Studying in Chad is a bold choice because of its central location within Central Africa. The experience of studying in Chad gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself in a truly unique culture and academic environment that few other places on earth can provide. However, once you have a spouse and/or dependents (children), the process of relocation becomes significantly more complicated. As a result, your main concerns aren’t simply what is covered in the syllabus, but rather, the health and welfare of your family/household.
The healthcare infrastructure in Chad is very complex and as such local healthcare systems do not always have sufficient resources to address the needs of the increasingly large population. International students, therefore, will find their “standard” “student insurance” policy in Europe/North America does not apply to them in Chad. Instead, international students in Chad need to view themselves differently than they would in a European/North American setting. Specifically, they should see themselves as international expats who happen to be students.
Viewing oneself as an international expat who is also a student will significantly alter how you go about purchasing insurance as well as how your family receives medical treatment when it is needed most.
The Reality of Healthcare in Chad
Prior to delving into specific policy considerations, the present-day environment must be examined. Chad’s public healthcare system has many challenges. In terms of medical facility availability, beyond the capital, N’Djamena, the country has few facilities available. For the most part, even within the capital, public hospital facilities suffer from chronic shortages of necessary drugs and other supplies and lack the appropriate medical equipment. The waiting time to receive medical attention is also generally very long.
As a result, in general, families do not choose the public healthcare options when they are available locally. Typically, expatriates and international students go to private clinics or international hospitals. On the other hand, when a person requires serious trauma treatment, a complex surgical procedure, or specialized care for a child, they will likely find the best opportunity for receiving such services at a medical center located outside of Chad.
In terms of medical emergencies, medical evacuation (medevac) is not an optional service in Chad; it is a life line. If one of your family members becomes severely ill, you may have to transport them by air to either Cameroon, South Africa, or France. Absent having an adequate international insurance program in place, the cost of privately contracting a medevac can exceed tens of thousands of dollars—making it impossible for any student to afford.
Top 10 Family-Capable International Plans
To find a provider which will recognize “Student” as a valid occupation and provide full expatriate benefits to the student’s family, look to the following global insurance companies that specialize in expats living in Central Africa.
1. Cigna Global
Cigna is an international player when it comes to expat insurance. Their module-based approach to health insurance is very attractive to students. You first select a base inpatient (hospital) plan, either their Platinum or Silver option, then purchase additional modules such as outpatient treatment or dental/vision coverage depending on how much money you want to spend. With over 1.7 million medical service providers worldwide, Cigna has a large provider network which makes them a good choice for families who also travel.
2. Allianz Care
Allianz has a reputation for providing excellent customer service. In countries like Chad, where red tape and bureaucracy can be overwhelming, the ability to utilize Allianz’s online digital platform and 24 hour customer service would be a huge asset. Allianz provides one contract per family; therefore, all members of the family fall under one deductible for the entire year.
3. Bupa Global
If money is no object and you want to get the absolute best medical coverage available, then Bupa is the top-of-the-line option. It has an excellent reputation on the African continent, and it has a large network of high-quality hospitals in both Africa and Europe. If you think you may need specialist treatment during your time studying in London or Paris, Bupa’s Elite policies provide you with almost complete access to the very best doctors anywhere in the world.
4. Aetna International
Aetna stands out from the crowd as the company providing the most comprehensive management of patients in less-than-ideal healthcare environments. Aetna does not simply write checks, but instead will provide you with “Care Management” services. So if you are managing a long-term condition (such as asthma) while living in N’Djamena and cannot obtain the prescribed medication, Aetna’s Care Management team will assist in coordinating the delivery of the prescription medication to you.
5. AXA Global Healthcare
AXA offers a good middle ground between the two extremes of very expensive “elite” international insurance options and lower-cost “budget” options. As such, AXA is often selected by individuals using international brokers who prefer simple, easy-to-understand policy terms. AXA’s evacuation procedures are also ranked among the highest in the industry, providing students with peace-of-mind while studying abroad in a remote landlocked country.
6. William Russell
William Russell is a much smaller and also more specialized insurance company compared to the large multinational corporations that provide global health insurance coverage. As such, they are able to provide a very high level of personalized customer service. For over several generations William Russell has provided health insurance coverage to individuals located in Central Africa; as such, they fully understand all of the specific types of risks associated with the region and therefore offer “Global Health” plans which may be more cost-effective compared to those offered by their larger competitors while still offering higher maximum limits for hospital stays.
7. April International
April International is based in France; therefore, it was an ideal choice for Chad due to the long history and language relationship between the two countries. April International provides a variety of “Long Term Student” formulas that can be added to include family members. The evacuation routes used by April International are usually direct to France’s top tier hospitals.
8. IMG (International Medical Group)
IMG is extremely flexible. They provide “Global Mission” and “Student Health” plans that will allow you to add your spouse and children as family members. IMG is particularly popular among researchers and students that require a combination of high limit emergency medical coverage and lower cost outpatient benefits.
9. GeoBlue (Blue Cross Blue Shield)
GeoBlue is typically the best option for U.S. based American students. GeoBlue provides your international health care through the U.S. Blue Cross Blue Shield Network. As such, it will make it easy to have your major care treated in the U.S.
10. Mondassur
Mondassur functions as a bridge between brokers and insurance companies. Mondassur specializes in Expat Student formulas, which include repatriation and medical expenses. Many of their student plans are competitively priced for students under 35 years old including spouse and/or family members.
Understanding the Financial Commitment
Pricing for family insurance varies wildly based on age and the level of “comfort” you require. In Chad, your costs will generally fall into three tiers.
| Plan Level | Estimated Monthly Cost (Family of 3) | Primary Focus |
| Budget | $150 – $300 | Emergency inpatient care and evacuation; high deductibles. |
| Mid-Range | $300 – $600 | Good inpatient + some outpatient and wellness checks. |
| Premium | $600 – $1,000+ | Comprehensive care, maternity, and worldwide (US) coverage. |
To keep costs down, most students choose to exclude coverage in the USA. The US is the most expensive healthcare market in the world; removing it from your policy can drop your premium by 30% to 50%.
Critical Features: What to Prioritize
When you are reading the “fine print” of a policy, don’t get distracted by perks like free gym memberships. In the context of Chad, focus on these four non-negotiables:
1. Tropical Disease Coverage
Malaria is a reality here. Ensure your plan covers not just the treatment of tropical diseases, but also the diagnostic tests required to identify them quickly. Some “budget” plans from your home country might exclude “preventable” tropical illnesses—avoid these.
2. Evacuation and Repatriation
In Chad, this is your most important benefit. Look for a plan that covers “Emergency Medical Evacuation to the nearest center of excellence.” If a child has a complex fracture or a severe infection, you want them in a modern facility in Yaoundé or Paris, not waiting for a bed in a local clinic.
3. Direct Billing
Many clinics in Chad operate on a “cash-up-front” basis. However, international insurers often have “Direct Billing” agreements with the top private clinics in N’Djamena. This means the hospital bills the insurer directly, saving you from having to find $5,000 in cash in the middle of the night.
4. Maternity and Newborn Care
If you are planning to expand your family, be aware of “Waiting Periods.” Most international plans require you to be a member for 10 to 24 months before they cover pregnancy. Furthermore, verify if the plan covers “Newborn Underwriting,” which ensures your baby is covered from the moment of birth regardless of health status.
Practical Steps for Your Relocation
Securing the policy is only the first half of the battle. Using it effectively in Chad requires a bit of strategy.
- Consult a Broker: Do not try to navigate these websites alone. Use an international broker (like Pacific Prime or APlat). They don’t charge you a fee—they get paid by the insurer—and they can compare all 10 of the companies listed above to find the one that specifically covers “Student” status in Chad.
- Define Your Region: If you don’t plan on visiting the US, select a “Worldwide Excluding USA” region. It is the single best way to save money without sacrificing the quality of care you receive in Africa.
- Prepare an Emergency Kit: Keep a physical folder with your insurance cards, a copy of everyone’s passport, and at least $500–$1,000 in emergency cash. Even with the best insurance, some local providers may demand a deposit before they even call the insurance company.
- Check University Requirements: Some Chadian institutions or scholarship boards have a “minimum sum insured” (e.g., $100,000). Ensure your chosen plan meets or exceeds these requirements to avoid visa issues.
Pro Tips:
It takes courage to be a student in Chad, but it takes a lot more than courage to let the health of your loved ones depend on a roll of the dice. When you choose an expat global plan instead of a local student plan, you’re not only ensuring you’ll have the funds to deal with a medical emergency anywhere you happen to be (whether you’re in class in N’Djamena or in a hospital across the border), you’re also giving yourself the ability to focus on your education without the constant worry of what would happen if disaster struck. An international student plan is much more than paying for doctors, it’s purchasing peace-of-mind, a sense of security that allows you to pursue your dreams while protecting the well-being of your family.
References:
- Pacific Prime. (2024). Chad health insurance for expats [Webpage]. Pacific Prime. https://www.pacificprime.com/country/africa/chad-health-insurance/
- Cigna Global. (2022, November 23). International health insurance for students [Webpage]. Cigna Global. https://www.cignaglobal.com/inside-expat-health/planning-to-move/international-health-insurance-for-students
- Cigna Global. (2023). International student health insurance [Webpage]. Cigna Global. https://www.cignaglobal.com/students
- Jarnias, C. (2026, January 25). Moving to Chad as an expat: The complete guide [Webpage]. https://www.jarniascyril.com/expatriation/guide-installation-expatriate-chad/
- Mondassur. (n.d.). Health insurance in Cameroon [Webpage]. Mondassur. https://www.mondassur.com/en/visas-and-health-in-cameroon/
- International-Santé. (2017, January 8). Health insurance for students & interns abroad [Webpage]. International-Santé. https://www.international-sante.com/healthforexpats/international-student-insurance/
- Expert Education. (2025, February 19). Student health insurance [Webpage]. Expert Education. https://experteducation.com/global/services/student-health-insurance/
