Healthcare guide for international students

Table of contents

1. Before you leave for your study abroad program

2. After you arrive in your chosen destination

3. What to do if you fall ill abroad

Being able to access medical treatment could be a top priority for you when you’re studying overseas, giving you reassurance that your healthcare needs are protected in case something goes wrong.

In this blog, we provide a practical guide about how you can prepare ahead of your travels, what to do if you get sick in a different country, and how to file an insurance claim.

Before you leave for your study abroad program

Below are some actions you can take before you leave that can help prepare you if illness occurs.

Research the local healthcare system

It’s important to understand how the local healthcare system works in your destination, as it can provide you with useful details on what to do if you need medical treatment when abroad.

Information to research includes:

• The cost of medical treatment

• How to access medical care

• Emergency numbers and procedures

• How the healthcare system operates i.e. is it public, private, or a mixture of both?

• Availability of healthcare services

It’s also beneficial to know if healthcare cover is a pre-requisite for studying in your chosen country. This could be requested during the visa application process, or by your academic institution, so is worth checking before you travel.

Consider international student health insurance

Purchasing an international health insurance plan may be a good idea to protect your healthcare needs while you’re away from home. It can provide you with fast access to eligible medical treatment across multiple countries within your area of cover.

International private medical insurance can cover you for a wide range of medical services, including hospitalisation, emergency medical evacuation, accident or emergency room treatment, and outpatient services such as specialist consultations, diagnostic tests and prescription drugs and dressings.

Find out more about international student health insurance by reading our useful guide here.

Start learning the local language

If you’re thinking about studying in a country where you don’t know the language, it can be useful to start learning the local dialect before you leave.

Taking part in a language class can assist you in developing these skills, and make you feel more confident when you arrive in the destination country.

Alternatively, there are many useful online tools and apps that can support you with this, even if it is just learning basic phrases and medical terminology that can make conversations easier to navigate. You could also download a translation app, as this can be beneficial in communicating a medical problem when there is a language barrier.

After you arrive in your chosen destination

Once you have arrived in your destination, there are actions you can take to feel prepared in the event of illness.

Find out who you need to contact

It’s important you know who to get in touch with if you fall sick during your studies. Your university should provide you with emergency contact information when you first arrive, so make sure you keep this safe.

Also ensure the details you have given the university are up-to-date, including your emergency numbers and medical information.

Register with a healthcare provider

It is wise to register with a healthcare provider when you’re an international student so you can receive continuous care and protect your healthcare needs.

This can be particularly beneficial if you have a condition that requires continuous treatment, or if you need medication prescribed on a regular basis.

Your chosen university might have an on-campus healthcare provider who you can register with, or recommendations of local healthcare facilities that can provide you care.

What to do if you fall ill abroad

Becoming ill overseas can be daunting, so we’ve put together some steps below that can help you.

Locate your nearest medical facility

The course of action you must take will depend on the severity of your condition. Your nearby pharmacy might be able to offer treatments for minor everyday illnesses, such as a cold or the flu.

However, your doctor is often the first point of contact for many medical concerns. They can provide a range of healthcare services, including diagnosing and treating common illnesses and managing chronic conditions. They can also refer you to a specialist for further treatment if needed.

In case of emergencies, it’s important that you go to your nearest urgent walk-in centre or accident & emergency department as soon as possible to access the care you require.

You should contact your insurance provider as soon as possible if you become ill and you have private health insurance. Ensure your membership card is always on hand, as this details important information about your plan, including your full name and policy number.

File a claim with your insurance provider

There are some types of medical treatment, such as specialist consultations and optical care, that will require payment at the time of your appointment.

In this instance, you would need to submit a claim for reimbursement from your insurance provider after your treatment. Many insurers have online tools nowadays that can make this process quicker and more efficient.

Ensure you keep a record of all documentation relating to your medical care, such as invoices or receipts, as your insurer will likely ask for this when you apply for a reimbursement.

On the other hand, if you are going into hospital for planned treatment, then this should first be pre-authorised with your provider. This can involve verifying that you are covered for the proposed care and authorising a guarantee of payment (GOP) to facilitate direct billing with the hospital.

Tips for looking after yourself

While studying abroad is a busy time, it’s important that you look after your wellbeing while you’re far away home.

Prioritise self-care where you can, which can include eating healthily, getting enough sleep, and exercising consistently. This can provide you with a routine while you study, and support you in feeling energised and refreshed for the day ahead.

Staying in touch with family and friends can help you feel connected to home when you’re overseas. Try to schedule regular video chats to catch up with loved ones and to keep everyone updated on your adventures.