Public vs private health insurance for international students

A public healthcare system is funded or regulated by the government and can provide access to essential services such as doctor visits, hospital treatment, emergency care, and some prescription medicines.

How it works for international students varies by country. In Australia, the public system is known as Medicare, however, most international students need Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). In Canada, access to public healthcare varies by province or territory.

In the UK, international students usually access the National Health Service (NHS) by paying the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of their visa application. Some may also choose private health insurance for additional cover.

For eligible international students, it can provide access to essential services such as:

• Doctor and general practitioner (GP) visits

• Public Hospital treatment

• Emergency care

• Some prescription medicines

Private health insurance is offered by insurance companies and gives you access to healthcare under the terms of your chosen policy.

It can serve different purposes for international students. In some destinations, it is a mandatory requirement for studying abroad. In others, students use it as an alternative to public insurance or to access benefits beyond those provided by the public system.

A policy may include:

• Doctor and specialist appointments

• Public and Private Hospital treatment

• Emergency care including Ambulance transport

• Prescription medicines

• Diagnostic tests

• Mental health services

Eligibility largely depends on where you study and your immigration or residency status.

Access to the study of destinations of public healthcare systems may be influenced by factors such as your nationality, visa category, course duration, or length of residence. You may also need to register with the local healthcare system or make regular contributions.

Private health insurance is often more widely available to international students. However, some destinations set specific standards for student policies, so not every plan will necessarily meet the conditions that apply to you.

IDP works with trusted health insurance partners across eligible study destinations and can help you understand your options and find suitable cover for your needs. Speak to an IDP counsellor for guidance or explore your options.

If your destination requires a particular form of insurance, that will usually determine where you start. If you have more flexibility, focus on which option gives you the right balance of protection, access, and affordability.

When comparing your choices, consider:

• Healthcare access: Which doctors, clinics, and hospitals can you use?

• Benefits: Are the services you’re most likely to need included?

• Your contribution: How much you have to pay for treatment?

• Flexibility: Can you consult specialists easily or choose healthcare providers?

• Additional care: Are services such as dental, optical, or mental healthcare covered under the chosen plan?

• Duration: Will you stay covered throughout your required period of stay?

A policy can look like it has you well-covered at first glance while still having important conditions attached. Understanding the fine print can save you from surprises later.

Pay particular attention to:

• Waiting periods: You may need to hold your policy for a set period before claiming certain services.

• Pre-existing conditions: Treatment related to an existing condition may have different terms, depending on the provider and applicable regulations.

• Benefit limits: There may be a maximum amount the insurer will pay for a service or over a certain period.

• Exclusions: Some treatments and services may sit outside your standard plan.

• Provider networks: Your benefits may be limited to specific healthcare providers or facilities.

• Claims process: You might need to pay for treatment yourself before requesting reimbursement from your insurer.

There is no single international health insurance system for students. Each study destination sets its own rules.

For example, international students may be able to use a national healthcare system in one country, while another may require them to hold an approved private policy. Requirements can also differ according to nationality, visa category, and length of study.

Before arranging your student health insurance, find out:

• Whether insurance is compulsory for your student visa.

• Whether you qualify for the local public healthcare system.

• The minimum benefits your policy must provide.

• The dates your coverage needs to begin and end.

• Whether you need to choose an approved insurer or plan.

There isn’t a standard price for international student health insurance. What you pay depends on several factors, including:

• Study destination

• Age

• How long you need insurance

• The type and level of benefits

• The provider and policy you select

• Whether dependents are included

Ready to compare your options? Keep these points handy:

• Confirm the health insurance conditions that apply to your visa.

• Find out whether you qualify for the public healthcare system.

• Compare benefits across different plans.

• Review any out-of-pocket costs, fees and limits that may apply.

• Look for exclusions, waiting periods, and benefit limits.

• Understand how pre-existing conditions are treated.

• Check if health and wellbeing are included if you need them.

• Find out which healthcare providers you can visit.

• Understand how claims and reimbursements work.

• Make sure your policy covers the full required period.

The right health insurance should do more than tick a box. It should give you suitable protection for your time abroad and help you access healthcare when you need it. IDP counsellors can also help you navigate your insurance options, from understanding the cover you may need and arranging suitable insurance before you travel.