Health Care Insurance
Health care insurance, also referred to as medical insurance, plays an important role in ensuring individuals and families have peace of mind regarding their healthcare needs. These plans not only offer financial protection but also extend access to an extensive network of healthcare providers and facilities. With affordable health insurance options available, individuals can secure coverage for a variety of healthcare services.
Health care insurance serves a variety of needs, covering both domestic health care requirements and medical services for overseas study. This ensures that individuals have complete coverage, no matter their location.
Reasons Why You Need Health Care Insurance
Health care insurance is essential for individuals’ financial and health security. It provides complete safety against unpredictable medical expenses, making it a critical component of responsible health care planning. Therefore, it’s vital for both individuals and families to secure health care insurance.
1. Financial Protection
Health care insurance offers vital financial protection, covering a wide range of medical costs such as hospitalization, surgeries, medications, and consultations. With affordable health insurance plans, individuals can reduce the financial strain associated with healthcare expenses, ensuring peace of mind and financial security.
2. Critical Illness Coverage
Critical illnesses can have devastating consequences for one’s health and finances. Medical insurance provides critical illness coverage, offering financial assistance for treatments, therapies, and rehabilitation services. This coverage is especially crucial for individuals seeking health care services for abroad studies, ensuring complete protection against unforeseen medical emergencies.
3. Hospitalization Fee Coverage
Hospitalization fees can increase rapidly, posing a significant financial burden on individuals and families. Health care insurance covers this burden by covering room charges, surgical costs, ICU expenses, and other associated medical expenditures. With complete health care insurance services, individuals can access timely medical care without worrying about exorbitant hospital bills.
4. Protection Against Emergencies
Emergencies can occur at any time, requiring immediate medical attention and intervention. Health care insurance provides timely access to emergency medical services, ambulance transportation, and emergency room care, ensuring swift and comprehensive medical assistance. With healthcare enrollment in place, individuals can navigate emergencies with confidence, knowing that they have the necessary support to address unforeseen medical events.
Expert advice and help in the process of applying for Health Care Insurance
Health is a crucial factor that can significantly improve one’s quality of life. Before traveling to a foreign country, it’s essential to understand the healthcare insurance policy of the destination state. Many countries require international visitors to have medical insurance when applying for a visa. Obtaining a health insurance package is necessary for international students to prevent illnesses and avoid unexpected medical expenses.
A One Global Consultants is dedicated to providing information on various overseas medical insurance policies, enabling you to compare features and prices and select the most suitable plan based on your financial and health situation. We partner with numerous international insurers to offer optimal healthcare insurance plans at the best prices.
It is mandatory for all international students studying abroad to maintain comprehensive medical insurance throughout their entire stay, which remains in effect until their visa expiration date.
Exploring International Health Coverage
Yes, health insurance is a critical aspect for international students, ensuring well-being during stay abroad. Different countries have varying requirements and policies regarding health insurance for students. Proof of health insurance is often required for student visa applications. Ensure you have valid coverage before applying for your visa.
Australia
Overseas Student Health Coverage (OSHC) from approved private providers is mandatory. All international students on a student visa (subclass 500) must obtain OSHC for the entire duration of their studies in Australia. When seeking medical treatment, show your OSHC card to healthcare providers. You may need to pay upfront for some services and then claim reimbursement, depending on the provider’s policies. Many providers have agreements with certain hospitals and clinics that allow for direct billing, meaning you may not need to pay upfront. The cost of OSHC varies based on the provider, the duration of coverage, and individual circumstances. On average, expect to pay between $400 and $600 AUD per year. Prices can vary depending on your age and the length of your visa
South Korea
Most universities in South Korea require international students to have health insurance. Some institutions offer their own health insurance plans, which students may be required to enroll in. Students can enroll in the National Health Insurance after registering their residence in Korea. This usually involves visiting a local NHI office with necessary documents, such as proof of enrollment, residence registration, and identification. National Health Insurance (NHI), after staying in Korea for more than six months, international students are generally eligible to enroll in the National Health Insurance (NHI) system. The NHI covers a substantial portion of medical expenses, including doctor visits, hospitalizations, and prescription medications. Monthly premiums for the NHI are usually around ₩30,000 to ₩50,000 (approximately $25 to $42 USD), depending on your income and residency status.
United Kingdom(UK)
Students pay a Health Surcharge as part of the visa process, granting them access to the NHS (National Health Service). International students are eligible to use the National Health Service (NHS), but they must pay an Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of their visa application. The IHS gives students access to NHS services, which include doctor visits, hospital treatment, and emergency services.
As of 2024, the IHS is approximately £470 per year for students, paid upfront during the visa application process. Some students may choose to purchase additional private health insurance for quicker access to services, private healthcare, or specific treatments not covered by the NHS. Private insurance can cover areas like dental care, private hospital stays, and alternative therapies, which may not be fully covered by the NHS. Costs for private health insurance can vary widely based on coverage but typically range from £30 to £100 per month. Once in the UK, international students should register with a General Practitioner (GP) to access NHS services. This is typically done at a local GP practice. Students will need to provide proof of their IHS payment and other personal details.
The NHS covers a wide range of services, including:
- GP appointments
- Hospital treatments
- Maternity care
- Emergency services
- Prescription medications (some charges may apply)
Canada, USA, Denmark:
Students can buy private health insurance after arriving in the country.
Canada
In Canada, health insurance requirements can vary depending on the province. Some provinces may require proof of insurance as part of the student visa application process.
Provincial Coverage Overview:
- British Columbia (BC): International students must have private health insurance for the first three months. After that, they can apply for the Medical Services Plan (MSP) if they meet residency requirements.
- Alberta: International students are required to obtain private health insurance, as they are not eligible for the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).
- Ontario: Students must purchase private health insurance, as they do not qualify for the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
- Quebec: International students can apply for the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) after six months, but they need private health insurance in the meantime.
USA
In the USA, students often purchase plans through their university or from private insurance companies. Many universities require international students to have health insurance, either through the school’s plan or a private insurance plan that meets certain criteria.
Health insurance is essential because medical costs in the USA can be very high, and without coverage, students may face significant out-of-pocket expenses. Most universities offer their own health insurance plans specifically designed for international students. These plans typically cover a wide range of medical services, including hospital visits, doctor appointments, prescriptions, and emergency care.
The cost of these plans varies by institution but generally ranges from $1,000 to $3,000 per year. International students can also purchase private health insurance. Options include plans from companies like ISO, GeoBlue, IMG, and HCCMIS. When selecting a private insurance plan, ensure it meets your university’s requirements and includes essential coverage (e.g., hospitalization, surgery, mental health services).
Denmark
In Denmark, international students are typically covered by the country’s public healthcare system after they have registered as residents with the CPR (Civil Personal Registration). Some Danish universities may offer or recommend private health insurance options for students, particularly for the initial months when students are not yet covered by the public system.
European Union (Finland, Germany, Belgium)
Use of Travel Medical Insurance for first 6 months to 1 Year is purchased from home country provider which covers full insurance claim in the destination country.
Generally, students need to purchase Travel Medical Insurance (TMI) for at least one year before applying for a visa.
Some countries offer integration into their public healthcare systems after a set period of residence.This coverage is typically expected for the entire duration of study, ensuring that any medical needs are addressed during their stay. It’s important to consult with both the destination country’s regulations and the educational institution for specific requirements.
Finland
In Finland, Non-EU/EEA students staying longer than 2 years and registered in the Finnish Population Information System can apply for a KELA card. This card grants access to the public healthcare system at significantly lower costs. in TMI, for non-EU/EEA students who stay in Finland for more than 90 days. The requirements for insurance depend on the duration of the student’s stay:
- For a stay less than or equal to 2 years: The insurance must cover medical expenses up to at least €120,000.
- For a stay longer than 2 years: The insurance coverage must be at least €40,000, as the student will be eligible for Finland’s public healthcare system after registering with the local authorities.
The health insurance should cover hospital treatment, medical treatment, prescriptions, and the cost of repatriation due to illness or accident.
Germany
In Germany, international students are required to have valid health insurance for the entire duration of their studies. There are two types of health insurance available for students: public (statutory) and private. If you are applying for a visa from outside Germany, you’ll need TMI to cover your stay until you enroll in a degree program and qualify for public or private student health insurance. Many students purchase temporary health insurance from providers like HanseMerkur, Care Concept, or DR-WALTER, which provides coverage until they are eligible for a long-term plan. After you enroll at a university, you will need to switch to a long-term health insurance plan (either public or private) to continue your coverage.
- Public Health Insurance (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung – GKV) for Non-EU students under the age of 30 and enrolled in a degree program at a German university are required to take out public health insurance. It costs for students are around €110-€120 per month. Major public health insurance providers include Techniker Krankenkasse (TK), AOK, DAK, and others. Coverage under public insurance includes doctor visits, hospital treatments, prescribed medications, emergency services, and some preventive healthcare.
- Private Health Insurance (Private Krankenversicherung – PKV) for Non – EU Students who are 30 years or older, or those in preparatory programs, language courses, or exchange programs, are often not eligible for public health insurance and will need private health insurance.
Private insurance can also be chosen by younger students, but it is usually harder to switch back to public insurance later. It has lower monthly premiums (typically between €30 and €70 per month), but it may not cover all services provided under public insurance.
Providers like MAWISTA, Care Concept, and Dr. Walter offer private insurance plans tailored to international students.
Belgium
In Belgium, health insurance is mandatory, and Non – EU students must be covered for the entire duration of their stay. Belgium offers a combination of public health insurance (mutuelle/mutualiteit) and private health insurance options. Public Health Insurance (Mutual Health Insurance – Mutuelle/Mutualiteit). Many students buy TMI from providers in their home country or from Belgian private insurers to cover them until they enroll in a Belgian health insurance system.
Once enrolled in a Belgian university and registered with the local authorities (commune), non-EU students can join a public health insurance fund known as a mutuelle (French-speaking regions) or mutualiteit (Dutch-speaking regions). Public health insurance funds include providers like CM (Christelijke Mutualiteit), Partena, and Euromut. Students under the public health insurance system pay a small annual fee (around €100–€150 per year) and are reimbursed for a significant portion of their healthcare costs (typically 75%-85% of medical bills).
Private Health Insurance for Non-EU students who do not yet qualify for public health insurance (e.g., before registering with local authorities) or are in specific programs like language courses can take out private health insurance. Private insurance is also required to cover you before arriving in Belgium and while applying for a visa. Providers like AXA, DKV, and Partena offer private insurance plans. The cost of private health insurance varies, ranging from around €40 to €100 per month, depending on the coverage.
Thailand
International students in Thailand are generally required to have health insurance. Many universities in Thailand mandate that international students obtain health insurance as part of the enrollment process. This insurance is crucial for covering medical expenses, including doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency treatments.
Some universities may offer health insurance plans directly to students or provide recommendations for insurance providers. It’s important for students to verify the specific requirements of their institution and ensure that their coverage meets the university’s and the government’s standards.
Common Providers
Some health insurance companies that offer plans for international students in Thailand include:
- Allianz Ayudhya
- Pacific Cross Health Insurance
- Luma Health Insurance
- Thai Health Insurance
University-Specific Insurance:
Many universities in Thailand offer their own health insurance plans or collaborate with insurers to provide coverage for international students. The cost and specifics of these plans vary depending on the institution.
Cost:
The cost of health insurance for international students in Thailand can range from THB 5,000 to 20,000 per year (around USD 150 to 600) depending on the extent of coverage, the student’s age, and health conditions.
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