Medical Insurance for International Students in Ireland 2025: Types, Requirements

Student Health Insurance in Ireland is a must if you are planning to reside in Ireland for the purpose of study. All International students are required to have Private Medical Insurance that covers accidents, illnesses, or hospitalisations. The student medical insurance for Ireland is not only a visa requirement, but also a safety net for international students during their stay in the country.

All the non-EU and EEA students, including Indian students, are required to have private medical health insurance to study in Ireland. The private health insurance in Ireland taken up by international students should cover students for any period of hospitalisation and also cover any illness/disease and/or accidents. The Ireland health insurance for international students is required for several reasons, including:

• getting a Ireland student visa,
• registering with the Irish Immigration Service (GNIB/ISD), and  
• accessing healthcare services while being in the country for the purpose of studies. 

Read this article to learn details of the Irish medical insurance required by Indian students for the purpose of study.

 Check: Student Guide to Study in Ireland in 2025

Requirements for Medical Insurance for Ireland Student Visa

As a requirement of the Irish study visa, the newly arrived first-year international students must keep in mind the following points while choosing the student medical insurance for Ireland:

1. The health insurance must cover a minimum of €25,000 for accidents and €25,000 for diseases.
2. The student must be covered for one complete year.
3. In case the student has to stay for less than a year, the entire period of stay should be covered under the medical insurance.
4. The medical insurance must include hospital cover for any period of hospitalisation.
5. In case the duration of the stay is more than a year, the students will require private medical insurance for their second and any subsequent years.

Note:- When it is the first year for international students in Ireland, they can purchase medical insurance from their home country. For the remaining duration of the stay, students are required to buy insurance from an Irish Provider.

You may also need to check the following relevant information to go for studying in Ireland:

• Cost of Living in Ireland for International Students 2025
• Part Time Work Options for International Students in Ireland

Types of Policies for Student Health Insurance in Ireland

There are two types of health insurance policies that international students can buy from Irish providers:

1. Travel Policy: This policy is applicable to international students who are admitted into a course of one year or less. Comparatively cheaper than private medical insurance, these travel policies can help international students in meeting student visa requirements.
2. Private Medical Insurance:  For students enrolled in a course that is more than a year, private medical insurance is needed. The three main private health insurance providers in Ireland are VHI, Irish Life and Laya Healthcare.

Registration of Medical Insurance for Ireland Student Visa

As per the Irish Immigration authority, all international students must get a basic health insurance policy which can cover emergency medical expenses. During the registration with immigration authorities, international students are required to present proof of medical insurance according to their respective insurance, such as:

• Group Insurance Scheme: This scheme is available at various colleges in Ireland. The details of the scheme will be available on the university website. As proof, they are required to submit the letter of enrolment, stating that the student has paid for the group insurance scheme. This letter should also contain the details of the insurance provider as well as the level of coverage under the scheme.
• Private Medical Insurance: International students have the option of buying private medical insurance from their home country. The proof of insurance must be written in English. It should be valid in Ireland. The terms of the insurance will be as per the requirements of the Irish immigration services.

The international students who wish to access emergency departments at public hospitals will be charged according to the non-EU hospital rates. This charge can vary as per the hospital, with approximately €380 per visit.

Tips Regarding Ireland Health Insurance for International Students

While applying for medical insurance for Ireland student visa, one must keep the following points in mind:

• Read the policy documents thoroughly and specifically check “waiting periods” if they have any pre-existing medical conditions.
• Ensure that repatriation cover is included in their policy so that they can be safely transported to their home country in case of a severe medical emergency.
• Choose a plan which covers dental and optical services.
• Cancelling the medical insurance following registration will be considered a breach of the immigration conditions.
• To get registered by the immigration authorities, the proof of medical insurance must be provided in English.
• While choosing a student health insurance for Ireland, the students must check the claim process of the insurance provider in order to have a hassle-free experience.
• Compare the costs of medical insurance plans of various insurance companies. Instead of just looking for the cheapest student health insurance for Ireland, students must buy a plan that fits their budget and requirements.

Getting the right medical insurance plan will guarantee access to prompt health services in Ireland. International students are requested to plan ahead and find the best health insurance for a comfortable stay and a smoother experience in Ireland.

This was all about the student medical insurance in Ireland. For more details on studying in Ireland, avail Shiksha's Counselling Services for free!