Get the right international student insurance for your study abroad
Having the right insurance during your studies abroad is essential. Medical expenses, damage or unexpected events can become very costly if you’re not properly insured. With Insure to Study, you’ll have solid coverage throughout your stay as an international student.
Why you need insurance for studying abroad
Studying abroad comes with certain risks. Think of illness, accidents, theft of your belongings or even legal issues. In some countries, having insurance is even mandatory to obtain a visa or to enrol at an educational institution.
When do you need which type of insurance?
The right insurance depends on:
Where you're studying – inside or outside the EU
Whether you already have health insurance in your home country
What you’ll be doing – studying or doing an internship
Start your quote – no obligations
Insurance for an internship or exchange
A standard travel insurance policy doesn’t cover internships or study programs. The Master Plan or Master Plan+ from Insure to Study does. If you’re going on an Erasmus exchange within Europe, the European Plan is sufficient – as long as you use your EHIC for basic healthcare.
Differences by type of stay
Internship:
You’ll often be required to show proof of liability and accident insurance. The Master Plan or Master Plan+ provides full coverage for this.
Erasmus or exchange within Europe:
The European Plan is often sufficient for this group but always check if your university has additional requirements.
4 types of insurance for students abroad
At Insure to Study, you can choose from four packages specifically designed for students:
Travelling to and from the EU
Master Plan+
€ 1,87 per day more info
- Complete medical expenses
- All dental care
- Accidents
- Luggage
- Household goods and valuables
- Emergencies
- Private liability
- Legal aid
- Travel
Master Plan
€ 1,21 per day
- Extensive medical expenses
- Dental care (urgent and accidents only)
- Accidents
- Luggage
- Household goods and valuables
- Emergencies
- Private liability
- Legal aid
- Travel
Travelling within the EU
Basic Plan
€ 0,53 per day (no medical coverage)
- Accidents
- Luggage
- Household goods and valuables
- Emergencies
- Private liability
- Legal aid
European Plan
€ 0,83 per day
- Additional medical cover
- Accidents
- Luggage
- Household goods and valuables
- Emergencies
- Private liability
- Legal aid
What your insurance covers during your studies abroad
Medical expenses:
Covers hospital stays, doctor visits, medication and repatriation.
Dental care:
Only the Master Plan+ includes preventive dental care and check-ups. Other plans cover dental costs for emergencies only.
Personal liability:
Covers damage to third parties. For example, if you accidentally break something in your student accommodation.
Legal assistance:
Support with legal issues, such as rental disputes or workplace conflicts during an internship.
Baggage and travel:
Covers loss, theft or damage to your luggage. Also includes events like cancellations or delays.
These packages are tailored to different needs – from students on a short EU exchange to global travellers staying abroad for a longer period.
What if you already have national health insurance?
If you’re already insured in your home country – for example through public or private health insurance – it’s important to check whether that coverage still applies while studying abroad.
In many cases, it doesn’t cover medical care in another country, especially outside the EU. That’s why many students choose a dedicated international student insurance plan, either to supplement or replace their existing coverage.
With Insure to Study, you can choose a plan that meets the specific healthcare and visa requirements of your destination country.
What the EHIC does – and doesn’t – cover
If you’re an EU/EEA citizen and have an EHIC (European Health Insurance Card), you’re entitled to emergency healthcare in other EU countries under the same conditions as residents.
However, the EHIC doesn’t cover non-urgent treatment, repatriation, liability, dental care or legal assistance. That’s why many students choose additional coverage – like Insure to Study’s European Plan – to make sure they’re fully protected during their time abroad.
Common misconceptions about insurance and studying abroad
The EHIC is not a full insurance policy
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) only covers emergency medical care in EU/EEA countries and does not include services like repatriation, dental care, liability or legal support.
You can’t always cancel your health insurance at home
Whether you can pause or cancel your national health insurance depends on your home country’s rules. In many cases, this is only allowed if you have no income and are staying abroad long-term.
Returning home temporarily may affect your insurance status
In some countries, returning home even briefly can re-activate your health insurance obligations. Always check local regulations before you travel back.
Should you choose insurance from your home country or an international provider?
With Insure to Study, you can choose an international student insurance plan that’s designed specifically for studying, interning or travelling abroad. These plans are often easier to manage and more cost-effective than arranging insurance through a provider in your destination country – especially when it comes to coverage for visas, medical care and worldwide support.
What to consider when choosing student insurance
Make sure to check these points when selecting your insurance plan:
Medical and dental coverage
Without proper medical insurance, hospital stays, emergency care or dental treatment can cost thousands of euros. Especially outside the EU, these expenses are rarely covered by national insurance plans, especially outside your home country
Choose a plan with sufficient limits and coverage, based on the healthcare standards in your destination country.
Travel duration and worldwide coverage
Many insurers set maximum limits based on how long and where you’ll be staying. If you’re studying abroad for a long period or travelling the world, you’ll need global coverage. Don’t just go for the cheapest plan – make sure it remains valid for your entire stay and in all countries you plan to visit.
Coverage for pre-existing conditions (Master Plan+ only)
Do you have a chronic condition or take regular medication? Then it’s essential that your insurance covers pre-existing conditions. Only the Master Plan+ from Insure to Study guarantees this, including preventive check-ups.
Policy conditions and exclusions
Always read the fine print. Some policies exclude high-risk activities (like winter sports or volunteer work) or limit coverage for mental health care. Also check if you’re still covered during holidays or short stays back in the Netherlands.
Whether your insurance meets visa requirements
In countries like Australia, the US or Canada, your visa is only valid with an accepted insurance policy. Many institutions require worldwide medical coverage with specific minimum conditions. Insure to Study meets these requirements – but you do need to choose the right plan (e.g. Master Plan+).
Comparing student insurance costs and premiums
Premiums at Insure to Study range from 0.53 € to 1.87 € per day. A fully comprehensive package costs less than 60 € per month – often cheaper than combining Dutch basic health insurance with add-ons.
Basic Plan (0.53 €/day)
Minimal protection with no medical coverage. Suitable if you’re already fully insured through another provider.
European Plan (0.83 €/day)
Designed for students studying within the EU. Offers additional coverage for travel, liability and legal assistance. Ideal when used alongside a valid EHIC or national insurance plan.
Master Plan (1.21 €/day)
Full coverage for students studying outside the EU or staying longer within the EU. Includes medical care, repatriation and more.
Master Plan+ (1.87 €/day)
Comprehensive insurance including coverage for pre-existing conditions, preventive check-ups and extended dental care. Recommended for destinations with strict visa or healthcare requirements.
A small difference in premium can have major consequences if something happens. So don’t just compare prices – look closely at the level of coverage.
Example situations
Studying in the United States
If you’re studying in the US, most universities require comprehensive health insurance. A standard campus policy is often offered, but you can also submit an alternative – as long as it meets certain requirements, such as unlimited medical coverage, emergency dental care and repatriation.
Insure to Study meets these requirements with the Master Plan+.
Studying in Germany
In Germany, health insurance is mandatory when enrolling at a university. If you have an EHIC, it’s usually accepted for emergency care.
Want broader coverage beyond hospital treatment – or to avoid the risk of being rejected? Then the European Plan is a reliable supplement.
Studying in Australia
Australia requires an Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). In some cases, you may submit an alternative insurance policy, provided it offers comparable coverage.
Insure to Study offers packages that meet these standards, such as the Master Plan+, which includes worldwide medical coverage, hospital stays and repatriation.
Always check the exact requirements of your university and the visa authority of your destination country in advance.
Why choose Insure to Study for your student insurance
Getting the right insurance as a student abroad isn’t something you do every day. That’s why you need a provider who understands what’s involved in studying abroad. Insure to Study specialises in insurance for students, interns and expats. Here’s why you’re in good hands:
Student-focused plans:
All packages are specifically designed for studying or doing an internship abroad.
Clear conditions:
No fine print or vague exclusions. Everything is transparent, available online and easy to arrange.
International coverage:
Worldwide insurance that matches your plans and destination.
Fast and easy service:
Fully arranged within minutes, with a digital policy ready for your visa application.
Trusted providers:
We partner with well-established insurers and experts in international student insurance.
Whether you’re studying within the EU or halfway across the world – with Insure to Study, you’re fully covered and ready to go.
Calculate your student premium now
Frequently asked questions about international student insurance
Is your question not listed here? View all frequently asked questions.
Is my national health insurance enough when studying abroad?
Not always. National health insurance often has limited or no coverage outside your home country – especially for things like hospital care, dental treatment or long-term stays. If you’re studying outside your home region or doing an internship, you’ll usually need additional or full coverage through an international student insurance plan.
What’s the cheapest student insurance at Insure to Study?
That’s the Basic Plan, at 0.53 € per day. It doesn’t include medical coverage, but does cover travel, liability and legal assistance.
Are pre-existing conditions covered?
Only under the Master Plan+. This plan also includes dental coverage up to 750 €, including check-ups.
Do I need student insurance for an exchange within the EU?
Yes – especially if you want full reimbursement for medical expenses. The European Plan is a great supplement to your basic insurance with an EHIC.
What’s the difference between regular travel insurance and student insurance?
Student insurance covers long-term stays, medical care, internships and liability – regular travel insurance does not.
Can I combine student insurance with my national or private health insurance?
Yes, in many cases you can. Especially if you’re studying within the EU or already have basic coverage from your home country, it’s common to add a student insurance plan for extra protection. Insure to Study offers flexible options that work alongside your existing insurance – covering things like liability, legal assistance, and travel-related risks.
Is student insurance required for a visa?
For many countries like Australia, the US or Canada, proof of insurance is mandatory when applying for a visa. Insure to Study meets these requirements.
How do I apply for insurance with Insure to Study?
You can easily calculate your premium and take out your insurance via the website. You’ll receive your policy digitally within minutes.
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