The best insurance for students abroad: studies, Erasmus, internships
Studying abroad is an incredible experience, but your French health cover stops at the border. careXpat compares 7 partner insurers to find the right price, with personal advice in French.
Good health cover needs planning well before departure
A full degree abroad, an Erasmus semester, an overseas internship or a gap year: as soon as you leave France, your local health cover ends or becomes largely insufficient. For students and parents alike, finding the right insurance can be a challenge.
As an independent comparison service, careXpat compares trusted insurers to save you time, help you avoid pitfalls and let you leave knowing you are well protected.
Every type of stay has its own rules
Erasmus: the EHIC is not enough
A persistent misconception is that the European Health Insurance Card covers everything. It does not. It reimburses based on local social security rates, often leaves substantial out-of-pocket costs, and covers neither private healthcare nor repatriation.
- Erasmus top-up cover from €15/month, often required by the host university
- Medical repatriation and private healthcare included
- Remember home insurance for your student accommodation too
Travel insurance or student health insurance?
Student travel insurance
- Duration
- Generally under 12 months (Erasmus semester, internship).
- Covers
- Emergencies, unexpected illnesses and medical repatriation.
- Ideal for
- An exchange, internship or gap period of a few months.
International student health insurance
- Duration
- A full course, such as a two-year Master's degree.
- Covers
- Emergencies, as well as outpatient, optical and dental care.
- Ideal for
- A longer-term move for your studies, much like an expatriate.
What your policy must include
24/7 French-language teleconsultations
A nomad's key benefit: consult a doctor in French at any time, regardless of the time difference, from any time zone.
Mental health
Psychological support for being away from home and managing academic pressure.
Emergency dental care
So the first toothache does not strain your budget.
Personal and internship liability
Essential for internships and required by most agreements: you are protected if you injure someone or damage equipment.
Medical repatriation
Medically assisted return covered in the event of a serious problem.
Interruption of studies
Compensation if you have to return home early.
USA, Canada, United Kingdom, Europe
United States
An exclusively private system and the highest costs in the world. Prove equivalent cover to obtain a waiver and avoid the campus plan.
Canada · Quebec
In Quebec, RAMQ cover through bilateral agreements. Elsewhere in Canada, private insurance is compulsory.
United Kingdom
NHS surcharge when applying for a visa and long waiting times. Private cover remains a major advantage for convenient care.
Spain · Europe
The EHIC provides the foundation; Erasmus health insurance covers out-of-pocket costs and repatriation.
Prices depend on your destination
Short stay in Europe
Excellent cover for an exchange semester or internship in Europe.
Long-term studies
The right balance for a full course in most destinations.
USA · Canada
Suited to local medical costs, the highest in the world.
Ready to study abroad with peace of mind?
Do not let paperwork spoil your departure. Our advisers guide you and your parents towards the policy that best protects your academic plans.
