Do I need health insurance for study overseas

During your application to study at a university abroad, you should consider arranging health insurance cover. Having your own health insurance is a requirement in most countries for a student visa. This will ensure that you are covered in case of emergency for hospital treatment, and medical expenses.

Most student insurance policies do not cover extras like dental, optical, physio or natural treatments like acupuncture. If you wish to cover these, you should ask about Extras Cover and make sure you have the right level of cover for your needs.

Health insurance might seem costly, but is a requirement for your studies overseas and gives you peace of mind, so you can focus on your studies and enjoying your new life overseas. Don’t leave home without it!

The type of health insurance cover you need depends on your study location. For example, in Italy in the UK, you are allowed as an international student to enrol on the national health service for a fee. In most other nations you are expected to arrange private health cover, and the price of this will vary between insurance provider, type of cover and country.

Top tips for student health insurance

If you are arranging your own health insurance for your studies, consider the following tips:

You need cover for the duration of your study and family members if they are joining you
Seek a discount – paying in advance should protect you from rate rises and you should get a discount from most providers
Make sure you can suspend your policy during the holidays or if you have to return home for an emergency
Set your policy start date for your arrival date in your study destination
Buy travel insurance for your trip as soon as you get your visa – this should cover you for flight delays, illness and your possessions
Make sure the provider has doctors and hospitals near where you are going to study, and that they cover 100% of the costs to avoid having to pay more later
If you are unhappy with your provider, you can transfer health insurance providers – and you should avoid any waiting periods for cover
Make sure you insure your possessions once you arrive with Home Contents insurance – check the policy so your laptop and mobile are included
You can buy the health insurance you need from an education agent, online or from your education provider
Always read the policy before paying to make sure you have the right cover or ask the provider to explain