Students from non EU & ETA countries must have health insurance after 1.9.2007

Citizens of third countries arriving in Finland for the purpose of studying on or after the date of 1.9.2007 are required to have health insurance, if the period of study lasts for more than three months. The requirement is the same for degree-seeking and exchange students.

Third-country national means a person who is not a citizen of either one of the EU countries, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland. Students from Quebec, Canada are also exempt from the health insurance requirement.

Health insurance is a requirement for obtaining a residence permit for studies. The health insurance must be valid upon entry to Finland. Students applying for an extension of to their residence permit must also have the health insurance.

From where to take the insurance?

In princible health insurance must be obtained prior to applying for a residence permit. However, you can submit the application for extension and supplement it later on, if you have not yet a valid insurance. It is important, that you apply for an extension before your previous permit expires.

The insurance must be valid for the duration of studies, or at least as long as the residence permit is valid. The insurance must be valid at least in Finland (or Schengen-area). For further information on insurance requirements, check Finnish Immigration Office (www.migri.fi).

At this point none of the national insurance companies in Finland offer a required cover. However international insurance companies offer a range of insurances. Below are links to some international insurance companies, which have come to our attention. Please contact them directly for further information on prices and coverage.

International Student Insurance

International Health Insurance

AON Student Insurance

ACS-AMI