Health

When you decide to study or work abroad you’ll need to plan how to look after your health while you’re away. Good preparation is key, so it’s best to organise medical insurance and medication before you go.

Plan ahead

At least three months before you leave visit The National Travel Health Centre Network or the NHS’s Fit for Travel. You’ll find country-by-country health guides with detailed information on necessary vaccinations and disease-prevention drugs, such as anti-malarials.

Your local GP can provide you with jabs and prescriptions. Remember to plan ahead as some immunisation or tablets need to be taken over a long period of time.

If you have a long-term medical condition then make sure you also visit your GP to get enough medication or repeat prescriptions. It’s also advisable to take copies of important medical documents with you.

And of course it’s a good idea to fit in a visit to the dentist, and to get your eyes checked at the optician before you head off.

Medical insurance

Medical insurance is essential: you’ll need to make sure you get the right cover. It’s a good idea to get a broad policy - covering everything from small injuries to emergency flights home. The Erasmus website has more information on international student insurance.

Healthcare in the EU

If you are going to study or undertake a work placement in a European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you’ll be eligible for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This will enable you to get state health care in your country of study at the same rate as people who live in that country.

If you’re travelling with any dependants, they will need their own EHIC.

Your EHIC card can be used for a variety of medical needs. What it covers varies from country to country so it’s important to take out medical insurance as well. You can find out more about the EHIC at NHS Moving Abroad or the EHIC website.

Health care outside the EU

For study/work placements outside the EU it is worth checking what medical services are offered in your destination country - for example, Australia offers Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). Wherever you go, it’s worth contacting your chosen institution/placement employer to find out if they recommend specific health care provision or websites for international students.