Living abroad is fun, yet it is accompanied with certain responsibilities which extend beyond the process of university selection and settling into a new city. Health insurance is one of the most significant activities that international students going to Chile need to provide. Chile also has a powerful healthcare system according to Latin American standards, both of which are public and private. But foreign students frequently require extra cover, either due to a visa, university regulations or just due to the financial crisis caused by sudden medical expenses.
This guide will examine 10 of the most common suggested international health insurers and brokers that students in Chile are covered by. There is also a checklist of what to compare before you make a decision, practical advice on how to fit your plan to your needs.
Why Health Insurance Matters for Students in Chile
Chile has one of the best infrastructures in Latin America as far as healthcare is concerned. The FONASA ( Fondo Nacional de Salud ) is the governmental insurance program, which is mainly available to the residents of the country. Unless enrolled in specifically, international students tend to depend on the services of the private provider.
In major cities, such as Santiago and Valparaíso, private care in Chile is on par with the world. The challenge is cost. Surgery may cost thousands of US dollars to be hospitalized. Even an outpatient consultation in a private clinic can cost US $50-150 even depending on the specialist. Emergency evacuation, should it be required, can be a lot more expensive – up to US 20,000.
This is why in many cases universities and immigration authorities demand the evidence of a personal health insurance. It is highly recommendable even though it may not be imposed strictly. The correct plan will mean you no longer have to worry about the cost of accessing a doctor, hospital or specialists.
Top 10 Insurance Providers for Students in Chile
1. Cigna Global
Cigna Global is recognized as a household name in overseas health insurance. Its strong point to students is in modular flexibility. You may begin with the simple inpatient coverage and then deduct outpatient, dental, or vision. This comes in handy when you wish to control the expenses and still achieve the necessary benefits.
The Chilean network of Cigna encompasses private hospitals and clinics, and in numerous instances direct billing is provided, that is, you do not need to pay on the spot and claim back. Popularity of the global coverage will also chance upon students who during breaks travel outside Chile.
Best: Students seeking the flexibility of global learning and a personalized approach instead of a one-size-fits-all policy.
2. Allianz Care (Allianz International)
Allianz Care is among the most popular ones among international students. They provide student specific plans tailor-made to individuals studying in foreign countries. These plans usually cover inpatient, outpatient, emergency medical evacuation and occasionally mental health services – a steadily rising concern among young adults in foreign countries.
The Allianz has a good reputation in visa compliance which is an advantage. Allianz documentation is typically able to comply with any requests required by your university, or the Chilean consulate, to provide proof of insurance.
Best: Students who would prefer an insurer that understands the requirements of international studies and strong coverage to take care of emergencies.
3. Bupa Global / Bupa Chile
Bupa is a global insurer as well as an established healthcare operator in Chile. It has got clinics and hospitals in the region and this means students can have exposure to a local care network that other international insurers might not have.
Their international schemes extend to simple inpatient insurance to holistic schemes which involve preventive health services and management of long-term illnesses. Although Bupa may charge higher premiums, Chile does have a considerable advantage in having the presence locally.
Best when: Students need to have immediate connections with local hospitals and clinics and should not be faced with too much administrative hurdle.
4. AXA
AXA is an international powerhouse that has a presence in the insurance market in Chile. In the case of international students, AXA has tiered global health plans, including Foundation, Standard and Comprehensive. This will enable you to select a cover that fits your needs and your budget.
Another strength of AXA is the 24/7 multilingual customer care, as it is essential when you do not even speak Spanish. Wellness services are also available in some of the plans, and that may be helpful when you are planning a more extended academic stay.
Best: Students who desire a balance between affordability, flexible levels and good customer support in English.
5. William Russell
William Russell is not as large as Allianz or Cigna, it is well known within the expatriate community, however. Their international health plans are easy to use and are normally less bureaucratic. This reduces the hassles associated with claims and renewal to the students.
They tend to be very competitive in their pricing particularly among the younger clients. The disadvantage is that there is a reduced hospital network, relative with some of the larger players, so you must ensure that you know the list of clinics covered in Chile.
Best: Students who are interested in simple plans with easy costs.
6. VUMI International (VIP Universal Medical Insurance Group)
VUMI deals with Latin America and is well connected with the private clinics in Latin America. Their student friendly plans are also appealing, as they usually entail the regional evacuation and repatriation plans which can be a savior during emergencies.
Since VUMI is highly popular in Latin America, its customer service is in Spanish-first yet English, hence, making it easier to navigate.
Best: Students seeking a Latin America-based provider and excellent emergency evacuation services.
7. IMG (International Medical Group)
IMG is one of the popular tools among international students all over the world. The Student Health Advantage plan offered by it is specifically targeting young people studying abroad. It includes inpatient and outpatient services, emergency evacuation, mental health, and sport injuries- this is a good addition as most students are involved in recreational or university athletics.
Relatively low cost alternatives are also available at IMG, with the compromise potentially being increased deductibles.
Best: Students who need a low-priced yet comprehensive student-specific coverage.
8. David Shield / PassportCard
David Shield functions on the PassportCard system, this is a prepaid card that can be directly used at clinics and pharmacies. This eliminates the paperwork involved to reimburse it and makes it one of the most student friendly models available.
In Chile, where the private clinics usually require advance payment, the pre-loaded card provided by your insurance company may make health care less stressful.
Best For: Students that do not enjoy making claims and need immediate and cashless access to care.
9. Mondassur
Mondassur is a French broker that offers tailored insurance for students in Chile. Their student plans start at around €27 per month, making them one of the most affordable entry-level options.
They also provide visa-compliant documentation, which is helpful for university enrollment. However, you need to check coverage limits carefully, since budget policies may have caps that don’t cover major emergencies fully.
Best for: Students on a tight budget who need basic but compliant coverage.
10. MSH International
MSH specializes in expat and student insurance and has strong networks in Latin America. Their plans emphasize direct billing agreements with clinics, which saves you the hassle of large out-of-pocket costs.
MSH also offers wellness and preventive services, which may appeal to students staying in Chile for multiple years.
Best for: Students who want direct billing and a plan designed specifically for expatriates in Latin America.
How to Choose the Right Plan: Key Questions to Ask
Choosing among these providers depends on your priorities. Here are practical questions to guide your decision:
- Does the plan cover both inpatient and outpatient care?
A plan that only covers hospitalization might leave you paying out-of-pocket for common doctor visits. - Is emergency evacuation included?
Even in a country with strong hospitals, some emergencies require transfer to specialized centers abroad. - Are pre-existing conditions covered or excluded?
Some student plans exclude these entirely, while others impose waiting periods. - What is the claims process like?
Will you need to pay upfront and wait for reimbursement, or does the insurer work directly with hospitals in Chile? - Does the plan meet visa or university requirements?
Some universities in Chile may require minimum coverage amounts or specific features like repatriation. - How high are the deductibles and co-payments?
Cheaper premiums often mean higher out-of-pocket costs when you actually use the policy. - Is customer support available in English (or your preferred language)?
When you’re ill or stressed, clear communication matters.
Practical Scenarios: Why These Details Matter
- Scenario 1: A sports injury. You join a university football team and tear a ligament. Without outpatient coverage, your physiotherapy sessions could quickly become expensive. Insurers like IMG that cover sports injuries are better fits here.
- Scenario 2: Emergency surgery. Appendicitis strikes in Santiago. A private hospital stay plus surgery may cost several thousand dollars. A comprehensive plan like Allianz or Bupa prevents financial stress.
- Scenario 3: Ongoing mental health care. Studying abroad can be emotionally challenging. If you need counseling, not all basic student plans cover it. Cigna or Allianz may provide better support in this area.
- Scenario 4: Simple outpatient visits. You catch the flu and need a doctor. With PassportCard, you can swipe your prepaid card at a clinic instead of filing claims later.
These examples highlight why it’s worth looking past the premium alone and considering coverage scope, claims process, and local networks.
Pro Tips:
Chile offers excellent medical care, but as an international student you need insurance to access it safely and affordably. Whether you choose a global brand like Cigna or Allianz, a locally integrated option like Bupa, or a budget-friendly student insurer like Mondassur, the key is to match your plan to your academic lifestyle, health needs, and financial comfort.
Remember: the cheapest option is not always the best fit. Think about your risk tolerance, study plans, and whether you expect to travel around Latin America during your degree. Ask the right questions, compare policies carefully, and don’t hesitate to request quotes from multiple providers before making your choice.
With the right coverage, you can focus on your studies, cultural experiences, and personal growth in Chile — without worrying about the financial burden of medical surprises.
References:
Allianz Care. (n.d.). International student health insurance. Allianz. Retrieved October 3, 2025, from https://www.allianzcare.com/en/personal-international-health-insurance/who-we-help/students.html
Bupa. (n.d.). Bupa. In Wikipedia. Retrieved October 3, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bupa
Cigna Global. (n.d.). International health insurance in Chile. Cigna. Retrieved October 3, 2025, from https://www.cignaglobal.com/where-we-cover/chile
Mondassur. (n.d.). International health insurance for Chile. Mondassur. Retrieved October 3, 2025, from https://www.mondassur.com/en/health-insurance-chile/
Mondassur. (n.d.). Your student insurance in Chile and tips for your stay. Mondassur. Retrieved October 3, 2025, from https://www.mondassur.com/en/tips-and-tricks-for-international-students-in-chile/
MSH International. (n.d.). International health insurance in Chile. MSH International. Retrieved October 3, 2025, from https://www.msh-intl.com/en/countries-list/international-health-insurance-chile-expats.html
Pacific Prime. (2023). Top 9 insurance companies in Chile for expats. Pacific Prime. Retrieved October 3, 2025, from https://www.pacificprime.com/blog/top-chile-insurance-companies-expats.html
PassportCard. (n.d.). PassportCard. In Wikipedia. Retrieved October 3, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PassportCard
