09 Dec Do I Need Special Health Insurance for an Internship Abroad?
Before you start planning your outfits for your exciting internship abroad, let’s take care of the essentials. Aside from applying for internships and securing housing, getting health insurance should be at the top of your list.
Here’s what you need to know about health insurance for international internship programs, whether you’re headed to France, South Korea, or another destination.
Why is health insurance important for an internship abroad?
Medical emergencies can happen anywhere. In fact, between 6% and 87% of travelers become ill during or after their trips. Without insurance coverage, the costs for treatment or hospitalization—or repatriation, even—can be extremely expensive.
When it comes to international interns, many countries actually require health insurance as part of the visa application process. But mandatory or not, we say it’s better to invest in it now than risk straining your budget later.
Which countries require health insurance for international interns?
Here’s a breakdown of what to expect in some of the most popular internship abroad destinations:
Schengen countries
If your internship is in a country in the Schengen Area—like France, Sweden, Spain, Portugal, or Poland—it’s very likely that you’ll need to follow the requirements for a Schengen visa. It will all depend on where you are coming from.
Health insurance is a mandatory part of the Schengen visa application, but it must meet specific criteria, too:
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- Coverage for emergency medical care, hospitalization, and repatriation
- A minimum coverage amount of €30,000
- Validity in all Schengen member states
- Coverage for the entire duration of your stay
South Korea
The health insurance requirements for international students doing an internship in South Korea depend on the duration of your stay and whether your internship is paid or not.
Unpaid
Students may enter the country on a simple tourist visa. Health insurance is not required for tourists staying less than six months, but, if you exceed that window, you will be automatically enrolled in South Korea’s National Health Insurance Service (NHIS).
Paid
A special visa is required for paid internships. The specific type of visa depends on multiple factors including if your internship employer subscribes to NHIS. If they do, health insurance coverage under NHIS will be mandatory for you, too.
Singapore
If you’re planning a Singapore internship, you’ll need to secure either a Work Holiday Pass, Training Employment Pass, or Training Work Permit. None of these visas require health insurance—but don’t get too comfortable just yet.
Singapore has a stellar healthcare system, ranking first in the 2023 health index. However, it’s known for being costly, with the city consistently ranking as the world’s most expensive.
While the Singaporean government offers financial support for its citizens and permanent residents, tourists don’t have access to these. So, if you’re heading to Singapore for your internship abroad, we suggest getting private health insurance.
Not sure where to secure one? We can help you make a sound purchase should you be accepted to our Singapore Internship Program. Keep reading!
Keep in mind that policies change all the time. Make sure to double check each destination’s requirements by contacting the respective embassy or consulate.
How to secure health insurance for your internship abroad
There are plenty of options available for securing insurance. Let’s cover a few of them:
International insurance providers
Look for insurance providers that specialize in coverage for travelers and interns. Many international companies offer plans specifically designed for internships, student travel, or working abroad.
University programs
If you’re a student, check with your university. Many schools offer health insurance plans for students interning abroad, sometimes at a discounted rate!
Travel insurance
Another option is travel insurance, which may offer medical coverage for emergencies, repatriation, and even basic healthcare. Compare this against more comprehensive health plans to ensure it covers your needs.
All-inclusive internship programs
Securing health insurance can be intimidating. We at Absolute Internship offer comprehensive assistance with your international travel insurance as part of our program. Our coordinators will guide you through the process so you can meet all necessary requirements for your destination without having to worry too much.
Tips for choosing the right health insurance plan for your internship abroad
When selecting a specific health insurance plan for your internship abroad, it’s essential to find one that meets your specific needs. Here are a few tips to guide you:
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- Check visa requirements
- Consider other important features
- Think about what you need
- Talk to people
- Keep your budget in mind
Check visa requirements
Do this first and foremost. List down the mandatories for your destination’s visa application, and round up insurance plans that cover all of them.
Consider other important features
Outside visa requirements, you may want to look into the following:
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- 24-hour emergency hotline
- Availability of customer support in a language you’re comfortable with
- Coverage for emergency dental care
- Emergency evacuation
- Plenty of accredited medical care providers
- Freedom to choose the hospital or doctor for your treatment
Think about what you need
If you’re getting health insurance, might as well secure one that aligns with your personal needs and plans for your internship abroad.
Do you need regular check-ups or mental health support? Look for plans that include those services. Planning to try bungee jumping or other adventurous activities on weekends? Choose a plan that covers sports-related accidents.
Talk to people
Simply ask around. Reach out to peers who recently interned abroad in the same destination and ask for their recommendations. If they relied on the same health insurance plan, that’s a green flag.
You may also seek advice from our top-notch coordinators when you get accepted into our internship program. We offer assistance with your visa application, and are happy to help make your experience as seamless as possible.
Keep your budget in mind
Look for plans that balance affordability with comprehensive coverage. Try not to go over your budget, but don’t compromise on essentials like emergency evacuation, too.
Go get your health insurance!
Health insurance is a must-have for international internships, whether required by law or simply recommended. Make sure you understand the requirements for your destination country, secure the appropriate coverage, and ensure it meets your needs.
Your internship abroad is a unique and valuable experience—the peace of mind provided by proper health insurance will help you make the most of it! To ensure you truly maximize your time, check out our blog post on 3 Factors to Maximize Your Summer Internship Abroad Experience for tips on getting the most out of your journey.
It can seem overwhelming to keep track of all the nitty-gritty details, but don’t worry—internship programs like Absolute Internship offer health insurance and visa application assistance, making the experience even smoother for you.
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