Studying abroad in Kazakhstan can be a transformative experience. But living away from home means new challenges. One big area often overlooked by students is health insurance. You’ll want a plan that works—not just for the year you study—but for you, your budget, your health, and future travels.
In Kazakhstan, while public healthcare exists, access and quality for international students may vary. Choosing the right health coverage minimises risk, ensures peace of mind, and helps you stay focused on studies. Below I present ten insurance options commonly used by overseas students or young expatriates in Kazakhstan. Some are dedicated student‑plans; others are broader expat/global policies that accept students. They are not ranked in order of quality but grouped to help you compare types.
A. Student‑Specific International Plans
1. International Student Insurance (ISI) – Student Secure / Student Health Advantage
This provider is widely known among international students. Their Student Secure and Student Health Advantage plans are created from the ground up for students studying outside their home country. International Student Insurance+1
What it offers: Plans begin at relatively affordable premiums and include inpatient, outpatient, emergency treatment, telemedicine, and some sports or mental‑health options. They explicitly list Kazakhstan among eligible countries in their destination list. International Student Insurance
Why it works in Kazakhstan: Because the student markets recognise it. It covers you for study in many countries and meets visa or school requirements often.
Good for: Full‑time international students (undergraduate or graduate) who want a plan geared for student life and possibly travel within the region.
Actionable tip: Review the “Student Health Advantage” if you will stay multiple years or have activities beyond classroom study (e.g., internships or travel). Ensure it names Kazakhstan explicitly and covers any evacuation/repatriation you might need.
2. APRIL International – Student International Health Insurance
APRIL International offers products aimed at students and those studying abroad. Their international‑student plans emphasise outpatient care, diagnostics, and emergency evacuation. APRIL International
Why it suits Kazakhstan: APRIL has global coverage breadth and supports students in emerging markets.
Good for: Students who prefer European or French‑language service, and who may value telehealth, diagnostics, and travel flexibility.
Actionable tip: When completing your enrolment, choose the plan zone that explicitly includes Central Asia or Kazakhstan; mis‑zone may result in coverage gaps.
3. IMG (International Medical Group) – Student / Expat Plans
IMG’s “WorldStudy” and other student health insurance options are designed for international students and scholars. Their website emphasises worldwide coverage, evacuation, outpatient and inpatient care. IMG Global
Why suitable: IMG is flexible, global, and trusted. It’s also used by many students in less‑common destinations.
Good for: Students who plan to travel regionally (for example from Kazakhstan to neighbouring countries), or who might extend stay or take internships abroad.
Actionable tip: Confirm that you’ll be “studying abroad” (not just traveling) in Kazakhstan, so the plan terms apply. Also check whether outpatient/consultations are included (not just emergencies).
4. MSH International – International Health Insurance including Students
MSH is more often known for expats but offers student‑eligible international health insurance. Their emphasis on long‑term coverage, evacuation, cancer treatment and inpatient care can make them a stronger stepping stone.
Why it’s relevant for Kazakhstan: If your stay is long (full degree) and you want high‑end coverage that transitions into post‑study time or regional travel.
Good for: Graduate students or those staying 2‑4 years, or who value broad service support.
Actionable tip: Confirm whether the plan you select explicitly labels “student/study abroad” eligibility and covers Kazakhstan; also ask about renewal terms if you stay extra semesters.
5. Indigo Expat – Junior 18‑30 Plan
Indigo Expat’s “Junior” plan is aimed at younger expatriates (aged 18‑30) and is frequently chosen by international students studying abroad or in expat locations such as Kazakhstan. Their country guide lists Kazakhstan and support for younger students. Indigo Expat
Why it fits: If you are within that age bracket and want an expat‑style plan (higher benefit levels, private hospitals) at a student‑friendly price.
Good for: Under 30, mobile students who may travel, intern or switch countries after their studies.
Actionable tip: Check whether the “Junior” plan has lower premium tiers but still covers evacuation, outpatient care, and repatriation of remains. Confirm the hospital network in Almaty or Nur‑Sultan.
B. Global Expat / Broad‑Coverage Plans Commonly Used by Students
6. Allianz Care – Global Health Insurance (Includes Students)
Allianz Care markets international health insurance globally, with dedicated student‑options. Their plans include modular benefits, global zones, and service for students overseas. allianzcare.com
Why it’s strong for Kazakhstan: High‑brand reputation, strong service standard, direct billing potential at major hospitals, and good portability if you move country after studies.
Good for: Students who anticipate staying longer than one year, maybe travelling or working after studying, and want high service level.
Actionable tip: When comparing, check whether direct billing is available in Kazakhstan (so you don’t pay and submit for reimbursement). Also check whether the plan supports outpatient visits locally.
7. Foyer Global Health – Expat Health Insurance tailored for Kazakhstan
Foyer Global Health is known for worldwide‑valid insurance (covering from first euro) including expatriates in Kazakhstan. Their localised version supports teleconsultation, Covid‑19 cover, repatriation. Pacific Prime
Why relevant for students: If you are staying long‑term or want an expat‑style approach (with high limits, multi‑country travel, premium service) this applies.
Good for: Students and young professionals who may stay beyond just the degree or plan to move to another country.
Actionable tip: Prior to purchase, make sure Kazakhstan is included in the relevant zone; understand what “worldwide” means for your plan and whether maternity or dental are included (if needed).
8. AXA Global Healthcare – Global Health Insurance for Students and Expats
AXA’s offering covers students, digital nomads and expats, with global access, telehealth, second opinions, mental‑health support. AXA – Global Healthcare
Why for Kazakhstan: If you want a fully global plan with strong brand, flexible coverage, and future mobility.
Good for: Students who intend to travel, study multiple countries, or expect to transition into working abroad after their studies.
Actionable tip: Compare cost versus benefit — global plans tend to cost more, so decide whether you need “best in class” or just “adequate for study in Kazakhstan”.
9. Local Kazakhstani Insurers (e.g., Eurasia Insurance Company)
Domestic insurers in Kazakhstan may offer policies for foreign nationals or international students. Eurasia Insurance Company is one of the larger domestic providers. Wikipedia
Why consider local: Premiums may be lower. You may get better terms locally for outpatient visits in Kazakh/Russian, easier access to local private hospitals.
Caveats: International portability may be weaker, communications may be less student‑oriented.
Good for: Students planning to stay solely in Kazakhstan and not travel much or reuse the plan elsewhere.
Actionable tip: If you choose a local plan, ensure it covers emergency evacuation, inpatient care, and check language of service. Confirm what happens if you travel outside Kazakhstan.
10. Broker‑Aggregated Plans (via international brokers)
Using a broker such as Pacific Prime (which covers Kazakhstan expats) can help you compare multiple insurers quickly. Their blog indicates they work across international health insurance for Kazakhstan. Pacific Prime
Why use a broker: They consolidate quotes, explain differences between insurers, help you to tailor coverage, and may help with claims or multi‑year renewal.
Good for: Students who want to compare many options, get assistance, and make sure they pick the plan that suits both their duration and future plans.
Actionable tip: When using a broker, ask for a side‑by‑side comparison of premiums, inpatient/outpatient limits, evacuation, direct billing availability, and renewal terms.
How to Choose the Right Plan for Kazakhstan
Selecting one of the ten above is just the start. To choose well, focus on key dimensions beyond brand name.
1. Regulatory fit and acceptance
Check whether your policy explicitly covers long‑term student stays in Kazakhstan. A short‑term travel plan may not satisfy your university or visa requirements.
Also check:
- Does the policy allow you to enrol while residing in Kazakhstan?
- Does it allow you to receive treatment in Almaty, Nur‑Sultan or other major cities without having to travel abroad?
Local guidance suggests you should verify relevant local social‑security or private‑insurance regulations for Kazakhstan. Indigo Expat
2. Coverage scope and limits
Important coverage items include:
- Inpatient (hospital stay) & outpatient (doctor, consultations)
- Diagnostics and imaging (MRI, CT)
- Prescription medication
- Emergency medical evacuation (if needed outside Kazakhstan)
- Repatriation of remains (in case of fatality)
- Mental health and chronic condition coverage (important for students).
Insurance‑industry sources emphasise these features as typical of high‑quality student plans. APRIL International+1
3. Network and service quality
Look for:
- Direct billing (so you don’t pay upfront) – especially helpful overseas.
- 24/7 multilingual assistance (Kazakhstan may involve Russian/Kazakh plus English)
- Local hospital network in major cities like Almaty, Nur‑Sultan
Global insurers such as Allianz and AXA emphasise quality of service for students abroad. allianzcare.com+1
4. Budget and portability
Student budgets are often limited. But going cheap may cost more in a crisis.
Consider:
- Renewable terms: Does the policy allow you to renew yearly?
- Portability: If you finish your degree and travel or move to another country, can the plan follow you?
Local Kazakh‑specific plans may cost less but might have limited global portability.
Tip: If you expect to travel or stay multiple years, favour global plans.
5. Duration and exit strategy
If you’re doing a one‑year language course, your insurance needs differ from a full four‑year degree plus internship.
Check:
- Minimum term of stay covered
- What happens if you extend stay or change countries
- Are there exclusion clauses if you take a gap or move to another location
Pro Tips:
Studying in Kazakhstan is an opportunity. Make sure you protect your health so you can focus on your studies, exploration and growth. The ten options above give you flexibility—from dedicated student plans to robust global coverage and locally‑oriented alternatives.
Here are your next steps:
- Map your study duration (1 year, 2‑4 years, possible travel)
- List the features you absolutely need (inpatient + evacuation? outpatient + mental health?)
- Get quotes from two or three insurers, including both student‑specific and expat‑style plans
- Read the fine print carefully—look for what you may not be covered for
- Confirm service in Kazakhstan (network hospitals, language, direct billing)
- Then make your decision and keep a copy of your policy certificate, emergency contacts and claim instructions with you.
Your health coverage is not just a visa requirement—it’s a safety net. With a proper plan in place, you can embrace your overseas study in Kazakhstan with confidence.
References:
All sources were accessed and verified on November 17, 2025.
- Allianz Care. (2025). International student health insurance. Retrieved from https://www.allianzcare.com/en/personal-international-health-insurance/who-we-help/students.html
- APRIL International. (2025). What does international student health insurance cover? Retrieved from https://www.april-international.com/en/international-student-insurance/guide/what-does-international-student-health-insurance-cover
- AXA Global Healthcare. (2025). AXA global healthcare for students and expats. Retrieved from https://www.axaglobalhealthcare.com/en/
- Eurasia Insurance Company. (2025). Company profile. Retrieved from https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurasia_Insurance_Company
- Foyer Global Health. (2025). Expatriate health insurance for Kazakhstan. Retrieved from https://www.foyerglobalhealth.com
- IMG (International Medical Group). (2025). Student health insurance plans. Retrieved from https://www.imglobal.com/intl/student-health-insurance
- Indigo Expat. (2025). Kazakhstan – Country Guide. Retrieved from https://indigo-expat.com/en/informations/country-guide/international-health-insurance-expatriates-kazakhstan/
- International Student Insurance. (2025). Student Secure and Student Health Advantage plans. Retrieved from https://www.internationalstudentinsurance.com
- MSH International. (2025). International health insurance for students and expats. Retrieved from https://www.msh-intl.com
- Pacific Prime. (2025). Top Kazakhstan insurance companies for expats. Retrieved from https://www.pacificprime.com/blog/top-kazakhstan-insurance-companies-expats.html
