Health insurance is one thing you cannot postpone doing especially when you are coming to Liechtenstein as an international student. You need it early. It must also work in your favor, as what may suit an individual EU student is very different what may suit a non-EU student who comes in with a spouse and children.
The population that resides in Liechtenstein is usually obligated to be insured. In government instructions to residents, it is stated that you require health insurance to reside in Liechtenstein, and also there are state obligatory insurers in the state. GOV.UK+1
Meanwhile, the majority of top 10 student insurance options (that you will find on the internet) are not Liechtenstein-based. They are global products that have Liechtenstein covered in a Europe or global coverage area, and they can be effective in a case you make the right choice. studentinsuranceportal.com+1.
This guide takes you through the sense that the rules normally take in real life. It also demonstrates you a reliable means of short listing plans in case you are bringing dependants.
Liechtenstein rules in a nutshell (what you must get right)
1) If you live in Liechtenstein longer-term, assume you’ll need “proper” health cover
According to a student insurance guide that is popular in Liechtenstein, a person who is staying in Liechtenstein more than three months must take mandatory health insurance. studentinsuranceportal.com
According to independent policy reporting on the system of Liechtenstein, mandatory health care and accident insurance among residents or people employed there is also described. Amazon Web Services, Inc.
What this would entail on your part: in cases where your course is not just a short visit, you will have to have your insurance actually appear to be medical cover, rather than a skimpy so-called travel-only plan.
2) EHIC helps—but it’s not a complete student solution
According to the European Commission, European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) allows medical care that is needed, and that is provided by the state, in a temporary visit to Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, and EU countries, on the same conditions as an insured person, who is a permanent resident of one of these countries. Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion.
That’s useful. It’s also limited.
Direct advice to Liechtenstein students is clear-cut: EHIC is not a replacement of travel cover and will not cover repatriation, liability, baggage, or numerous other additional expenses that may arise when receiving cross-border care. studentinsuranceportal.com
In that case, consider EHIC to be a robust base layer of medically necessary care (EU/EEA/Swiss), and to close the gaps, apply a student policy to it.
3) Non-EU students typically need private insurance proof for the full stay
According to the same Liechtenstein student insurance advice, the non-EU students have to have the entire planned period of stay covered by the private (health) insurance. studentinsuranceportal.com.
And in the case of a Schengen visa stage (short stay entry), travel medical insurance has certain minimum requirements: it should cover all Schengen states and includes a minimum of 30,000 in medical costs and repatriation. This is a requirement that is evident in the official Schengen documentation. European External Action Service+1.
Practical implication: you might require two separate types of proofs, one to enter (Schengen travel medical insurance regulations) and one to your longer stay/study needs..
Two fast tables that prevent expensive mistakes
Table 1: EHIC vs. local compulsory-style cover vs. international student policy
| What you need | EHIC (EU/EEA/Swiss) | Local compulsory-style health insurance | International student/family policy |
| Medically necessary public-sector treatment | Often yes (temporary stay) Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion | Yes (core purpose) | Yes (varies by plan limits) |
| Private doctor/hospital choice | Limited | Sometimes, depends on system | Often more flexible |
| Repatriation / evacuation | No studentinsuranceportal.com | Usually limited | Often included (check wording) |
| Liability / baggage / legal help | No studentinsuranceportal.com | No | Sometimes bundled (student packages) |
| Works for spouse & children under one policy | Not really | Possible but depends | Often yes (if dependants allowed) |
Table 2: Visa-phase vs study-phase insurance (don’t mix these up)
| Phase | Typical requirement | Common pitfall |
| Schengen visa / entry paperwork | Travel medical insurance, min €30,000, all Schengen, repatriation included European External Action Service+1 | Buying a plan that covers only one country or starts after arrival |
| Living/studying in Liechtenstein | Ongoing health insurance expected for residents/students GOV.UK+1 | Relying on travel insurance only for a long stay |
“Top 10” international student & family providers usable for Liechtenstein
These are widely used international student or expat health insurance brands (plus student-brokered solutions) that generally operate with Europe or worldwide regions that can include Liechtenstein. Always confirm “Liechtenstein” is inside the plan’s area of cover before you pay.
Provider shortlist table (with practical notes)
| Provider / product line | Typical eligible region for study | Family/dependant option | Approx. student premium (single) | Notes on suitability for Liechtenstein |
| Swisscare – International student health insurance Europe | EU/EEA study mobility; marketed for EU/EEA destinations Swisscare ® | Official website+1 | Often possible (depends on tariff) | Advertised from €0.54/day Swisscare ® | Official website | Strong budget option, commonly used to complement EHIC or serve as primary private cover where accepted. |
| APRIL International – student plans | Students living/studying outside home country (worldwide, with exclusions like USA/Caribbean on some plans) APRIL International | Often available (plan-dependent) | Varies by tier | Good for modular benefits and assistance features; confirm Europe zone includes Liechtenstein. |
| IMG – Student Health Advantage | International student cover designed for study abroad, with emergency care features imglobal.com+1 | Yes (dependent variants exist) imgeurope.co.uk | Varies by deductible/level | Useful if you need formal certificates and strong emergency/repatriation wording; read exclusions for pre-existing conditions. imglobal.com |
| MAWISTA – Student tariffs / Expatcare lines | Student tariffs mention coverage including Liechtenstein within EU/EEA travel scope MAWISTA | Some tariffs allow family (plan-specific) | Varies by tariff | Often used in Europe for students; confirm whether your stay is considered “study residence” vs “short-term stay” under the tariff. |
| Aon / StudentInsurancePortal partner solutions | Marketed to students going to Liechtenstein studentinsuranceportal.com | Often available (bundle-dependent) | Varies | Good if you want bundled non-medical benefits (liability, baggage, legal aid) that EHIC doesn’t cover. studentinsuranceportal.com |
| Allianz Care (Allianz Partners) | International health insurance for expats, students, individuals & families allianzcare.com+1 | Yes | Varies widely | Strong global assistance and family positioning; choose the correct region of cover and duration (short-term vs 12+ months). allianzcare.com |
| Cigna Global | International plans for globally mobile individuals and families Cigna Global+1 | Yes | Varies widely | Better fit for families needing comprehensive, long-stay medical cover rather than minimum student compliance. |
| Bupa Global | Offers plans in Liechtenstein with selectable area of cover (incl. Europe options) Bupa Global+1 | Yes | Premium-priced | High-end option when you want strong networks, higher limits, and broad outpatient coverage. |
| AXA Global Healthcare | International health insurance for expats, businesses, students AXA – Global Healthcare+1 | Yes | Varies widely | Widely used international medical insurance structure; pick benefits carefully (outpatient, maternity, mental health). |
| AXA Liechtenstein (local presence) | Licensed to operate insurance business in Liechtenstein AXA Schweiz | Depends on product | Depends | Not a “student-only global plan,” but relevant if you want locally grounded insurance options or advice pathways. |
Pricing note (important): student insurance pricing changes fast. Use any “from” price only as a starting point, then quote with your exact ages, visa dates, deductible, and dependants. Swisscare publicly advertises “from €0.54/day,” but other providers’ prices vary heavily by plan design and family composition. Swisscare ® | Official website
Typical costs and what they actually buy (so you can budget intelligently)
There are two worlds of cost that you will tend to find:
You will find budget-student-policies.
They are more likely to be cheaper, and they also concentrate on the emergencies as well as a specific group of regular benefits.
Another one will be the ones with expat medical.
They are long-term and family-friendly and can be costly within no time when outpatient care is added to them, as well as low deductibles, dental, and maternity.
It does not matter what the headline premium is. It’s the trade-off.
A reduced premium will tend to translate into higher deductible, more stringent maximums or reduced outpatient coverage.
A more expensive premium can usually imply expanded outpatient coverage, superior chronic-care management, and more affordable predictability in the event that the children fall ill.
And, also, about cost-sharing. The official guidance of UK states that despite insurance, healthcare is not free in Liechtenstein and you usually pay a part of the price.
Key coverage points for families (this is where most plans fail)
If you are bringing a spouse or children, slow down here. This is the section that saves real money.
1) Legal compliance and acceptance
Start with one question: Will this plan be accepted for my residence permit / study stay proof?
Student guidance stresses that insurance requirements depend on your status, and non-EU students typically need full private cover for the full stay. studentinsuranceportal.com
If a university website or admissions FAQ mentions insurance is required, treat that as a compliance signal, not just a recommendation. uni.li
2) Dependants must be explicitly allowed
Do not assume “family” means your spouse and children are covered.
Confirm each dependant is named on the certificate.
Then confirm dates.
The certificate must cover the entire stay window, not “most of the semester.”
3) Maternity and newborn coverage (read the waiting period)
If pregnancy is possible during your stay, you need clarity on maternity waiting periods and newborn rules.
Many international medical plans apply waiting periods before maternity benefits activate.
Some cover the newborn only if you add the baby within a strict time window after birth.
If you ignore this, you can end up paying the biggest bill of your life in cash.
That’s not drama. That’s math.
4) Chronic conditions and mental health
International plans often include exclusions for pre-existing conditions or apply limits. imglobal.com
Student Health Advantage (IMG) materials, for example, highlight that cover is subject to limitations and exclusions, including pre-existing conditions. imglobal.com
For families, check:
- Whether ongoing prescriptions are covered
- Whether therapy has session limits
- Whether referrals or prior authorisation is required
5) Repatriation and assistance is not optional
Student guidance for Liechtenstein highlights that EHIC and basic local health cover often won’t include repatriation and travel-assistance style benefits. studentinsuranceportal.com
If you have children, assistance matters more.
A 2 a.m. phone line that arranges care can be the difference between a manageable problem and chaos.
A practical step-by-step plan to choose the right policy
Step 1: Confirm your stay type (the “three-month” line matters)
Ask your university:
- Is your study period considered a stay longer than three months in Liechtenstein?
- Are you expected to enrol in local compulsory-style insurance, or is private insurance accepted for students?
The “more than three months” point appears in Liechtenstein student insurance guidance. studentinsuranceportal.com
So treat it as a decision gate.
Step 2: Decide your base layer
- EU/EEA/Swiss: bring EHIC, then plan a top-up private policy. Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion+1
- Non-EU/EEA: plan on private cover for the full stay with a clear certificate. studentinsuranceportal.com
Step 3: Choose your “policy type” before you compare brands
Pick one of these tracks:
Track A: Student-focused + bundles
Good when budget matters and you want extras (liability, baggage).
Examples: Swisscare Europe, MAWISTA student tariffs, Aon/student broker bundles. Swisscare ® | Official website+2MAWISTA+2
Track B: Full international medical (family-first)
Good when you have dependants, chronic needs, or want predictable access.
Examples: Cigna Global, Allianz Care, Bupa Global, AXA Global Healthcare. AXA – Global Healthcare+3Cigna Global+3allianzcare.com+3
Step 4: Compare using a simple checklist (copy/paste this)
For each shortlisted plan, confirm:
- Liechtenstein is inside the area of cover
- Start date matches your entry date
- Certificate names every dependant
- Emergency + inpatient limits are clear
- Outpatient cover is clear (or clearly excluded)
- Pre-existing condition rules are clearly stated imglobal.com
- Repatriation/evacuation is included (and not “optional add-on” you forgot)
Step 5: Keep your documentation ready for visa/residence processes
If you need a Schengen visa first, remember the €30,000 travel medical insurance rule for that phase. European External Action Service+1
Make sure your certificate states:
- Coverage amount
- Validity dates
- Geographic area (all Schengen)
Practical tips specifically for Liechtenstein-bound students
Clarify your exact status with your institution early.
Even the University of Liechtenstein’s publicly indexed FAQ indicates students with a residence permit for study are required to have health insurance. uni.li
If you’re EU/EEA/Swiss, EHIC is valuable.
But the student guidance still recommends additional private cover for risks EHIC does not address, like repatriation and liability. studentinsuranceportal.com+1
If you’re non-EU, treat the certificate as a core deliverable.
You typically need proof of private insurance for the entire planned stay. studentinsuranceportal.com
And if you’re coming with family, compare one student-focused plan and one expat family plan side by side.
It forces a clean decision between price and breadth.
References:
- Allianz Care. (n.d.). International student health insurance. https://www.allianzcare.com/en/personal-international-health-insurance/who-we-help/students.html
- APRIL International. (n.d.). Student international health insurance plan. https://www.april-international.com/en/international-student-insurance/international-student-health-insurance-plan
- AXA. (n.d.). AXA Liechtenstein. https://www.axa.ch/content/axa-li/en/axa-liechtenstein.html
- AXA Global Healthcare. (n.d.). International health insurance plans. https://www.axaglobalhealthcare.com/en/international-health-insurance/
- Bupa Global. (n.d.). Private health insurance in Liechtenstein. https://www.bupaglobal.com/en/private-health-insurance/li
- Cigna Global. (n.d.). International health plans. https://www.cignaglobal.com/international-health-plans
- European Commission. (n.d.). European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). https://employment-social-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies-and-activities/moving-working-europe/eu-social-security-coordination/european-health-insurance-card_en
- European External Action Service. (2024, April). Common information sheet for Schengen visa applicants (PDF). https://www.eeas.europa.eu/sites/default/files/documents/2024/Schengen_Common%20Information%20Sheet%20April%202024_0.pdf
- European Union. (n.d.). Health cover for temporary stays in another EU country. Your Europe. https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/health/unplanned-healthcare/temporary-stays/index_en.htm
- European Union. (2009). Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a Community Code on Visas (Visa Code). EUR-Lex. https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2009/810/oj/eng
- Government of the United Kingdom. (n.d.). Healthcare for UK nationals living in Liechtenstein. GOV.UK. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/healthcare-in-liechtenstein
- International Medical Group. (n.d.). Student Health Advantage travel medical insurance. https://www.imglobal.com/travel-medical-insurance/student-health-advantage
- Liechtenstein National Administration (LLV). (n.d.). Mandatory health insurance. https://www.llv.li/en/individuals/health-care-and-care/insurance/health-insurance/mandatory-health-insurance
- MAWISTA. (n.d.). Health insurance for international students abroad (MAWISTA Student). https://www.mawista.com/en/tariffs/health-insurance-student/
- Student Insurance Portal. (n.d.). Insurance for students studying in Liechtenstein. https://studentinsuranceportal.com/to/liechtenstein
- Swisscare. (n.d.). International student health insurance Europe. https://swisscare.com/en/product/international-student-health-insurance-europe
- University of Liechtenstein. (n.d.). Questions and answers (FAQ). https://www.uni.li/en/studies/questions-and-answers
- Aon. (n.d.). Aon and Studyportals to provide insurance for international students (PDF). https://www.aon.com/getmedia/4f
