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We’re not just an insurance provider,
we’re a healthcare partner

Founded by Inez Cooper in 1992, William Russell has grown over the last 30 years from a family-run business to a leading provider of international health insurance, life insurance and income protection insurance. We now have over 80 people in our award-winning team, powering the best experience for our members in more than 150 countries around the world.

What sets us apart is our personal touch. We believe in named account managers—not impersonal call centres—and straight-forward, honest communication, rather than pages of small print. We are a boutique insurance provider, fully independent, and free from the demands of shareholders or investors. Our only obligation is to you.

That’s the William Russell difference.

    William Russell member, Chris

    Chris

    • Location: Costa Rica
    • Member since: 2015
    • Product: International
      Health Insurance
    “Great service, international coverage, and the ability to pick the plan that fit our lifestyle”
    A US expat in Costa Rica, Chris praises William Russell for its international coverage, tailored plans, and affordability. He shares his positive experience, including fixing a deviated septum before his child’s birth. Coming from a background where health insurance seemed costly and impersonal, he found William Russell’s flexibility refreshing. With plans adaptable to his evolving lifestyle, from dating to parenthood, and running a travel agency, Chris values coverage worldwide. His story underscores the importance of comprehensive international health insurance, particularly for expats navigating diverse healthcare systems.

    Chris

    • Location: Costa Rica
    • Member since: 2015
    • Product: International
      Health Insurance
    A US expat in Costa Rica, Chris praises William Russell for its international coverage, tailored plans, and affordability. He shares his positive experience, including fixing a deviated septum before his child’s birth. Coming from a background where health insurance seemed costly and impersonal, he found William Russell’s flexibility refreshing. With plans adaptable to his evolving lifestyle, from dating to parenthood, and running a travel agency, Chris values coverage worldwide. His story underscores the importance of comprehensive international health insurance, particularly for expats navigating diverse healthcare systems.
    Yvonne - William Russell Member

    Yvonne and Roger

    • Location: Malawi
    • Member since: 2008
    • Product: International
      Health Insurance
    “I feel appreciated for being a member for so many years”
    Yvonne and Roger, expats in Malawi, faced a crisis when Roger had a stroke. With no adequate local healthcare, they relied on William Russell’s international health insurance. Roger was airlifted to South Africa for treatment, fully covered by the policy. Yvonne praised the personalised support from their claims manager, Cosmina, during the ordeal. Roger’s recovery was long but successful. Yvonne now feels secure with William Russell and recommends it to others. Grateful for the support, she enjoys a discounted insurance package in retirement. Their story highlights the importance of comprehensive health coverage for expats in remote areas.

    Yvonne and Roger

    • Location: Malawi
    • Member since: 2008
    • Product: International
      Health Insurance
    Yvonne and Roger, expats in Malawi, faced a crisis when Roger had a stroke. With no adequate local healthcare, they relied on William Russell’s international health insurance. Roger was airlifted to South Africa for treatment, fully covered by the policy. Yvonne praised the personalised support from their claims manager, Cosmina, during the ordeal. Roger’s recovery was long but successful. Yvonne now feels secure with William Russell and recommends it to others. Grateful for the support, she enjoys a discounted insurance package in retirement. Their story highlights the importance of comprehensive health coverage for expats in remote areas.
    Member Stories - Faisal

    Faisal

    • Location: South Africa
    • Member since: 2009
    • Product: International
      Health Insurance
    “Had I not been air evacuated to the Nairobi Hospital when I was, I very likely would not have been around today. Thank you William Russell”
    Spurred by a family member’s heart attack, Faisal sought international health insurance covering major illnesses. He turned to William Russell after his previous provider faced setbacks. Faisal appreciated the swift pre-authorisations and no upfront payments required, unlike other options like BUPA. William Russell’s affiliations with major hospitals in South Africa and Malawi ensured seamless access to life-saving treatment, notably during Faisal’s air evacuation due to COVID-19. This experience highlights the importance of comprehensive coverage and efficient services in times of medical emergencies, especially across borders.

    Faisal

    • Location: South Africa
    • Member since: 2009
    • Product: International
      Health Insurance
    Spurred by a family member’s heart attack, Faisal sought international health insurance covering major illnesses. He turned to William Russell after his previous provider faced setbacks. Faisal appreciated the swift pre-authorisations and no upfront payments required, unlike other options like BUPA. William Russell’s affiliations with major hospitals in South Africa and Malawi ensured seamless access to life-saving treatment, notably during Faisal’s air evacuation due to COVID-19. This experience highlights the importance of comprehensive coverage and efficient services in times of medical emergencies, especially across borders.

Our plans

We provide insurance for people living and working abroad. We cover expats, individuals, professionals, families, remote workers, digital nomads, frequent travellers, startups, small and medium-sized businesses, large corporates, charities, and governmental organisations.

feefo 4.4
Based on 1717 member reviews
William Russell International Health Insurance

Health Insurance

Access to the best hospitals and doctors, wherever you’re living and working. Our plans come with hospital treatment, cancer treatment and emergency medical evacuation as standard.

William Russell International Life Insurance

Life Insurance

Insure your life up to US$2m while you’re living overseas. Our plans provide international cover, with early payment for terminal illness diagnoses and the option for accident cover.

William Russell International Income Protection

Income Protection

Secure a replacement income if injury or illness prevents you from working while you’re living abroad. You decide the amount of cover that is right for you. Plus, you’ll get our trademark service.

Read our reviews

We are thrilled to have won the Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award for excellence in customer 
service. This award is the most prestigious of the Trusted Service Awards, only given to companies that deliver the very best for their customers and place them at the heart of everything they 
do – year after year.

Our awards