Moving to Togo, as an international student, is a big decision. The country has many colorful markets, a rich history and a coastline that will never leave you. If you have a spouse or children coming with you, however, everything about your priorities can be expected to change dramatically. For students to achieve academic success, they must be able to feel secure; feeling secure in West Africa, however, begins with having a good health insurance plan.
The current situation in Togo’s healthcare is changing rapidly. The government has recently rolled-out the Assurance Maladie Universelle (AMU) which is a national health program intended to increase the number of people who have access to healthcare. Although, at present, it is not possible for international students and their families to practically apply for use of the AMU. Therefore, private health care is the best option available for expats and a comprehensive international health insurance policy is the most important document you will take with you when you move abroad.
Below we outline what you should know to ensure your family is protected, so you can concentrate on your studies.
The Reality of Healthcare in Togo
While the majority of the country’s healthcare systems are primarily run by both public and private hospitals, there are many quality private hospital facilities located throughout the capital city of Lomé. The Clinique du Golfe is one of the best private hospitals in West Africa and many expats and international students receive their primary medical care at these types of facilities for non-emergency, minor, or moderately severe conditions.
However, when serious surgeries are required, or a patient has a life-threatening emergency requiring the expertise of an outside specialist (cardiac, neurological, etc.), the need to evacuate the patient from the country becomes a priority. That is why evacuation and repatriation is generally the most valuable and expensive benefit included within a typical insurance plan.
Top 10 Family-Friendly International Plans for Togo
Choosing a plan is a balance between your budget and the depth of coverage your family requires. Below are the most reliable options for students, categorized by their typical cost and suitability for families.
1. William Russell – International Health Insurance
William Russell is a favorite for many expats in Africa because they offer specific “Zone” pricing. By choosing a plan that covers Africa and the Indian Subcontinent (excluding high-cost areas like the USA or Hong Kong), you can significantly lower your premiums.
- Cost Band: $2,000 – $5,000 annually for a small family.
- Why it works: It is highly flexible. You can add a spouse and children to a student policy easily, and their evacuation benefits are top-tier.
2. Cigna Healthcare Africa
Cigna is a global giant with a specialized “Cigna Africa” division. This isn’t just a global plan with an African footprint; it is built specifically for residents on the continent.
- Cost Band: $1,800 – $4,500.
- Why it works: They have a strong network of providers across Africa and offer excellent telemedicine services, which is incredibly useful for minor pediatric concerns.
3. MSH International
MSH is known for handling complex expat assignments. Their plans for Togo provide seamless access to the best local private hospitals without the need for up-front payments in many cases.
- Cost Band: $2,000 – $5,000.
- Why it works: They offer multiple plan levels, allowing you to scale up if you have a higher budget or scale down for more basic needs.
4. AXA Global Healthcare
AXA is a household name in insurance for a reason. Their international health plans are comprehensive and carry the weight of a massive global network.
- Cost Band: $2,500 – $5,500.
- Why it works: If your university requires a “high-limit” policy to satisfy visa or enrollment requirements, AXA is often the safest bet.
5. April International – MyHealth International
April uses a “modular” approach. You start with a core of hospitalization cover and add “modules” for outpatient care, dental, or maternity.
- Cost Band: $2,000 – $4,500.
- Why it works: This is the best choice if you want to customize your plan. If you don’t need maternity coverage, you don’t pay for it.
6. GeoBlue (via Pacific Prime)
GeoBlue is effectively the international arm of Blue Cross Blue Shield. It is a premium product aimed at those who want the absolute best medical intelligence and second-opinion services.
- Cost Band: $3,000 – $6,000.
- Why it works: Ideal for families who may travel frequently or plan to move to the US after their studies in Togo.
7. InternationalStudentInsurance.com
This is a niche provider that understands the specific budget constraints and visa needs of students. Their “Student Health” or “Global” plans are often the most affordable way to get a family covered.
- Cost Band: $1,200 – $3,000.
- Why it works: It is designed for F-2/J-2 style dependents. If your school has no specific insurer mandate, this is your value-leader.
8. IMG – Global Medical / Student Health
IMG offers specialized student products that include coverage for dependents. They are particularly good at handling the administrative side of international claims.
- Cost Band: $1,500 – $3,500.
- Why it works: They offer moderate deductibles that help keep the monthly premium manageable for a student budget.
9. Ascoma Togo
Ascoma is a major local broker in Lomé. They partner with international insurers to provide plans that feel local but have global backing.
- Cost Band: Highly variable; often lower for local-only cover.
- Why it works: You get a local health card. This can simplify things at pharmacies and local clinics in Togo where international “guarantees of payment” might be met with confusion.
10. Generic Student Travel/Study Medical Plans
Brokers like AECC or Expert Education offer basic medical plans focused on emergencies.
- Cost Band: $800 – $2,000.
- Why it works: This is “catastrophic only” coverage. It is the bare minimum to satisfy a visa and protect against a disaster, but expect to pay for routine GP visits out of pocket.
What to Prioritize: The “Non-Negotiables”
When you are reviewing a 50-page policy document, your eyes might glaze over. Focus your attention on these five areas to ensure your family is truly protected in the Togolese context.
1. Emergency Medical Evacuation
Do not compromise here. If a family member suffers a serious injury, you need the contractual right to be flown to a world-class facility in Accra, Johannesburg, or Europe. Check the limit for this benefit; it should be at least $500,000, though many plans offer $1 million or more.
2. Inpatient Hospitalization
Hospital stays in private Togolese clinics are expensive. Ensure your plan has “direct billing” or a “guarantee of payment” system so you aren’t forced to put a $5,000 deposit on a credit card in the middle of the night.
3. Pediatric Care and Vaccinations
If you have young children, routine care is your most frequent interaction with the medical system. Many student-specific plans cover basic doctor visits and annual checkups as standard. Ensure your outpatient benefit is sufficient for 3–5 visits per year per child.
4. Maternity and Newborn Care
If there is any possibility of a pregnancy during your studies, look at maternity benefits now. Most international plans have a 10 to 24-month waiting period. You cannot buy maternity insurance after you are already pregnant; you must plan for it nearly a year in advance.
5. Mental Health Support
Studying in a new country with a family is stressful. Cultural adjustments, language barriers, and academic pressure take a toll. Modern plans like Cigna or AXA now include “Tele-health” counseling, which can be a lifeline when you need to speak to someone in your native language.
Understanding the Costs
Why does one family pay $1,500 while another pays $5,000? It usually comes down to three levers:
- Area of Cover: If you exclude the USA, Canada, and Hong Kong, your price drops. If you choose an “Africa-wide” plan, it drops even further.
- The Deductible (Excess): This is the amount you pay out of pocket before the insurance kicks in. A $500 deductible will make your annual premium much cheaper than a $0 deductible. For a student, a $250 or $500 deductible is often the “sweet spot” for balancing monthly costs against risk.
- Benefit Limits: A plan that pays out a maximum of $100,000 per year is cheaper than one that covers up to $2,000,000. In Togo, a $250,000 annual limit is generally considered the safe minimum for a family.
Actionable Tips for Selection
- Check the “Visa List” First: Before you fall in love with a plan, ask your university’s international office if they have a list of approved insurers. Some institutions are strict; others just want to see a certificate of coverage.
- Run Three Quotes: Use a broker platform or go directly to the websites of William Russell, Cigna, and IMG. Use the exact ages of your spouse and child. A 2-year-old costs differently than a 12-year-old.
- Read the “Pre-existing Conditions” Clause: If your child has asthma or your spouse has a chronic condition, you must disclose it. Some plans will exclude these, while others might cover them after a “moratorium” (waiting period).
- Consider the “Hybrid Strategy”: If you are on a very tight budget, you could buy a “Local Plan” from a broker in Lomé for routine pharmacy and GP visits, and pair it with a very cheap “High-Deductible International Evacuation Plan” for major emergencies.
Pro Tips:
When you move to Togo to study and live, it can be a wonderful experience. And by purchasing medical insurance for your spouse and/or dependents, you remove the “what ifs” of each day. Not only do you buy an insurance policy, you also purchase the freedom to pursue your education, as you know your spouse and/or children have access to the highest quality health care possible, regardless of any unexpected issues that may arise.
Spend a few hours comparing today to take advantage of this great opportunity to invest in your international education.
References:
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- Ascoma. (n.d.). Ascoma Togo. Ascoma. https://ascoma.com/en/ascoma-togo-2/
- Cigna Healthcare Africa. (2025). Health insurance | Buy medical insurance plans in Africa. Cigna. https://www.cigna-africa.com
- Expert Education & Visa Services. (2025, February 19). Student health insurance. Expert Education. https://experteducation.com/global/services/student-health-insurance/
- IMG. (2021, December 31). International students – You have insurance options! International Medical Group. https://www.imglobal.com/tips/international-student-health-insurance-options
- IMG. (2023, December 31). International student insurance. International Medical Group. https://www.imglobal.com/international-student-insurance
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- 8B Africa. (2022, September 22). What you should know about health insurance for international students. 8B Africa. https://www.8b.africa/what-you-should-know-about-health-insurance-for-international-students/
- InternationalStudent.com. (2011). Study abroad insurance. InternationalStudent.com. https://www.internationalstudent.com/study-abroad/insurance/
