William Russell International Student Health Insurance

William Russell is a smaller, family-owned UK company offering more personal service — you typically speak to the same adviser each call. Pricing is competitive (William Russell's own example: Bronze about US$120/month for a 22-year-old student in Zone 1 with a US$250 excess) and the plans are underwritten by AWP Health & Life SA, part of the Allianz Group. It suits students who value personal contact and don't need the massive brand network of Bupa or Cigna.

Zone 1 covers most countries worldwide (with restricted USA cover) — best for international students moving across countries. Zone 2 is cheaper but excludes the USA. Most UK-based students choose Zone 1 to maintain cover during travel home and elsewhere in Europe.

If you are not happy with your William Russell plan within 30 days of the start date and have not made any claims, William Russell will refund the full premium — no questions asked. This gives students confidence to try the plan risk-free.

All plans include some cover for emergency dental treatment after an accident. Routine dental is an optional add-on on Silver Lite (up to US$500 a year) and Silver (up to US$1,000 a year), both with 20% co-insurance, and is included on the Gold plan (up to US$1,500 a year). A 6-month waiting period applies to routine dental. Bronze does not include routine dental.