Studying in Monaco is a dream for many international students. With breathtaking Mediterranean views, prestigious business schools, and a lifestyle combining cosmopolitan elegance with small-town charm, Monaco offers a distinctive academic and cultural experience. However, before heading to the Côte d’Azur, securing health insurance is essential.
Monaco, though tiny, boasts a robust health policy. If studying there, grasp the health insurance system for international students. Compliance is crucial to safeguard both health and finances.
This blog will unpack everything from legal requirements and healthcare access to the best insurance providers available to students. Let’s dive in.
Is Health Insurance Mandatory in Monaco? Yes—Absolutely.
All international students in Monaco must have valid health insurance, regardless of origin. Whether studying or staying temporarily, coverage is mandatory. Monaco’s healthcare isn’t free by default. Its public system, similar to France’s, serves only those contributing to the Social Security Fund (CSM). If you’re not part of this system through employment or residency, your primary option is to buy private international health insurance.
Public Healthcare System: What is the CSM?
The Caisse de Compensation des Services Sociaux (CSM) is Monaco’s public social security body. It offers healthcare services to workers, residents, and eligible dependents. Funded by employer and employee contributions, it includes:
- Primary and specialist care
- Hospitalization
- Maternity services
- Diagnostic tests and emergency care
If you’re a long-term student and gain employment or a paid internship during your stay, you may be enrolled in this system through your employer. That said, most students don’t qualify, especially those who are short-term or self-funded.
That’s where private insurance steps in—and frankly, that’s the more common route for international students.
What If You’re an Expat or Non-Resident Student?
If you’re not covered by CSM and you’re a non-resident or visiting student, you’re expected to secure private international health insurance before your arrival. This type of insurance is typically required:
- For visa applications
- To enroll in educational institutions
- To avoid full out-of-pocket payments for medical services
The Principality has high standards in healthcare. But without insurance, even a brief hospital stay or a specialist consultation can leave a serious dent in your wallet.
Private Insurance: Why It’s Worth It
Here’s what private insurance brings to the table, especially for international students:
1. Access to Private Clinics
Monaco’s private clinics are state-of-the-art. With private insurance, you skip long queues and gain access to top-tier services.
2. Specialist Care and Mental Health Support
Some services (especially mental health, dental care, and physiotherapy) are only partially reimbursed or not covered by public systems. Private insurance fills those gaps.
3. Maternity, Repatriation, and Evacuation
In case of emergencies—whether medical or situational—private insurers typically cover emergency evacuations, repatriation to your home country, and pregnancy-related care, which may not be accessible otherwise.
4. Worldwide Portability
Many student plans cover you not just in Monaco, but across Europe—and in some cases, worldwide. Ideal if you’re traveling during breaks or completing internships abroad.
5. Direct Billing and Language Support
The better providers offer direct billing with hospitals and customer support in multiple languages, including English.
Travel Insurance vs. Comprehensive Health Plans
This part is important, and often misunderstood.
Travel insurance is not the same as comprehensive health insurance.
- Travel insurance is great for short stays (less than 90 days) and typically covers emergencies only.
- Comprehensive health insurance is meant for long-term students and covers both emergency and routine medical care, from general check-ups to long-term prescriptions.
If you’re coming to Monaco for a semester or longer, always go with comprehensive coverage. Not only does it ensure medical access, but it also fulfills visa and university requirements.
Top 10 Health Insurance Options for International Students in Monaco
There are many insurers in the international market, but not all offer the flexibility, compliance, and affordability that students need. Below is a curated list of the top providers that cater specifically to expats, travelers, and students in Monaco.
1. Indigo Expat Health Insurance
- Type: International expat plan
- Coverage: 24/7 multilingual support, repatriation, inpatient/outpatient, emergency, and chronic care
- Best for: Long-term students and those moving across multiple European countries
- Cost: Custom quotes depending on age, country of origin, and plan zone
Indigo Expat is a top choice for students seeking robust protection with the ability to customize their benefits.
2. Allianz Care
- Type: International comprehensive coverage
- Coverage: Inpatient, outpatient, maternity, evacuation, dental, and vision (optional)
- Best for: Students who want a premium plan with extensive coverage
- Cost: Varies; higher-tier options available
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Allianz offers multilingual support and one of the most extensive global networks for medical care.
3. IMG Global – Student Health Advantage
- Type: International student insurance
- Coverage: Emergency services, doctor visits, repatriation, mental health, optional dental
- Best for: Students on a tight budget who need visa-compliant coverage
- Cost: Typically between $30–$50/month
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Popular among international students for its affordability and U.S.-based customer service.
4. Swisscare – Student Insurance
- Type: International student insurance
- Coverage: Visa-compliant, emergency medical, hospital, and repatriation
- Best for: Students who want quick online registration and documentation
- Cost: Competitive and country-specific
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Swisscare is a fast and trusted solution for students needing instant certificates for visa or university requirements.
5. AXA Global Healthcare
- Type: Global expat plan
- Coverage: Hospitalization, outpatient, repatriation, and second medical opinions
- Best for: Students who want premium access and flexibility in choosing doctors
- Cost: Custom pricing
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AXA offers digital tools, mental health support, and fast reimbursements.
6. Cigna Global
- Type: Worldwide expat/student health insurance
- Coverage: Telemedicine, wellness programs, maternity, chronic illness support
- Best for: Students looking for flexibility in creating their coverage package
- Cost: Tier-based, custom quotes
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Cigna’s global reputation and user-friendly mobile tools make it a smart choice for tech-savvy students.
7. April International
- Type: Expat and student health insurance
- Coverage: Emergency medical, preventive care, worldwide hospital access
- Best for: Students needing visa-compliant insurance with multilingual assistance
- Cost: Custom based on region and duration
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April International is popular across Europe for students relocating from Asia or Africa.
8. William Russell
- Type: Expat health insurance
- Coverage: Mental health, outpatient, maternity, dental (optional)
- Best for: Students prioritizing mental health and access to international therapists
- Cost: Medium to high-tier quotes available
They also provide coverage for students planning to stay post-graduation.
9. DavidShield / GeoBlue
- Type: International and U.S.-friendly coverage
- Coverage: Access to global networks, especially U.S. care for dual students
- Best for: Students splitting time between Monaco and the U.S. or Canada
- Cost: Custom pricing
GeoBlue is particularly relevant for American students studying abroad in Monaco.
10. Local Monegasque Social Security (CSM)
- Type: Public coverage
- Coverage: State-funded hospital care, primary and specialist treatment
- Best for: Students working or interning in Monaco with access to contribution schemes
- Cost: Based on income and work status
Access requires registration and contributions. Often not available to non-working students but important to know.
Wrapping Up: Your Next Steps
Health insurance in Monaco isn’t just a checkbox on your visa list—it’s your ticket to safe, legal, and worry-free living in one of the most exclusive countries in the world.
Here’s your action plan:
- ✅ Determine your student visa type and duration of stay.
- ✅ Choose between travel insurance (short stay) or comprehensive private insurance (long stay).
- ✅ Get quotes from multiple providers (start with IMG, Swisscare, and Allianz).
- ✅ Make sure your plan includes emergency, hospitalization, and repatriation.
- ✅ Keep digital and printed copies of your insurance policy when you travel.
Choose the right plan now to avoid stress, delays, and financial risks later. With Monaco’s top-notch healthcare and your insurance, concentrate on maximizing your academic experience in the Riviera..
Top 10 health insurance for overseas international students in The Monaco
- Indigo Expat
- Allianz Care
- IMG Global
- Swisscare
- AXA Global Healthcare
- Cigna Global
- April International
- William Russell
- DavidShield / GeoBlue
- Local Monegasque Social Security (CSM)
References :
- Caisse de Compensation des Services Sociaux (CCSS). (n.d.). Health insurance and social protection in Monaco. Government of Monaco. Retrieved July 30, 2025, from https://www.ccss.mc
- Government of Monaco. (n.d.). Living in Monaco: Healthcare and social security. Retrieved July 30, 2025, from https://en.service-public-entreprises.gouv.mc
- Allianz Care. (n.d.). International health insurance for students. Retrieved July 30, 2025, from https://www.allianzcare.com
- Swisscare. (n.d.). Student health insurance plans. Retrieved July 30, 2025, from https://www.swisscare.com
- IMG Global. (n.d.). Student Health Advantage plan overview. Retrieved July 30, 2025, from https://www.imglobal.com
- AXA Global Healthcare. (n.d.). International health plans. Retrieved July 30, 2025, from https://www.axaglobalhealthcare.com
- Cigna Global. (n.d.). Global student and expat medical insurance. Retrieved July 30, 2025, from https://www.cignaglobal.com
- April International. (n.d.). Health insurance for international students and expats. Retrieved July 30, 2025, from https://www.april-international.com
- William Russell. (n.d.). Global student and expat health insurance. Retrieved July 30, 2025, from https://www.william-russell.com
- DavidShield. (n.d.). International insurance for students and expats. Retrieved July 30, 2025, from https://www.davidshield.com
- GeoBlue. (n.d.). Student health insurance abroad. Retrieved July 30, 2025, from https://www.geobluetravelinsurance.com
