Student health insurance for study abroad
Almost every student visa requires health cover — but the scheme, the cost, and when you arrange it differ by country. Here's what international students need in each major destination, with typical 2026 costs.
Australia
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)You must arrange OSHC before you lodge your visa and keep it for your entire stay. Approved providers include Bupa, Medibank, Allianz Care, ahm and nib. It covers doctor visits, public hospital care, ambulance and limited pharmacy.
Full Australia study guide →
United Kingdom
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)The IHS is a surcharge, not insurance — paying it gives you access to the NHS on the same basis as UK residents. It is charged for every year of your visa when you apply.
Full United Kingdom study guide →
Canada
Provincial plan or private insurance (varies by province)Some provinces cover international students under the provincial health plan; others require private insurance, often arranged through your university. Check the rules for the province you will study in.
Full Canada study guide →
United States
University student health plan or equivalent private coverThe USA has no national health system, so most universities require F-1 students to enrol in the school health plan or prove you hold equivalent private insurance. Budget for this separately.
Full United States study guide →
New Zealand
Approved medical and travel insuranceInternational students must hold approved medical and travel insurance for the duration of study. Universities often offer a compliant plan you can buy at enrolment.
Full New Zealand study guide →
Ireland
Health insurance requiredPrivate medical insurance required
Full Ireland study guide →
Germany
Health insurance requiredPublic or private health insurance mandatory (~€120/mo)
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France
Health insurance requiredFrench student health insurance (low cost)
Full France study guide →
Netherlands
Health insurance requiredDutch health insurance required
Full Netherlands study guide →
Singapore
Health insurance requiredMedical insurance required (usually arranged by the university)
Full Singapore study guide →
Japan
Health insurance requiredNational Health Insurance mandatory (~¥20,000/yr)
Full Japan study guide →
UAE (Dubai)
Health insurance requiredHealth insurance mandatory
Full UAE (Dubai) study guide →Why student health cover matters
Health cover is not an optional extra — for most student visas it is a legal condition, and going without it can delay your visa or put your status at risk. It also protects you financially: a single hospital visit abroad can cost thousands without cover. Build it into your budget from the start, alongside tuition, living costs and the visa fee.
The figures on this page are typical 2026 guides. Providers, surcharges and rules change, and your exact premium depends on your provider, policy length and whether you cover a partner or children. Always get a current quote from an approved provider and confirm the requirement with the official immigration authority before you apply.
Frequently asked questions
Do international students have to buy health insurance?+
Almost always, yes. Nearly every study destination makes health cover a condition of the student visa or of enrolment. The form differs: Australia has OSHC, the UK charges the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access, and countries like the USA require you to join a university health plan. Studying without the required cover can put your visa at risk.
How much does student health cover cost?+
It varies widely by country and your family situation. A single student typically pays around A$620–800/year for OSHC in Australia, £776/year for the UK Immigration Health Surcharge, and US$1,500–2,500/year for a US university health plan. Costs rise if you cover a partner or children. Always get a current quote before you budget.
When do I need to arrange it — before or after the visa?+
Usually before. Australia requires you to have OSHC in place before you lodge your subclass 500 application, and the UK Immigration Health Surcharge is paid as part of the online visa application. For the USA and others, you generally arrange cover at or before enrolment. Leaving it too late can delay your visa.
Is the UK Immigration Health Surcharge the same as insurance?+
No. The IHS is a government surcharge, not a private insurance policy. Paying it (£776 per year, up front for the length of your visa) gives you access to the National Health Service on the same terms as UK residents, rather than a policy with its own limits and claims.
Can my education consultant help me arrange health cover?+
Many can — arranging OSHC or pointing you to approved providers is a common part of the visa service. Ask what is included, and never let anyone rush you into a policy without seeing the details. You can compare consultancies by verified student reviews before you commit.