Top 10 Countries: Health Insurance Requirements

Every year, millions of students move abroad for their education. But health insurance requirements vary dramatically from country to country.

1. United States 🇺🇸

• Mandatory? Not federally, but virtually all universities require it
• Type: University-sponsored plan or equivalent private insurance
• Cost: $150-$400/month

2. United Kingdom 🇬🇧

• Mandatory? Yes: IHS payment required
• Type: Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
• Cost: £776/year for students

3. Canada 🇨🇦

• Mandatory? Yes, but varies by province
• Type: Provincial health plan or private insurance
• Cost: Free-$100/month

4. Australia 🇦🇺

• Mandatory? Yes: OSHC required for Student Visa (subclass 500)
• Type: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
• Cost: AUD 47-55/month

5. Germany 🇩🇪

• Mandatory? Yes: required for university enrollment
• Type: Public (GKV) or private health insurance
• Cost: ~€146/month (public/GKV)

6. France 🇫🇷

• Mandatory? Yes: enrollment in French Social Security
• Type: National health insurance (free) + mutuelle
• Cost: Free + €10-€50/month

7. Spain 🇪🇸

• Mandatory? Yes for non-EU students
• Type: Private health insurance with no co-payments
• Cost: €30-€80/month

8. Netherlands 🇳🇱

• Mandatory? Depends on employment status
• Type: Dutch basic insurance or international student insurance
• Cost: €30-€140/month

9. Japan 🇯🇵

• Mandatory? Yes: enrollment in NHI required
• Type: National Health Insurance
• Cost: ¥10,000-20,000/month ($50-$135 USD, depending on municipality and income)

10. South Korea 🇰🇷

• Mandatory? Yes: NHIS enrollment mandatory
• Type: National Health Insurance Service (NHIS)
• Cost: ~$50-$55/month (~70,000-80,000 KRW)

Quick Comparison Table

Country	Monthly Cost	System Type
🇺🇸 USA	$150-$400	Private/University
🇬🇧 UK	~$65	National (NHS)
🇨🇦 Canada	$0-$100	Provincial/Private
🇦🇺 Australia	~$33	Approved private
🇩🇪 Germany	€146	Public/Private
🇫🇷 France	Free-$50	National + supplement
🇪🇸 Spain	€30-€80	Private
🇳🇱 Netherlands	€30-€140	Public/Private
🇯🇵 Japan	~$50-$135	National
🇰🇷 South Korea	~$50-$55	National

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