Student Health Insurance Glossary

What Is This Glossary?

This glossary explains 60+ health insurance terms every international student encounters — from co-pay and deductible to GKV and OSHC — in plain, jargon-free language. Whether you are applying for a German student visa, enrolling at an Australian university, or comparing private plans in the UK, understanding these terms can save you hundreds of euros and prevent nasty surprises.

Bookmark this page. Each section covers one part of the insurance world, with quick definitions, real-world examples, and links to deeper guides.

A — General Insurance Terms

Beneficiary The person entitled to receive benefits under an insurance policy. For student insurance, this is usually you — the enrolled student. Some family plans list parents and children as beneficiaries.

Benefit Period The time span during which your insurance policy is active and covers claims — usually 12 months, aligned to your academic year or visa duration. Check whether your policy ends the day your visa expires or 30 days after.

Broker An independent professional who compares insurance products from multiple providers and helps you choose the best plan. Brokers earn a commission from insurers, so their advice is free for you. Different from an agent, who represents only one insurer.

Claim A formal request you submit to your insurer asking them to pay for a covered medical expense. You can file a claim online, via app, or by post. Most providers require receipts, diagnosis codes, and the treating doctor’s details. Learn how to file a claim correctly.

Co-Insurance A cost-sharing arrangement where you pay a percentage of medical costs after meeting your deductible. Example: 80/20 co-insurance means the insurer pays 80% and you pay 20% of a covered bill. This continues until you reach your out-of-pocket maximum.

Co-Payment (Co-Pay) A fixed fee you pay each time you use a specific service, regardless of the total cost. Example: €20 per GP visit, €50 per specialist visit. Co-pays apply even after you have met your deductible. Detailed guide to deductibles and co-payments.

Coordination of Benefits A rule that applies when you have two or more insurance policies. The primary plan pays first; the secondary plan covers remaining costs up to its own limit. Prevents double-payment but requires careful documentation.

Coverage The services and treatments your insurance plan pays for. Read the Summary of Benefits carefully — coverage varies enormously between student plans. Emergency hospitalisation is almost always covered; dental and vision often are not without a rider.

Coverage Gap A period when you have no health insurance. For students, gaps typically occur between graduation and starting work, or when returning home between semesters. How to cover the gap after graduation.

Deductible (Excess) The amount you must pay out of pocket before your insurer starts covering costs. Example: a €500 deductible means you pay the first €500 of medical bills each policy year. Higher deductibles lower your monthly premium. “Excess” is the British English term for the same concept.

Dependent A family member — typically a spouse or child — covered under the primary policyholder’s insurance plan. Some student plans allow dependants; others cover the student only.

Effective Date The date your insurance coverage begins. Your policy is worthless before this date. Always check that your effective date is on or before your arrival date in the host country.

Exclusion A specific condition, treatment, or circumstance that your policy does NOT cover. Common exclusions: pre-existing conditions, elective cosmetic surgery, injuries sustained during extreme sports. Read exclusions before you sign.

Grace Period A window — usually 10–30 days — during which you can pay an overdue premium without losing coverage. Missing the grace period means your policy lapses and you may need to re-apply.

Inpatient Care Medical treatment requiring overnight admission to a hospital. Covered by nearly all student plans, but may require pre-authorisation for non-emergency procedures.

Insured The person whose health is covered by the policy — that is, you. Distinct from the policyholder (who pays the premium) when, say, a parent buys a policy for their child.

Lapse When your policy terminates due to non-payment of premiums or failure to renew. A lapsed policy provides zero coverage. Reinstating a lapsed policy may require a new health declaration.

Network / Provider Network The group of doctors, clinics, and hospitals that have contracted with your insurer at agreed rates. Using in-network providers is cheaper — sometimes free. Using out-of-network providers triggers higher co-pays or full billing.

Out-of-Pocket Maximum The absolute ceiling on what you pay in a single policy year (deductible + co-pays + co-insurance combined). Once you hit this limit, the insurer covers 100% of additional costs. For example, if your out-of-pocket maximum is €3,000, you will never pay more than €3,000 in one year.

Outpatient Care Medical treatment where you receive care and leave the same day — GP visits, physiotherapy, diagnostic tests. Usually covered by student plans, sometimes with a co-pay or visit limit.

Policy The legal contract between you and your insurer detailing coverage, exclusions, premiums, and procedures. Keep a digital and paper copy accessible at all times.

Policyholder The person who owns the insurance contract and is responsible for paying premiums. Often the same person as the insured, but parents sometimes hold policies for their student children.

Pre-Authorisation (Prior Authorisation) Approval you must obtain from your insurer BEFORE receiving certain treatments — typically elective surgery, specialist referrals, or expensive diagnostics. Skipping pre-authorisation can result in the insurer refusing to pay.

Pre-Existing Condition Any medical condition diagnosed or treated before the start of your insurance policy. Many student plans exclude pre-existing conditions or impose a waiting period. Full guide to pre-existing conditions and student insurance.

Premium The amount you pay — monthly or annually — to keep your insurance policy active. Premiums do not count toward your deductible or out-of-pocket maximum. Lower premiums usually mean higher deductibles or narrower coverage.

Reimbursement When you pay a medical bill out of pocket first and then submit receipts to your insurer for refund. Common in Germany’s PKV system and with international student plans where no direct billing exists.

Rider An optional add-on to a standard policy that extends coverage to additional services — dental, vision, mental health, or maternity. Riders increase your premium but can be worth it depending on your needs.

Underwriting The process insurers use to assess your health risk and decide whether to offer coverage and at what price. GKV in Germany is community-rated (no individual underwriting); private plans often require a health questionnaire.

Waiting Period A specified number of days after your policy starts before certain benefits become active. Example: many plans have a 6-month waiting period for maternity coverage. Pre-existing condition waiting periods can be 12–24 months.

B — German Insurance System (GKV & PKV)

AOK (Allgemeine Ortskrankenkasse) One of Germany’s largest statutory health insurance funds (Krankenkassen). AOK operates regionally and is a popular choice for international students enrolling in GKV. Contribution rate: approx. 14.6% of income + add-on premium (~1.7%).

Beitragssatz (Contribution Rate) The percentage of your income paid as GKV premiums. The general rate is 14.6% (split between employer and employee), plus a Zusatzbeitrag (supplementary premium) set individually by each Krankenkasse. Students pay a subsidised flat rate of approx. €120–135/month.

Befreiung von der GKV (Exemption from GKV) International students over 30 or in their 15th semester who are ineligible for statutory insurance can apply for exemption (Befreiung) and take out private insurance instead. The exemption is permanent — you cannot return to GKV later. Full guide on switching.

Familienversicherung (Family Insurance) Free co-insurance for family members under GKV. If you are under 25 and your German-resident parent is GKV-insured, you can be added to their plan at no extra cost. Requirements: no or low income (max. €505/month), unmarried, studying.

Gesundheitskarte (Health Insurance Card) The electronic card issued by your Krankenkasse that you present at every doctor visit in Germany. It stores your insurance status and is scanned by practices to bill your insurer directly — no payment from you at the desk.

GKV (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung — Statutory Health Insurance) Germany’s public health insurance system, covering ~90% of residents. For international students under 30 in their first 14 semesters, GKV is usually mandatory and costs approx. €120–135/month. Complete guide to GKV for students.

Kassenarzt / Vertragsarzt A doctor contracted with Germany’s statutory insurance system. You can see any Kassenarzt with your Gesundheitskarte without paying. Contrast with Wahlarzt (private doctor) who charges higher fees not fully covered by GKV.

Krankenkasse A statutory health insurance fund (insurer) in Germany. The largest are AOK, TK (Techniker Krankenkasse), Barmer, and DAK. You can freely choose your Krankenkasse. All offer the same mandatory benefit basket; they compete on supplementary services and Zusatzbeitrag rates.

Krankschreibung (Sick Note / AU-Bescheinigung) Official medical certificate issued by a German doctor confirming you are unable to work or study due to illness. Required by employers and sometimes universities for extended absences. Valid from the first day of illness.

PKV (Private Krankenversicherung — Private Health Insurance) Germany’s private health insurance system. Students over 30 or past their 14th semester often use PKV. Monthly premiums are risk-based (age, health), ranging from €90 to €400+/month for students. Offers more flexibility in doctor choice. GKV vs PKV comparison.

Studentische Krankenversicherung The specific GKV tariff designed for students in Germany. Requires proof of enrollment (Immatrikulationsbescheinigung). Available until age 30 or the 14th semester, whichever comes first.

TK (Techniker Krankenkasse) Germany’s largest Krankenkasse by membership, popular with international students for its English-language support, app, and efficient online services. Same legal benefits as all GKV funds.

Zusatzbeitrag (Supplementary Premium) An additional contribution rate set by each individual Krankenkasse on top of the general 14.6%. This varies by fund — typically 0.9–2.5% in 2026. TK and AOK tend to have competitive rates.

C — UK & Ireland Health System

GP (General Practitioner) Your primary care doctor in the UK. You must register with a GP surgery near your university accommodation before you can access free NHS treatment. GPs act as gatekeepers — they refer you to specialists if needed. NHS registration guide for students.

GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) The UK’s post-Brexit replacement for the EHIC. Valid for UK residents (including international students studying in the UK) when travelling in the EU. Covers necessary state-provided healthcare at the same cost as local residents. Does not replace comprehensive travel insurance.

HSE (Health Service Executive) Ireland’s public health authority, equivalent to the NHS. International students in Ireland can access HSE services, but fees apply until you establish residency. Private health insurance is strongly recommended.

IHS (Immigration Health Surcharge) A fee paid when applying for a UK student visa that gives you access to the NHS. In 2026, it costs £1,035/year (£776 for students under 18). Paid upfront for the entire visa duration. Full IHS guide.

NHS (National Health Service) The UK’s publicly funded healthcare system, free at the point of use for those who have paid the IHS. International students on a visa of 6+ months who paid the IHS can use NHS services identically to UK residents. NHS & IHS guide for international students.

NHS Number A unique 10-digit identifier assigned to everyone registered with the NHS. You receive this after registering with a GP. You will need it for all NHS appointments and prescriptions.

Prescription Charge In England, a flat fee of £9.90 per item (2026) charged for each prescription medicine. Exempt if you are under 16, over 60, or have a specific medical condition. Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland prescriptions are free.

D — Australian Insurance System (OSHC & Medicare)

Approved Medical Practitioner A doctor or specialist registered with Australia’s medical regulatory body (AHPRA) and recognised by OSHC insurers. Seeing an approved provider ensures your claims are processed correctly.

Benefit Limitation Period A 12-month period at the start of some OSHC policies during which benefits for certain pre-existing conditions are reduced or excluded. Relates to hospital cover for specific treatments.

Extras Cover (Ancillary Cover) Optional add-on to OSHC or private health insurance covering services like dental, optical, physiotherapy, and chiropractic. Not included in standard OSHC. Some OSHC providers (notably Bupa) offer combined hospital + extras packages.

MBS (Medicare Benefits Schedule) Australia’s schedule of standard fees for medical services. OSHC providers base their reimbursements on MBS rates — typically 100% of MBS for GP visits and diagnostics. Services not on the MBS are not covered.

Medicare Australia’s universal public health system for citizens and permanent residents. International students on student visas do NOT have access to Medicare unless their home country has a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA) with Australia (applies to students from Belgium, Finland, Italy, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Republic of Ireland, Slovenia, Sweden, and the UK).

OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) Mandatory health insurance for international students in Australia on a student visa. Five government-approved providers in 2026: ahm, Allianz Care, Bupa, Medibank, and nib. Prices range from AUD 623 to AUD 806/year for a single student. Full OSHC guide.

OSHC Arrears Unpaid OSHC premiums that cause your policy to lapse. Most Australian universities will not allow re-enrolment if your OSHC is in arrears. Pay premiums in full for the entire course duration.

Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA) Bilateral agreements between Australia and select countries giving their citizens access to some Medicare services. Covers medically necessary treatment only — not routine GP visits or dental. Not a substitute for OSHC.

E — European & EU Terms

EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) A card issued by EU/EEA member states entitling the holder to access medically necessary state healthcare in other EU/EEA countries at the same terms as local residents. Free to obtain from your national health authority. Important: valid only within the EU/EEA, does not cover private treatment, and is not comprehensive travel insurance. Full EHIC/GHIC guide.

Erasmus+ Insurance The minimal travel insurance included with Erasmus+ scholarships. Covers accidents and third-party liability during the mobility period, but coverage for illness is limited. Students are advised to supplement with additional health insurance. Erasmus insurance full guide.

Mutuelles (France) Complementary health insurance (assurance complémentaire) purchased in France to cover the portion of medical costs not reimbursed by the state system (Sécurité Sociale). For students, affordable mutuelles are available through student unions (LMDE, Afi-ESCA). Best mutuelles for students in France.

S1 Form An EU certificate entitling workers or pensioners (and their dependants) posted to another EU country to access healthcare in the host country under their home country’s insurance. Relevant for students funded by their parents’ employer abroad.

Sécurité Sociale (France) France’s statutory social security and health insurance system. International students in France can register and receive reimbursements of ~70% of standard medical costs. Registration is done via Ameli.fr. French healthcare guide for students.

TEFI (Travel + Emergency + Flexible Insurance) An informal category name used by some international student insurance providers for plans combining travel insurance + emergency medical + flexible outpatient coverage. Not an official term — always read the policy schedule.

F — Financial & Coverage Terms

Annual Limit The maximum total payout your insurer will make during one policy year. For student plans, limits range from €50,000 to unlimited. Avoid plans with annual limits below €100,000 — a single hospitalisation can exceed this.

Ambulatory Care Same as outpatient care — treatment provided without overnight hospital admission. Includes GP visits, specialist consultations, lab tests, and minor procedures.

Capitation A payment model where a GP or clinic receives a fixed annual fee per registered patient, regardless of how often that patient visits. Used extensively in the NHS and Irish HSE. Your GP has a financial incentive to manage your health proactively.

Cash Plan A basic insurance product paying fixed cash amounts for specific medical events (hospitalisation, surgery, dental). Not comprehensive health insurance — used as a supplement. Popular in the UK market.

Catastrophic Plan A bare-bones insurance plan covering only severe, unexpected medical events above a high deductible. Common in the US student insurance market. Premiums are very low; out-of-pocket exposure is high.

Emergency Medical Evacuation Coverage for the cost of transporting you by air ambulance or specialised transport to the nearest adequate medical facility (or back home) when local care is insufficient. Can cost USD 50,000–150,000 without insurance. Essential for students in countries with limited healthcare infrastructure.

Formulary A list of prescription drugs covered by your insurance plan, often with different co-pays by tier. Tier 1 = generic drugs (cheapest); Tier 4 = expensive brand-name or specialty drugs. Check the formulary before prescriptions are filled.

Indemnity Plan A plan that pays a fixed amount per medical event or day in hospital, regardless of actual costs. You pay the difference. Less common for students but sometimes seen in travel insurance add-ons.

In-Network vs Out-of-Network In-network providers have negotiated rates with your insurer; you pay less (or nothing) out of pocket. Out-of-network providers charge their own rates; you pay more. In Germany, essentially all Kassenärzte are “in-network” for GKV patients.

Lifetime Maximum The total amount an insurer will pay for a single person across the entire duration of the policy — for life. Most modern comprehensive plans have eliminated lifetime maximums, but older or cheaper plans may still have them.

Premium Subsidy Financial assistance reducing your insurance premium. In the Netherlands, this is called Zorgtoeslag. In Switzerland, Prämienverbilligung. In the US, Affordable Care Act subsidies. Dutch healthcare allowance guide.

Portability The ability to keep your insurance coverage when you move between countries or change universities. Some student plans are portable worldwide; GKV is limited to Germany. Check portability before semester abroad.

Third-Party Liability Insurance Covers costs you must pay if you accidentally injure someone else or damage their property. Separate from health insurance but often bundled into international student plans. Mandatory for some visa types.

Wearables / Digital Health Benefits Some modern student insurance plans offer discounts on gym memberships, mental health apps, or wearable devices as preventive care incentives. Not core coverage but worth comparing.

G — Mental Health & Specialist Terms

Chronic Condition A long-term health condition lasting 12 months or more that requires ongoing medical care — diabetes, asthma, depression, epilepsy. Many student plans exclude or limit coverage for chronic conditions. Declare all chronic conditions on your application. Pre-existing conditions guide.

Mental Health Parity A legal requirement in some countries that mental health coverage must be equal to physical health coverage. Applies in Germany (GKV), USA (federal law), and UK (NHS). Some private international student plans have limited mental health benefits. Mental health coverage guide.

Psychotherapy Coverage Insurance coverage for sessions with a licensed psychologist or psychotherapist. GKV in Germany covers psychotherapy but with waiting lists of 3–6 months. Some private plans offer faster access with up to 25 sessions/year covered.

Referral A written direction from your GP to see a specialist. In NHS and GKV systems, you often cannot self-refer to a specialist — you need a GP referral first. In PKV and some private plans, direct specialist access is possible.

Telehealth / Telemedicine Remote medical consultations via video or phone. Became standard during COVID-19 and remains widely available. Many student insurance plans now cover telehealth as a standard benefit. Useful for first consultations when abroad.

H — Country-Specific Terms (Quick Reference)

AMKA (Greece) — Social Security Number (ΑΜΚΑ) required to register with EOPYY (national health insurer) and access free public healthcare in Greece. International students must apply at a KEP citizen service centre.

Carte Vitale (France) — The green chip card issued once you are registered with Sécurité Sociale. Presented at pharmacies and doctors for automatic reimbursement. Takes 2–4 weeks to arrive; keep the attestation document as interim proof.

CNAS (Romania) — Casa Națională de Asigurări de Sănătate — Romania’s national health insurance house. Governs access to public health services for students enrolled in Romanian institutions.

HZZO (Croatia) — The Croatian Health Insurance Fund (Hrvatski Zavod za Zdravstveno Osiguranje). International students enrolled at Croatian universities can register for HZZO coverage.

KELA (Finland) — Kansaneläkelaitos — Finland’s Social Insurance Institution. Reimburses part of medical costs for registered students and administers student health services (YTHS). Finland student health guide.

NHI (National Health Insurance — South Korea) — All foreign students in South Korea enrolled in a regular degree programme are automatically enrolled in the NHIS (National Health Insurance Service) after 6 months. Monthly premium: approx. KRW 82,000–100,000 in 2026. South Korea NHIS guide.

NFZ (Poland) — Narodowy Fundusz Zdrowia — Poland’s National Health Fund. EU students with an EHIC card can access NFZ services. Non-EU students must obtain a certificate of entitlement from their university or take out private insurance.

ÖAMTC / ÖKWV (Austria) — Common shorthand for Austrian statutory insurance (ÖKVG). The main fund is ÖGK (Österreichische Gesundheitskasse). Students can apply for Selbstversicherung (voluntary insurance) at ~€67/month. Austria ÖOKG student guide.

SGK (Turkey) — Sosyal Güvenlik Kurumu — Turkey’s Social Security Institution. International students in Turkey under 30 can enrol in the Genel Sağlık Sigortası (General Health Insurance) at a subsidised rate.

TAJ Card (Hungary) — Social Security ID Card (Társadalombiztosítási Azonosító Jel) required to access Hungarian public healthcare. International students enrolled at Hungarian universities can apply for TAJ registration.

Internal Links — Further Reading

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Student Insurance Team

Our team of insurance experts helps international students understand health insurance requirements across 29 countries. We provide clear, accurate guidance to make your study abroad experience smoother.

Student Insurance Glossary: 60+ Terms Explained (2026)