International students do not have the luxury of having health insurance. It is a necessity. The choice on insurance cover affects your academic life whether you are a Bangladeshi student intending to study abroad or as a foreign student intending to study in Bangladesh. Something can go wrong with your studies, an accident or emergency evacuation will leave you with unexpected bills.
The option and the appropriateness of health insurance among international students is determined by five factors. To begin with, the country of origin of the student. Second, the nation they will be studying in. Third, visa and immigration regulations. Fourth, the scope of coverage- hospitalization, visiting, evacuation, repatriation and preexisting conditions. And finally, affordability. All these works respond to one another and this complicates the decision.
The top ten international health insurance providers that are frequently used by the students will be guided with the help of this blog. It will also be highlighting local Bangladeshi insurers that should be taken into consideration and give a practical advice on how to check the proper plan to use in your particular situations.
Why Health Insurance Matters for Students
International statistics reveal that international students tend to be more vulnerable as compared to local students as far as health is concerned. They can be unfamiliar with how to get around a new healthcare system, they can have increased treatment costs, and have no family assistance during emergencies.
Indicatively, in Australia, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) has to be bought by the international students in order to get a student visa. Universities in the United States frequently set minimum levels of coverage, and even make it mandatory that students take university-sponsored plans. In the United Kingdom, students with longer visas are charged an Immigration Health Surcharge which is a moveable access to the National Health Service.
Bangladeshi students in foreign countries, thus, have no option of omitting this step. And the foreign students who arrive in Bangladesh will also have to factor in the medical expenses, though they may be cheaper than in the West. There might be high costs involved in accessing the hospitals that may be considered private in Dhaka or Chattogram and medical evacuation to a nearby country which may be Singapore or India may cost tens of thousands of dollars.
Top 10 International Health Insurance Providers for Students
Below is a curated list of ten international insurers that consistently appear in student and expatriate health insurance markets. Each comes with strengths and considerations.
| # | Insurer / Plan | Strengths | Considerations |
| 1 | Allianz Care / Allianz Worldwide | Global reputation, flexible student plans, 24/7 support, multilingual assistance | Premiums can be high; verify local networks in Bangladesh or host country |
| 2 | Cigna Global | Strong global network, modular plan design, student-specific packages | May exclude certain regions; outpatient benefits vary |
| 3 | Student Secure (International Student Insurance) | Tailored for students, budget to elite tiers, visa-compliant plans | Some waiting periods; confirm coverage in Asia |
| 4 | AXA Global Health | Broad international presence, digital claims, emergency evacuation | More expensive than local insurers; regional networks vary |
| 5 | GeoBlue (Blue Cross affiliate) | Reliable U.S. and global partner hospitals, often used by exchange students | Limited service in South Asia; check availability in Bangladesh |
| 6 | UnitedHealthcare Global | University partnerships, robust emergency care | Higher costs; may not offer individual plans in all regions |
| 7 | SafetyWing Nomad Insurance | Affordable monthly rates, flexible travel coverage | Limited long-term care; not a full substitute for comprehensive health insurance |
| 8 | IMG (International Medical Group) | Patriot and Student Health Advantage plans, strong evacuation and emergency coverage | Outpatient coverage weaker; chronic conditions may be excluded |
| 9 | Bupa Global | One of the most reputable providers, extensive private hospital access | Premiums at the upper end; over-designed for budget-conscious students |
| 10 | Allianz Partners / AXIS / AWP | Trusted for travel and student emergency coverage | Geared more toward emergencies than ongoing care |
Local Options in Bangladesh
While global insurers are strong, they may not always be the most cost-effective for students living in Bangladesh or traveling from Bangladesh. Local players offer targeted coverage, easier claims processing, and lower premiums. Here are the main providers to consider:
- Green Delta Insurance – A leading non-life insurer in Bangladesh, offering hospital cash and health coverage plans.
- MetLife Bangladesh – Part of the global MetLife group; provides hospitalization and critical illness products.
- Pragati Life Insurance – Offers life and health coverage tailored to Bangladeshi households.
- Reliance Insurance PLC – Covers general and liability insurance, with health products available.
- Sadharan Bima Corporation (SBC) – The state-owned insurer; while broader in scope, it includes health coverage components.
- Milvik / BIMA – An insurtech firm offering micro-insurance, accessible via mobile phone platforms, useful for students on tighter budgets.
These local insurers often partner with private hospitals such as Square Hospital, United Hospital, or Apollo (Evercare) Dhaka. This means that even international students studying in Bangladesh can access care without paying upfront in emergencies.
How to Choose the Right Health Insurance Plan
Choosing a plan is not just about finding the cheapest option. It is about aligning the plan with your academic goals, health risks, and financial situation. Let’s break down the main steps.
1. Visa and University Requirements
Before anything else, check your host country’s rules.
- Australia requires OSHC.
- USA universities often demand plans with minimum $50,000 evacuation coverage.
- UK students must pay the NHS surcharge but may also want supplemental private insurance.
Bangladeshi students who fail to meet these requirements risk having visas delayed or canceled.
2. Hospital and Clinic Networks
Ask two questions:
- Does the insurer have direct billing agreements with hospitals where you will live?
- Can you access English-speaking doctors or multilingual service lines?
A policy is only as good as its real-world accessibility. Students in smaller towns abroad may have limited networks.
3. Coverage Scope
Comprehensive policies should cover:
- Inpatient care for hospitalizations or surgeries.
- Outpatient visits for regular doctor appointments.
- Emergency evacuation to a higher-level care center or home country.
- Repatriation of remains, an uncomfortable but important clause.
- Pre-existing conditions where possible.
- Mental health services, increasingly critical for students under academic pressure.
4. Premiums and Value
Students often balance tight budgets. That is why comparing monthly or annual costs is key.
- For example, Allianz student plans can range from $400 to $1,200 annually, depending on coverage and region.
- SafetyWing offers flexible plans starting around $45 per month.
- Local Bangladeshi insurers can be even lower, though international portability is limited.
5. Claims Process and Service Reputation
A good policy is one you can actually use. Delayed reimbursements or poor customer service can add stress. Check reviews, ask other students, and verify if mobile apps are available for claims submission.
6. Flexibility and Portability
Students often travel between home and host countries, or even move mid-degree. Plans that extend across borders—such as Cigna or Allianz—offer more flexibility.
7. Exclusions and Waiting Periods
Always read the fine print. Many policies exclude sports injuries, self-inflicted harm, or pre-existing conditions. Waiting periods can delay coverage for maternity or chronic conditions. Knowing these details prevents unwelcome surprises.
A Practical Scenario
Consider that a Bangladeshi student, Farhana one was accepted in a Canadian university. She discovers that her visa needs a demonstration of personal health insurance until the moment she gets enrolled into the provincial health scheme. Farhana is a comparison of Allianz Care and Student Secure. Allianz has broader coverage but it is expensive at $900 per year. Student Secure has a slightly greater deductibles plan of $600.
Her friend Akash on the other hand is also hosting a two-year exchange program in Dhaka in Europe. He examines Green Delta and MetLife Bangladesh which are much cheaper than an imported high price European policy. To enjoy more peace, he ensures that his university has a collaboration with a local hospital.
Such examples indicate that the situation has no universal solution. The right plan is a mixture of the requirements, coverage and affordability.
Recommendations and Next Steps
- Start Early – Review insurance requirements the moment you receive your acceptance letter. Delays in purchasing coverage can stall your visa process.
- Request Multiple Quotes – Compare at least three providers side by side, checking not just premiums but deductibles, co-pays, and exclusions.
- Balance Local and Global Options – If you are staying in Bangladesh, local insurers may suffice. If you are studying abroad, prioritize global insurers with portable coverage.
- Check University Partnerships – Some institutions negotiate better group rates with insurers.
- Review Annually – As your health needs or study circumstances change, so should your policy.
Pro Tips:
Health insurance is not the most exciting aspect of studying abroad, but one of the most significant ones. The right insurance will give the Bangladeshi students traveling abroad as well as international students to Bangladesh a sense of peace, financial security, and constant focus on education.
The market is flooded with lots of providers such as Allianz and Cigna to Green Delta and MetLife Bangladesh. The most appropriate option is the one that balances coverage, affordability and regulation compliance.
Take the time to research. Ask questions. Compare policies carefully. In such a manner, you not only save your health but also a lot of investment that you currently make on your education and future.
References:
- Allianz Care. (2024). International student health insurance. Allianz Care. https://www.allianzcare.com/en/personal-international-health-insurance/who-we-help/students.html
- Bangladesh Health Alliance. (2024). Best health insurance in Bangladesh: Top plans & prices. Bangladesh Health Alliance. https://bangladeshhealthalliance.com/best-health-insurance-in-bangladesh
- Cigna Global. (2024). International student health insurance. Cigna Global. https://www.cignaglobal.com/students
- International Student Insurance. (2024). Student Secure: International student health insurance. International Student Insurance. https://www.internationalstudentinsurance.com/student-health-insurance
- Pacific Prime. (2024). Bangladesh health insurance for expats. Pacific Prime. https://www.pacificprime.com/country/asia/bangladesh-health-insurance-pacific-prime-international
- Reliance Insurance PLC. (2024). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reliance_Insurance_PLC
- Sadharan Bima Corporation. (2024). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sadharan_Bima_Corporation
- Milvik (BIMA). (2024). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milvik
- Sangen Edu Ltd. (2024). Overseas student health cover (OSHC) for Bangladeshi students. Sangen Edu Ltd. https://www.sangenbd.com/media/blog/overseas-student-health-cover
