If you’re studying in Belarus as an international student, health insurance is essential. It’s not mere bureaucracy; it’s crucial for accessing healthcare, obtaining a student visa, and securing student housing. Understand its importance and know what you need.
Health Insurance Requirements for International Students in Belarus
Belarus requires international students to maintain valid health insurance for their entire stay. This is non-negotiable. Without it, you risk visa denial, university enrollment issues, and dormitory rejection. Coverage must start upon arrival and continue throughout your studies, whether for a semester or several years.
What Must the Insurance Cover?
Belarusian regulations are quite specific about what your health insurance policy should include:
- Emergency medical care
- Hospital treatment (inpatient and outpatient)
- Emergency surgery
- Ambulance transport
- Acute illness diagnostics
- Accident-related treatments
The minimum coverage amount is €10,000, though many students opt for higher limits to ensure peace of mind. The coverage must also clearly state:
- Your full legal name
- The geographic scope (at least Belarus, ideally worldwide)
- A validity period that matches or exceeds your stay
- The amount covered
Importantly, routine or elective services like dental cleanings, chronic illness management, cosmetic treatments, or mental health care are generally not covered under the mandatory schemes.
How and When to Buy Insurance
Students often buy insurance before arriving, particularly from international providers, to handle visa paperwork, translations, and policy details. Others opt to purchase insurance upon arrival, using local providers or services at Minsk airport, like MyUniver Insurance Service, for quick enrollment.
A few key points to remember:
- If you’re arranging insurance in Belarus, ensure it’s from an approved provider.
- Some foreign policies are accepted—but they must meet Belarusian criteria and clearly list coverage terms in a Belarusian or Russian translation, if required by immigration.
- Make sure to keep your insurance certificate accessible. You may need to show it multiple times—for visa renewal, dormitory access, or even class registration.
Leading Insurance Providers for Students in Belarus
Let’s now look at your best options. These providers either operate within Belarus or are globally recognized and often accepted by Belarusian authorities and institutions.
1. Belgosstrakh
The largest state-owned insurer in Belarus. It’s the go-to for most international students who want local, compliant, and affordable coverage.
- Offers student health policies aligned with national law.
- Offices throughout Belarus for easy assistance.
- Around $180–$200/year.
- Only covers emergency and inpatient care.
✅ Ideal for students wanting a reliable, basic plan accepted by all institutions.
2. Beleximgarant
Another trusted local insurer, also government-affiliated.
- Covers emergency medical and hospital services.
- Allows online contracts, which is convenient for early purchase.
- Widely recognized among educational institutions.
✅ Suitable for those needing simple logistics and assured compliance.
3. Ingosstrakh
Operates locally and provides policies tailored for non-residents.
- Offers flexible policy terms (from 3 months to multiple years).
- Covers emergency hospitalization and diagnostics.
- Competitive rates.
✅ Great for flexible durations and students wanting a customizable Belarus-based option.
4. Kupala Insurance
Specialized in health insurance for foreigners staying in Belarus long-term.
- Full compliance with Belarusian visa and residence rules.
- Student packages include emergency transport and inpatient care.
- Local claims support.
✅ A lesser-known but capable option for full local support.
5. MyUniver Insurance Service
This is not a provider per se but a service partner that helps international students purchase insurance at Minsk airport or online.
- Collaborates with local insurance companies like Belgosstrakh.
- Quick airport activation.
- Multilingual support.
✅ Excellent for students arriving without prior arrangements.
6. International Student Insurance (ISI)
A U.S.-based provider specializing in student policies worldwide.
- Plans include coverage for hospitalization, medical evacuation, and emergency care.
- 24/7 multilingual support.
- Most plans meet Belarusian visa requirements.
✅ Ideal for students wanting global support, especially for travel beyond Belarus.
7. IMG (International Medical Group)
Known for affordable yet comprehensive international student health insurance.
- Plans like Student Health Advantage cover emergency care, hospital visits, and mental health (optional).
- Accepted by many European and Eastern European universities.
✅ A strong all-around option for long-stay students who want flexibility and global access.
8. April International
French-based provider offering flexible global student insurance.
- Includes telemedicine, mental health support, and emergency evacuation.
- Multilingual app and digital claim filing.
✅ Perfect for tech-savvy students who want everything digital and easily accessible.
9. AXA Global Healthcare
Offers expansive coverage, especially suited for long-term students and expats.
- Includes emergency and specialist care, repatriation, and worldwide hospitalization.
- Known for its vast network and reputation.
✅ Premium option if you’re looking for top-tier support during your studies.
10. Allianz Care
One of the most widely accepted international insurers.
- Covers maternity, mental health, and emergency services.
- Customizable plans for specific study needs.
✅ Excellent choice for students staying longer or planning to travel across Europe.
What’s Typically Covered?
Let’s quickly summarize the most common benefits included in student insurance policies for Belarus:
- ✔ Emergency doctor visits and hospitalization
- ✔ Ambulance services and transportation
- ✔ Diagnostic tests (e.g., bloodwork, scans)
- ✔ Medical evacuation (in international plans)
- ✔ Repatriation in severe cases
- ✔ 24/7 assistance helplines
- ✔ COVID-19 coverage (depending on provider)
Remember, planned or cosmetic treatments are not covered unless your policy specifically includes them.
Things to Watch Out For
- Don’t rely solely on EHIC cards or insurance from your home country—they often aren’t accepted unless they explicitly mention coverage for Belarus and meet visa terms.
- Check language requirements—some local immigration offices require insurance documents in Russian or Belarusian.
- Be cautious about policy validity. Make sure your coverage start date matches your entry visa date.
- Know the exclusions: alcohol-related injuries, elective dental care, and psychiatric services are often not included.
What About Students from Other CIS Countries?
Citizens from CIS countries like Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, or Armenia might benefit from bilateral healthcare agreements. These agreements can lessen the insurance load but do not eliminate the need for insurance.
Many students from CIS countries still choose private or international plans for:
- Faster access to care
- Multilingual service
- Broader medical network
How Much Does It Cost?
- Local Belarusian plans: Around $150–$200/year
- International plans: $30–$60/month, depending on coverage and duration
Many universities offer student assistance desks or staff who can help you compare plans, register your policy, or direct you to nearby providers.
Final Takeaways for Students in Belarus
Let’s wrap it up with a quick summary of what you need to remember:
- ✅ Health insurance is legally required for all foreign students.
- ✅ Choose a plan that covers emergency care, hospital treatment, and repatriation.
- ✅ Get coverage before arriving or immediately upon landing.
- ✅ Use trusted local providers (like Belgosstrakh or Kupala) or recognized international insurers (like IMG, ISI, Allianz).
- ✅ Ensure your policy clearly shows coverage limits, dates, and your full name.
Wherever you’re from, ensure you’re insured in Belarus. The system demands readiness, and securing health insurance is both a legal necessity and a wise, responsible choice that protects your health in this vibrant country.
✅ List of Insurance Companies
- Belgosstrakh
- Beleximgarant
- Ingosstrakh
- Kupala Insurance
- MyUniver Insurance Service
- International Student Insurance (ISI)
- IMG (International Medical Group)
- April International
- AXA Global Healthcare
- Allianz Care
📚 References:
- Study in Belarus. (n.d.). Health Insurance for International Students. https://studyinby.com/en/health-insurance
- Belarus State Medical University. (n.d.). Health Insurance Requirements. https://eng.bsmu.by/page/7/106/
- International Student Insurance. (n.d.). Student Health Insurance Plans. https://www.internationalstudentinsurance.com/
- IMG Global. (n.d.). International Student Insurance Plans. https://www.imglobal.com/international-student-health-insurance
- April International. (n.d.). International Student Health Insurance Plans. https://www.april-international.com/en
- Allianz Care. (n.d.). Student International Health Plans. https://www.allianzcare.com/en/personal-international-health-insurance.html
- AXA Global Healthcare. (n.d.). Healthcare for International Students. https://www.axaglobalhealthcare.com
- MyUniver Insurance. (n.d.). Health Insurance Services for International Students in Belarus. https://myuniver.org/
- Beleximgarant Insurance Company. (n.d.). Medical Insurance Products for Foreigners. http://www.beleximgarant.by/en
- Kupala Insurance. (n.d.). Health Insurance for Foreign Citizens in Belarus. [Local provider site, typically in Russian]
