Slovenia, nestled in the heart of Central Europe, is increasingly popular among international students. Its high-quality education system, safe environment, and relatively low cost of living are strong magnets. But before you dive into lakes, mountains, or academic life, there’s something critical you need to sort out—health insurance.
Whether you’re from the EU or beyond, Slovenia has specific rules and processes in place to ensure all students are covered during their stay. And in 2025, these requirements are more precise than ever.
This blog post gives you everything you need to know—clearly, practically, and without fluff.
🩺 Health Insurance: A Legal Requirement in Slovenia
Let’s get straight to the point.
If you’re an international student in Slovenia, you must have valid health insurance throughout your stay. No exceptions. Without it, you cannot obtain a visa or register your residence permit. And you might be denied healthcare when you need it the most.
But the type of insurance you’ll need depends on your nationality, your legal status, and the duration of your studies. Let’s break that down.
🌍 Health Insurance Based on Student Category
1. Non-EU/EEA Students (Third-Country Nationals)
If you’re a student from outside the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, this section is for you.
🔹 Compulsory Insurance via ZZZS
According to Slovenia’s Law on Health Care and Health Insurance (Article 15, Paragraph 14), you are required to enroll in compulsory public health insurance through the Health Insurance Institute of Slovenia (ZZZS).
- Monthly Contribution: Approximately €126.33 (8.2% of the average gross wage)
- Who Pays: You, unless a legal entity (like your university or sponsor) covers it
- What’s Covered:
- Emergency and necessary medical services
- Public health institution treatments
- Doctor’s visits and hospitalization
- Emergency and necessary medical services
But don’t let the word “compulsory” fool you into thinking you’re fully protected.
This insurance only covers part of your medical costs. If you visit a private clinic or need specialized care, you’ll likely pay extra. And it does not include:
- Repatriation
- Travel or accident insurance
- Emergency dental care
- Private hospital or specialist costs
What to do?
Add private commercial insurance to fill the gaps. Think of ZZZS as your base layer—it works, but you’ll need a jacket if the weather turns bad.
📝 How to Register for Compulsory Insurance
- Visit your nearest ZZZS regional office
- Submit an M-1 application form
- Bring a valid passport or ID
- Provide proof of university enrollment
Once registered, you’ll receive a Slovenian Health Insurance Card, granting you access to public healthcare services.
2. EU/EEA/Swiss Students
You’ve got a slight advantage. Students from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
What does that mean?
- You’ll be treated like any Slovenian using the public health system
- You’ll receive care for emergencies and necessary treatments
But again, don’t stop there.
EHIC has limitations:
- Doesn’t cover private clinics
- Doesn’t include repatriation or travel assistance
- No support for emergency dental care
So, just like your peers from outside the EU, it’s smart to add a private insurance plan that protects you beyond the basics.
3. Students from Countries with Bilateral Health Agreements
If you’re from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, or Australia, special treaties may apply.
These agreements allow for free emergency care in Slovenia if you present the appropriate forms from your home country.
However, these are limited in scope.
You’ll likely still need to buy private insurance for:
- Full hospital coverage
- Dental or mental health care
- Repatriation and travel support
🧾 What Does Compulsory Insurance (ZZZS) Actually Cover?
Let’s make this practical. Here’s what ZZZS gives you—and what it doesn’t.
✅ What’s Covered
- Emergency room visits
- Necessary doctor consultations
- Basic hospitalization
- Diagnostic tests at public hospitals
- Prescriptions under public pricing
❌ What’s NOT Covered
- Private healthcare (non-referral specialists, private clinics)
- Dental care beyond basic emergencies
- Repatriation to your home country
- Travel and liability insurance
- Mental health therapy in private settings
So unless you plan to rely solely on the public system and never travel or get into minor accidents, you’ll need supplemental private insurance.
🌐 Top Private & International Insurance Providers for Students in Slovenia
You know you need more than public insurance. But which companies are worth your time (and money)? Here’s a breakdown of the top 10 providers offering coverage tailored to international students.
1. Swisscare
- Type: International Student Plan
- Why Choose It: Affordable, easy online signup, fast policy delivery for visa needs
- Highlights: Covers repatriation, emergencies, liability
- Cost: Varies based on duration and age; budget-friendly
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✅ Ideal for short stays and visa compliance.
2. Coris
- Type: Commercial/Private
- Why Choose It: Popular with students supplementing ZZZS
- Highlights: Covers private care and services not handled by public insurance
- Cost: Varies by coverage; check for full-service options
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✅ Great as a top-up for ZZZS users.
3. Vzajemna
- Type: National Private Add-On
- Why Choose It: One of Slovenia’s largest insurers
- Highlights: Enhances your ZZZS with extra coverage for outpatient care, dental, and accidents
- Cost: Plan-based; request a quote
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✅ Suitable for long-term students wanting enhanced domestic coverage.
4. Uniqa Slovenia
- Type: Private Insurance
- Why Choose It: Flexible plans with decent pricing
- Highlights: Optional student-specific policies
- Cost: Contact for details
✅ Worth considering for comprehensive plans tailored to students.
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5. Allianz
- Type: International/Global
- Why Choose It: Top-rated global insurer
- Highlights: Covers hospitalization, repatriation, emergency dental, mental health
- Cost: Based on plan type and region
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✅ Great for those traveling across Europe or needing international mobility.
6. AXA
- Type: International/Expats
- Why Choose It: Trusted in over 50 countries
- Highlights: Covers a wide range of care including private doctors and hospitals
- Cost: Custom quotes only
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✅ Ideal for peace of mind and broad support options.
7. IMG Global
- Type: International Student Plans
- Why Choose It: Flexible policies for students
- Highlights: Up to $8M coverage, includes repatriation and mental health
- Cost: Around $29–$50/month
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✅ A great balance of affordability and protection.
8. Cigna Global
- Type: International, Customizable
- Why Choose It: You build the plan
- Highlights: Add or remove dental, vision, maternity, evacuation
- Cost: Varies based on customization
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✅ Great for those with specific needs or conditions.
9. Maxima
- Type: Private International
- Why Choose It: Emergency-focused coverage
- Highlights: Strong outpatient and dental add-ons
- Cost: Varies; check regional plans
✅ Focused protection with flexible options.
10. April International
- Type: Global
- Why Choose It: Covers serious illness, hospitalization, chronic conditions
- Highlights: Worldwide care except U.S.
- Cost: Based on country of origin and coverage level
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✅ Serious protection for those with complex medical needs.
🧠 Final Thoughts: What Should Students Do?
To sum it all up:
For non-EU/EEA students:
- Register with ZZZS as required by law.
- Buy private insurance to cover repatriation, dental, and extras.
- Keep proof of insurance ready for visa processing and emergencies.
For EU/EEA students:
- Bring your EHIC but don’t rely on it alone.
- Supplement with private insurance for broader coverage.
For all students:
- Check with your university. Many have preferred insurers or student packages.
- Make sure your plan is visa-compliant and covers your full stay.
- Read the fine print—especially exclusions, waiting periods, and claim procedures.
✅ Bottom Line: Protect Yourself Fully
Studying abroad should be exciting—not stressful. Sorting your health insurance in Slovenia might feel bureaucratic, but once you have the right plan, you can focus on your studies, adventures, and the amazing experience of living in one of Europe’s most beautiful countries.
✅ Top 10 health insurance for overseas international students in The Slovenia
- Swisscare
- Coris
- Vzajemna
- Uniqa Slovenia
- Allianz
- AXA
- IMG Global (International Medical Group)
- Cigna Global
- Maxima
- April International
📚 References:
All references were accessed on July 30, 2025.
- Allianz Care. (n.d.). International student health insurance. Retrieved July 30, 2025, from https://www.allianzcare.com
- April International. (n.d.). International student health cover. Retrieved July 30, 2025, from https://www.april-international.com
- AXA Global Healthcare. (n.d.). Health insurance for students and expats. Retrieved July 30, 2025, from https://www.axaglobalhealthcare.com
- Cigna Global. (n.d.). International student health insurance. Retrieved July 30, 2025, from https://www.cignaglobal.com
- Health Insurance Institute of Slovenia (ZZZS). (n.d.). Compulsory health insurance for foreign students. Retrieved July 30, 2025, from https://www.zzzs.si
- IMG Global. (n.d.). Student Health Advantage and other plans. Retrieved July 30, 2025, from https://www.imglobal.com
- Swisscare. (n.d.). Student health insurance Slovenia. Retrieved July 30, 2025, from https://www.swisscare.com
- Uniqa Slovenia. (n.d.). Health insurance plans. Retrieved July 30, 2025, from https://www.uniqa.si
- Vzajemna zdravstvena zavarovalnica. (n.d.). Health insurance offers. Retrieved July 30, 2025, from https://www.vzajemna.si
- Coris. (n.d.). Travel and student insurance plans. Retrieved July 30, 2025, from https://www.coris.si
- Maxima Zavarovalnica. (n.d.). Health insurance for foreigners. Retrieved July 30, 2025, from https://www.maxima.si
