Savanna Hoffman
International students are often required to purchase health insurance for the duration of their studies. The necessity of insurance depends on the country and institution where one is studying. For example, international students in the US, Australia, Malaysia, and New Zealand are required to have health insurance. In Canada, some provinces cover international students under provincial health insurance plans, but most require private health insurance. The UK does not require health insurance but recommends it. International students should research the insurance policies relevant to their study trip, as health services may be restricted without insurance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | In the US, international students are required to have medical insurance coverage. In Canada, some provinces cover international students under provincial health insurance plans, but most require private health insurance. In Malaysia, international students must be covered by locally purchased medical insurance. In Australia, international students need Overseas Student Health Insurance (OHSC). In New Zealand, international students at the University of Canterbury are required to have health and travel insurance. |
| Cost | In the US, insurance offered by institutions can cost over $2,000 per semester. |
| Customization | Insurance plans offered by institutions may not be customizable, meaning students may pay for things they don't need. |
| Dental and vision coverage | Some insurance plans may require students to pay extra for dental and vision coverage. |
| Pre-existing conditions | Insurance plans offered by institutions may be beneficial for those with pre-existing conditions. |
| School requirements | Some US schools may not require international students to have insurance coverage, but it is still recommended due to the high cost of medical care in the country. |
| Visa requirements | In the US, the type of visa an international student has may determine the level of coverage they need. For example, J-1 visa holders are required to have an insurance plan with a deductible that does not exceed $500 per injury or sickness. |
| Travel insurance | While travel insurance is not required for every trip, it is important to have annual multi-trip travel insurance for international students who travel frequently. |
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What You'll Learn
International students in the US
The US healthcare system is different from that of many other countries, as there is no national or universal healthcare system that international students can access. This means that as an international student in the USA, you will need to purchase medical insurance to help cover the cost of any health-related expenses.
Many universities in the US offer a group health insurance plan to students, so you can speak to them about what is covered and whether it is suitable for international students. Some universities offer a healthcare plan that students must buy separately, while others recommend affordable health insurance for international students that they believe will fit their students' needs. You should check with your university to see if the cost is covered by your tuition payments or whether there is an additional charge.
If your university does not offer a health insurance plan, or if you would prefer an alternative, there are other plans that students can choose from private insurance providers. These plans are often more affordable and flexible than school-sponsored options and can be tailored to international students. You can also check with health insurance brokers who may be able to get you a good deal.
When choosing a health insurance plan, it is important to consider your own personal circumstances, such as your health, the activities you participate in, and your finances. You should also consider the coverage offered by the plan and whether it meets the requirements for your visa status. For example, if you are on an F-1, J-1, or OPT visa, your insurance should comply with the relevant visa requirements. It is also worth checking whether the plan includes COVID-19 coverage and whether it will cover you if you travel outside the US during your studies.
Some highly-rated health insurance plans for international students in the US include IMG Global's Patriot Exchange Program, Student Health Advantage, and Student Health Advantage Platinum. InternationalStudent.com also offers comprehensive and affordable coverage options tailored to your unique needs. ISO is another option, providing affordable insurance plans with multilingual customer service in Chinese, Hindi, Spanish, and more.
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International students in Australia
OSHC is a health cover designed by the Australian government to help international students cover their medical and hospital care costs while studying in Australia. It is mandatory for all international students and their dependents to purchase OSHC for the entire duration of their stay in the country. The only exceptions are students from Belgium, Norway, and Sweden, who are covered by their respective national insurance schemes.
The cost of OSHC varies depending on factors such as age, duration of coverage, medical coverage, and the chosen plan. Basic OSHC packages typically cover doctor's visits, hospital treatments, ambulance services, limited pharmaceuticals, and access to private hospitals and day surgeries. Dental care, optical services, and physiotherapy are generally not included in basic packages but may be available with more comprehensive coverage or as separate private health insurance.
It is important to purchase OSHC prior to departing for Australia and to maintain continuous coverage throughout your stay. Students should also be aware of any waiting periods, exclusions, or limitations on their chosen plan.
In addition to health insurance, there are other key requirements for obtaining a student visa in Australia. These include demonstrating sufficient financial means to support oneself during studies, meeting English language proficiency standards, and providing a criminal background record check.
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International students in Canada
Canada is known for its free healthcare system, but most of these services are only available to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. As a result, international students in Canada must arrange for health insurance for the duration of their studies. The healthcare system varies across different provinces, so foreign nationals planning to study in the country should familiarise themselves with the healthcare offered by their province of study.
Some provinces, such as Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and Saskatchewan, offer health insurance to international students that can be purchased before arrival. In Alberta, international students studying for at least six months are usually eligible for provincial health insurance coverage through the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP). However, this only covers basic health expenses and does not include dental care or prescription drugs. In British Columbia, international students on a valid study permit for at least six months of the year can benefit from B.C.'s health-care coverage by paying a health fee. Meanwhile, in Manitoba, international students are required to be covered under the Manitoba International Student Health Plan, which covers emergency medical services that may be costly for non-residents.
On the other hand, provinces such as Ontario, Quebec, Prince Edward Island and Yukon do not offer health insurance for international students, so they must arrange private insurance in their home countries that can be extended to Canada. If a province does not offer health insurance coverage, international students will need to apply for private insurance before arriving in Canada. In many provinces requiring international students to obtain health insurance, educational institutions offer health insurance packages. Some schools will require students to register for their health insurance packages, while others will allow students to opt out if they can prove they have private health insurance from another source.
Regardless of the province, international students in Canada are strongly advised to have health insurance. Without insurance, even a brief hospital stay can cost thousands of dollars, and some hospitals refuse to admit new patients without proof of private health insurance coverage.
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International students in Malaysia
Malaysia is known for its effective and economical healthcare system, which caters to everyone, including students. However, healthcare costs for foreigners can be high, so getting an insurance plan is extremely important. International students in Malaysia are required to have health insurance coverage throughout their studies, as mandated by Malaysian educational institutions and immigration policies.
There are a few options for international students looking to acquire a health insurance plan in Malaysia. Firstly, Malaysia offers medical cards to international students, which typically cover up to 100% of total medical bills. Secondly, there are private insurance providers such as Aon, which is known for being affordable, user-friendly, and suitable for all kinds of payments. Aon also provides insurance certificates immediately after registration, which can be very helpful for visa applications. Another well-known private insurance provider in Malaysia is Hong Leong, which offers three tiers of insurance packages: Silver, Gold, and Platinum. The Silver package is the most affordable, with an annual premium of $80 to $120, while the Platinum package offers a higher claim limit per disability. AIA Medical Insurance is another option, with annual premiums ranging from $80 to $220 across their three package tiers.
It is important to note that international student insurance policies must meet the standards set by the Ministry of Education in Malaysia, and they can be purchased from either public or private insurance providers. Before choosing an insurance plan, it is recommended to ask your university for details on the packages they offer and the related premiums. Additionally, some universities may have their own insurance requirements. To avoid complications, it is essential to comply with the law and regulations of Malaysia when applying for insurance.
In terms of accessing healthcare services, international students in Malaysia can register with a local doctor or clinic, utilise university health centres, or visit hospitals for more comprehensive care. University health centres often provide on-campus medical care, and some universities, such as Monash University Malaysia, have their own insurance apps and portals, like MiCare, to facilitate the insurance process. These apps can be used to locate nearby clinics or hospitals, and students can seek medical care at panel clinics on a cashless basis by producing their passport and e-medical card. In the case of an emergency, students can visit the Accident and Emergency Unit of a hospital, but it is important to note that insurance policies may have specific requirements for reimbursement of emergency treatment.
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International students in New Zealand
The Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) covers the costs of damages, treatment, and rehabilitation for people injured in accidents in New Zealand, including international students. However, the ACC does not cover illnesses. For more severe illnesses, private health insurance can ensure timely treatment and cover costs. Medical treatment in New Zealand is expensive and not covered by subsidies. For example, a single night in the hospital can cost over 1,000 NZD.
Studentsafe insurance is automatically provided to students at Massey University when they accept their offer of admission. The cost of Studentsafe insurance depends on how long the policy lasts, with a minimum charge of two months' cover. Studentsafe also offers family cover for partners and children of students, which depends on who is covered and how long the policy lasts.
OrbitProtect offers international student insurance that covers medical care, medical evacuation, and loss of deposits. They also provide property coverage for students who may have a wide range of personal property with them during their studies. Pre-existing medical conditions are not automatically covered but can be arranged for an additional assessment fee and premium.
Uni-Care's New Zealand Student Plan is another option for international student travel insurance. This plan covers medical treatment, including Covid-19-related expenses, and temporary visits to the student's home country. Students can also apply to have pre-existing conditions covered for an additional fee. Uni-Care also provides coverage for luggage and personal property, as well as travel costs for family members if they need to travel to New Zealand due to an unforeseen event.
Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) is a leading travel insurer in New Zealand that has been offering international student travel insurance for 25 years. They provide 24/7 emergency assistance and cover pre-existing medical conditions.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, most colleges and universities in the US require international students to have medical insurance coverage. The US healthcare system is the most expensive in the world, so insurance is essential to protect you from high medical costs.
In Canada, some provinces cover international students under provincial health insurance plans, but most require students to register for private health insurance plans.
The UK Council for International Affairs (UKCISA) recommends that international students take out insurance that covers medical-related costs and instances, even though they are entitled to free NHS treatment.
Yes, it is compulsory for international students in Malaysia to have locally purchased medical health insurance.
