Studying in Romania? Secure health insurance first—it’s mandatory for your visa and essential for healthcare access. The insurance type varies based on age, origin, and stay duration.
General Health Insurance Requirements in Romania
1. Health Insurance is Mandatory International students in Romania need health insurance to obtain a visa and access local health services.
2. Students Under 26If you’re under 26 and a full-time student at a Romanian university, you qualify for free public hospital care. However, this doesn’t guarantee complete coverage. Public hospitals may have limitations, long wait times, and limited English-speaking assistance. Therefore, private insurance is strongly advised, especially if you want comprehensive care:
- Faster access to doctors
- English-speaking staff
- Private hospital rooms
- Repatriation or dental coverage
3. Students Over 26 If you’re over 26, you must pay a monthly fee to join Romania’s National Health Insurance House (CNAS), typically 12–15€/month, granting access to public healthcare. However, consider private insurance for more comprehensive coverage.
4. Non-EU/EEA StudentsTo get your visa, you must purchase private health insurance. Buy it before arriving in Romania, and ensure it covers your entire visa period. The policy must be accepted by Romanian authorities.
5. EU/EEA Students Use your EHIC for public healthcare in Romania, but it has limits. It doesn’t cover repatriation, dental care, or private services. Private international insurance is recommended.
What Your Insurance Should Cover
Before diving into provider details, here’s what your insurance should ideally include:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Hospitalisation and surgeries
- Repatriation to your home country
- Outpatient and specialist consultations
- Accident and injury
- Ambulance and transport costs
- Dental emergencies (optional but helpful)
- Liability coverage (recommended)
Top 10 Health Insurance Providers for International Students in Romania
Here are the most reliable private insurance providers used by international students in Romania. These options are compliant with visa requirements, cover essential needs, and offer flexible pricing.
1. Swisscare
- Coverage Highlights: Student and expat insurance; includes hospital, emergency, medical, and repatriation
- Visa Compliant: Yes
- Emergency/Repatriation: Included
- Typical Price: €16–20/month (from €0.54/day)
- Notes: Instant online policy; widely accepted by Romanian universities and consulates
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2. Mondassur
- Coverage Highlights: Offers plans like Student Budget, Student Backup, and Student Global; all include hospital, emergencies, and repatriation
- Visa Compliant: Yes
- Emergency/Repatriation: Included
- Typical Price: €27–45/month
- Notes: Immediate coverage from arrival; ideal for students who want peace of mind on day one
3. MSH International
- Coverage Highlights: Customizable packages covering hospital, outpatient, maternity, and repatriation
- Visa Compliant: Yes
- Emergency/Repatriation: Included
- Typical Price: Quote-based
- Notes: Well-rated for international expats and students; ideal for longer stays
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4. Aon
- Coverage Highlights: University-linked packages with medical, psychological, and travel insurance
- Visa Compliant: Yes
- Emergency/Repatriation: Included
- Typical Price: Varies by institution
- Notes: Often recommended by Romanian universities; EU and non-EU tailored plans available
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5. AXA Global
- Coverage Highlights: Global student plans covering hospitalization, emergencies, and specialist visits
- Visa Compliant: Yes
- Emergency/Repatriation: Included
- Typical Price: Quote-based
- Notes: Trusted global insurer with strong multilingual support and 24/7 assistance
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6. Bupa Global
- Coverage Highlights: Premium international coverage; includes outpatient, specialist, and dental
- Visa Compliant: Yes
- Emergency/Repatriation: Included
- Typical Price: Higher-tier pricing
- Notes: Ideal for students seeking elite health care and broad global access
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7. Indigo Expat
- Coverage Highlights: Covers accidents, illnesses, and multiple geographic zones
- Visa Compliant: Yes
- Emergency/Repatriation: Included
- Typical Price: Custom quote required
- Notes: Great for students moving between countries or needing flexible regional coverage
8. International Student Insurance (ISI)
- Coverage Highlights: Student-specific plans; emergency, outpatient, and hospitalization
- Visa Compliant: Yes
- Emergency/Repatriation: Included
- Typical Price: Quote-based
- Notes: Popular with American students in Romania and other EU countries
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9. IMG (International Medical Group)
- Coverage Highlights: Broad plans including student medical, emergency evacuation, and accidents
- Visa Compliant: Yes
- Emergency/Repatriation: Included
- Typical Price: Varies based on location and age
- Notes: Visa letters available immediately after purchase
10. Aetna International
- Coverage Highlights: Strong coverage for medical, mental health, and emergency needs
- Visa Compliant: Yes
- Emergency/Repatriation: Included
- Typical Price: Custom quote required
- Notes: Flexible plans for students with global ambitions; excellent customer support
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Actionable Tips for Students
- Buy Insurance Before Arrival: Especially if you’re a non-EU student. Romanian embassies require proof during visa processing.
- Keep Documentation Handy: Carry digital and printed copies of your policy, including the coverage letter.
- Check for University Partnerships: Some universities have tie-ins with providers like Aon or Medicover.
- Renew in Advance: If your studies extend beyond the initial period, renew your insurance before it expires to stay compliant.
- Ask for English Support: Many providers offer 24/7 English-speaking assistance. It’s worth verifying.
Final Thoughts
Health insurance is essential, not just a formality. It’s your safety net abroad. Romania’s healthcare is accessible, but without proper insurance, it can be costly and stressful. No matter where you’re from—EU, Asia, Africa, or the Americas—the advice is clear: secure a reliable, visa-compliant, comprehensive insurance policy that aligns with your budget and study goals.
Pick from one of the top providers listed above and you’ll start your academic journey in Romania with confidence, clarity, and protection.
🏥 Top 10 Health Insurance Providers for International Students in Romania
- Swisscare
- Mondassur
- MSH International
- Aon
- AXA Global
- Bupa Global
- Indigo Expat
- International Student Insurance (ISI)
- IMG (International Medical Group)
- Aetna International
References:
- Swisscare. (n.d.). Student health insurance. Retrieved July 28, 2025, from https://www.swisscare.com
- Mondassur. (n.d.). Health insurance for students abroad. Retrieved July 28, 2025, from https://www.mondassur.com
- MSH International. (n.d.). Health insurance for expatriates and students. Retrieved July 28, 2025, from https://www.msh-intl.com
- Aon. (n.d.). Student insurance services. Retrieved July 28, 2025, from https://www.aon.com
- AXA. (n.d.). AXA international health insurance plans. Retrieved July 28, 2025, from https://www.axaglobalhealthcare.com
- Bupa Global. (n.d.). International health insurance for students. Retrieved July 28, 2025, from https://www.bupaglobal.com
- Indigo Expat. (n.d.). International student insurance plans. Retrieved July 28, 2025, from https://www.indigo-expat.com
- International Student Insurance. (n.d.). Health insurance for international students in Europe. Retrieved July 28, 2025, from https://www.internationalstudentinsurance.com
- IMG (International Medical Group). (n.d.). Student health insurance. Retrieved July 28, 2025, from https://www.imglobal.com
- Aetna International. (n.d.). Global health insurance plans. Retrieved July 28, 2025, from https://www.aetnainternational.com
