1. Health Insurance is Not Optional
This is the number one thing international students underestimate. In most popular study destinations, Germany, Australia, the US, the UK, health insurance is legally required. You literally can’t enroll at a university or get a student visa without it.
Don’t think of health insurance as an expense. Think of it as a prerequisite, like your passport or admission letter.
2. Your Home Country Insurance Probably Won’t Work
Many students assume their existing health insurance from home will be accepted abroad. In most cases, it won’t. Here’s why:
- Germany: Requires German GKV or an approved private plan. Only EU/EEA students with EHIC may be partially exempt.
- Australia: Requires OSHC from one of 5 approved providers. No exceptions.
- Spain: Requires insurance that meets specific consulate requirements.
Always check the specific requirements of your destination country before assuming your current coverage is enough.
3. The Cheapest Plan Isn’t Always the Best
Budget-conscious students often gravitate toward the cheapest insurance option. While saving money is smart, the cheapest plan can cost you more in the long run:
- Low coverage limits may leave you with huge bills for serious treatment
- High deductibles mean you pay more out-of-pocket for every visit
- Missing coverage areas (no mental health, no dental) can be a real problem
- Some plans aren’t visa-compliant: your visa could be rejected
Rule of thumb: If a plan seems too cheap to be true, read the fine print carefully.
4. Start the Process Early
Don’t wait until the week before you fly to sort out health insurance. Here’s a realistic timeline:
- 3 months before departure: Research your options
- 2 months before: Choose a provider and apply
- 1 month before: Have your insurance certificate ready
- Day 1 in the country: Be fully covered
Starting early gives you time to compare options, ask questions, and avoid last-minute stress.
5. Understand What’s Covered (and What’s Not)
Every insurance plan has limitations. Before you sign up, make sure you understand:
- What’s included: Doctor visits, hospital stays, emergency care, prescriptions
- What might not be included: Dental, optical, mental health, pre-existing conditions
- Waiting periods: Some conditions have a waiting period before they’re covered
- Network restrictions: Some plans only work with specific doctors or hospitals
Pro tip: If mental health support is important to you (and it should be, studying abroad can be stressful), make sure your plan covers it.
Bonus: Keep Your Documents Organized
Create a folder (physical or digital) with:
- Insurance certificate/confirmation
- Policy number and provider contact info
- Emergency numbers (local and insurance hotline)
- List of nearby doctors/hospitals that accept your insurance
Having everything accessible can save valuable time in an emergency.
Health insurance might not be the most exciting part of studying abroad, but getting it right from the start means one less thing to worry about, and that’s priceless.
Was this article helpful?