It is a great adventure to live, study or even work in Jordan. However, it also comes with the set of responsibilities, which exceed the process of getting used to a new culture. When making sure the expats and international students are insured by a reliable health insurance is one of the most important steps to be taken. Jordan also possesses a good healthcare system, but in the absence of proper cover, it may be too expensive to manoeuvre.
In this paper, we will deconstruct reputable international health insurance companies that expatriates usually use, we will also bring to the fore the local Jordanian insurers, and provide you with actionable tips to ensure that you obtain the right coverage. Being a student in Amman or a professional on long-term work, this guide will make your life clearer, offer choices, and peace of mind.
Why Health Insurance Matters for Expats and Students in Jordan
Jordan has both the state and private healthcare. Public hospitals are cheap yet may be busy, whereas the private hospitals provide quicker and better-quality services, but it is frequently at a greater price.
Privacy hospitals and clinics are typically used by the expats and students. Such facilities can insist on the insurance or huge deposits prior to treatment. Lack of a good health plan means that you will pay out of pocket when there is an emergency or a hospitalization or even during routine care.
There are also demands on the international students. A lot of universities in Jordan would demand that the foreign students must have obtained a medical cover prior to their admission. Certain organizations have their plans that can be beneficial, yet their coverage can be limited, and it is necessary to consider more extensive opportunities.
The point is that the insurance is not the mere fiddle faddle. It is your own security blanket in a nation where the cost of medical care can easily skyrocket in case you remain uninsured.
International Health Insurance Providers
For expatriates and students who want global protection, international insurers are often the most flexible choice. These providers offer plans that can cover you not only in Jordan but also in your home country and during travel. Let’s go through the most reliable names:
1. Cigna Global
Cigna Global is widely recognized for offering flexible, tiered plans (Silver, Gold, Platinum). Their policies are designed for expatriates and include inpatient, outpatient, and emergency care.
Why it works for Jordan:
- Comprehensive worldwide coverage (except the U.S., unless added).
- Large international network, ensuring you’re covered if you travel back home or to other countries during your studies or work contracts.
- Ability to tailor deductibles, annual limits, and optional modules such as vision or dental care.
Actionable tip: Request a Jordan-specific quote. Ask which private hospitals in Amman and Irbid are included in their network before you decide.
2. Allianz Care
Allianz Care is another leader in expat health coverage. Their plans are known for flexibility and broad customization.
Why it works for Jordan:
- Multi-tiered coverage options ranging from basic inpatient services to fully comprehensive plans.
- Excellent reputation for fast claims processing, which is crucial if you’re hospitalized abroad.
- Offers mental health and well-being coverage, which can be useful for students adjusting to a new culture.
Actionable tip: Check if Allianz includes coverage for pre-existing conditions, as this varies across plan levels and can significantly affect costs.
3. AXA Global Healthcare
AXA is one of the largest and most trusted insurance brands worldwide. They offer five coverage tiers: Foundation, Standard, Comprehensive, Prestige, and Prestige Plus.
Why it works for Jordan:
- Wide coverage tiers allow you to balance affordability with benefits.
- Strong support network with 24/7 multilingual assistance.
- Coverage for chronic conditions and ongoing treatments if you select higher-tier plans.
Actionable tip: If you’re a student on a budget, consider Foundation or Standard. For professionals and families, Comprehensive or higher tiers are better for full protection.
4. MSH International (via April International)
MSH is a major player in global health insurance, often used by expats and global employees.
Why it works for Jordan:
- Flexible benefits with options for hospitalization, outpatient, maternity, and preventive care.
- April International (partner of MSH) tailors packages for students and long-term expatriates.
- Strong reputation among NGOs and humanitarian workers in the Middle East.
Actionable tip: Look into their evacuation and repatriation options—especially important if you travel to rural areas or neighboring countries.
5. International Medical Group (IMG)
IMG specializes in expat, student, and travel health insurance. Their Student Secure plan is particularly popular.
Why it works for Jordan:
- Affordable, student-friendly plans.
- Options for short-term or long-term coverage.
- U.S. citizens can benefit from easy portability when moving between the U.S. and Jordan.
Actionable tip: Ask whether your Student Secure plan covers university-mandated health requirements, as some universities in Jordan have specific coverage criteria.
6. GeoBlue
GeoBlue is especially relevant for U.S. citizens and residents. They partner with Blue Cross Blue Shield, giving policyholders strong international support.
Why it works for Jordan:
- Excellent for American students studying abroad.
- Access to high-quality international hospitals.
- Strong reputation for telemedicine services.
Actionable tip: If you’re a non-U.S. citizen, GeoBlue may not be the most cost-effective option. Always compare against Cigna or Allianz.
Local Jordanian Health Insurance Providers
While international providers offer global coverage, some expats and students prefer local insurance. These plans are often cheaper and more tailored to Jordan’s healthcare system.
Jerusalem Insurance Company (JICO)
One of the most reputable local providers, JICO offers multiple medical insurance programs, including their “CURE” and “CURE IN” individual plans.
Why it works for Jordan:
- Affordable compared to international options.
- Tailored to the Jordanian healthcare market, ensuring easy access to local hospitals.
- Popular with local residents, making it a trusted name in Jordan.
Actionable tip: Local plans may not cover care outside Jordan. If you travel home frequently, combine local insurance with international travel coverage.
Practical Steps to Choosing the Right Plan
Finding the right plan requires more than just picking a big-name insurer. Follow these steps to avoid mistakes:
1. Contact Your University or Employer
- Universities in Jordan often require international students to show proof of health insurance.
- Ask your school if they provide their own insurance or if they recommend specific providers.
- If you’re employed, check whether your company provides group health coverage.
2. Compare Quotes Across Providers
Don’t settle for the first policy you see. Request multiple quotes and carefully compare:
- Premiums: How much will you pay per month?
- Annual Limits: Some universities or visa requirements specify a minimum annual coverage limit.
- Deductibles and Co-pays: Check how much you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket.
Pro tip: Use comparison tools, but always verify directly with the provider for the latest pricing in Jordan.
3. Examine Coverage Details Carefully
Not all policies are equal. Look at the following:
- Emergency evacuation (important if you travel around the Middle East).
- Outpatient visits, dental, and mental health coverage.
- Pre-existing condition coverage.
- Maternity coverage (for professionals or families).
Tip: Always ask if the provider has direct billing with Jordanian hospitals. This will save you from paying upfront and filing claims later.
4. Understand Jordan’s Health Insurance Regulations
While Jordan does not currently mandate private insurance for all expats, certain visas, university enrollments, and employers may require it. Always confirm:
- Minimum annual coverage required.
- Accepted insurers (especially for student visas).
- Whether travel insurance alone is sufficient for your stay (it usually isn’t).
5. Balance Cost vs. Peace of Mind
Students often want the cheapest option. Professionals may prioritize comprehensive coverage. But cutting corners on health insurance can cost you more in the long run.
Ask yourself:
- Can I afford a $5,000+ hospital bill without insurance?
- Do I travel outside Jordan frequently?
- Do I need mental health or maternity care included?
Once you answer these, it will be easier to strike a balance between affordability and security.
Pro Tips:
Jordan health insurance is not a box to be ticked when joining the university or acquiring a visa. It is all about keeping your health, money and future in a new country.
You are provided with international cover such as Cigna, Allianz, AXA, MSH, IMG and GeoBlue that are international and local ones such as JICO that are affordable and provide customised services in Jordan. The intelligent thing to do is to weigh them, know what your own requirements are and select coverage that works now, and are you may need it tomorrow also in another country.
Take the time to compare. Ask tough questions. See more than the price tag. One of the spheres in which it is always worth investing is health.
References:
- Allianz Care. (2025). International health insurance for expats. Allianz Care. https://www.allianzcare.com
- AXA Global Healthcare. (2025). International health insurance plans. AXA. https://www.axaglobalhealthcare.com
- Cigna Global. (2025). International health insurance for students and expats. Cigna. https://www.cignaglobal.com
- GeoBlue. (2025). International health insurance solutions. GeoBlue. https://www.geobluetravelinsurance.com
- International Medical Group (IMG). (2025). Student and expat medical insurance plans. IMG. https://www.imglobal.com
- Jerusalem Insurance Company (JICO). (2025). Medical insurance programs. JICO. https://www.jico.jo
- MSH International. (2025). International health insurance solutions. MSH International. https://www.msh-intl.com
