Many international students from Somalia see the opportunity to study abroad as a family endeavor. The excitement of being on a bustling campus in Malaysia, a research center in Turkey, or a University in Europe can be tempered with a significant reality – healthcare.
Healthcare in Somalia is unique; there are few products available locally that will meet either the requirements of a foreign visa office or provide access to high-tech international hospitals. Therefore, many students rely on international “student” or “expatriate” medical insurance plans, but this does not mean all of them are created equally — especially if you have a spouse and/or children to include on your plan.
This guide provides an in-depth look at the top international health insurance providers who recognize Somalia as a country of residence, the costs involved in purchasing such a policy, and what action steps you can take to protect your family.
The Reality of Coverage for Somali Nationals
START_TEXT It’s very important to begin with an open and honest fact. Most students from Somalia are not using specific insurance products in Somalia when studying outside of Somalia; instead, many of them choose global-based providers. The emphasis should be on those insurance companies that have specifically accepted students from Somalia as customers (and this list will vary over time based on changes to international regulations and sanctions).
When you are bringing your family with you to study abroad, you’re not simply shopping for a “student plan.” You are shopping for a hybrid plan: a student-priced plan which includes the “expatriate grade” dependent coverage.
Top 10 Family-Friendly International Student Plans
These insurers are selected because they routinely cover African residents, allow dependants on the same contract, and offer benefits tailored to the student lifestyle.
1. IMG – Student Health Advantage & Student Journey
IMG is a titan in the student space. Their Student Health Advantage (SHA) plan is particularly famous because it allows a spouse and children to be on the same contract.
- The Family Edge: Higher tiers (like SHA Platinum) offer maternity and newborn care, which is a rare find in entry-level student plans.
- Strength: Excellent for emergency evacuation and hospitalization.
2. InternationalStudent.com – Student Secure
This isn’t an insurer per se, but a massive portal offering the Student Secure series (Smart, Budget, Select, Elite).
- The Family Edge: While the primary plan is for the student, spouses and children are usually added through companion plans like the “Student Health Advantage.”
- Strength: They offer specialized mental health support and telemedicine, which is vital for families adjusting to a new culture.
3. IMG – Global Medical / Patriot Xplorer
If you suspect your family might stay on as expatriates after your degree (for example, on a post-study work visa), these variants are better than pure student plans.
- The Family Edge: These are long-term worldwide policies that can be configured for families.
- Strength: Higher maternity limits and more flexibility for long-term residency.
4. Cigna Global – Global Health Plans
Cigna is the “premium” choice. It is often more expensive, but it offers a modular approach.
- The Family Edge: You can add modules for outpatient care, maternity, and even dental/vision specifically for your children.
- Strength: A massive global network that makes “cashless” treatment much easier to find.
5. Allianz Partners – International Student & Expat Plans
Allianz has one of the strongest footprints in Europe and the Middle East.
- The Family Edge: Family add-ons are possible on most international health tiers.
- Strength: They often have direct partnerships with universities, which can simplify the waiver process if you are trying to opt out of a basic school plan.
6. AXA Global Healthcare
AXA offers modular cover that is highly respected by institutions in the Gulf and Europe.
- The Family Edge: Their plans are designed for the “global family,” allowing easy inclusion of spouses.
- Strength: Strong focus on diagnostic testing and specialist consultations.
7. Bupa Global – International Health
Bupa is at the high end of the market. If your budget allows, this is the gold standard.
- The Family Edge: High-limit cover and access to the best private facilities in the world.
- Strength: Very broad evacuation benefits, which provide peace of mind if your destination has limited advanced care.
8. Aetna International – Student and Expat Plans
Aetna is a solid choice for long-term programs like a PhD or Medical Residency.
- The Family Edge: They offer robust mental health benefits for both the student and the partner.
- Strength: Well-integrated with many university systems in the US and UK.
9. InsureToStudy
This provider is highly focused on students moving toward Europe.
- The Family Edge: They offer products specifically designed to be “Schengen-compliant.”
- Strength: If your family needs a visa for the EU, InsureToStudy ensures the paperwork meets the specific visa requirements of European embassies.
10. Regional University-Linked Group Plans
Never ignore the university’s own offering. Some institutions in Australia (OSHC), the US, and the UK have group plans.
- The Family Edge: Some allow spouses to join at a subsidized rate.
- Strength: Guaranteed acceptance regardless of pre-existing conditions (in some cases).
The Price of Protection: Typical Yearly Costs
Budgeting is where the “student” part of the equation gets difficult. Covering a family is significantly more expensive than a single plan.
| Coverage Type | Estimated Yearly Cost (USD) | Notes |
| Single Student | $400 – $900 | Basic plan; $50k – $100k max limit. |
| Student + Spouse | $1,200 – $2,700 | Typically 2-3 times the single premium. |
| Full Family (1-2 children) | $2,000 – $5,000+ | Varies by age and destination. |
Pro Tip for Somali Families: When using online quote tools, always select “Somalia” as your country of residence/nationality immediately. Some insurers will only show you specific plans that are compliant with current regulations for Somali nationals.
Critical Coverage Points for Families
When you are reading the “fine print” of a 50-page policy document, focus your energy on these five areas. These are the things that actually matter when a child gets a fever or a spouse needs a check-up.
1. Maternity and Newborn Care
This is the biggest “trap” for student families. Most basic plans exclude pregnancy entirely. If they do include it, there is often a 10–12 month waiting period. This means you cannot buy the insurance today and use it for a birth next month.
- Action: If you plan to expand your family, look for “Platinum” level plans that include prenatal care and delivery.
2. Pre-existing Conditions
If your spouse or child has a chronic condition (like asthma or diabetes), you must be careful. Most student plans exclude these or require a 6-month waiting period.
- Action: Get any confirmation of coverage for chronic conditions in writing before you pay the premium.
3. Mental Health and Counseling
Moving to a new country is stressful. Research shows that “accompanying spouses” often face higher rates of isolation than the students themselves.
- Action: Ensure the plan includes outpatient mental health sessions.
4. Evacuation and Repatriation
If you are studying in a region where the local hospitals are not equipped for complex surgeries, medical evacuation is your most important benefit. It can cost $50,000+ out of pocket to charter a medical flight.
- Action: Verify the “Evacuation” limit is at least $100,000.
5. Cashless Access (Direct Billing)
You do not want to be in a position where you have to pay $2,000 cash at a hospital and wait three months for the insurance company to pay you back.
- Action: Check if the insurer has a “Direct Billing” network in your destination city.
Action Plan: Steps for Somali Students
To move from “looking” to “covered,” follow this checklist:
- Check the Visa Requirements First: Australia, for example, mandates OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover). You cannot just buy any plan; it must be from an approved list.
- Contact the International Office: Ask: “Does the university plan cover my children? If not, do you accept waivers for IMG or Cigna?”
- Consult a Specialist Broker: Because Somalia is often on “special consideration” lists for insurers, a broker can save you hours of work. They know which companies are currently accepting Somali applications without extra hurdles.
- Avoid the “Cheapest” Trap: A $300 plan might look great until you realize it has a $5,000 deductible. For a family, a higher premium with a lower deductible is usually safer.
- Digital and Physical Copies: Save your insurance ID cards on your phone and print two physical copies. Give one to your spouse. In an emergency, you don’t want to be searching through emails for a policy number.
Pro Tips:
Your family’s health insurance isn’t a part of your visa requirements, however, it will be a huge factor in how successful you’ll be as an international student. If you’re constantly worried about taking your child to see a doctor because of the cost, how can you possibly focus on your studies? When you choose a global provider that has knowledge of Somalia and focuses on dependent coverage, you take what could be one of the biggest risks (dependent medical costs) and turn it into a manageable cost.
When you are ready to move forward with your search, all you have to do is provide us with some basic information (your families ages and your travel plans) and we’ll narrow down a list of potential providers to make your research much simpler.
References:
- Expert Education Global. (2025, February 19). Student health insurance. https://experteducation.com/global/services/student-health-insurance/
- Insure to Study. (2025, July 29). Overseas health insurance for students. https://www.insuretostudy.com/overseas-health-insurance-students/
- International Medical Group. (2023, December 31). International student insurance.https://www.imglobal.com/international-student-insurance
- International Student. (2007, December 31). Student health and travel insurance – International student. https://www.internationalstudent.com/insurance/
- International Student Insurance. (2025, September 28). International student insurance: Coverage, costs, and best…. https://www.internationalinsurance.com/students/
- Studyco. (2025, January 27). Student health insurance – Study abroad education…. https://studyco.com/student-health-insurance/
