Information for students
Insurance for studying abroad, explained country by country
What your visa and university require, what each kind of cover does, and what to check before you buy. We do not sell insurance or give quotes.
Country rules at a glance
| Country | What the guide covers |
|---|---|
| UK | How the immigration health surcharge works for international students in the UK, what it costs and why private insurance does not replace it. |
| Australia | What Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is, why student visa holders need it for their whole stay, and what to check when choosing a policy. |
| United States | How US universities require health insurance from international students, how automatic enrolment and waivers work, and what to compare. |
| Canada | Health cover for international students in Canada depends on the province. How Ontario's UHIP works and how other provinces differ. |
| Germany | How student health insurance works in Germany: statutory cover until 30, the one-off option to go private, and what the visa and enrolment need. |
| Japan | How National Health Insurance works for international students in Japan: who must join, what it covers and how to sign up at the ward office. |
| Netherlands | Why international students in the Netherlands usually keep their own insurance, and why taking a job changes that. |
Start with the basics
Insurance for students abroad: the main types of cover
An overview of the kinds of insurance international students meet: public health schemes, student health plans, private international health cover and travel insurance.
Travel insurance or international health insurance?
The difference between travel insurance and international private medical insurance for students, and when each makes sense.
How to read a student insurance policy
The terms in a student insurance policy that matter most: deductibles, exclusions, pre-existing conditions, mental health, repatriation and claims.
Do students need life insurance?
When life insurance is and is not relevant for students, including students with dependants and loans that a family member has guaranteed.
Situations
Short exchanges in Europe: Schengen insurance rules
What insurance students need for a short-stay Schengen visa, a summer school or a semester exchange in Europe.
Insuring a laptop and belongings as a student
Options for covering a laptop, phone and belongings while studying abroad: contents insurance, gadget cover, travel insurance and what to check.
This site gives general information only. It is not an insurer, broker or adviser, and it does not recommend policies.