It is rewarding and challenging to study in Iran. Universities in the country receive students both in Asia, Middle East, and other parts and have great programs in medicine, engineering, and humanities. However, one of the problems is not negotiable, health insurance is one of them. All foreign students in Iran should have insurance cover in order to study.
It is a simple thing to say but the details count. The students of Iran are provided with a national student health insurance system, yet, a great number of them purchase international insurance policies. Why? Since international plans usually have better benefit limit, evacuation cover and international access when one is not in Iran.
This guide takes you through the Top 10 health insurance covers among the international students in Iran. We will elaborate the local needs, the capabilities of various providers and how to select the appropriate mixture of both national and private coverage.
Why Health Insurance is Mandatory in Iran
Iran’s Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology requires all foreign students to register for national health insurance upon enrollment. Most universities automatically enroll international students with the Iranian National Health Insurance Organization.
This plan typically covers:
- Doctor visits at local clinics and hospitals
- Hospitalization and surgical care
- Prescription medication
- Emergency treatment
- Coverage for family members if registered together
The good news is that the national plan is affordable and provides basic protection. The downside? It may not cover evacuation, international care, or higher benefit limits that some students expect. That’s why many supplement it with private insurance.
Top 10 International Student Health Insurance Plans – Iran
Here are the leading options for students in Iran. Each one is explained in terms of coverage, suitability, and when it might be the right choice.
1. Iranian National Health Insurance
This is the mandatory plan for all foreign students. It begins at registration and continues as long as you are enrolled. The plan covers doctor visits, hospitals, medication, and emergencies. Some universities extend it to spouses and children.
Best for: Students who want to comply with local law and cover basic medical needs.
Tip: Always carry your insurance card when visiting clinics. In many public hospitals, proof of enrollment speeds up service and reduces upfront payments.
2. Aon Student Insurance
Aon is a major global broker, and their student packages are widely recommended for Middle Eastern study destinations. Policies include medical treatment, liability, accidents, and legal aid. They are also designed to comply with Iranian and university rules.
Best for: Students who want a single policy that satisfies local law while adding extra global protection.
Tip: Ask about liability coverage. Some Iranian universities require students to show proof of liability insurance before participating in labs or clinical work.
3. IMG Global
IMG offers international student insurance with flexible benefits. Their Student Health Advantage and Journey plans provide limits up to $500,000. They include telehealth, mental health counseling, and emergency evacuation.
Best for: Students who travel regionally or want higher benefit caps than the national plan offers.
Tip: Compare different tiers—Lite, Plus, and Platinum. Even a modest upgrade may secure stronger evacuation benefits.
4. International Student Insurance (ISI)
ISI specializes in student-focused insurance. Plans such as Student Secure and Student Health Advantage cover sports injuries, maternity care, and mental health. They are budget-friendly and come with multilingual support.
Best for: Students on a budget who still want global-level coverage.
Tip: If your university offers an insurance waiver form, ISI can often guarantee acceptance with their waiver guarantee service.
5. April International
April International is well known in Europe and Asia. Their student plans cover hospitals, outpatient treatment, diagnostics, and medication. Sign-up is straightforward, and policies are recognized across many countries.
Best for: Students who may study in Iran but travel regularly to Europe or nearby countries.
Tip: April’s online portal allows you to download policy documents instantly, which can be useful during visa renewals.
6. AXA Global Healthcare
AXA has one of the largest global hospital networks. Their modular policies let students select inpatient, outpatient, evacuation, and dental options. Many Middle Eastern students use AXA for reliable, major medical coverage.
Best for: Students who want worldwide access to hospitals, not just coverage in Iran.
Tip: Confirm whether AXA has direct billing agreements in Tehran or Isfahan. Direct billing means the insurer pays the hospital directly, avoiding upfront costs.
7. Study & Protect
This platform connects students with international health plans tailored to study abroad. It helps arrange policies valid in Iran and beyond. Coverage includes hospitalization, outpatient visits, and travel support.
Best for: Students who are overwhelmed by choices and want broker support to compare plans.
Tip: Use Study & Protect if you prefer having advisors handle renewals and paperwork with Iranian universities.
8. Swisscare
Swisscare offers International Student Health Insurance Europe, but it also covers students studying in Iran. Policies include emergency medical treatment, prescriptions, hospitalization, and evacuation.
Best for: European or exchange students who want continuity across countries.
Tip: Swisscare often offers competitive premiums for students under 30, making it a cost-effective add-on to the national plan.
9. Chapka Assurances
Chapka’s Cap Student plan is designed for international students worldwide. It covers primary care, mental health, travel disruptions, and emergency care. Their platform makes online access simple.
Best for: Students who need strong mental health coverage and protection during travel interruptions.
Tip: Consider Chapka if you plan frequent trips home or to other study destinations, since travel protection is integrated.
10. HanseMerkur
HanseMerkur is a German provider offering STAY Travel Insurance. While originally designed for study abroad and travel, it provides comprehensive health coverage, including emergency aid, hospital stays, and evacuation.
Best for: Students looking for affordable, flexible travel and health coverage during shorter study stays.
Tip: HanseMerkur’s customer satisfaction ratings are strong, especially for claim turnaround times.
What Students Need to Know
- Insurance is mandatory: Iranian law requires all foreign students to have health insurance. Your university will usually enroll you automatically.
- Basic coverage is strong but limited: The national plan is affordable and covers core healthcare. It does not cover evacuation, international hospitals, or extended travel.
- Private plans are add-ons: To protect against accidents abroad, repatriation, or mental health needs, you may want an international plan.
- Universities differ: Some institutions require only the national plan, while others encourage supplemental coverage. Always check your admission documents.
Choosing the Right Plan
Here’s a practical framework:
- Confirm university requirements. Get a checklist of what is mandatory.
- Decide your budget. Determine how much extra you can spend beyond the national plan.
- Compare inpatient and outpatient coverage. For students in big cities, outpatient access is important for frequent care.
- Check evacuation rules. If you want the option to receive treatment in Turkey or Europe, confirm that your insurer covers regional evacuation.
- Look for mental health and telemedicine. Living abroad is stressful. Choose a plan that includes remote counseling or online doctor visits.
- Ask about liability coverage. If you’re in labs, clinical rotations, or engineering programs, liability coverage may be required.
Practical Scenarios
- Scenario 1: Sudden hospitalization in Tehran. With national insurance, you’re admitted quickly, but with IMG or AXA, you may access private wards or international evacuation if required.
- Scenario 2: Traveling during breaks. Swisscare or Chapka covers disruptions and emergencies abroad, while the Iranian plan does not.
- Scenario 3: Mental health support. ISI or Chapka provides counseling sessions, whereas the national plan has limited mental health benefits.
Final Checklist for Students
- ✅ Enrolled in Iranian National Health Insurance (mandatory)
- ✅ Compared at least three international providers for supplemental coverage
- ✅ Confirmed coverage for evacuation and travel abroad
- ✅ Verified mental health and telehealth options
- ✅ Ensured compliance with visa and university rules
- ✅ Checked benefit limits against personal needs
Pro Tips:
In Iran, international students cannot skip health insurance. The Iranian National Health Insurance plan provides the foundation, ensuring compliance and access to local healthcare. But for students who want more—whether it’s evacuation to nearby countries, higher benefit limits, or mental health support—private international plans make all the difference.
Providers like Aon, IMG, Allianz, and AXA give broad international coverage. Platforms like Study & Protect, Swisscare, and Chapka simplify enrollment. Local players like HanseMerkur add affordable travel-health blends.
The right mix depends on your budget, your university’s requirements, and how much global mobility you need. With thoughtful planning, you can protect your health and focus on your studies in Iran with confidence.
References:
- Allianz Care. (n.d.). International health insurance. Retrieved October 15, 2025, from https://www.allianzcare.com
- April International. (n.d.). Student health insurance abroad. Retrieved October 15, 2025, from https://www.april-international.com
- AXA Global Healthcare. (n.d.). International student health insurance. Retrieved October 15, 2025, from https://www.axaglobalhealthcare.com
- Expat Arrivals. (n.d.). Healthcare in Iran. Retrieved October 15, 2025, from https://www.expatarrivals.com/middle-east/iran/healthcare-iran
- IMG Global. (n.d.). Student Health Advantage plans. Retrieved October 15, 2025, from https://www.imglobal.com
- International Student Insurance. (n.d.). Student Secure – International student health insurance. Retrieved October 15, 2025, from https://www.internationalstudentinsurance.com
- Iranian National Health Insurance Organization. (n.d.). Foreign student health insurance requirements. Retrieved October 15, 2025, from http://en.ihio.gov.ir
- Study & Protect. (n.d.). International student health insurance portal. Retrieved October 15, 2025, from https://www.studyandprotect.com
- Swisscare. (n.d.). International student health insurance. Retrieved October 15, 2025, from https://www.swisscare.com
- Chapka Assurances. (n.d.). Cap Student – International student insurance. Retrieved October 15, 2025, from https://www.chapkadirect.com
- HanseMerkur. (n.d.). STAY Travel insurance for students abroad. Retrieved October 15, 2025, from https://www.hansemerkur.com
