Cheapest Health Insurance for International Students
In a globalized era of educational pursuits, securing comprehensive health insurance as an international student is not just a choice; it’s a necessity. This article navigates through the details of finding the most economical health insurance for international students, unraveling the critical factors and offering actionable tips.
Going to study abroad sounds overwhelming with information and your mind is busy with everything other than insurance and technicalities, but in reality finding and getting your insurance is one of the most important factors whenever you leave your home country.
It could be helpful if you have a friend or a family member in the country you are studying in, in this case – Switzerland, to contact them and find out about the insurance and health laws so you can avoid the possible inconveniences. But if you don’t, there is no reason to worry. We are here to inform you of every company that can provide insurance plans for international students coming to Switzerland.
Understanding the Need for Health Insurance as an International Student
Embarking on a global educational journey is an opportunity, but it comes with responsibilities, and health insurance is on top of the list. Understanding the need for health insurance as an international student goes beyond meeting residence permit requirements; it’s about safeguarding your well-being in a foreign land. Accidents and illnesses don’t discriminate based on your passport, making comprehensive coverage an indispensable ally.
Covering yourself by insurance during the studies is an essential part of studying abroad as an international student. In a country like Switzerland, insurance plans are fundamental if you are planning to stay for more than 3 months. Aside from the laws, insurance plans are expensive if you are paying like a local resident, which is why it is of the utmost importance to cover this part in time, even before you come to Switzerland.
Medical care is expensive in Switzerland, mostly due to high standards in the country, so being covered could potentially save you thousands of CHF. We are here to inform you properly on every insurance provider and each of their plans. But first of all, let’s dive into why you even need insurance based on laws.
Why Do International Students Need Health Insurance?
The question of why international students need health insurance extends beyond the obvious. Apart from meeting residence permit regulations, health insurance acts as a safety net, offering financial security against unforeseen medical expenses. Navigating a foreign healthcare system can be daunting, but with the right insurance, you gain access to quality care without bearing the exorbitant costs.
If you are going to study abroad there is a need for an insurance plan. Whether you are in the gym, doing a group activity outside or hiking, there is always a risk involved. This is why the country of Switzerland requires healthcare insurance, in case anything happens.
Even if you are covered by the medical insurance in your country, it does not mean that automatically you are insured in Switzerland as well. If you want to find out whether there is coverage based on your home country’s medical insurance, make sure you check out the reciprocity agreement between your country and Switzerland. This could be checked on the Switzerland embassy website.
When you opt for the right provider and the right insurance plan, you will have an advantage in case anything goes wrong, having your medical bills covered without paying anything to the hospital/doctors. This applies only if you have a CHF 0 franchise that only Evasan offers.
Another key element of why you should choose the right provider is the law in Switzerland. If you are going to stay for more than 3 months, in case you don’t have insurance the state will give it to you for the price of residents insurance, which is extremely high. Select the provider of your insurance plan, make sure you are covered through the university/school and avoid the inconveniences of the state.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Health Insurance for International Students
The Impact of Host Country’s Healthcare System and Policies
The laws of a host country’s healthcare system and policies play an important role in shaping the cost of insurance. Understanding these details can help international students make informed choices tailored to their specific needs and budget constraints.
Having medical insurance in Switzerland is mandatory for all international students.
However, some cases can exempt you from getting the Swiss medical insurance:
- You can request an exemption from the compulsory medical insurance in case you have an equivalent, and only came temporarily to study
Significance of Age, Location, and Coverage Plans
Age, location, and coverage plans emerge as critical factors influencing the cost of health insurance. Younger individuals often enjoy more economical premiums. Younger individuals often have lower insurance premiums, especially in the context of health and life insurance, for several key reasons:
Lower Health Risks: Younger people are generally healthier and less likely to have chronic conditions or diseases, making them less risky to insure. They tend to make fewer medical claims than older individuals, which translates to lower costs for insurance companies.
Healthier Lifestyle Choices: On average, younger people engage in fewer risky behaviors and have more resilience to recover from illnesses or injuries, contributing to their lower risk profile.
Economic Factors: Younger individuals are seen as more likely to continue paying premiums over a longer period, providing a steady income stream to the insurance company.
Because of these factors, insurance companies view younger individuals as less of a financial risk, which is reflected in their lower premiums. This approach helps insurers manage their risk and ensure financial stability.
Moreover, selecting coverage options that align with your health needs ensures a balanced blend of protection and affordability. These all details will be taken into consideration when you are applying for an insurance plan, but you will know the exact pricing before buying, of course.
Tips for Finding the Cheapest Health Insurance for International Students
Research and Compare Different Plans
The key to finding the most economical health insurance lies in diligent research and comparison. Explore various plans, scrutinize their coverage, and assess customer reviews. This informed approach ensures that the chosen plan aligns with both your health requirements and your budget..
When planning a trip to Switzerland, you will see a few options for you when you search for an insurance plan if you are a student.
Evasan is designed as the best budget and maximum value option for foreign students in Switzerland with our CHF 0 franchise package, but there is a group of other popular providers that could be a good fit for you. Advisor-swiss, Scorestudies and Swisscare are some brokers that could be optimal for your needs.
With Evasan, there aren’t any insurance claims, the invoice from the medical institution goes directly to us and Evasan pays it within days, whether it is an emergency health issue or a dental procedure.
Evaluate Coverage Needs
Understanding your coverage needs is paramount in avoiding both underinsurance and overinsurance. Assess potential medical expenses, factoring in medicine, preventive care, and potential emergencies. Tailoring your coverage to these needs ensures cost-effectiveness without compromising on essential protection.
Details like coverage of dental care or mental health care are just some of the possible coverage options, so make sure that you have all the information available when choosing the plan and the provider of the service.
Consider Franchises and Premiums
The interplay between franchise and premiums holds the key to affordability. A higher franchise typically translates to lower premiums but requires a more substantial upfront payment in case of a claim. Striking the right balance between franchises and premiums aligns with your financial capacity while ensuring comprehensive coverage.
Franchises are the amounts that the insured has to pay directly to the medical institution before they send an invoice to the insurance company. In Switzerland where healthcare is pretty expensive, this saves you from paying extra from your own pocket.
Conclusion
Finding the cheapest health insurance for international students helps save money and protect your health and education. By understanding cost factors and applying smart tips, students can select the right insurance to stay secure and manage expenses effectively.
Cheapest insurance is not always the one that you will pay the least money for a plan. The cheapest insurance for you is the one that is the best value. What does this mean?
Just paying the least amount of money for a provider can cause you a lot of problems in case you have an emergency. So the best insurance policy is the one that will cover your needs in the best possible way.
Also it is important to take a specialized view regarding the insurance plans and their costs. If you look at the terms for the franchise, that means that you will have to pay something upfront before filing insurance claims. In Switzerland those prices can be a few hundred CHF for a regular check and minor services. Not everyone is willing to go that route, or have the money to spend, so Evasan has provided a 0 franchise plan that is the most optimal for students.
How can We help?
Navigating the intricacies of international student health insurance can be overwhelming. Your well-being is our priority. With Evasan you are covered in everything.
What we are proud of, is our view that the students shouldn’t pay anything when getting a medical treatment. This is why the invoice is sent directly to us and we handle everything as soon as possible, while your task is just to get better so you can continue enjoying the beautiful Switzerland.
How to Purchase International Student Health Insurance?
Purchasing international student health insurance is a streamlined process with our guidance. From understanding policy terms to selecting the right coverage, we ensure a hassle-free experience. Your journey to affordable and comprehensive health protection starts here.
We have provided a way to buy an international student insurance plan via form on our website, which you can find here. If you have any other questions, you can contact us via phone or email.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why Do Foreign Students Need Health Insurance in Switzerland?
Switzerland, renowned for its high-quality healthcare, mandates health insurance for all residents, including foreign students. This ensures access to top-notch medical services without financial strain.
Based on the overall insurance policy and law in Switzerland, foreigners have up to 3 months to find an insurance provider, otherwise they will be assigned an insurance plan by the prices for the residents, which is much higher.
This also includes students that are in school or university, so make sure to prepare correctly before coming to study in Switzerland. This is also an important part of getting and prolonging your residence permit.
Which Factors are Affecting the Cost of Health Insurance for Foreign Students?
Factors such as age, location, and coverage options significantly influence the cost of health insurance for foreign students. Tailoring a plan to specific needs helps strike a balance between cost and coverage.
These are all complex factors that will determine the price of the insurance for students, so having a clear communication with the provider is key when filing for an insurance policy.
What is Considered as Cheap Health Insurance for Foreign Students?
Cheap health insurance for international students entails finding a plan that offers adequate coverage at an affordable premium. Balancing cost and benefits is key to identifying the right fit. Less paid money per month doesn’t mean it’s a better offer for international student insurance. We will examine by example why this is not the best rule to follow when you are coming as an international student to school/ university in Switzerland for more than 3 months.
Paying less for a plan on a monthly basis doesn’t always mean that you are getting cheaper insurance or a better offer from the provider. In case of an emergency, if you are on a franchise plan that is bigger than CHF 0, that just means that you will have to pay a franchise on your health procedures, which as a student, can make a big hole in the budget. This is why we have provided international students with 0 franchise plans, and why most of them choose us and our plans for insurance when coming to school or university here.
What happens if I don’t Obtain Foreign Student Insurance in time?
Delaying foreign student insurance can lead to legal repercussions and denial of a residence permit. Timely acquisition is mandatory to complying with regulations and safeguarding your health.
Aside from the denial of residence permit, it is important to note that by law you need to have an insurance plan as a student. Otherwise you will be assigned an insurance plan by the residents prices, which is usually more expensive than finding a good provider that will cover your healthcare while you study.
How to Purchase International Student Health insurance?
With Evasan, buying international student health insurance plans is as easy as it can be. Filling out the form on our website is the first step, subscribing to our plans and then payment is the last step.
We made it simple and easy to, without hidden costs or undisclosed prices, you see the offer after completing the first step. By offering a variety of plans, we made sure that you can find the one that is optimal for your stay in Switzerland as an international student/ visitor.