Health Insurance for International Students
Private health insurance helps cover medical and hospital costs incurred while you are in Ireland.
The Irish Immigration Service requires students from outside the EU/EEA to obtain private health insurance for visa application and immigration registration purposes. UCD Global does not arrange health insurance for students, however we have provided some recommendations below based on our communications with the different providers.
Health Insurance for
Non-EU/EEA Students
Non-EU/EEA students must obtain private health insurance. You can purchase insurance in your home country for your first year, however you will need to ensure that it is valid in Ireland and in any other countries you plan to travel to. The requirements are below:
Private Medical Insurance or Travel Insurance with medical cover for accidents and medical incident including hospital stays in Ireland, valid for 12 months, or if less than 12 months for the duration of your stay.
There are different levels of private health insurance available. Students are advised to read their policy documents carefully and pay close attention to “waiting periods” particularly if you have any pre-existing medical conditions. In addition, students should ensure that repatriation cover is included in their policy.
There are three main insurance providers in Ireland - Vhi, Irish Life and Laya Healthcare. UCD Global has a dedicated group scheme for non-EU/EEA with Vhi Healthcare, Ireland’s largest Health Insurance provider. This scheme is available to students enrolled on an academic course of one year or more. Read about the Vhi group scheme below.
Further information on health insurance in Ireland, including a health insurance comparison tool, is available through the (opens in a new window)Health Insurance Authority website.
Vhi Healthcare Scheme
UCD Global has a dedicated group scheme for non-EU/EEA with Vhi Healthcare, Ireland’s largest Health Insurance provider. This scheme is available to students enrolled on an academic course of one year or more. It offers a discounted rate and concessions on the standard waiting periods that must be served when joining a health insurance plan. This means that UCD students will have immediate cover for all new and pre-existing conditions. Please read through the policy wording and prices via the links below. This policy is accepted for immigration purposes.
The Group Scheme Number with VHI is 88979. Details of their main student plan are included in the link and payments must be made directly to Vhi in order to set up a policy (Vhi will contact you to confirm annual payment details). Please note, there is a discount for UCD students which is given at the point of sale, therefore please remember to ask about this if you decide to purchase a policy with Vhi.
Vhi has a dedicated phone line for International Students; +353 (0) 56 775 3157. Please reference the UCD group scheme number 88979 when talking with Vhi.
For information, please see the(opens in a new window)(opens in a new window)VHI presentation webinarfor international students.
It is important to note that non-EU/EEA students accessing emergency departments at public hospitals may be charged non-EU hospital charges which are approximately €380 per visit (prices can vary between hospitals).
EU Students
Students from EU Member States in possession of the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) are entitled to public health services in Ireland. The EHIC card is available from the health authorities in your home country.
Continuing Students
Health insurance must be purchased from an Irish provider after the first year; this requirement is applicable to any student renewing their IRP card. Please refer to the Non-EU/EEA section above for further details and more information on our Vhi Group policy which meets these requirements.
In summary:
- For Registration: Private Medical Insurance or Travel Insurance with medical cover for accidents and medical incident including hospital stays in Ireland, valid for 12 months, or if less than 12 months for the duration of your stay.
- For renewals: Proof of your private medical insurance. Insurance must cover accidents & medical incidents including hospital stays for the duration of your residence. Travel insurance is not sufficient for Renewal.
