Do I need health insurance for a visa?

1. Countries where health insurance is mandatory

2. What to look for in a health insurance plan

3. How to provide proof of health insurance for a visa

Your health insurance will often need to meet a specified set of criteria, including what medical treatment is covered, how long the cover is valid for, or meet a particular level of cover.

Countries where health insurance is mandatory

Below are some examples of countries around the world that require proof of health insurance cover when applying for certain types of visas.

Thailand

Since October 2021, it has been mandatory to have health insurance cover for Thailand’s One-Year Non-Immigrant visa. This visa can be extended by a further three months, and allows the holder to re-enter the country freely without applying for a permit every time.

You are restricted from working in Thailand under this visa, and must be over the age of 50 to be eligible. You will need to submit an application for it before you arrive in Thailand at your nearest Thai embassy or consulate.

Your health insurance should have a minimum level of cover of €100,000 USD and be valid for the duration of your time in Thailand.

Canada

International Experience Canada (IEC) is a government program designed for individuals who want to gain work experience in Canada, and is open to people aged between 18 and 35 years old from 30 countries worldwide.

A pre-requisite when applying for this program is to have private medical insurance. Your plan must provide coverage for services such as hospitalisation and repatriation, and be valid for the whole period you are in Canada.

It’s worth noting that this visa is valid for up to two years and can be applied for by yourself or on your behalf by an organisation. The cost of the program can depend on which type of experience you’re applying for.

Dubai

In Dubai, it has been mandatory to have health insurance since January 2014. Medical treatment that should be covered as part of this includes maternity care, outpatient services and hospitalisation.

It is also compulsory for employers to provide basic health insurance coverage to their workforce, though this doesn’t extend to dependants.

While Abu Dhabi also mandates private health insurance for residents and expats, it has been announced that this law will be implemented across the other Emirates in the UAE from January 2025.

Malta

If you’re a non-EU/EEA national wanting to live, work or study in Malta, with some exceptions, you will need to obtain health insurance cover as part of your visa application.

New rules came into force in August 2024 which state that the health insurance should have a minimum coverage of €100,000, cover you in other European countries as well as Malta, and be active for at least a year.

Don’t forget to check out our blog to learn all about life in Malta for expats, including information about work life, the Maltese healthcare system, and how you can obtain residency.

Germany

Foreign nationals who want to live or work in Germany must have health insurance. When submitting your visa application, your employer must note whether you will be covered under the statutory healthcare system.

In the event you’re not covered by an employer, such as if you’re a freelancer or are self-employed, then you must purchase private healthcare cover that is equivalent to the level of care offered in Germany’s state system.

For example, it should provide cover for medical treatment such as outpatient care, hospitalisation, maternity care and prescriptions.

Finland

Non-EU/EEA nationals who wish to study in Finland are required to purchase private health insurance cover before they can obtain a residence permit.

The plan must meet certain criteria, including covering you for your entire stay, having an excess of no higher than €300, and being valid upon your arrival in the country. Your insurance documentation should contain important information such as the geographical area of coverage, how much excess is included and the level of cover.

However, students who have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) are exempt from this requirement.

What to look for in a health insurance plan

Though each visa type will have different stipulations about what the health insurance must provide cover for, there are a number of things to bear in mind when you’re researching plans.

Look closely at the plan details, such as how much excess (if any) is included, what medical treatment you’re covered for, or if there are any cover limits. Spend time reading through all the relevant documentation before you purchase anything.

Also consider whether there are any additional benefits that are important to you. Health insurance providers can offer a variety of optional extras, such as preventative medical care, virtual GP services and emergency and non-emergency medical evacuation.

For further tips on how to choose the right health insurance plan, click here.

How to provide proof of health insurance for a visa

It will often be necessary to provide proof of health insurance when submitting your visa application, which will vary based on the type of visa you’re applying for and the country it relates to.

For example, you might need to submit a letter from your insurance provider containing information such as the level of cover, how long it is valid for, and that you are the recipient of the plan. Alternatively, you may need to submit your insurance certificate with your application.