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Health Insurance
Health insurance for students studying abroad is a type of coverage designed to protect students from unexpected medical costs while living and studying in a foreign country. It ensures that students have access to medical care if they fall ill, need emergency treatment, or face other health-related issues while away from home. Health insurance policies for international students typically cover a variety of services, including:
Check Your University's Requirements:
- Some universities require international students to have health insurance. Start by reviewing the health insurance requirements on your university’s website. Many universities have partnerships with specific insurance providers or offer their own health insurance plans.
- If your university requires health insurance, it might be easier to go with their recommended option.
United Kingdom (UK)
NHS (National Health Service):
- Eligibility: International students from non-EU countries can access the NHS by paying the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of their visa application.
- What it covers: General medical care, hospital visits, emergency services, and some surgeries.
- What it doesn’t cover: Prescription medication, dental and eye care, and some vaccinations (unless specific for public health reasons).
- Cost: The IHS cost is around £470 per year, but it may vary depending on the length of your course.
Private Health Insurance:
- Some students opt for private health insurance to cover additional services like dental care, prescriptions, and more rapid treatment. Several UK-based insurers offer plans tailored for international students.
- Eligibility:International students (on a student visa) are required to have OSHC for the duration of their stay.
- What it covers: Basic medical services like doctor visits, hospital treatment, surgery, and ambulance services.
- What it doesn’t cover:Dental care, physiotherapy, and optical services (unless specifically included in the policy).
- Cost:OSHC costs depend on the length of your course and the insurance provider, but it typically ranges from AUD 450–700 per year.
Australia
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC):
Private Health Insurance:
- Some students opt for private health insurance to cover additional services like dental care, prescriptions, and more rapid treatment. Several UK-based insurers offer plans tailored for international students.
Canada
Provincial Health Insurance:
Some provinces, like British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario, offer public health coverage to international students who are enrolled full-time at a recognized institution.
- Eligibility:Each province has different requirements for international students. Students need to register for provincial health plans upon arrival.
- What it covers:General doctor visits, hospital stays, emergency care, and sometimes dental and optical (in certain provinces).
- What it doesn’t cover: Dental, optical, and some specialist care.
Private Health Insurance:
- If you are not eligible for provincial health insurance, or if the provincial plan doesn't cover all services, students often buy private insurance. Many Canadian universities offer their own health insurance plans.
Ireland
Provincial Health Insurance:
- Eligibility: International students from EU countries can access the public healthcare system through the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Non-EU students are not automatically covered.
- What it covers: Emergency care, GP visits, and public hospital care
- What it doesn’t cover: Prescription drugs, dental, and vision services
Private Health Insurance:
- It is highly recommended for non-EU students to buy private health insurance, which offers broader coverage (including dental, vision, and specialist treatment).
- The cost varies by plan but typically ranges from €150–€300 per year for students.
Europe (Schengen Area)
EHIC (European Health Insurance Card):
- What it covers: If you’re from an EU country, you can use the EHIC to access healthcare in other EU/EEA countries. This provides you with access to the public healthcare system on the same terms as local citizens.
- What it doesn’t cover: If you’re from an EU country, you can use the EHIC to access healthcare in other EU/EEA countries. This provides you with access to the public healthcare system on the same terms as local citizens.
If you’re from an EU country, you can use the EHIC to access healthcare in other EU/EEA countries. This provides you with access to the public healthcare system on the same terms as local citizens.
Why is Health Insurance Important for International Students?
- Unexpected Medical Costs: Medical bills abroad can be significantly higher than in a student's home country. Without insurance, the student could be required to pay thousands of dollars for even a minor procedure.
- Access to Healthcare Services: Health insurance ensures that students can easily access doctors and medical facilities without the fear of unaffordable bills.
- Visa Requirements: Many countries require international students to have health insurance as a condition for obtaining a student visa.
- Peace of Mind: Students can focus on their studies and not worry about medical emergencies or sudden health issues.