International students in Moldova must have valid health insurance. It’s not just wise; it’s required. Understanding Moldova’s healthcare system and choosing the right insurance can be challenging. This guide breaks down essential health insurance requirements for international students in Moldova and reviews top insurance providers, both local and international, offering plans suited to your needs. Expect straightforward, reliable advice without unnecessary complexity.
Why Health Insurance Is Mandatory in Moldova
If you’re studying in Moldova, health insurance is legally required. This requirement applies to students from all countries, including those coming from the EU or EEA.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Initial Short-Term Policy: Upon arrival, students usually buy a short-term private policy (valid for the first 3 months). This is essential for visa approval and temporary residence.
- Annual State Insurance: After the first year of residence or registration at a Moldovan university, you’re typically required to switch to the state-run annual health insurance plan.
- Coverage Minimum: Most institutions and the government require coverage of at least €30,000. It must include hospitalization, infectious disease treatment, and repatriation.
Top 10 Health Insurance Providers for International Students in Moldova
Let’s look closely at the top insurers serving students in Moldova—both international brands with a strong global reputation and local companies familiar with national regulations.
1. Aon Student Insurance
Why It Stands Out: Aon specializes in providing health insurance for international students, with flexible, visa-compliant plans.
Key Features:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Hospitalization and repatriation
- Theft and baggage protection
- 24/7 multilingual support
Best For: Students seeking a globally recognized insurer that’s already integrated with university processes. Aon’s policies are accepted by many European institutions, including Moldovan universities.
Notable: Fast application process and clear documentation for visa offices.
2. International Student Insurance (ISI)
Why It Stands Out: ISI focuses exclusively on student insurance and is widely accepted across Moldova.
Key Features:
- Customizable student plans
- Coverage for hospitalization, evacuation, and mental health
- 24/7 global helpline
- Multilingual support
Best For: Students who need flexibility and tailored coverage, including short- or long-term policies.
Notable: Easy to apply online before arrival in Moldova, with policies often issued within minutes.
3. IMG (International Medical Group)
Why It Stands Out: IMG is known for affordable, flexible plans that cater to the needs of students, expats, and travelers.
Key Features:
- Coverage for medical emergencies, hospitalizations, and COVID-19
- Repatriation and evacuation
- Optional add-ons like dental and mental health
- Digital claims system
Best For: Budget-conscious students looking for solid global protection.
Notable: IMG’s Student Health Advantage plan is popular among students worldwide and complies with Moldovan visa requirements.
4. MSH International
Why It Stands Out: MSH provides high-end customizable insurance solutions, perfect for students planning extended stays.
Key Features:
- Extensive inpatient and outpatient care
- Dental and maternity coverage options
- Mental health services
- Global hospital network
Best For: Students who want more than just basic coverage and plan to use private healthcare facilities.
Notable: MSH plans are ideal for students who want access to top-tier care and English-speaking providers.
5. April International
Why It Stands Out: April offers practical and flexible international insurance policies designed with students in mind.
Key Features:
- Full coverage for hospital stays, surgeries, and outpatient visits
- Evacuation and repatriation
- Telemedicine access
- 24/7 assistance services
Best For: Students who want user-friendly policies with reliable customer service.
Notable: April’s mobile app makes it easy to manage your insurance on the go, from anywhere in Moldova.
6. AXA Global Healthcare
Why It Stands Out: AXA is a household name with a robust reputation for international expat and student insurance.
Key Features:
- Access to private and public healthcare facilities
- Mental health and maternity benefits
- Emergency evacuation and repatriation
- Digital claim submissions
Best For: Students who want trusted international coverage and peace of mind.
Notable: AXA’s global reach means students can be covered in Moldova and other Schengen or EU countries during travel.
7. Allianz Care
Why It Stands Out: One of the most comprehensive and reputable international health insurance providers.
Key Features:
- Full-spectrum coverage (including maternity, chronic illness, mental health)
- Preventive and wellness benefits
- Customizable policies for every budget
- 24/7 multilingual assistance
Best For: Students who need a high-end, all-inclusive health insurance plan.
Notable: Allianz is often recommended by embassies and universities for its policy reliability and visa compliance.
8. VUMI (VIP Universal Medical Insurance Group)
Why It Stands Out: VUMI focuses on premium, customizable health plans designed for long-term international stays.
Key Features:
- Preventive care, diagnostics, and hospital coverage
- Optional maternity and dental add-ons
- Second medical opinion services
- Direct billing with hospitals
Best For: Students who want personalized coverage and don’t mind paying a bit more for comfort and flexibility.
Notable: Ideal for students studying medicine or healthcare who require robust coverage.
9. Indigo Expat/Moncey Assurances
Why It Stands Out: Tailored to expats aged 18–30, this plan offers efficient, reliable coverage at a competitive price.
Key Features:
- Emergency medical care
- Repatriation and evacuation
- Optional extras like sports injuries and travel disruptions
- Designed for study abroad stays of under 12 months
Best For: Short-term exchange students and semester-abroad participants.
Notable: Fully compliant with Moldovan visa and residence regulations.
10. Local Moldovan Insurers
Examples: Auras, Grawe Carat, Moldasig
Why They Stand Out: These companies offer locally licensed insurance tailored for visa and residence permit needs.
Key Features:
- Emergency and inpatient medical care
- Infectious disease treatment
- Repatriation (included in premium plans)
- Coverage in line with Moldovan law
Best For: Students who want to purchase insurance upon arrival with help from their university.
Notable: Many universities work directly with these providers to help students secure coverage as soon as they arrive.
Common Coverage Elements in Moldovan Student Health Policies
Whether you’re choosing a global provider or a local insurer, most student policies include the following:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Hospitalization and surgery
- Coverage for infectious diseases (mandatory for visa)
- Repatriation and medical evacuation
- Outpatient consultations
- Prescribed medication
- Accident and liability insurance (especially in international plans)
Tips to Choose the Right Insurance Plan
Choosing the right plan isn’t just about ticking a box. It’s about making sure you’re truly covered while living and studying abroad.
Here’s what to consider:
- Duration: Make sure your policy matches the length of your visa or study program.
- Repatriation: This is non-negotiable. Moldova requires it for all student visas.
- University assistance: Many Moldovan institutions help students arrange health insurance with local providers.
- 24/7 support: Prefer insurers with multilingual hotlines and direct billing options.
- Flexibility: If you plan to travel across Europe during your studies, consider an international insurer that covers multiple countries.
Final Thoughts
In Moldova, health insurance is essential for students. It covers everything from application to emergencies and routine checkups. Choose global providers like ISI, Aon, IMG, Allianz, AXA, or April for extensive coverage. Alternatively, local insurers such as Grawe Carat and Moldasig offer affordable plans in collaboration with universities.
Whatever you choose, don’t delay. Start your search now. Your health deserves that kind of priority.
✅ List of Insurance Companies (for International Students in Moldova)
- Aon Student Insurance
- International Student Insurance (ISI)
- IMG (International Medical Group)
- MSH International
- April International
- AXA Global Healthcare
- Allianz Care
- VUMI (VIP Universal Medical Insurance Group)
- Indigo Expat / Moncey Assurances
- Local Moldovan Insurers:
- Auras
- Grawe Carat
- Moldasig
📚 References :
- Government of Moldova. (n.d.). Health insurance – Study in Moldova. Retrieved from https://studyin.md/health-insurance/
- University of the State of Moldova. (n.d.). Health insurance for international students. Retrieved from https://admitere.usm.md/?page_id=1392&lang=en
- Technical University of Moldova. (n.d.). Visa and medical insurance requirements. Retrieved from https://international.utm.md/visa-medical-insurance/
- Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy. (n.d.). Health insurance information for foreign students. Retrieved from https://admission.usmf.md/en/admission/studenti-internationali/studii-superioare-integrate-ciclul-i-si-ciclul-ii/asigurarea-medicala-0
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- Parliament of the Republic of Moldova. (1998). Law on the compulsory health insurance No. 1585-XIII. Retrieved from https://p4h.world/en/documents/law-of-moldova-about-the-compulsory-health-insurance-nr-1585-1998/
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