International Students Health Insurance & Travel Insurance: Coverage, Requirements & Costs

Without student health insurance, a single medical emergency in countries like the US and Germany can throw your entire budget off track. You need valid health insurance for your Schengen visa application to get accepted.

The process of acquiring international student health insurance can be complex for Indian students heading abroad. The rules differ depending on the country and visa type, and in some cases, by the specific university. This article will help you navigate the costs of some of the major study destinations.

Why Health Insurance Is Non-Negotiable Abroad

Healthcare abroad can cost a fortune. Take the US, for example, where even a minor injury can cost thousands of dollars. Not just the US, countries such as Germany, the UK, Australia, and most European countries have expensive healthcare as well.

Insurance is a requirement for visa application, university enrollment, and, in some cases, annual renewal. If you fail to meet these requirements, you can put your visa at risk. Most health insurance policies in India do not provide insurance abroad.

REQUIREMENTS BY STUDY DESTINATION
 

USA: F-1 and J-1 Student Visa

If you have an F-1 student visa, no federal insurance is required at the visa stage. However, it is mandatory to have health insurance to enrol in most universities in the USA. Many universities accept students in their Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) unless they qualify for a waiver.
A  J-1 exchange visitor student must meet health insurance rules set by the US Department of State. 

It states that the students' policy must cover $100,000 in medical benefits per accident or illness, $50,000 for medical evacuation, and $25,000 for repatriation. The deductible cannot be more than $500 per illness or accident.

University SHIP plans can be expensive. Private plans like ISO Student Health Insurance which starts from $31 a month, are affordable and qualify for a university waiver as well. However, students must make sure to check if their plan meets the requirements set by the university.

United Kingdom

Students applying for a UK study visa are required to pay an Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) instead of buying health insurance as part of their visa application. Students can access the National Health Service (NHS) after the IHS has been paid and their visa has been approved.

The NHS covers some major medical treatments except some services, such as prescriptions, dental care, and eye tests are not fully covered.
If you are not planning to travel outside the UK frequently, paying the IHS is enough to meet the UK's healthcare requirements.

Germany

Health insurance is necessary to enroll in a German University. Apart from being important for the visa application, health insurance is primarily an enrolment requirement and universities ask for proof before completing admission.

Students under the age of 30 generally enroll in German statutory health insurance through providers like TK or AOK. This costs €110 to €130 per month at the student rate. Students above the age of 30 are not eligible for the discounted rates and may need to apply for private plans. Private insurance must be approved by the university to get accepted for enrollment.

Also Read - J1 Visa for the USA: Eligibility, Application Process, and Requirements

Schengen Countries (France, Netherlands, Spain, Italy, etc.)

Your policy must cover €30,000 in medical and emergency expenses per trip and must include repatriation which covers the cost of returning you to India in case of a serious medical emergency or death.
The policy should stay valid for your entire stay and provide coverage in all Schengen countries

Australia

It is mandatory to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) to acquire a student visa for Australia. It is a government approved health insurance scheme designed for international students and must be purchased before applying for a student visa.

OSHC, besides healthcare services, covers the cost of GP visits, hospital treatment, some prescription medicines, and limited ambulance services. Many providers such as Bupa, Medibank offer OSHC, and some universities provide it to students during enrolment. Before applying, check whether your university has a provider or they include OSHC as part of the admission process.

What is included in student health insurance?

Most student health insurance plans cover the following: 

• Hospitalization (inpatient care): This includes the cost of your hospital stay including room, doctor’s fees, nursing care, medicines and medical tests.
• Emergency medical treatment: This is the medical care you get if you get sick or have an accident. It includes ambulance service, but the amount of coverage varies by insurance plan.
• Outpatient care: It includes visit to GPs, specialists and prescribed medication which does not require hospitalization.
• Mental Health Support: Many universities and private plans offer this but the benefits offered vary.
• Medical evacuation: This covers the cost of taking a student to a medical facility or, in serious cases, back to India for treatment. This is compulsory for J-1 visas and Schengen visas.
• Repatriation: This is the cost of sending your body back to India in case you die. 
  It is also required for Schengen visa applications.

The most basic policies will not cover normal treatment and dental treatment, eye care, cosmetic procedures or pre-existing medical conditions unless they are specifically mentioned in the policy.

What is the cost of student health insurance? 

How To Choose The Right Plan

• Check university requirements: Check whether your university has any health insurance requirements or offers a waiver for private insurance before comparing different plans.
• Verify Schengen compliance explicitly: While applying for a Schengen student visa, make sure that your policy is providing €30,000 medical coverage including repatriation.
• Check network access: You need to be able to get to hospitals and clinics that are close to your university.
• Read the exclusions carefully: See what the policy will not cover, for example, pre-existing medical conditions, coverage limit, or mental health services.
• Buy your insurance before you travel: You should buy the policy before leaving India so that you are not without coverage on the day you arrive. Besides, it is also mandatory for your visa compliance.

Conclusion

Choosing the right student health insurance requires understanding the requirements of your study destination. Countries like the UK, Germany, Australia, and the US all require international students to possess health coverage. However, the rules depend on the country.
So, compare all of the options carefully so you don’t have any unexpected expenses, delays in your enrollment, or problems with your visa down the road. The right plan will give you peace of mind that you will be financially covered if any medical emergency should arise.

FAQS

Is health insurance mandatory for international students?

Health insurance is usually mandatory for international students to get enrolled and apply for a visa in most universities. But the rules differ for each country.

What is the minimum insurance required for a Schengen student visa? 

To apply for a Schengen visa, your insurance must provide at least €30,000 medical and emergency coverage, including repatriation and must remain for your entire stay and cover all Schengen countries.

How much does student health insurance cost in the USA? 

SHIPs can cost from $2000 to over $7000 per year, while private plans are comparatively cheaper. However, make sure to check if the private plan is meeting your university requirements.

Does Indian health insurance cover medical expenses abroad? 

Usually, Indian health insurance does not provide coverage abroad. Look for policies that provide coverage abroad and meet all the requirements.

Can I use the same insurance for multiple countries?

If you are applying for a Schengen visa, it must cover all Schengen member countries. Always check whether the plan meets the requirements of your destination country.