You are going to Tunisia to study.
You must also have the plan of how to maintain health and seek assistance immediately when not.
And here is the brief form before we get into detail. The national health insurance fund in Tunisia is the CNAM, which covers the residents with both public and contracted service providers. It is not made to visit students. A guarantee of the payment or a guarantee of the guarantee of the payment may be requested by the private clinics and serious cases may need to be evacuated to another country where they would receive advanced care. This is the reason why the universal recommendation is international student insurance including evacuation and 24/7 support.
What “good coverage” looks like in Tunisia
- Repatriation and emergency medical evacuation. In case of serious emergency, transfer to the closest appropriate facility outside Tunisia may be required. The UK government advice encourages travellers to have insurance policies which cover medical evacuation; the CDC Yellow Book also does the same and details how the assistance providers would organize care and make payments. Make this non-negotiable.
- Inpatient and outpatient care having the access of privately-clinic. You will probably be using the private clinics due to convenience and the English/French language assistance. Action plans capable of making a guarantee of payment decrease delays and deposits. The U.S. consular advice also recommends to ensure that your plan includes overseas care and evacuation- something most domestic policies do not.
- 24/7 healthcare support and telehealth. You desire a figure that answers at 2 a.m., video consults in triage and follow up. Good examples of what to look out are AXA Virtual Doctor and other services.
- University and visa paperwork. A large number of student insurers offer immediate certificates and letters accepted by the universities. Get it written down then pay.
- Know the local context. CNAM is a national fund that was established in Tunisia by legal act in 2004 to harmonize the health-insurance regimes. It mainly benefits the residents through the social security programs. You as a visiting student cannot afford to use it as the only safety net. Also carry your own full cover.
The 10 providers students most often use in Tunisia
These are recognizable global brands with student friendly plans, evacuation benefits and 24/7 support. You should always make sure that your zone of coverage covers Tunisia and probable areas of evacuation (regional hubs in North Africa or Europe).
1) Cigna Global — flexible coverage that is student-ready.
The student page of Cigna states the international health insurance that has modular benefits (inpatient, outpatient, mental health), the large provider tools, and the 24/7 support. It further observes that in certain universities, health insurance is a requirement and this is also on-the-ground. Good choice when you need some customizing the limits and adding extras at a reasonable cost.
Interrogate them: which Clinics in Tunis or Sfax take direct payment and what is the evacuation route in case of need of a specialist in another country?
2) Allianz Care — popular student plans, powerful support.
Allianz International Student Health Insurance provides flexible benefits and multilingual helplines and includes straightforward evacuation and repatriation language. Colleges tend to accept their certificates without ado.
Ask them: How can you do the evacuation out of Tunisia; can you give a guarantee of payment to named private hospitals?
3) IMG (International Medical Group) – student purpose options.
IMG Student Health Advantage (Standard/Platinum) is a plan aimed at full time students and scholars. It has emergency medical evacuation, telemedicine and mental-health benefits and it can be renewed in longer programs. Start here, in case you want to have a student-specific layout that is easy on the pocket and has clear documents.
Questions to ask: What is the wait time in case of pre-existing conditions and does 24/7 telemedicine fall under my tier?
4) AXA Global Healthcare – global coverage including Virtual Doctor.
AXA integrates video/phone consults and second medical opinions along with global plans. International package includes evacuation support and multi-language support. This is important when you require counsel prior to making a decision to travel to care.
Request them: Do you have a tier of plan that covers a second opinion and how quick can you give me a guarantee of payment in case of my admission?
5) GeoBlue (Navigator Student) – direct-pay network, and powerful tools.
The Navigator brochure of GeoBlue puts focus on global student and faculty benefits (both within and beyond the U.S.) to include concierge-level service and direct-billing networks. This is especially widespread among U.S. students studying overseas, though it may be open to U.S. nationals outside the plan.
Inquire of them: Am I a candidate for Navigator to my citizenship? Which partner facilities in Tunisia are favouring direct pay?
6) Bupa Global – comprehensive IPMI with extensive direct-billing coverage.
The international plans of Bupa are focused on direct access to the specialists and global networks without referrals. When admissions and limits are in your priority list, it’s a good, albeit expensive, choice.
Ask them: What is your current list of direct-billing hospitals you will sanction in Tunisia and other evacuation centers?
7) William Russell – transparent levels, expater friendly service.
The student page by William Russell represents hospital, outpatient, diagnostics and evacuation at the Bronze/Silver/Gold levels, 24/7 cover and Allianz insuring on most plans. It fits well with the students who desire simple plan design and service that is responsive.
Inquire: What level is the one that includes all the diagnostics that I am likely to require, and what are the pre-authorization regulations?
8) APRIL International — student-centric add-ons, instant certificates.
The Expat Student offered by APRIL is entirely online and oriented at long-term study. The brochure points out the medical expenses, repatriation, civil liability and psychological support-helpful when your school is requesting something other than medical benefits.
Ask them: default, Is there civil liability, And how soon can you deliver my enrolment certificate?
9) MSH International – evacuation student/teacher plans.
The student/teacher plan offered by MSH (and the StudyInsured™ programs in North America) provides emergency assistance, repatriation, prescriptions, and specialist care. Its brand has a long history of addressing expats in Francophone Africa and that can assist in French-language claims.
Question them: Do you have French/English claims in the support of Tunisia and the 24/7 hotline to assure of payment?
10) International Student Insurance (ISI)- tiered student plans and expedited paperwork.
Student Secure (Smart/Budget/Select/Elite) by ISI has been created to meet the requirements of visa and university compliance and provides easy comparisons between deductibles, limits and add-ons. When you want straightforward enrolling and registering, it is an expedient pathway.
Test them: Which level does my university require in terms of evacuation, outpatient and liability minimums? Can I upgrade mid-term?”
Quick table to shortlist your top three
| Provider | Student-specific plan | Evacuation included | 24/7 assistance | Telehealth / second opinion | Notes |
| Cigna Global | Yes | Yes | Yes | Telehealth depending on module | Flexible modules; big network. cignaglobal.com |
| Allianz Care | Yes | Yes | Yes | App + partners | Widely accepted by universities. allianzcare.com |
| IMG | Student Health Advantage | Yes | Yes | Telemedicine | Built for full-time students. imglobal.com |
| AXA Global Healthcare | Yes | Yes | Yes | Virtual Doctor + second opinion | Handy for quick triage. AXA – Global Healthcare+1 |
| GeoBlue | Navigator Student | Yes | Yes | App tools | Strong direct-pay network. geobluetravelinsurance.com |
| Bupa Global | Student-suitable IPMI | Yes | Yes | Digital care varies | Premium networks, direct billing. Bupa Global |
| William Russell | Student plans | Yes | Yes | Varies by tier | Clear Bronze/Silver/Gold design. William Russell |
| APRIL International | Expat Student | Yes | Yes | EasyClaim + support | Instant certificates. APRIL International+1 |
| MSH International | Student/teacher plans | Yes | Yes | Wellness & support options | English/French service. americas.msh-intl.com |
| International Student Insurance (ISI) | Student Secure (tiers) | Yes | Yes | Varies by tier | Visa-oriented documentation. International Student |
How Tunisia’s system fits into your decision
- CNAM ( Caisse Nationale d Assurance Maladie ) In law 2004-71, CNAM is the national fund that consolidates health-insurance schemes. It addresses citizens and resident contributors in public and contracted private facilities. When you are a visiting student who is not a member of the Tunisian social-security system, you do not belong to that system. Plan for private insurance.
- The government and public-health guidance to the people of Tunisia continues to drive the same point: purchase sufficient insurance, and ensure it has evacuation. Keep proof of cover on you.
- U.S. consular advice introduces a practical point–certify that your plan will cover emergency costs such as medical evacuation since most domestic policies do not. That one check eliminates ugly surprises.
A five-step selection flow you can finish this week
Step 1 — Gather the minimums of your school on paper.
Request admissions or the international office provide a one-pager: inpatient/outpatient, evacuation/repatriation, liability requirements and dates of coverage. A large number of student insurers will provide a matching instant certificate.
Step 2 — Shortlist 3 providers and download benefit tables.
A reasonable three: Cigna global, Allianz Care and IMG. Included AXA when you need virtual doctor standard, and included APRIL when you need personal liability recorded on the certificate.
Step 3 – Verify on the evacuation clause.
Where would you be sent, and who determines it, and what about companions? The CDC Yellow Book clarifies that the medical teams of the insurers typically issue the call, as it is designed to do, and that the general “travel insurance might not cover medical evacuation unless you take it. Make sure you get confirmation which is written that you have a plan which includes evacuation to the closest appropriate facility.
Step 4 — Check direct billing and payment guarantees.
Request the names of the private clinics in Tunis, Sousse or Sfax where the insurer can be sure of payment. This minimizes delays in admission and out of pocket deposits.
Step 5 — Store the hotlines and documents in 2 locations.
Have your e-card, policy PDF and the 24/7 assistance number on your phone and printed. Bookmark TravelHealthPro Tunisia to keep up to date on health issues and the FCDO health page to get general information on insurance..
Tunisia-specific coverage tips (that students often miss)
- Telehealth is your first stop. Use AXA’s Virtual Doctor, Cigna’s digital access, or IMG’s telemedicine to triage before you travel across town. It saves time and reduces stress.
- Mental-health visits matter. Exams, moves, and culture shock can add up. Choose a plan that includes counseling and follow-up. Many student plans do.
- Read the exclusions. The CDC notes that travel policies vary widely on evacuation, hazardous activities, and pre-existing conditions. Read the lines that affect your life—sports, fieldwork, medication refills.
- Expect to show proof of cover. Universities and consulates may ask for insurance as part of registration or residence processes. Cigna and student-focused platforms reflect that reality in their guidance.
FAQs students ask the week before departure
Is Tunisia’s CNAM enough for me as a student?
No. CNAM is the national scheme for residents under Tunisia’s social-security system. As a visiting student, you should rely on a private international plan with evacuation and 24/7 assistance.
What’s the single most important line in my policy?
“Emergency medical evacuation to the nearest suitable facility,” with high limits and 24/7 coordination. Both the FCDO and CDC emphasize evacuation coverage for destinations where complex care may require transfer.
Will my home policy cover me abroad?
Maybe not. The CDC warns that domestic or basic travel policies often don’t include medical evacuation or full overseas treatment. Buy a plan that does, and keep the assistance number handy.
How do I prove compliance to my university?
Ask the insurer for a certificate of coverage listing your name, dates, country, and key benefits (inpatient, outpatient, evacuation, repatriation; liability if required). Many student insurers issue this instantly after payment.
Example provider notes you can reuse in emails
Use these prompts to get precise answers, fast.
- Cigna Global: “Please confirm the clinics in Tunis where you have direct billing and share evacuation destinations you commonly use for Tunisia.”
- Allianz Care: “Can you issue a guarantee of payment within hours to private hospitals, and do you provide visa letters for students?”
- IMG: “Which Student Health Advantage tier covers mental-health visits and telemedicine, and what are the pre-existing condition terms?”
- AXA Global Healthcare: “Is Virtual Doctor available from Tunisia, and do I get a second medical opinion as part of my plan?”
- GeoBlue: “Am I eligible for Navigator, and which Tunis clinics support direct pay through your network?”
- Bupa Global: “Please share your current Tunis network list for direct billing and any pre-authorization rules for imaging or surgery.”
- William Russell: “Which tier best balances outpatient diagnostics and evacuation for a one-year program in Tunisia?”
- APRIL International: “Does Expat Student include personal liability and psychological support, and can you issue certificates within 24 hours?”
- MSH International: “Do you offer bilingual (FR/EN) claims support and 24/7 hotlines for Tunisia?”
- ISI / Student Secure: “Which tier (Smart/Budget/Select/Elite) meets my university’s minimums for evacuation and outpatient limits?”
Pro Tips:
Tunisia is a pleasant country to educate.
It is yet to have a solid plan.
Select a policy that is student-ready that includes evacuation and repatriation, 24/7 help, and access to a private clinic with direct-billing. Prefer brands that produce transparent student documentation and have the ability to grant certificates which are accepted by your university. Store your e-card with your phone, and on your wallet. Then get back to concentrate on your degree.
Sources:
- CNAM (Tunisia’s National Health Insurance Fund) – official overview and mandate (Law 2004-71; national scheme for residents). cnam.nat.tn+1
- UK FCDO – Tunisia: Health – travel advice emphasizing adequate medical insurance and evacuation considerations. GOV.UK
- TravelHealthPro (NaTHNaC) – Tunisia – country health guidance and pre-travel prep. travelhealthpro.org.uk
- U.S. Embassy Tunis – Medical Assistance – verify overseas coverage and medical evacuation benefits before travel. tn.usembassy.gov
- CDC Yellow Book 2026 (2025 update) – travel health insurance and medical evacuation guidance; 24/7 assistance and direct-pay considerations. CDC+1
- Insurer documentation:
- Cigna Global – International Student Health Insurance. cignaglobal.com
- Allianz Care – International Student Health Insurance. allianzcare.com
- IMG – Student Health Advantage (student plans). imglobal.com
- AXA Global Healthcare – Virtual Doctor / Online Doctor services. AXA – Global Healthcare+1
- GeoBlue – Navigator Student brochure + student portal. geobluetravelinsurance.com+1
- Bupa Global – International health insurance (direct specialist access). Bupa Global
- William Russell – International student health insurance. William Russell
- APRIL International – Expat Student (brochure + site). APRIL International+1
- MSH International / StudyInsured. americas.msh-intl.com+1
- International Student Insurance – Student Secure tiers.
- Cigna Global – International Student Health Insurance. cignaglobal.com
