Studying in Liechtenstein is a unique international education experience. Nestled between Switzerland and Austria, it’s one of Europe’s smallest and wealthiest nations. Liechtenstein is clean, safe, and hosts a top-tier university, providing a serene academic setting with strong connections to European economic and research centers. However, before enjoying the Alpine scenery and business seminars, securing health insurance is crucial.
This guide details health insurance requirements for international students in Liechtenstein, whether from the EU/EEA or elsewhere. It outlines top insurance providers for students, enabling informed, confident decisions about health and legal compliance during studies.
Why Health Insurance Is Non-Negotiable in Liechtenstein
In Liechtenstein, health insurance is compulsory for anyone living there over three months, including international students. This requirement is not just a suggestion or school rule; it’s a legal mandate. You cannot legally live, work, or study in Liechtenstein without valid health insurance. Proof of insurance is often needed when applying for a residence permit, particularly for non-EU/EEA students. These regulations might seem stringent, but they support a top-notch healthcare system focused on universal access and high-quality care.
EU/EEA Students: EHIC Is a Good Start — But Not Enough
EU or EEA citizens can use the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) when studying in Liechtenstein. This card allows access to public healthcare under the same terms as Liechtenstein residents. If you fall ill or are injured, you will receive treatment at public facilities without being denied. This is a significant benefit. However, ensure you have additional coverage for any services not covered by the EHIC.
Here’s what EHIC doesn’t cover:
- Emergency dental care
- Repatriation to your home country if needed
- Private clinics or doctors not contracted by the state
- Extended mental health services or rehabilitation
- Non-emergency outpatient procedures
So while the EHIC is useful, it doesn’t provide comprehensive protection. Most universities and embassies recommend supplementary private health insurance, even if you’re an EU/EEA national.
Non-EU Students: Private Health Insurance Is a Must
If you’re a student coming from outside the EU or EEA, things are a bit stricter. You must have valid private health insurance in place either:
- Through a recognized international provider, or
- Purchased from an approved Swiss or Liechtenstein-based insurer
One provider that stands out is Swisscare. In fact, the University of Liechtenstein specifically recommends Swisscare to non-EU students, thanks to its affordability, compliance with visa requirements, and tailored student coverage.
How Health Insurance Works in Liechtenstein
Let’s break down the structure of Liechtenstein’s healthcare system as it applies to students:
1. Mandatory Registration
Students who are legally residing must sign up with a health insurance provider, either local or international. After registration, they will receive an insurance card, known as a Versicherungskarte, for use during medical visits.
2. Public and Private Coverage
Liechtenstein offers both public and private health insurance options. Regardless of the type, your plan must include:
- In-kind benefits: Direct healthcare services like doctor visits, hospitalizations, prescriptions.
- Cash benefits: Such as maternity pay or compensation for sick leave.
Public healthcare is generally delivered through one national hospital in Vaduz, with additional treatment available through partnerships with hospitals in Switzerland and Austria for specialized care.
3. Cost Sharing and Exemptions
Here’s how costs typically work:
- For employed persons, premiums are usually shared between employer and employee.
- Students generally pay their own premiums unless sponsored.
- Individuals under 16 are exempt from premiums.
- Those under 20 usually receive free or heavily subsidized treatment.
What Should Your Insurance Cover?
Whether you choose a public or private plan, make sure your policy includes the following:
- ✅ Emergency and hospital care
- ✅ Doctor and specialist consultations
- ✅ Diagnostic tests (e.g., bloodwork, X-rays)
- ✅ Emergency dental treatment
- ✅ Repatriation to your home country
- ✅ Medical evacuation
- ✅ Maternity (if relevant)
- ✅ Mental health services
Optional extras like private room upgrades, dental, or vision may not be included in basic plans, so check carefully.
Top 10 Insurance Providers for International Students in Liechtenstein
Here’s a curated list of top insurance options available to international students in Liechtenstein. These plans are selected based on reliability, compliance, cost-effectiveness, and international support.
1. Swisscare – Student Health Insurance
- Type: Private international student insurance
- Coverage: Emergency care, hospitalization, repatriation, outpatient services
- Highlights:
- Recommended by the University of Liechtenstein
- Visa-compliant
- Immediate online policy issuance
- Recommended by the University of Liechtenstein
- Cost: Varies by duration and nationality, typically €30–€50/month
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Great choice for non-EU students needing a compliant and affordable option.
2. EHIC (European Health Insurance Card)
- Type: Public/reciprocal healthcare
- Coverage: Medically necessary state services only
- Highlights:
- Valid in Liechtenstein for EU/EEA students
- Free or low-cost
- Does not cover repatriation or dental
- Valid in Liechtenstein for EU/EEA students
- Cost: Free for eligible citizens
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Best used with a private insurance supplement.
3. Swiss Health Insurance Providers (Various)
- Type: Swiss public and private health insurance
- Coverage: Comprehensive — outpatient, inpatient, dental (optional)
- Highlights:
- Some plans are valid in Liechtenstein due to bilateral agreements
- Meets local legal requirements
- Some plans are valid in Liechtenstein due to bilateral agreements
- Cost: CHF 150–CHF 400/month depending on provider
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Common options include Helsana, CSS, Sanitas, and Concordia.
4. AXA Global Healthcare
- Type: International expat and student insurance
- Coverage: Global health care, elective surgery, evacuation
- Highlights:
- Reputable international provider
- Online support and claim handling
- Reputable international provider
- Cost: Custom quotes based on age and location
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Ideal for students with frequent travel or dual academic locations.
5. Allianz Care – International Student Plans
- Type: Global expat and student health insurance
- Coverage: Medical, repatriation, emergency transport
- Highlights:
- 24/7 multilingual support
- Global network of direct billing providers
- 24/7 multilingual support
- Cost: Custom quotes
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Known for premium service and strong international reach.
6. Cigna Global – Student Health Plans
- Type: International private health insurance
- Coverage: Medical care, mental health, telemedicine
- Highlights:
- Fully customizable packages
- Digital health management tools
- Fully customizable packages
- Cost: Custom quotes (typically mid-to-high tier)
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Best for students wanting to tailor benefits to their exact needs.
7. IMG Global – Student Health Advantage
- Type: International student insurance
- Coverage: Medical, evacuation, mental health, optional dental
- Highlights:
- Specifically for students studying abroad
- Meets most visa requirements
- Specifically for students studying abroad
- Cost: $30–$50/month
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A solid, low-cost option with excellent student support.
8. April International – MyHealth Student Plan
- Type: Expat and international student insurance
- Coverage: Medical, repatriation, 24/7 emergency support
- Highlights:
- Designed for students in Europe
- Multi-language support
- Designed for students in Europe
- Cost: Custom quotes based on duration and age
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Well-suited for students looking for modern claim handling and a European base.
9. VZ Insurance (Liechtenstein-based)
- Type: Local private health insurance
- Coverage: Basic and extended healthcare
- Highlights:
- Based in Liechtenstein
- Strong network with local providers
- Based in Liechtenstein
- Cost: Based on national healthcare pricing
Ideal for long-term students or those planning to settle locally post-study.
10. Local Health Insurance Funds
- Type: Mandatory national coverage
- Coverage: In accordance with Liechtenstein’s Health Insurance Act
- Highlights:
- Required once you become a long-term resident
- Offers access to the national health system
- Required once you become a long-term resident
- Cost: Typically CHF 200–CHF 300/month
You may be required to enroll after your first year, depending on your status.
Final Takeaway: Don’t Delay Your Insurance Planning
Health insurance might not be the most exciting part of your study abroad journey, but it is among the most important. Not only is it legally required, but it’s also your financial safety net in case the unexpected happens.
Here’s what you should do:
- ✅ If you’re from the EU/EEA: Use your EHIC, but add private insurance for complete coverage.
- ✅ If you’re a non-EU student: Get a visa-compliant international plan before applying for residence.
- ✅ Plan to register immediately upon arrival if staying more than 3 months.
- ✅ Consider upgrading to local or national insurance for long-term stays.
Select the right plan to focus on studies, not medical bills. Need assistance comparing quotes or choosing based on your country? Contact your university’s international office. They guide you in making informed decisions for both academics and health.
Top 10 health insurance for overseas international students in The Liechtenstein
- Swisscare
- EHIC (European Health Insurance Card)
- Swiss Health Insurance Providers (e.g., Helsana, CSS, Sanitas, Concordia)
- AXA Global Healthcare
- Allianz Care
- Cigna Global
- IMG Global
- April International
- VZ Insurance
- Local Health Insurance Funds (Liechtenstein national providers)
References:
- Government of Liechtenstein. (n.d.). Health insurance. Amt für Gesundheit. Retrieved July 30, 2025, from https://www.llv.li
- University of Liechtenstein. (n.d.). Health and insurance. Retrieved July 30, 2025, from https://www.uni.li/en/university/international/arrival-and-living/health-insurance
- Swisscare. (n.d.). Health insurance for international students. Retrieved July 30, 2025, from https://www.swisscare.com
- European Commission. (n.d.). European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Retrieved July 30, 2025, from https://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId=559
- Helsana. (n.d.). Health insurance in Switzerland. Retrieved July 30, 2025, from https://www.helsana.ch
- CSS Insurance. (n.d.). Swiss health insurance plans. Retrieved July 30, 2025, from https://www.css.ch
- AXA Global Healthcare. (n.d.). International health insurance plans. Retrieved July 30, 2025, from https://www.axaglobalhealthcare.com
- Allianz Care. (n.d.). Health insurance for students abroad. Retrieved July 30, 2025, from https://www.allianzcare.com
- Cigna Global. (n.d.). International student health insurance. Retrieved July 30, 2025, from https://www.cignaglobal.com
- IMG Global. (n.d.). Student Health Advantage Plan. Retrieved July 30, 2025, from https://www.imglobal.com
- April International. (n.d.). Student and expat health coverage. Retrieved July 30, 2025, from https://www.april-international.com
- VZ VermögensZentrum. (n.d.). Health insurance services in Liechtenstein. Retrieved July 30, 2025, from https://www.vermoegenszentrum.li
