Health Insurance for Exchange Students: A Different Challenge
Exchange students face unique health insurance challenges. Unlike degree-seeking international students who spend several years abroad, exchange students typically study for one or two semesters, making their insurance needs different from those of full-time international students.
Whether you’re heading abroad on an Erasmus+ program, a bilateral exchange, or a semester abroad, health insurance is a non-negotiable requirement. This guide covers everything exchange students need to know.
How Exchange Student Insurance Differs
Exchange students have distinct needs:
- Shorter coverage periods: 3 to 12 months instead of years
- Home university affiliation: You remain enrolled at your home institution
- Existing home insurance: You may already have coverage that partially applies
- Program-specific requirements: Your exchange program may mandate specific coverage
- Multiple countries: Some exchange students visit several countries during their program
Insurance by Exchange Program Type
Erasmus+ (Europe)
Erasmus+ is the largest exchange program in the world. Insurance considerations:
- EHIC/GHIC: Your European Health Insurance Card covers you in other EU/EEA countries for necessary medical treatment through the public system.
- Erasmus+ doesn’t include insurance. The program provides a grant but does not arrange health coverage.
- Supplementary insurance recommended. EHIC has limitations: it doesn’t cover private healthcare, repatriation, or all situations. A supplementary plan costs €20–€40/month.
What EHIC covers:
- Necessary medical treatment at public facilities
- Same terms as local residents
- Emergency care
What EHIC doesn’t cover:
- Private hospitals or doctors
- Repatriation to home country
- Dental care beyond emergencies
- Mental health services beyond acute care
- Lost luggage, trip cancellation
Bilateral University Exchanges
Many universities have bilateral exchange agreements. Check:
- Does your home university insurance extend abroad?
- Does the host university require specific coverage?
- Does the exchange agreement include insurance provisions?
- Do you need to enroll in the host country’s student insurance system?
Direct Enrollment / Semester Abroad
If you’re enrolling directly at a foreign university for a semester:
- You typically need to meet the same insurance requirements as degree-seeking students
- In Germany, this means choosing between GKV and PKV
- In Australia, you’ll need OSHC
- In the USA, you may need to enroll in the university’s SHIP
Insurance Requirements by Popular Exchange Destinations
Germany
- EU students: EHIC + supplementary recommended
- Non-EU students: Full health insurance required (German insurance guide)
- Exchange students under 30 can join GKV (~€146/month)
- Private alternatives available from ~€35/month
France
- EU students: EHIC covers public healthcare
- Non-EU students: Must register with French Social Security (free for students)
- Supplementary “mutuelle” insurance recommended (~€20–€50/month)
Spain
- EU students: EHIC covers public healthcare
- Non-EU students: Full private insurance required for visa (Spain guide)
- Many consulates require plans without deductibles
United States
- Most universities require their own SHIP or equivalent
- J-1 visa exchange students have specific insurance mandates
- Minimum coverage requirements set by the Department of State
- Budget: $500–$2,500/semester
Australia
- OSHC mandatory for all international students on student visas
- No exceptions for exchange students
- ~$500–$700 AUD per year
United Kingdom
- Students on courses 6+ months: Access to NHS (may need to pay Immigration Health Surcharge)
- Short-term students: Private insurance recommended
- EU students post-Brexit: EHIC/GHIC may still apply depending on agreements
What Should Your Exchange Insurance Cover?
At minimum, ensure your plan covers:
- ✅ Medical treatment: Doctor visits, hospital stays
- ✅ Emergency care: Including ambulance
- ✅ Repatriation: Return home in medical emergency
- ✅ Personal liability: Damage you accidentally cause
- ✅ Prescription medications
- ✅ Mental health: At least basic counseling access
- ✅ Coverage for travel: If you’ll visit other countries during your exchange
- ✅ Duration match: Coverage for your entire exchange period
Cost of Exchange Student Insurance
| Coverage Type | Monthly Cost | Per Semester |
|---|---|---|
| EHIC supplement (EU) | €20–€40 | €120–€240 |
| Basic international plan | €30–€60 | €180–€360 |
| Full plan | €60–€120 | €360–€720 |
| Country-specific (GKV, OSHC) | €80–€120 | €480–€720 |
Step-by-Step: Getting Insured as an Exchange Student
1. Check Your Home Insurance
Contact your current health insurer. Ask:
- Does my coverage extend to my exchange country?
- What’s covered and what’s excluded?
- Do I need additional coverage?
2. Check Program Requirements
Contact your exchange program coordinator for:
- Mandatory insurance requirements
- Recommended providers
- Required coverage minimums
3. Check Host University Requirements
Some host universities require specific insurance, especially in the US and Australia.
4. Compare Plans
Use our comparison tool to find plans tailored to exchange students.
5. Purchase Before Departure
Get your insurance sorted well before you leave. You may need proof of coverage for visa applications or university enrollment.
Common Mistakes Exchange Students Make
- Assuming EHIC is enough. It’s a good start but has significant gaps.
- Not checking host university requirements. Each university has different rules.
- Buying coverage for the wrong dates. Make sure your plan covers your entire stay, including arrival and departure days.
- Forgetting about travel between countries. If you’ll travel during your exchange, ensure coverage extends beyond your host country.
- Not understanding how to file claims. Know the process before you need it.
Take Action: Get Covered Before You Go
An exchange semester is an incredible experience, don’t let inadequate insurance turn it into a stressful one.
👉 Compare exchange student health insurance plans and find the right coverage for your semester abroad. Our tool helps you match plans to your specific destination and program requirements.