Student Health InsuranceInsurance Comparison 2026
Bupa Global Health Plans vs. Cigna Global Health Insurance for Students
An independent side-by-side comparison covering benefits, costs, and coverage details.
Based on official policy documentsUpdated October 2026Independent comparison
01Side by side
Features compared
Comparing featured plans: Cigna Global Health Insurance for Students Cigna Global Gold. Each provider offers multiple tiers.
| Feature | Bupa Global Health PlansView Details | Cigna Global Health Insurance for StudentsView Details |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Monthly price | Not published — personal quote from Bupa Global | — |
| Currency | GBP | GBP |
| Mental Health | ||
| Mental health coverageTherapy, counseling, psychiatric care | Covered up to the annual limit on all four plans | $10,000 (up to 60 days) |
| Eligibility | ||
| Age limit | See provider | 18+ (no upper limit) |
| Who can applyCountry and visa requirements | People living in the UK, including international students with a UK address — eligibility is confirmed in Bupa Global's personal quote | Available to all nationalities aged 18+. Cigna cannot cover residents of certain countries (e.g. Cuba, Iran, Sudan, Syria, North Korea). |
| Pre-existing conditions | Underwritten on application — disclosed conditions may be excluded or rated; honesty is required | Reviewed individually — minor conditions usually covered, others may be excluded or charged a higher premium |
| Visit Bupa Global Health Plans→ | Visit Cigna Global Health Insurance for Students→ | |
Bupa Global Health PlansView Details
Cigna Global Health Insurance for StudentsView Details
Pricing
Monthly price
Not published — personal quote from Bupa Global
—
Currency
GBP
GBP
Mental Health
Mental health coverage
Therapy, counseling, psychiatric care
Covered up to the annual limit on all four plans
$10,000 (up to 60 days)
Eligibility
Age limit
See provider
18+ (no upper limit)
Who can apply
Country and visa requirements
People living in the UK, including international students with a UK address — eligibility is confirmed in Bupa Global's personal quote
Available to all nationalities aged 18+. Cigna cannot cover residents of certain countries (e.g. Cuba, Iran, Sudan, Syria, North Korea).
Pre-existing conditions
Underwritten on application — disclosed conditions may be excluded or rated; honesty is required
Reviewed individually — minor conditions usually covered, others may be excluded or charged a higher premium
02FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, especially as a top-up to the NHS. International students on student visas pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (£776/year) for NHS access. Bupa Global Major Medical adds private hospital rooms, faster specialist access, and worldwide cover when travelling — but it's a premium choice, not a budget visa-compliance plan.
Bupa UK is a domestic UK private medical insurer. Bupa Global is Bupa's international health insurance business, offering worldwide cover designed for expats, international students, and people who travel frequently outside the UK. Both price their plans by personal quote.
No — Major Medical is designed as a top-up to existing day-to-day cover (NHS or domestic insurance). It covers hospital admissions, surgery, cancer care, and mental health, but not routine GP visits or outpatient care. Choose Select or Premier if you want outpatient cover.
For planned treatment Bupa Global requires pre-authorisation via MembersWorld. For emergencies, get the treatment first and contact Bupa within 48 hours. Direct billing is available at most major international hospitals in their network.
Most international students in the UK pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS, £776/year) which gives full NHS access. Cigna Global is useful as a top-up for faster private care, dental, mental health beyond NHS waits, and worldwide cover during travel — but it is not required for visa purposes.
For most students, Silver ($1M annual limit) is sufficient and the most affordable. Choose Gold if you want maternity cover or higher mental health limits. Platinum is best for students with dependents or pre-existing conditions needing the highest coverage.
Yes — Cigna Global lets you add an International Outpatient module covering specialist consultations, prescriptions, physiotherapy, and more. This adds to the monthly premium but is essential if you want private GP access without the NHS.
UK student visas (Tier 4 / Student Route) require the Immigration Health Surcharge, not private insurance. Cigna Global is purely supplementary and is not used as a visa-compliance document for UK study.
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