Although Mozambique has an abundance of natural beauty, rich culture and much untapped educational opportunity as well as for students from overseas to learn about the challenges and opportunities of emerging markets and developing Africa, moving your family to Maputo, Beira or Nampula will be much more than simply applying for enrollment into a degree program. It means taking a serious look at all of the supporting infrastructures that will exist for your family while you live in Mozambique.
One of the greatest pillars of those supporting infrastructures is healthcare. Although Mozambique is working to develop its healthcare system, the current healthcare environment in Mozambique is both complicated and often difficult for expatriate families and international students to understand. When you bring a partner/spouse with you or have children, your concerns become even greater. You want insurance that covers you beyond a simple check off for a visa; you need health insurance that can provide a safety net for your family across multiple countries.
The Reality of Healthcare in Mozambique
Understanding why certain types of insurance is required requires looking at what is happening locally. The Mozambican National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde) serves a significant amount of the population with general services; there is good access to services in the larger urban areas of the country however, the scope of the service provided is generally limited.
Statistics are alarming. It has been reported that less than 14 percent of all of the health facilities available in the country provide the full spectrum of care needed and are fully equipped. The public health services in the country serve approximately 68 percent of the population’s access to basic health care; however, the public health services require patients to pay small user fees and many times experience shortages of important medications and other essential equipment.
Student families do not typically go to the public system as their first option. In the city of Maputo, there are many private hospitals, such as the Clínica Girassol or Hospital Privado de Maputo which provide better quality of care, clean facilities and English speaking staff. Even though the private hospitals of Maputo are better than the public system, they also have limitations. In cases of specialized surgery, oncology treatment or neonatal intensive care, the typical response of a hospital in Maputo would be to stabilize the patient and then medically evacuate them to South Africa. Medical evacuation to South Africa is currently the “gold standard” for health care in the area; however, without insurance, an air ambulance flight from Maputo to South Africa will cost around $20,000.
Why International Expat Coverage is the Student Standard
International student health insurance plans differ from those mandated by governments in some western countries. The typical plan available to international students in Mozambique are designed for travel; they help fill gaps between limited local healthcare options and the large, modern medical centers of Johannesburg and Pretoria.
Family plans are particularly important because they allow family members (spouses and children) to be added to one policy. With family plans, all family members can be treated under the same network and therefore have the option of filing for reimbursement as well as having easier access to emergency assistance and treatment.
The Power of Direct Billing
When an emergency happens, the last thing you would like to do is frantically look for thousands of dollars in cash to pay for a hospital deposit. Many international providers in Mozambique have “direct billing” agreements with many of Maputo’s top private hospitals. When you visit a doctor or go to a hospital, you just need to present your insurance card and your provider will take care of the payment with the hospital. This can save you money, which is very important when you are on a tight budget as a student.
Top 10 Insurers for Families in Mozambique
You want a provider with an established presence at local hospitals in southern africa. Additionally you want one with a good logistics arm. The top options for a family capable student insurance are:
- Allianz Care: They have very large annual limits (max $5m) and are well suited for both in-patient hospitalization and emergency evacuations. Allianz Care also uses one of the best digital processes for filing a claim.
- Bupa Global: Bupa Global is often referred to as the premium provider. The three different levels (Major, Select and Premier) of their coverage offer extensive direct billing networks and great maternity benefits. However, all of their maternity benefits have a waiting period.
- AXA Global Healthcare: AXA provides a range of coverage types; from Foundation (for those who wish to keep costs low) to Prestige Plus (with higher limits up to $8m).
- Cigna Global: Cigna Global has a modular style of providing coverage, so you can start with a basic in-patient plan and then add additional modules for out-patient care, eye care or dental, depending on your budget.
- William Russell: William Russell is a small, personalized provider of international medical insurance. They provide coverage of mental health issues, which is essential for students who will be away from their family.
- VUMI: VUMI’s “Global Flex VIP” plans are well respected in Africa. They have special provisions to cover HIV-related illness after 36 months, which may be a concern for individuals who plan to reside in southern Africa for extended periods.
- IMG International: IMG provides tiered coverage (Bronze, Silver, Gold & Platinum) with a focus on covering long-term chronic conditions such as cancer and long-term rehabilitation.
- DavidShield Group: DavidShield Group utilizes the “PassportCard,” a proprietary method of loading funds onto a card in real time to settle claims. This eliminates paperwork entirely.
- NOW Health International: NOW Health International’s plans (SimpleCare and WorldCare) provide a combination of high limits ($1m-$4.5m) and low premiums suitable for younger families.
- GeoBlue: GeoBlue uses the Blue Cross Blue Shield network to provide “Xplorer” plans with unlimited telemedicine consultations. If you are in a rural area in southern africa, this is a tremendous asset as it will allow you to consult with doctors trained in western medicine.
Counting the Cost: What Should You Budget?
Insurance is a significant line item in a study-abroad budget. Prices vary based on the age of the parents, the number of children, and the “Zone” of coverage. Mozambique is typically categorized in “Zone 2,” which includes Africa and parts of Asia but excludes the high costs of the USA and Hong Kong.
| Plan Tier | Monthly Estimate (USD) | Key Features |
| Basic | $250 – $500 | Inpatient care, ICU, and emergency evacuation. High deductibles. |
| Mid-Range | $500 – $1,000 | Outpatient (GP visits), diagnostics, cancer care, and some maternity. |
| Premium | $1,000+ | Unlimited limits, dental/vision, mental health, and newborn care. |
Note: Individual student plans can be as low as $260–$480 per year, but adding a family and moving to a “global” or “regional” expat tier increases the premium significantly.
Non-Negotiable Features for Your Policy
When you are comparing quotes, don’t just look at the premium. Look at the “Summary of Benefits.” For Mozambique, the following three features are non-negotiable:
1. Medical Evacuation (Medevac)
This is the single most important clause. If a family member suffers a serious injury or a complex illness, you need to be flown to South Africa. Ensure your policy covers “Evacuation to the nearest center of excellence,” not just the “nearest facility.”
2. Regional Southern Africa Coverage
Some plans are “Local Only,” which is useless if you are sent to Johannesburg for surgery. Ensure your “Zone” specifically includes South Africa. This allows for seamless care transition from a Maputo clinic to a specialist in Gauteng.
3. Maternity and Newborn Cover
If you are planning to grow your family during your studies, be aware that almost all international plans have a 10 to 12-month waiting period for maternity. You cannot buy a plan while already pregnant and expect coverage. Furthermore, ensure the plan has “Newborn Cover,” which protects the baby from day one, even if they are born with complications.
Practical Tips for the Savvy Student Parent
Use a Broker
Navigating 50,000+ plan combinations is impossible for a full-time student. Using a broker (like Pacific Prime or Insurancy) costs you nothing—they are paid by the insurers—but they can provide a side-by-side comparison of the best 3 or 4 plans suited for Mozambique. They also act as your advocate during a claims dispute.
Disclose Everything
It is tempting to hide a pre-existing condition to lower the premium. Don’t. If the insurer discovers an undisclosed history during a major claim, they can void the entire policy, leaving you with a massive bill. Use “Moratorium Underwriting” if you have a clean recent history, or “Full Medical Underwriting” for total certainty.
The “Maputo Network” Check
Before signing, ask the insurer for a list of their “Network Providers” in Maputo. If they don’t list Clínica Girassol or Hospital Privado, think twice. You want a provider that the local doctors already know and trust.
Consider Telehealth
If your studies take you into more rural provinces for research, physical clinics will be scarce. Plans that offer 24/7 video access to doctors (like GeoBlue or AXA) allow you to get a prescription or a second opinion without traveling for six hours on a bus.
Pro Tips:
Attending college in Mozambique represents an opportunity to become immersed in a resilient and beautiful culture. However, an experience such as this should never represent a risk. The “it will be okay” mindset can pose a serious threat to a college student who has a family.
You are providing much more than an international health policy when you secure a comprehensive international health policy. A medical crisis will not stop your educational pursuits nor deplete your family’s financial resources for years to come. You are also purchasing the ability to study with peace of mind while knowing the best medical care available in the area is but a short flight away.
References:
- Allianz Care. (2021). Mozambique table of benefits: Essential plan. https://www.allianzcare.com/content/dam/onemarketing/azcare/allianzcare/en/docs/DOC-Mozambique-TOB-Ess-EN-0921.pdf
- AOC Insurance Broker. (n.d.). Bupa worldwide health options insurance. https://www.aoc-insurancebroker.com/bupa-worldwide-health-options-insurance
- 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
- Indigo Expat. (n.d.). International health insurance for expatriates in Mozambique. https://indigo-expat.com/en/informations/country-guide/international-health-insurance-expatriates-mozambique/
- Insurancy. (n.d.). International health insurance Mozambique: Comparison & costs. https://www.insurancy.de/en/international-health-insurance/mozambique-comparison/
- International Insurance. (n.d.). Best international health insurance companies. https://www.internationalinsurance.com/health/best-companies/
- Pacific Prime. (2023, October 11). Top insurance companies in Mozambique for expats. https://www.pacificprime.com/blog/top-insurance-companies-mozambique-expats.html
- Studies in Australia. (n.d.). Overseas student health cover (OSHC). https://www.studiesinaustralia.com/studying-in-australia/how-to-study-in-australia/student-visas/overseas-student-health-cover
- StudyCo. (n.d.). Student health insurance guide. https://studyco.com/student-health-insurance/
- The Study Gurus. (n.d.). Your overseas student health cover (OSHC) FAQs answered. https://studygurus.com.au/your-overseas-student-health-cover-oshc-faqs-answered/
