Studying in Slovakia is transformative. Its central European location, safe cities, top universities, and low living costs attract international students. However, before heading to Bratislava or Košice, securing health insurance is essential.
Health insurance is not just bureaucracy; it financially safeguards you, provides peace of mind, and is legally required for temporary residence or a student visa in Slovakia.
Discover all you need about health insurance for students in Slovakia, whether you’re from the EU, EEA, Switzerland, or elsewhere. We’ll cover essential requirements, crucial regulations, and a comprehensive analysis of the best insurance choices.
🚨 Essential Health Insurance Information for International Students
If you’re staying in Slovakia for over 90 days, you need valid health insurance for your entire stay. This is essential for your temporary residence permit, as required by the Slovak Immigration Police.
But not all insurance is created equal, and what you need depends on where you’re from.
✅ EU/EEA and Swiss Students
EU, EEA, or Swiss students in Slovakia can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for emergency and essential medical care. This covers hospital visits, urgent doctor consultations, and prescribed medication.
However, EHIC does not cover:
- Preventive care
- Dental treatment (except for emergencies)
- Repatriation to your home country
- Elective procedures
👉 Actionable tip: To avoid gaps in coverage, consider buying supplementary private insurance. It’s affordable and fills in where EHIC falls short.
❌ Non-EU/EEA Students
If you’re a student from a non-EU country, you must purchase private commercial health insurance before arrival. The policy must:
- Be recognized by Slovak authorities
- Cover emergency treatment, outpatient care, hospitalization, and repatriation
- Usually include coverage of at least €60,000
You’ll need to submit proof of this insurance during your visa or residence permit application process.
👉 Pro tip: The policy must be in Slovak or translated by a certified translator. It must clearly state that it meets the required minimum coverage.
🎓 Scholarship Holders
As a Slovak government scholarship recipient, you may qualify for state-funded public health insurance during your studies. Verify your eligibility and enrollment with your program coordinator or the Ministry of Education.
🏆 Top 10 Health Insurance Providers for Students in Slovakia
Here’s where it gets practical. Below is a breakdown of the top health insurance options for overseas students in Slovakia, including both Slovak public/commercial plans and international providers.
1. Union Health Insurance
- Type: Public and private options available
- Coverage: Up to €60,000 per event
- Why it’s great: Fully compliant with visa/residency requirements. Offers student-specific plans, 24/7 multilingual support, and coverage for emergency + outpatient care.
- Cost: €299–€348 per year (for students)
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👉 Union’s strong digital infrastructure makes it easy to buy online and get visa-ready documentation instantly.
2. Dôvera Health Insurance
- Type: Public and private
- Coverage: Based on selected plan
- Key features: Accepted for Slovak residence permits. Covers emergency and outpatient care. Offers optional add-ons for dental or accident insurance.
- Cost: €299–€583/year depending on plan
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👉 Good for students who want flexibility and value reliable customer service.
3. VšZP (Všeobecná zdravotná poisťovňa)
- Type: Public and commercial
- Coverage: Custom, varies by plan
- Highlights: The largest Slovak health insurance company. Eligible students may be enrolled into state-paid public insurance. Broadest network of healthcare providers.
- Cost: Free if eligible, or commercial rates apply
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👉 If you’re eligible for public coverage, VšZP is your best bet. Even if you’re not, their commercial offerings are still strong.
4. Maxima Insurance
- Type: Commercial (private)
- Coverage: Up to €60,000 per event
- Advantages: Covers emergency medical care and outpatient services. Offers direct billing to doctors and limited dental emergency care.
- Cost: Starts at €35/month
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👉 Ideal for students wanting solid coverage with straightforward monthly pricing.
5. AXA Assistance
- Type: Commercial (private)
- Coverage: Up to €60,000
- Benefits: Student plans designed for visa and residence requirements. Includes repatriation. Online sign-up, English support.
- Cost: Around €300/year for student plan
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👉 AXA is recognized globally and accepted by Slovak authorities—great for peace of mind.
6. Swisscare
- Type: International (EU & Non-EU)
- Coverage: Emergency care in Slovakia and Europe
- Highlights: Digital-first approach, instant PDF policy certificates for visa purposes. Suitable for short-term and long-term students.
- Cost: Varies based on plan, but considered affordable
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👉 Particularly useful for students who plan to travel within Europe during their studies.
7. Allianz
- Type: International (comprehensive global provider)
- Coverage: Customizable, up to €1,000,000+
- Why it’s solid: Global coverage with options for general care, evacuation, maternity, and repatriation. Recognized by Slovak immigration.
- Cost: Contact Allianz for tailored student quotes
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👉 Best for students who travel frequently, have specific health needs, or want robust global coverage.
8. IMG (International Medical Group)
- Type: International (U.S.-based)
- Coverage: Up to $500,000 (Student Journey Platinum Plan)
- Key features: Student-centric coverage. 24/7 telehealth, optional mental health benefits, and multiple deductible options.
- Cost: $29–$50/month
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👉 IMG offers flexibility and customization, ideal for students who want control over costs and benefits.
9. Cigna Global
- Type: International
- Coverage: Fully customizable
- Perks: Accepted globally, options for dental, maternity, evacuation, and wellness. Direct billing and multilingual service.
- Cost: Depends on coverage and age
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👉 A top-tier choice if you’re looking for tailor-made international insurance with premium support.
10. Strahovka.sk (Insurance Comparison Site)
- Type: Broker/Platform
- What it does: Lets you compare plans from Union, AXA, Maxima, and others. Includes pricing, features, and direct links to purchase.
- Cost: Varies by selected plan
👉 Perfect for students who want to compare all visa-approved options in one place with Slovak and English language support.
🔍 What to Look for in a Student Health Insurance Plan
Choosing a plan isn’t just about the lowest price. Here’s a quick checklist to help you evaluate the best policy:
| Feature | Why it Matters |
| Visa Compliance | Must meet Slovak legal requirements (min. €60,000 coverage) |
| Emergency Care | Covers accidents, urgent treatment, and ER visits |
| Outpatient Coverage | Doctor visits, diagnostics, prescriptions |
| Hospitalization | In-patient care, surgeries, recovery |
| Repatriation | Return to your home country if seriously ill or deceased |
| Dental/Eye Care | Optional but nice to have in case of emergencies |
| Mental Health | Becoming increasingly essential for student well-being |
| Language Support | English or your native language for claims and support |
🧾 Bonus Tips for International Students in Slovakia
- Make Sure the Insurance Certificate is in Slovak (or officially translated). Immigration officers will ask for it.
- Ask About Direct Billing. It saves you from having to pay upfront for hospital or doctor visits.
- Understand What’s NOT Covered. Many cheap plans exclude chronic conditions, maternity, or long-term mental health care.
- Renew Early. Visa extensions often require proof of continued health coverage.
- Use Comparison Tools. Platforms like Strahovka.sk save time and let you see side-by-side details.
✍️ Final Thoughts
Studying abroad? Health insurance might not thrill you, but it’s crucial. Whether at Comenius University or Slovak University of Technology, choosing the right insurance is vital. It’s not just a visa requirement; it’s your safety net for accessing care without hassle or financial burden.
Slovakia’s health insurance market features a robust blend of local and international providers, catering to students. Options range from affordable plans such as Maxima and AXA to globally renowned providers like Allianz and Cigna, offering diverse choices.
Start early. Compare smartly. And once you’re covered—relax and enjoy everything Slovakia has to offer
✅Top 10 health insurance for overseas international students in The Slovak Republic
- Union Health Insurance
- Dôvera Health Insurance
- VšZP (Všeobecná zdravotná poisťovňa)
- Maxima Insurance
- AXA Assistance
- Swisscare
- Allianz
- IMG (International Medical Group)
- Cigna Global
- Strahovka.sk (comparison platform featuring Union, Maxima, AXA, etc.)
📚 References:
- Allianz Care. (n.d.). International student health insurance. Retrieved July 30, 2025, from https://www.allianzcare.com
- AXA Assistance. (n.d.). Health insurance for foreigners in Slovakia. Retrieved July 30, 2025, from https://www.axa-assistance.sk
- Cigna Global. (n.d.). International student health insurance plans. Retrieved July 30, 2025, from https://www.cignaglobal.com
- Dôvera zdravotná poisťovňa, a.s. (n.d.). Health insurance for foreigners. Retrieved July 30, 2025, from https://www.dovera.sk
- IMG Global. (n.d.). Student Health Insurance – Student Health Advantage & Student Journey Plans. Retrieved July 30, 2025, from https://www.imglobal.com
- Maxima pojišťovňa, a.s. (n.d.). Komplexné zdravotné poistenie cudzincov. Retrieved July 30, 2025, from https://www.maximapojistovna.cz
- Strahovka.sk. (n.d.). Zdravotné poistenie pre cudzincov na Slovensku – porovnanie. Retrieved July 30, 2025, from https://www.strahovka.sk
- Swisscare. (n.d.). Health insurance for Slovakia. Retrieved July 30, 2025, from https://www.swisscare.com
- Union zdravotná poisťovňa, a.s. (n.d.). Health insurance for foreigners. Retrieved July 30, 2025, from https://www.union.sk
- Všeobecná zdravotná poisťovňa (VšZP). (n.d.). Poistenie cudzincov a študentov na Slovensku. Retrieved July 30, 2025, from https://www.vszp.sk
