By Sonal Kapoor
When choosing a country for your studies, one of the things to consider is the quality and cost of health coverage for international students. Health coverage means you can see a doctor without breaking the bank.
The question here is if the health coverage is included in the student loans or if it is an extra expense for the student. Usually, international student loans cover medical insurance as part of the cost of attendance. But you must verify this beforehand with your intended school, as sometimes CoA can vary for universities.
Choosing the right study destination is about more than just academics. Having access to good health coverage is key to their overall well-being and success.
Countries Offering Health Coverage
A health insurance plan should give students broad access to healthcare services during their studies abroad. Ideally, it should include comprehensive medical benefits such as doctor’s visits, hospitalisation, and emergency care. However, the coverage varies for each country. Let’s look at some countries that offer great medical benefits for international students.
United Kingdom
The National Health Service (NHS) in the UK offers full health coverage to international students who are coming for 6 months or more. Students need to pay an Immigration Health Surcharge as part of their visa application. With this, students get the same services as permanent residents of the country. You can visit the general physician and get basic treatments and emergency care.
Australia
Australia’s Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory for all international students. The provider covers the medical treatments and hospital costs. However, it does not cover general treatments like dental, physiotherapy, and optical. If you want these to be covered, you can also get the Extras OSHC general treatment from an OSHC provider. Students should compare plans from different providers to find the best fit for their needs.
Canada
Like Australia, Canada requires international students to have health insurance. Healthcare in Canada is funded through Medicare and is administered by individual provinces and territories, each of which has its health insurance plan. These plans generally cover medically necessary services, such as doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency services. However, the eligibility and coverage for international students vary by province. You may obtain coverage through your university or a private insurance provider.
Germany
The healthcare system in Germany provides two types of medical insurance – public and private. Students under 30 years of age can get health coverage from public health insurance plans. The German public health insurance system covers in-hospital treatment, surgery, maternity services, general practitioner appointments, and basic dental care. As an international student in Germany, you must have a health insurance agreement that shows a minimum coverage amount of €30,000.
United States of America
As an international student in the USA, having a valid health cover is essential. Schools or universities in the USA require students to be enrolled in their health insurance plans which covers medical services. Alternatively, students can opt for private health insurance plans that meet the university’s requirements. Whatever you choose, make sure you have proof of health coverage for your stay in the USA.
The Bottom Line
When choosing a country to study abroad, it is important to consider the quality and cost of health coverage for international students. Some countries, like the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Germany, and the United States, offer great health coverage options tailored to the needs of students. Students are encouraged to verify the health insurance requirements of their chosen destination, whether it is part of the CoA, a visa, or an extra cost. This ensures that you are adequately covered and can focus on your academic pursuits without concerns about healthcare access and costs.
(Author is Global Chief Commercial Officer of Prodigy Finance)
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