Health and Medical Insurance for International Students
Are you looking to join the increasing numbers of students who are moving overseas to study? Whether spending a year of your course in an international destination, or you’re planning to relocate for the full duration of your studies to take advantage of higher education standards elsewhere, moving overseas is a fantastic opportunity and a means of meeting new people, interacting with a new culture, and broadening your mind and your outlook.
When considering whether to move overseas to study, there are many factors you need to take into account, including how you will access healthcare if you need it when living overseas.
Why Should You Take Out Private Health and Medical Insurance When Studying Abroad?
Depending on your current location, you may be used to an almost completely free, universal healthcare system. Alternatively, universal healthcare may be something of an alien concept, and you’ve been used to using the private sector your whole life.
Now consider the location or locations you’re researching and potentially looking to move to and study in. How does the healthcare system work in that country? Is there a universal healthcare system in place, and even if so would you be better using the private sector anyway?
By choosing to take out international health insurance when studying abroad, you’ll take care of all these questions and ensure you’re covered for any medical costs you incur.
Even if your student visa in your chosen country of study entitles you to access the public healthcare system, as many do, it pays to supplement this with your own cover.
What are the Benefits of Private Health and Medical Insurance for International Students?
As an international student, moving overseas is an exciting time.
At the same time, no matter what you’re used to at home, using and interacting with the healthcare system in another country can be confusing and daunting. Many people even refrain from going to the doctor because they’re put off by waiting times or other factors such as the language barrier.
When you have private health cover, not only will you be able to access a high level of healthcare and treatment when you need it, but in certain locations, your cover will make it simple for you to access a doctor who speaks your native language.
When moving overseas to study, you want to focus on your studies as well as taking advantage of the social opportunities on offer.
With an international health insurance package, you can relocate overseas to study with the peace of mind that you’re able to access healthcare as and when you need it, without worrying about the cost.
Why Choose Now Health International for Your Private Health and Medical Cover?
Now Health International offers a range of international health insurance packages that will keep you covered when studying overseas.
Our most basic international health insurance package starts from USD 26 and will cover your costs for any day-patient and in-patient care you require while living in your overseas study location.
If you would like to take out additional cover, we also offer packages that include cover for out-patient, dental, and maternity care, while there is also a more affordable option that provides cover for costs for urgent and emergency care only.
Join thousands of Now Health International members in taking out international health insurance to cover your medical costs while studying overseas.
“I am so grateful to the Now Health Team for everything they did for me and my family. My rare condition was completely unexpected and it was distressing to discover this while I was pregnant. However from the initial diagnosis all the way through to my kidney transplant, the team were nothing but supportive and ensured I could access the best care when I needed it most. Having the reassurance that my mother’s transplant donor costs would be covered was also a real relief. Thank you Now Health!”
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FAQ
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How does international student health insurance work?
Most plans don’t apply once you leave your home country. Many international students, foreign workers, and even diplomats unfortunately only learn this when they become seriously ill or meet an accident in their host country.
This is especially serious as studying overseas can be expensive, and the added cost of uninsured healthcare can seriously hinder a student’s ability to continue with their education overseas.
International student insurance plans are intended to solve these problems, keeping you protected even during an extended stay overseas. Now Health International’s student health plans are valid in 197 countries and territories, giving students protection wherever they may be. -
Can’t I just use regular insurance or travel insurance?
Generally speaking, neither regular health insurance nor travel insurance is appropriate for international students. While they’re certainly important for certain sets of people, they do not address the challenges that students are likely to face when they’re studying abroad.
Regular insurance policies generally only provide coverage within your home country. They’re designed to address issues unique to living, working, and studying within that country only. Even in rare cases where they do provide international coverage, there are usually gaps that make it inappropriate for students living overseas.
Travel insurance, on the other hand, does provide international coverage and a few limited medical benefits similar to what you may find in an international student health plan, such as medical evacuation. However, travel insurance plans are made with short-term travelers in mind. Thus they have a focus on common traveler’s problems, such as theft and booking cancellations. They will not cover continuing treatments for health issues as well, making them unsuitable for students abroad.
International student health insurance plans, on the other hand, focus on in-patient and outpatient check-ups as well as long-term medical and dental treatments. They’re better suited for students studying abroad over a year.
Given the above, it’s definitely prudent for students to purchase health plans that directly address their concerns. They offer the coverage students will actually need, and they tend to be more focused on health and safety issues that are truly important for international students and their families. -
Is an international student health insurance plan a requirement for studying abroad?
It depends.
Some countries do not require international students to have any health plans. However, many countries that are popular destinations for international students will require insurance for visa holders. Many universities today also list insurance as a school requirement. Your host country’s government or school may also need you to purchase insurance from a specific provider.
Regardless of whether your destination school or country requires you to purchase insurance, it’s still best to invest in a student health plan before you study abroad.
Why choose Now Health International
Exceptional service
Quick and hassle-free claims process
Simple and transparent
24/7 multilingual customer care and support
Extensive network and International Cover
Highly Specialized
