Many students dream of studying or interning abroad to explore new cultures, develop valuable skills, and gain international experience. Whether you’re heading to a university overseas or taking part in an internship abroad, securing the right international student health insurance is an essential part of your preparation. But why exactly is health coverage so important when you study or work outside your home country?
Studying abroad is becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason. It offers a unique chance to improve language skills, experience new cultures, build lasting friendships, and break away from everyday routines. However, to fully enjoy your time overseas and avoid unexpected problems, careful planning is essential.
One important but often overlooked aspect is managing the costs that come with living abroad especially health insurance. Choosing the right policy is crucial, as it ensures you’re protected in case of illness, accidents, or emergencies without facing overwhelming medical bills.
Why health insurance matters for international students
Healthcare costs differ significantly around the globe. Without insurance, even a simple doctor’s visit can become a major financial burden. Here are some examples of consultation costs:
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United States: For those studying abroad with an international student insurance in the United States, a general practitioner’s visit can cost anywhere from $70 to over $300 without coverage.
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United Kingdom: Even with international student insurance in the UK, private consultations typically range between £40 and £80 if you use private healthcare.
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Australia: Students holding international student insurance in Australia should note that medical appointments can range from AUD 50 to AUD 150 or more in the private sector.
In many cases, your home country’s public health system or student insurance plan won’t cover you abroad or will only reimburse a fraction of your medical expenses. This means that without proper coverage, you could face hefty out-of-pocket costs in case of illness or injury.
Choosing the right international student insurance
When selecting insurance for your studies or internship abroad, consider these key factors:
- Destination-Specific Coverage
Healthcare costs and services vary greatly depending on the country. Research your destination to understand the expected medical expenses. - Coverage Limits
Choose a policy with high benefit limits to ensure you’re adequately covered, especially for hospitalizations or emergencies. - Reimbursement Terms
Look for plans that reimburse based on actual medical costs, not just local social security ceilings or standardized rates, so you’re not left with unexpected bills. - Additional Benefits
Check for extra support such as emergency repatriation, 24/7 assistance, and coverage for pre-existing conditions or mental health services if needed.
Recommended insurance plans for international student
Depending on your needs and destination, here are some insurance options often recommended for students abroad:
- Student Global
Ideal for students under 35 studying or interning internationally for several months or years. This plan offers comprehensive coverage from day one and meets visa requirements for countries like the USA and Canada. It includes routine care and pre-existing conditions, as well as dental and optic. - Student Budget
Suitable for all types of stays, offering intermediate reimbursement of medical costs, direct billing in case of hospitalization, and repatriation assistance. It includes routine care, dental, and optic, but it does not include pre-existing conditions. - Student Backup
For students who want minimal coverage, this plan covers urgent medical situations only (acute illness and injury unrelated to pre-existing conditions), though it’s less comprehensive.
Mondassur offers tailored, budget-friendly insurance plans to keep you protected while studying or interning abroad. Need help to choose your health insurance ? Our expert advisors are here to guide you just reach out!
