In the EU, every country has its requirements concerning health insurance for foreign students, but it is mandatory for most countries. Check details for your planned country. Moreover, healthcare is quite expensive in these countries – it makes sense to be financially prepared by taking health insurance and have peace of mind while you focus on studies.
Public Health Insurance: Public health insurance is highly recommended as it is available at subsidized rates and offers several other benefits. For example, this is the statutory health insurance plan available for international students under the age of 30 enrolled in a degree program at a German university. You can buy insurance from AOK or TKK in Germany. A point to remember here. If you choose private insurance on day one in Germany, you can switch to public insurance. However, if you switch to private insurance from public insurance, you will not be allowed to buy the latter anymore. If you plan to study in France, the national health insurance plan coverage for foreign students depends on age, country of origin and duration of the degree program. You have to avail it through the French Social Security office.
Private Health Insurance: You always have an option to take private health insurance if you can afford it. When a medical situation arises, you first need to foot the bill from your pocket and later send it to the private health insurer for the claim. The eligibility may vary from one country to another. For example, international students above 30 years of age or enrolled in language, preparatory and PhD courses have to opt for private health insurance in Germany. Some of the private insurance companies you can consider are MAWISTA, Allianz, DAAD, Fintiba, DKK and PKK in Germany and Bupa Global, AXA PPP International, Globality Health and Cigna Global in France.
