Funding is not the only thing that can cause refusal in applications and affect the lifestyle of international students in foreign countries; health insurance is another critical factor to consider. Every Nigerian citizen must possess valid coverage to meet the requirements for most countries’ study and long-stay visas. In this comprehensive guide by DexTravl, a leading travel agency in Ibadan, you’ll learn how to buy health insurance to study abroad from Nigeria. Our team can also help you with the entire purchase process, easing your worries.
Health insurance is not just for formality purposes, but a coverage against costly medical expenses in a foreign land. For instance, a doctor consultation costs around $100 or $50 in most countries, which is around ₦150,000 in Nigeria and does not include other healthcare-related expenses yet.
With a valid international medical insurance, you won’t need to pay up to 80% or 100% of your healthcare bills, as your health insurance provider will either cover the cost or reimburse you. The coverage not only covers consultation fees in cases of illnesses and accidents, but also includes treatment, diagnostic services, and ambulance charges amongst its benefits.
Is travel insurance the same as medical insurance?
No. Medical/health insurance has different use cases from travel insurance. Travel insurance is a type of insurance policy for travelers and tourists on short visits overseas. It is usually mandatory for holders of tourist, transit, and visitor visas.
Contrarily, health insurance is exclusively for foreign nationals, giving peace of mind to international students, foreign workers, and immigrants.
While most foreign schools and embassies won’t give you a deadline to submit proof of health insurance coverage, it remains essential, and can determine the end result of your application.
Why do you need health insurance abroad?
Here’s why every foreigner must have a health insurance plan to study, work, or live abroad:
- Visa requirement: Canada, the USA, Australia, and many countries in Europe require applicants for study, work, and other long-stay visas to provide valid proof of coverage.
- University admission: International students and citizens of third-country countries must purchase adequate coverage to secure admission into the academic institution of their choice.
- Medical bill payments: It usually costs a lot of money to receive medical treatment abroad. Without health insurance, you’ll need to pay out of your pocket, for which each physician consultation could cost you hundreds of dollars per session.
Types and costs of student health insurance for popular study destinations
The cost of health insurance plans varies for international students in many countries, as shown below for popular study destinations:
- The United States: Foreigners who are looking to study in the USA must possess a private university or state-mandated insurance coverage. Budget around $1,000 to $2,500 per year for an annual plan.
- The United Kingdom: To get full NHS access and meet the UK’s visa requirements, you must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) service, which costs approximately £780 for 12 months.
- Canada: A provincial health insurance plan is mandatory for every international student to obtain a Canadian study permit. The plan varies by province, costing between $400 and $900 per year, with some requiring a waiting period.
- Germany: Public student health insurance provides the most affordable coverage for international students in Germany, costing between €110 and €130 per month.
- Australia: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is compulsory for foreigners who want to study and work in Australia, costing around AUD 500 to AUD 700 annually.
- France: Health insurance provides access to public healthcare, with a student subsidy for international students in France. This will cost you around €300 per year.
- Ireland: Nigerians and other non-EU/EEA nationals need private health insurance to study in any Irish university. It costs around $540 to $760.
- New Zealand: Work and student visa holders must hold valid health insurance throughout their stay in New Zealand. A good coverage will cost you around NZD 500 to NZD 1,200 annually.
Tips for Nigerian students to get cheaper health insurance
- Compare the premiums of health insurance plans by multiple providers.
- Pay yearly instead of subscribing monthly to a plan.
- Check whether your tuition or scholarship already covers health insurance. If it’s included, you may need to top up the plan to meet the visa requirements.
- Look out for discounts on international health insurance packages.
- Ask your current health insurance provider if you could opt for international add-on coverage, allowing you to insure your health outside your home country at an additional cost.