Do you want to study in the Netherlands? Know that it is necessary to present health insurance to stay in the country and even to enroll in educational institutions there! That’s why we created this article, with the intention of helping you choose the best insurance option for you who are going to take a short or long term course!
Proof of health insurance coverage is essential for enrolling in your desired educational institution, and many people don’t even know it! In addition to the bureaucratic part, insurance is also necessary to guarantee a safe stay for you in the Netherlands.
In this way, we have selected great insurance options for students in the Netherlands, in addition to some important information that can help you in this initial exchange process…
Keep reading!
Why should international students in Netherlands have health insurance?
In addition to what I said earlier about health insurance being necessary for you to stay well in case you need medical attention or any other in case of other types of emergency in the destination country, exchange students going to the Netherlands must, obligatorily, are covered by health insurance.
But beyond that, I’ll explain a few more things that I believe are relevant for you who plan to live and study in the Netherlands.
The ideal international student insurance plan for your needs will depend on how long you will be spending in the Netherlands, whether you will need a visa, whether you will be eligible for Netherlands and other individual choices.
This brings us to another point…
What student health insurance is required for a student visa in Netherlands?
For the avoidance of doubt: Yes, health insurance is mandatory if you are going to study in the Netherlands.
In addition to talking about insurance companies, we will also give you tips for going to study in the country. So if you want to know more about required visas, keep reading the article after the list of the best international health insurance for international students in the Netherlands.
As I always recommend, it is crucial that you get a quick quote online with all the companies listed in the article. It will take a little more time, but it will save you a lot of money in the end!
The 5 Best and Cheapest Health Insurance for International Students in Netherlands
1. Health insurance for international students by IMG
IMG has a wide range of insurance plans for students (or for expatriates in general).
Its main specific plans for students are three. One of them is just for students studying in the United States (The Patriot Exchange Program), so we’ll just focus on the other two in this article.
Plan #1: Student Health Advantage
This program will likely be sufficient to meet your course’s coverage requirements (but it’s always good to certify the minimum coverage required!).
The plan covers many things that some others do not, such as mental health disorders, maternity and pre-existing health conditions such as any illness or injury that are subject to the terms and conditions of the policy. In addition, it also covers COVID-19 costs.
Plan #2: Student Health Advantage Platinum
This plan is exactly like the previous one, but it offers twice the maximum coverage: $1,000,000
What I like about IMG’s International Student Insurance:
- Made specifically for students
- Covers students of all nationalities
- They have over 17,000 healthcare professionals around the world.
- Customer service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Covers COVID-19 and telemedicine consultations
What I don’t like about IMG’s International Student Insurance:
- In some of the plans offered, there is a one-year grace period for coverage of pre-existing conditions.
2. International health insurance for Cigna Global students
Cigna is also one of the largest health insurers around the globe, offering plans to travelers, expats and exchange students.
Its three main plans are: Silver, Gold and Platinum, which cover your needs not only in the Netherlands, but worldwide! If you have plans to visit the United States during your stay in the Netherlands, for example, you can choose to be covered there as well. However, this can make your policy a little more expensive, so it might be best to get just short travel insurance for your visit to the US).
Here’s a table that compares your plan options:
Cigna’s plans are flexible and allow you to add whatever you need (which includes things like dental and eye care or international evacuation and crisis assistance).
The company also has a flexible payment policy that offers different options like annual, monthly and quarterly payments.
What I like about international health insurance for Cigna Global Students:
- Quick response to complaints (according to the company, 95% of refund requests are received within 10 days)
- An online help center providing access to a list of over 3,000 hospitals plus information guides
- Cigna has partnerships with more than 1.65 million hospitals, doctors, clinics and specialists around the world, which gives a range of options to the customer who needs medical care.
- 24/7 assistance to answer any of your questions
What I don’t like about Cigna Global’s International Student Health Insurance:
- The most basic plan does not cover prenatal and postnatal care
- They do not include coverage for outpatient consultations with specialists and doctors.
3. Now Health International
Now Health International is a leader in the international insurance market and its focus is to satisfy its clients with efficient and affordable plans.
Thus, one of the great advantages of this company is its state-of-the-art customer service, which provides information in a fast and practical way.
All Now Health plans are designed to meet, guide, and solve the challenges experienced by foreigners who reside in another country, including international students and exchange students around the world.
Plus, all plans are customizable so that they perfectly fit all your needs.
What I like about Now Health International Student Plans:
- Clear information and 24/7 customer service
- Coverage in over 190 countries and territories
- Various international insurance options and customizable plans
- Some plans offer coverage for maternity routines
What I don’t like about Now Health International Student Plans:
- In some procedures, Now Health works with a reimbursement system
- For plans with routine maternity coverage, you must wait a 12-month waiting period to access this benefit
4. StudentSecure Insurance from WorldTrips
WorldTrips is another great insurance company for students. Besides their great travel insurance options, they also have plenty of great international health insurance options for overseas students.
Below, you’ll find more details about the 4 levels of coverage for student health insurance that HCCMIS has on offer.
HCCMIS Plan #1: StudentSecure Elite
- The lowest deductibles and the highest coverage on offer
- 6-month waiting period for pre-existing conditions to be covered
- Includes coverage for club or intercollegiate sports
- Includes personal responsibility coverage
HCCMIS Plan #2: StudentSecure Select
- Lower maximum coverage (and lower monthly cost, too)
- 6-month waiting period for pre-existing conditions to be covered
- Option to add on Crisis Response Rider for rescue coverage
HCCMIS Plan #3: StudentSecure Budget
- 12-month waiting period for pre-existing conditions to be covered
- Medium coverage with a higher deductible
HCCMIS Plan #4: StudentSecure Smart
- The cheapest plan available (with the lowest benefits as well)
- Highest deductibles of all the plans
- Only covers pre-existing conditions at their acute onset
- Does not cover club sports
Take a look at the comparison below of HCC’s 4 StudentSecure plans (click to see the chart in more detail):
Pros of StudentSecure insurance from WorldTrips:
- They have some of the cheapest plans on this entire list
- You have 4 plans to choose from (and they are all made especially for students)
- They offer a discount if you pay the full plan amount upfront
- Their plans include coverage for dental emergencies in case of accidents (up to $250 USD per tooth or $500 USD in total)
Cons of StudentSecure insurance from WorldTrips:
- The Smart plan doesn’t have any pre-existing condition coverage
- In other plans, there is a 6-month waiting period for pre-existing conditions
- With the exception of the Elite plan, their plans don’t cover vaccines
- The Smart plan doesn’t have maternity or nursery coverage
- The low-cost plans have very high deductibles
Visitor Coverage, established in 2006 in the U.S., aims to make the process of selecting travel insurance straightforward, providing customized and affordable solutions for tourists, students, expats, and immigrants.
While it doesn’t offer its own insurance policies, the company serves as a connector, linking customers with trustworthy insurance providers to ensure safety in emergencies. Their easy-to-use platform allows travelers to quickly compare and buy the insurance that fits their needs by entering some basic trip information.
For instance, international students can input details like their destination country, age, and nationality. Using this info, the platform showcases the top insurance options, detailing costs, coverage, cancellation terms, extension possibilities, and additional benefits. It also includes ratings and comprehensive information about each insurance company and their offerings.
What I like about Visitor Coverage student insurance:
- It’s a good way to compare the most reliable travel insurance on the market
- It has detailed information from several insurance companies
- It’s an easy-to-use platform
- It shows options that suit each traveler’s profile and with varying prices
- Support for insured students 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- More than 18 years of experience in the market and more than 1 million customers around the world
What I don’t like about Visitor Coverage student insurance:
- It doesn’t have Visitor Coverage’s own insurance
- The exchange must be at least 30 days and at most 1 year
- It doesn’t cover the following countries: Belarus, Cuba, Iran, Israel, Lebanon, Mayotte, North Korea, Russia, Syria and Ukraine
6. Foyer Global Health
Foyer Global Health has plans for many types of needs. Packages are basic, premium, for short and long term trips, with individual or family plans.
They have three different plans. Here’s a quick rundown of what each of these plans includes:
ESSENCIAL
- Consultations, surgery and anesthetics
- Therapeutic devices (such as cardiac pacemakers) if needed as a rescue measure
- Congenital diseases (up to a maximum of €100,000 per life)
- Does not cover maternity and childbirth
SPECIAL
- Consultations, surgery and anesthetics
- Auxiliaries and therapeutic devices (such as artificial limbs and prostheses) up to €2,000
- Congenital diseases up to a maximum of €150,000 per life
- Maternity and childbirth care (up to €5,000 with a waiting period of 10 months)
EXCLUSIVE
- Consultations, surgery and anesthetics
- Unlimited therapeutic devices
- Congenital diseases up to a maximum of €200,000 per life
- Maternity care, childbirth care and midwifery or nursing services at the hospital (up to €20,000 with a 10 month waiting period)
What I like about Foyer Global Health plans:
- Plans include consultations, surgeries and basic dental treatments
- 24/7 customer service by phone or email with experienced consultants, doctors and specialists
- They offer evacuation and repatriation service
- They offer medical support and pre-trip advice (vaccinations, preparation of a first aid kit)
What I don’t like about Foyer Global Health plans:
- Your most basic plan does not include prenatal and postnatal care
7. Diplomat Long Term and Diplomat International of Global Underwriters
Global Underwriters offers international health insurance to many types of travelers, including exchange students and international students.
When it comes to GU plans, I recommend Diplomat Long Term and Diplomat International for international students in Germany.
What I like about Global Underwriters plans:
- Have coverage for medical evacuations, emergency dentistry and repatriation of mortal remains
- The Diplomat Long Term and Diplomat International plans provide coverage of up to $1,000,000
- In addition to medical coverage, the plans offer assistance in the event of lost luggage and travel interruption.
- 24/7 customer service
What I don’t like about Global Underwriters plans:
- Diplomat International plan does not cover Covid-19
- The Diplomat Long Term plan does not cater for students residing in Australia and Iran, as well as New York, Maryland, South Dakota (but this is not an issue if you are going to Germany!)
- Plans can be a little more expensive than others on this list.
2 International Health Insurance Companies that can also be used by International Students in Netherlands!
The two companies mentioned below do not offer specific health insurance for exchange students. Instead, they offer international health insurance that may be accepted by your school or university as proof of coverage.
I advise you to get a quote from these two companies and compare them to the quote you got from the companies listed above. If you find that one of these two companies is more worthwhile than the other options, check with your Netherland school or university to see if they accept this type of policy.
If they do, this is a great chance to save money before venturing into your new home!
– Geoblue
Geoblue is another great option if you are looking for health insurance to cover you while studying in Germany.
What I like about Geoblue’s international health insurance:
- Very adaptable and flexible plans based on your individual needs
- 24/7 customer service
- Some of their plans cover extras like evacuation, preventative medical appointments, and maternity care.
- It is possible to add ophthalmology and dentistry services
- The Xplorer plan has no maximum medical coverage, covers extreme sports, does not charge deductibles for standard services, and has no cancellation fees
What I don’t like about Geoblue’s international health insurance:
- They do not serve residents of New York and Washington (although this is not a problem if you are going to Germany)
- You need to speak to an insurance broker in person to get an accurate quote (which is very annoying)
– Aetna (acquired by AllianzCare)
Aetna is a recognized company in the field of health insurance.
Aetna plans are very flexible and can be customized, and this is one of the great advantages of this company. Also, their customer service is great compared to other insurance companies.
What I like about Aetna’s international health insurance:
- They’ve been in the health insurance industry for 50 years
- Flexible and customized plans
- Expert service every day, seven days a week
- Coverage for emergency evacuations, cancer treatments, repatriation and hospitalizations
- They have already won awards such as “Health Insurer of the Year” and “Best International Private Health Insurance Provider”
- Application that helps customers maintain healthier habits with a points and rewards incentive system
What I don’t like about Aetna’s international health insurance:
- Their website is not very clear about the exact coverage of some of their plans.
- They don’t offer any kind of travel insurance plan.
Table comparison of the 7 best health insurance plans for international/exchange students in Germany
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 |
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| Medical Maximum | Unlimited (for the Platinum plan) | $5,000,000 | There are no limits independent of the plan | US$1,000,000 per year | $1,000,000 |
| Mental Health Benefit | Unspecified | Unlimited for up to 90 days | Included in all plans with a 10-month waiting period | Outpatient: $50 per day max up to $500 in total | Yes |
| Inpatient Prescription Drugs | 80% coverage out-of-network, 100% in the USA and internationally | Unspecified | Coverage available | Name-brand drugs: 50% coinsurance
Generic drugs: 100% coinsurance Special drugs: no coverage |
Yes |
| Outpatient Prescription Drugs | 50% of actual costs, 90 days maximum per dispensation | Unspecified | Unspecified | coinsurance
Generic drugs: 100% coinsurance Special drugs: no coverage |
Yes |
| Mental Health Benefit | Inpatient and Outpatient: $5,000 lifetime maximum to paid in full depending on the plan | Inpatient and Outpatient: $50,000 lifetime maximum | None | Inpatient and Outpatient: limit not specified | Inpatient, outpatient, and therapy: limit not specific |
| Outpatient Prescription Drugs | None, unless you buy the International Outpatient Option | Up to $8,000,000 | Full reimbursement | Yes | Yes |
| Repatriation of Remains | $25,000 maximum or $5,000 for cremation | Optional | Optional | $50,000 maximum or $5,000 for cremation | $13,500 maximum |
| Emergency Evacuation | $50,000 | Optional | Optional | $10,000 | Yes |
| Hospital room coverage | Offered up to the average semi-private room rate | Private room | Private Room | Usual | Usual |
| Terrorism | $50,000 | Unspecified | Unspecified | $100,000 | N/A |
| Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD & D) | Principal sum of $25,000 that is not subject to deduction | $25,000 for main policy holder, $10,000 for spouse on the plan, $5,000 for child on the plan
Total limit of $250,000 |
Optional | $25,000 for main policy holder, $10,000 for spouse on the plan, $5,000 for child on the plan
Total limit of $250,000 |
There is coverage |
| Emergency Dental | $500 per injury for the coverage period | Optional | Optional | $2,500 | Yes |
| Maternity Care | Only covered in Platinum plan | $14,000/€11,000/£9,000 in the Platinum plan | Only available in the Special and Exclusive plans | Within the US: up to 80% coverage with a $25,000 limit within the PPO network/Outside PPO: up to 50% coverage with a $25,000 limit
Outside the United States: Up to 80% coverage with a $25,000 limit. Benefits reduced by 25% if pregnancy is not reported within the first 90 days. |
Not specified |
| Pre-existing condition exclusion period | Maximum limit of $1,500 with a 12-month waiting period | $14,000/€11,000/£9,000 in the Platinum plan | Coverage available | Limited of $250,000 per plan | Unspecified |
| Intensive Care Unit (ICU) | 100% coverage after the deductible has been met | Full coverage with the Platinum plan | Coverage available | Up to $50,000 | Not specified |
| Vaccines | Unspecified | Optional | Only in the Special and Exclusive plans | $200 | Yes, but must be paid as a separate plan |
| Routine care for newborns | Unspecified | Optional | Only in the Special and Exclusive plans | Up to $750 | Yes, but must be paid as a separate plan |
| Pre-existing annual maximum once covered | Unlimited depending on the plan | Up to $8,000,000 | Full reimbursement | Unlimited depending on the plan | Depends on the plan |
| Pre-existing lifetime maximum once covered | Unlimited depending on the plan | Up to $8,000,000 | Full reimbursement | Unlimited depending on the plan | Depends on the plan |
Worldwide Medical Insurance / Comparison Chart*
Part of the table courtesy of Tokio Marine HCC
*Note: this table is just for informational purposes and subject to change. It was accurate as of the time we wrote it here, but please check each company’s individual website for updated info.
Why study in Netherlands and how does the Educational System work?
Sendo um dos melhores ensinos do mundo, o governo holandês financia, desde 1917, as escolas públicas e privadas do país. Em ambos os casos, os pais não pagam nada para que seus filhos estudem nessas instituições de ensino.
Dos cinco aos 18, o ensino é obrigatório e na fase dos quatro aos 12 é que os alunos podem ou não receber seu encaminhamento para uma universidade no futuro.
As cobranças são feitas apenas por atividades extras, como festas, viagens ou passeios. Além disso, na maior parte das instituições, o material didático é fornecido gratuitamente.
After eight years of primary school, institutions apply tests, such as CITO, Route 8 or IEP, which will define the child’s knowledge in basic subjects, that is, mathematics and Portuguese. This will define whether she will enter a university in the future or not.
Secondary education is divided into Practical Education, which directs the student to the job market, with many practices, and Higher Secondary Education, which would be the university we are used to.
Types of visa for foreign students in Netherlands
If you only want to stay in the Netherlands for three months, a visa will not be required, but if you want to be an exchange student in the Netherlands for a longer period of time, you will need one if you do not have European citizenship.
The Netherlands student visa qualifies as a long-stay visa, or MVV.
In the Netherlands, it is much simpler to get a visa if you have a “sponsor”, either the company that is hiring you or, in this case, the educational institution where you will continue your studies. The Dutch institutions themselves file the visa application, making this bureaucratic part easier for you.
The basic documents for studying in the Netherlands are:
- Passport
- MVV form
- Two recent color photos
- Letter from the educational institution to which you were accepted
- Round trip ticket
- Proof of financial resources
- Proof of where you will be staying
- Insurance policy
Documents have to be presented at the Dutch embassy in your country with translations made by a sworn translator.
In Sum…
Once again, these are the 5 best and cheapest travel insurance policies for international students in Germany:
- Student Health Advantage from IMG
- International health insurance for Cigna Global students
- Now Health International
- Foyer Global Health
- Insurance StudentSecure da HCCMIS
In Conclusion…
Don’t forget to take out health insurance that meets your needs while studying in the Netherlands!
Universities will definitely require the insurance policy, and besides, paying for everything out of pocket is very annoying!
If you still have any questions about these Netherland student travel insurance options (or moving abroad in general), leave a comment and I’ll be happy to help!!