospital, but both are “basic” by world-wide standards. Importantly, both use a “pay first” model. Without an internationally-recognized insurance card, you might be expected to provide considerable amounts of money before receiving treatment.
The “Evacuation Factor”
The saddest truth about being in Mauritania as a foreigner is that you may have to get medically evacuated. When someone has a severe injury, needs a complex surgery, or requires a special type of baby care, it will not be possible for them to receive their treatment from local hospitals. In those cases, one would need to stabilize the individual enough so they could fly to Dakar (Senegal), Casablanca (Morocco) or Western Europe.
If there is no insurance, a private medevac flight could cost over $300,000. This amount would be a major financial risk for students with families. As such, “International Expat” or “Global Student” plans aren’t a luxury, they are the only way that you will have access to modern healthcare.
Top 10 Insurers for Student Families in Mauritania
Since there aren’t very many insurance options available in-country, you will need to seek out global carriers who have specialty offerings in high-risk countries or emerging markets. In addition to providing coverage for dependents when added as secondary insureds to the primary student policy, these companies provide the multilingual support required to manage cross border claims.
- Cigna Global: Probably the most flexible carrier among all of them. Cigna offers a modular structure that enables you to create a plan that meets a student’s budget while maintaining access to 24 hour multilingual assistance.
- Allianz Care: Allianz Care is well-known for its “Care Signature” plans. They offer high maximum limit plans (up to $5 million), and they have a large network of hospitals that will assist with regional evacuations throughout Africa.
- Bupa Global: Bupa is probably the gold standard for many expatriates. While Bupa may be more expensive than other carriers, it provides maternity and premium inpatient coverage that are unparalleled, which is important if you are considering expanding your family during your studies abroad.
- NOW Health International: NOW Health International has “SimpleCare” options that are designed to provide affordable quality coverage for expats that do not require the bells and whistles that increase the costs of the premium.
- Morgan Price: Morgan Price is a viable alternative for families that have specific requirements. Morgan Price is generally more flexible when it comes to the treatment of new or recently diagnosed medical conditions and provides transparent tiered pricing.
- William Russell: William Russell emphasizes Zone-based coverage. When it comes to Mauritania, William Russell focuses on the logistics of evacuation, making sure that you receive treatment at the correct hospital in the correct country in a timely manner.
- AXA Global Healthcare: AXA Global Healthcare is a common choice among expatriates residing in West Africa due to their extensive experience in the region. As such, they have developed relationships with some of the limited number of high-quality medical facilities in Nouakchott.
- Aetna International: Aetna International is known for its highly customized modular global plans. With respect to coverage, you can elect to include or exclude outpatient services based upon how much “out-of-pocket” risk you are willing to take on.
- IMG Global: IMG Global is a frequently utilized carrier by international students. Their policies are tailored to individuals living outside of their home country for extended periods and include strong evacuation benefits.
- APRIL International: APRIL International provides student-oriented plans that enable you to add dependents. APRIL International is also particularly effective at facilitating the transition between a home country policy and an international one.
The Cost of Protection: What to Budget
Mauritania is often classified as a higher-risk destination due to its infrastructure. This is reflected in the premiums. While a single student might find basic coverage affordable, adding a spouse and child changes the math significantly.
| Plan Tier | Monthly Estimate (Family of 3) | Primary Features |
| Basic | $300 – $600 | Inpatient only, emergency evacuation, high deductible. |
| Mid-Range | $600 – $1,200 | Outpatient visits, maternity (after waiting period), full evacuation. |
| Premium | $1,200+ | Zero deductible, dental/vision, mental health, and wellness checks. |
Note: These are estimates. Prices fluctuate based on the age of the parents and the specific medical history of the family.
Non-Negotiable Coverage Features
When reviewing a policy document, do not get distracted by “wellness benefits” or “gym memberships.” In Mauritania, you need “hard” medical coverage. Focus on these five areas:
1. Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation
This is the single most important clause in your contract. Ensure the policy covers air ambulance costs to the nearest “center of medical excellence” (usually Senegal or Europe) and not just the nearest local hospital.
2. Inpatient and Day-Patient Care
Your plan must cover hospital stays, surgeries, and diagnostic tests at private clinics. Check if the insurer offers “Direct Billing.” This means the insurance company pays the clinic directly, so you aren’t stuck trying to find thousands of dollars in cash during an emergency.
3. Maternity and Newborn Cover
If you are a young family, maternity is a major consideration. Most international plans have a 10 to 12-month waiting period. You cannot buy insurance today and have a birth covered tomorrow. Furthermore, ensure the policy automatically covers a newborn from birth, especially for complications like premature delivery or jaundice.
4. Tropical Disease Treatment
Mauritania is a malaria-endemic region. Typhoid and other water-borne illnesses are also risks. Ensure your policy covers the treatment and complications arising from tropical diseases.
5. Pre-existing Conditions: Moratorium vs. Underwriting
A moratorium is usually best if most members of your family have no known health issues. The insurer will not require a complete medical background check but will exclude coverage of any condition that you experienced symptoms from in the last 5 years as long as you are symptom free for at least 2 consecutive years after enrolling with the new company. A chronic condition such as asthma or diabetes can be treated by choosing full medical underwriting so it is assured that you are insured although it is likely you will pay a higher premium than the group rate.
Actionable Steps: How to Choose Your Plan
Navigating 50,000+ potential plan combinations is impossible for a busy student. Follow this logical sequence to secure your family’s health.
Step 1: Use a Specialist Broker
Don’t try to buy directly from an insurer’s website immediately. Use a broker like Pacific Prime or similar international consultants. They don’t charge you a fee (they are paid by the insurers), but they can provide side-by-side comparisons of different brands. They understand the nuances of the Mauritanian market and can tell you which insurers actually pay claims in West Africa.
Step 2: Define Your “Must-Haves”
Before the first phone call, write down your non-negotiables. Is maternity a priority? Do you need a $0 deductible because you don’t have savings for small emergencies? Being specific helps the broker narrow down the list from hundreds to three or four viable options.
Step 3: Check the Network
Ask the insurer for their “Provider List” in Nouakchott. Specifically, ask if they have a relationship with International SOS. Having a local contact point for an evacuation can save hours of bureaucratic delay during a medical crisis.
Step 4: Disclose Everything
It is tempting to hide a minor back injury or a child’s history of allergies to keep costs down. Don’t. International insurers are rigorous. If they discover a non-disclosure during a high-value claim (like an evacuation), they can void the entire policy, leaving you with a massive bill.
Living Safely in Mauritania: Beyond Insurance
Insurance is your financial safety net, but prevention is your first line of defense.
- Vaccinations: Ensure the whole family is up to date on Yellow Fever, Hepatitis A and B, and Typhoid.
- The “Medical Kit”: Keep a well-stocked first-aid kit at home. Include rehydration salts, sterile needles (for emergency use in clinics), and a supply of any regular medications.
- Emergency Cash: Even with the best insurance, keep a “reserve fund” in cash. Some small clinics may require a deposit before they even call the insurance company to verify your coverage.
- Language: Ensure at least one family member has the contact details for the embassy and the insurance company’s French or English support line saved in their phone.
Pro tips:
Making the move to Mauritania to pursue your studies will be an adventure for you and your family, however there are many responsibilities involved. Moving to a region where the margin for error in health care is very thin,
you can make this as much of a manageable risk by choosing a global insurance plan with a strong focus on evacuation and having access to a private hospital/clinic. Don’t choose the lowest cost option, choose the one that has a clear path to safely evacuating your family if something goes wrong.
References:
- Allianz Care. (n.d.). International healthcare plans. https://www.allianzcare.com/en/personal-international-health-insurance/products-and-services/international-healthcare-plans.html
- APRIL International. (n.d.). What does international student health insurance cover? https://www.april-international.com/en/international-student-insurance/guide/what-does-international-student-health-insurance-cover
- AXA Global Healthcare. (n.d.). Global health insurance. https://www.axaglobalhealthcare.com/en/
- Cigna Global. (2025). International health insurance for global professionals. https://www.cignaglobal.com/global-professionals
- IMG Global. (n.d.). International health insurance. https://www.imglobal.com/international-health-insurance
- International Insurance. (n.d.). Best international health insurance companies. https://www.internationalinsurance.com/health/best-companies/
- Pacific Prime. (n.d.). Mauritania health insurance for expats. https://www.pacificprime.com/country/africa/mauritania-health-insurance/
- Pioneer Global. (n.d.). Student services: Health insurance (OSHC & OVHC). https://pioneerglobal.com.au/student-services.php?view=health-insurance-oshc-ovhc
- StudyGurus. (n.d.). Your overseas student health cover (OSHC) FAQs answered. https://studygurus.com.au/your-overseas-student-health-cover-oshc-faqs-answered/
- Studies in Australia. (n.d.). Student visas: Overseas student health cover. https://www.studiesinaustralia.com/studying-in-australia/how-to-study-in-australia/student-visas/overseas-student-health-cover
