Guide to International Student Health Insurance

Table of contents

1. What is international student health insurance?

2. Do I need student health insurance?

3. How much does student health insurance cost?

4. Choosing the right international health insurance

Designed to cover the costs of medical care while you’re abroad, international medical insurance can prove beneficial when you’re unfamiliar with the destination’s healthcare system, or where the costs of medical treatment are potentially high.

Continue reading our blog to get an overview of what to expect with international student health insurance.

What is international student health insurance?

When studying abroad, it’s worth noting that you might not be covered by your home country’s social security system. What is covered under type of insurance will vary based on what level of cover you choose, but some things that can be covered include:

• Hospitalisation

• Outpatient services, including treatment, specialist consultations, prescription drugs and dressings

• Emergency medical and non-medical evacuation

• Emergency dental treatment

• Accident or emergency room treatment

• Outpatient therapy such as physiotherapy, acupuncture, homeopathy, osteopathy or chiropractic treatment

Depending on your plan, you could also receive cover for medical treatment in your home country for a limited time.

If you’re considering studying abroad, take a look at our blog to find out some of the key benefits it offers.

Do I need student health insurance?

The presence of a health insurance plan can be a pre-requisite for studying abroad. It could be necessary for obtaining a visa or be something that is required by your chosen university or educational facility. Check the rules for the country you the country you have selected to study in to see if this is something that you will have to prepare.

While private medical insurance cover might not always be mandatory, it can ensure that you don’t have to pay out of pocket for expensive medical treatment. It can also provide you with flexibility during your time abroad, as it allows you to choose where you are treated and who you are treated by.

How much does student health insurance cost?

For those considering purchasing an international student medical insurance plan, the cost of cover is an important consideration that may depend on different factors. Examples include:

• Age: your age can have an effect on the cost of your plan, with your risk profile growing as you get older. This is because you are more likely to need to claim for medical care as you age.

• Length of coverage: how long you need the coverage for can impact the insurance premium amount. For instance, the cost will be different for those studying abroad for a semester as opposed to people studying a full three-year course.

• Location: Insurance Premium Tax (IPT) can influence the cost of your premium amount, as it differs based on where your residence is.

• Optional extras: if you include extras on your plan, such as pre-existing medical condition cover, then this can affect the cost of your cover.

Choosing the right international health insurance for students

There are a few things to consider when searching for a health insurance plan. For example, the insurance provider you choose to go with is important. At APRIL International, we place great value on delivering high quality customer support, providing you with 24/7 multi-lingual assistance in emergencies and multi-currency claims settlement in 5 working days.

Take your budget into account during this process too, spending time finding the right cover to suit your financial requirements. For example, our student private medical insurance can be purchased for 1-12 months, and can be extended 3 times for 12-month periods, giving you a total of 4 years cover.

Carefully read through all the cover details and any associated documentation, so that you’re clear on what is involved. If you’re unsure of any information, ensure you ask the provider questions.

Also consider whether you want additional benefits included in the cover. Some additions to plans can be pre-existing condition cover or second medical opinion services.

For more guidance on finding a suitable health insurance plan, check out our useful blog here.