Student insurance is one of the most important stages of applying for a student visa and successfully enrolling in a foreign university.

An applicant may be surprised that in many universities insurance is a mandatory admission document. It might seem like a pure formality that only serves as an additional money drain. However, there are several reasons why you should purchase health insurance even if the university does not require it:

  • In case of an emergency, a student without insurance will not receive the necessary treatment in another country;
  • If you have insurance, medical treatment will be several times cheaper or completely free. For example, in Australia, a doctor’s appointment will cost at least 40 USD for a foreigner, but for a person with insurance, this service will be absolutely free;
  • The presence of health insurance increases the chances of obtaining a visa significantly, and in some countries, it is a mandatory requirement for entry.

Guidance in the admission process

Our staff will walk you through the entire admission process: from choosing a university and preparing documents to enrollment and obtaining a visa. We are always in touch and ready to answer any questions. UniPage experts will always objectively assess your situation and suggest the most suitable university options.

The cost of medical insurance for foreign students in popular countries

CountryMin/monthUniversity insurance or state insurance Max/monthdepends on services and coverageMin coverageRecommended coverage
US30 USDuniversity insurance700 USDprivate insurance company50,000 USD100,000 USD
Canada59 USDVisitors to Canada Medical Insurance148 USDStudents can apply for Health Card 3 months after the insurance application date, the period may vary depending on the province18,493 USD73,973 USD
UK25 USDMandatory medical insurance fee — 186 USD per year from NHS, only applicable for Tier 4 visa holders124 USDor 1,487 USD per year, the older the applicant the more in the insurance will cost49,557 USD123,894 USD
Australia30 USDunder the mandatory OHSC incurance805 USDthe absolute maximum cost, average prices depend on the insurance company and range from 101-268 USD33,549 USD67,098 USD
Germany55 USDpublic health insurance Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung120 USDHealth insurance from private companies32,722 USD54,537-109,075 USD
FranceFreethrough mandatory French social security for domestic and international students. Covers 80-100 percent of medical expenses109 USDin addition to mandatory social security, done through private organizations32,722 USD54,537-109,075 USD
Italy9 USD107 USD per year, Generali Italia S.p.A insurance only covers urgent medical assistance14 USDor 164 USD for Servizio Sanitario Nazionale from the National healthcare service of Italy; private insurance is much more expensive32,722 USD54,537-109,075 USD
Czech Republic25 USDcomplex insurance60 USD720 USD per year, covers almost all medical services68,000 USD100,000 USD
Austria56 USDSelbstversicherung für Studierende program, a student receives an e-card524 USDprivate insurance company34,000 USD54,537-109,075 USD

*The table shows approximate prices, for more detailed information you can contact UniPage consultants.

Student health insurance

Health insurance provides the student with the necessary medical care in another country. The list of medical services covered by insurance usually includes:

  • Medical examination by a doctor;
  • Necessary diagnostics;
  • Drugs prescribed by a doctor;
  • Hospitalization and treatment in a hospital.

Depending on the student’s health status, insurance may include other services, but its cost will be higher.

Many standard insurance policies do not cover dentists, optometrists and physiotherapists.

Where is student insurance required?

Student insurance may be required or recommended depending on the country. Insurance is required in all countries of the Schengen area, Australia, Iceland, Canada, Turkey and South Korea. Many universities in the USA also require health insurance, although about 20% of American students study without health insurance.

Student insurance options

There are a number of large companies that insure tourists and students — they provide services for representatives of the majority of world countries:

In addition to international companies, almost every country has a range of local insurance companies willing to offer students health insurance. The university itself can provide insurance services — this practice is especially common in American universities. Some companies also offer students to insure their personal items, such as smartphones, laptops, or even luggage.

Can I cancel student insurance?

Most of the insurances can be canceled if you:

  • Left the country of study earlier than expected,
  • Switched insurance provider,
  • Did not arrive in the country of destination,
  • Completed studies prematurely.

To cancel the insurance you will need to provide documents that confirm your situation. In case of a visa denial — a copy of the passport page with the denial. Documents are usually submitted online to an insurance company or universityif the student was insured by the university, and the amount of the insurance premium is refunded to the specified bank account.

Are deductibles included in student health plans?

Deductiblesa set amount of the medical or other costs a student needs to cover by himself before the insurance company covers the rest are very common in many insurance plans in the United States, where there is no compulsory health insurance — it can range from 250 USD to 5,000 USD. In European countries, deductibles in student policies are less common.

In principle deductibles are in place in order to make a person somewhat financially liable. For example, if you insure a car, damage it, and the cost of repairs is 7,000 USD, you will have to cover a set amount, say, 2,000 USD yourself and the rest will be covered by the insurance company. This system is in place to prevent abuse of the insurance policy. You are less likely to purposely damage your property if you have to pay for repairs alongside with the insurance company.

UniPage guidance in the admission process

Choosing a university is an important and responsible step. UniPage experts will:

  • advise you on education abroad,
  • select universities based on your profile and budget,
  • prepare the necessary documents,
  • send applications to educational institutions,
  • apply for a university scholarship on your behalf,
  • help you get a student visa.