If you’re studying in Estonia, don’t ignore health insurance. Estonia’s education is top-notch, but healthcare rules can be tricky for international students. Requirements differ for EU/EEA students and others. Choosing the wrong health coverage might delay your visa or leave you without help in an emergency. This guide explains everything clearly. Whether you’re ready to move or still deciding, here’s what you need to know.
Why Health Insurance Is Mandatory in Estonia
Estonia mandates health insurance for all international students. It’s a legal necessity, not just advice. EU/EEA students can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for essential medical care, but EHIC has limits. It excludes private healthcare, travel medical costs, and repatriation if severely ill. Thus, EU students should consider additional private insurance.
If you’re a non-EU/EEA student, you must secure private health insurance that:
- Covers your entire stay in Estonia
- Provides a minimum of €30,000 in coverage
- Is accepted by Estonian immigration authorities for your temporary residence permit (TRP)
The Top 10 Health Insurance Providers for International Students in Estonia
Here are ten trustworthy providers that consistently meet Estonia’s health insurance requirements for international students. They differ in pricing, services, and flexibility—so pick the one that matches your situation best.
1. Swisscare
- Type: Private
- Minimum Coverage: €30,000
- Why Choose: Instant online policy, designed specifically for non-EU/EEA students, valid for visa and TRP applications
- Where to Get It: https://www.swisscare.com
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Swisscare is a go-to provider for students needing fast, visa-compliant coverage. You can buy your plan entirely online, and your certificate is available immediately for submission. It’s widely accepted by Estonian immigration officials and offers straightforward, no-nonsense plans.
2. ERGO Estonia
- Type: Private
- Minimum Coverage: Variable
- Why Choose: Strong local network, access to digital clinics, specialist and hospital care
- Where to Get It: https://www.ergo.ee
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ERGO is a well-known name in Estonia. If you prefer a provider with strong local infrastructure—physical offices, Estonian-language customer service, and connections to major clinics—ERGO is a solid choice. They also offer English-language support.
3. International Student Insurance (ISI)
- Type: Private/Travel
- Minimum Coverage: Variable (up to $500,000+ USD depending on plan)
- Why Choose: 24/7 multilingual support, emergency medical evacuation, mental health included
- Where to Get It: https://www.internationalstudentinsurance.com
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ISI is a U.S.-based company that tailors plans for students studying abroad. While their plans aren’t Estonia-specific, they offer excellent flexibility and coverage for those who travel often or plan to study in multiple countries.
4. IMG Global
- Type: Private/Travel
- Minimum Coverage: Variable
- Why Choose: Global reach, tailored student options, evacuation and repatriation included
- Where to Get It:https://www.imglobal.com
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IMG’s strength lies in its global service and flexibility. Plans are often customizable and can include emergency dental, maternity, and mental health coverage. A top option for students who want comprehensive care beyond the basics.
5. Salu Health
- Type: Private
- Minimum Coverage: From €19.90/month
- Why Choose: English-speaking doctors, instant telemedicine, simple sign-up, discounted rates at Tallinn University
- Where to Get It: https://www.salu.md
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Salu is making waves with its student-focused, tech-first approach. You can chat with doctors in English, book telemedicine appointments easily, and access care without navigating Estonia’s full public health system. Some Estonian universities even offer discounted access.
6. KindlustusEst Broker
- Type: Broker (multiple private providers)
- Minimum Coverage: Meets TRP requirements
- Why Choose: Brokered access to top insurers like ERGO and AON, no added broker fees, side-by-side price comparisons
- Where to Get It: https://www.kindlustusest.ee
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KindlustusEst isn’t an insurance company but a broker that helps students find the best visa-compliant policy at a good price. A great choice if you want to compare without manually researching every option. Their site includes a policy generator for TRP requirements.
7. AON Student Insurance (via KindlustusEst)
- Type: Private
- Minimum Coverage: Meets TRP rules
- Why Choose: Designed specifically for international students in Estonia, backed by a global insurer
- Where to Get It: https://www.kindlustusest.ee
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AON is a major global player in student insurance. The Estonia-specific plans offered through KindlustusEst are detailed, covering medical emergencies, hospital care, and more. Often preferred by students looking for globally recognized providers with local relevance.
8. MSH International
- Type: Private
- Minimum Coverage: Variable
- Why Choose: Expat-oriented, 24/7 multilingual support, wellness & mental health services included
- Where to Get It: https://www.msh-intl.com
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MSH is a top choice for students who also consider themselves long-term expats. Their plans are flexible and more holistic—covering not just sickness but also preventive care, counseling, and lifestyle health support.
9. Indigo Expat Junior
- Type: Private
- Minimum Coverage: Variable
- Why Choose: Tailored for 18–30-year-olds, includes student and working holiday plans
- Where to Get It: https://www.indigo-expat.com
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This one’s perfect for students who may be working part-time, traveling often, or combining study with internships. It’s designed to adapt to the unpredictable life of a young adult abroad.
10. Estonian Health Insurance Fund (Voluntary Insurance)
- Type: Public/Voluntary
- Minimum Coverage: Based on local standards
- Why Choose: Official public coverage for those who qualify (e.g., employed students)
- Where to Get It:https://www.haigekassa.ee
While most international students don’t qualify automatically, some—especially those working part-time—can voluntarily contribute and gain access to the national health system. This covers most state-provided healthcare but may still lack travel and repatriation coverage.
Application Essentials: What You Need to Know Before Buying
Health insurance isn’t just a bureaucratic hurdle—it’s your lifeline in a new country. So before you click “Buy,” make sure your policy ticks the right boxes:
- For Visa/TRP: It must clearly meet the €30,000+ minimum coverage and be valid for the entire stay.
- Policy Documents: Get them in PDF format, in English or Estonian, and clearly state the coverage period and limits.
- Recognition: Confirm the provider or plan is accepted by the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board for residence permits.
- Extras to Consider: Think beyond the minimum. Does your plan include:
- Repatriation?
- Mental health support?
- Dental emergencies?
- Liability insurance?
- Repatriation?
Some of these aren’t required by law—but could save you thousands and protect your well-being.
Smart Tips for Choosing the Right Plan
- EU/EEA students: Start by applying for an EHIC card in your home country. It’s free. Then add private coverage for gaps (especially travel and mental health).
- Non-EU/EEA students: Choose a provider recognized by Estonian authorities. Don’t assume all global insurers will be accepted.
- Online speed matters: Need your residence permit fast? Swisscare, Salu Health, and KindlustusEst offer instant digital proof.
- Ask your university: Some, like Tallinn University, have partnerships offering discounts or guidance.
- Read the fine print: Know what’s excluded. Many cheap plans won’t cover pre-existing conditions, dental, or long-term psychiatric care.
Final Thoughts: Protect Your Health, Protect Your Future
Health insurance is essential, not just a formality. In Estonia, students enjoy a secure and high-quality environment, but only with adequate coverage. Ensure peace of mind during exams, internships, or late-night bike rides in Tallinn by securing smart insurance.
Choose the right insurance by aligning your needs with what each provider offers, whether it’s a local company like ERGO, a digital platform like Salu, or a global giant like ISI or IMG. Focus on essentials, avoid extra costs, and select the perfect plan for your academic path.
References:
Estonian Health Insurance Fund. (n.d.). Health insurance in Estonia. https://www.haigekassa.ee
Swisscare. (n.d.). Student insurance for Estonia. https://www.swisscare.com
ERGO Insurance SE. (n.d.). ERGO Estonia. https://www.ergo.ee
International Student Insurance. (n.d.). Plans and coverage. https://www.internationalstudentinsurance.com
IMG Global. (n.d.). Student insurance plans. https://www.imglobal.com
Salu Health. (n.d.). Affordable care in Estonia. https://www.salu.md
KindlustusEst. (n.d.). Compare student insurance Estonia. https://www.kindlustusest.ee
AON. (n.d.). Student health insurance for study abroad. Available through KindlustusEst.
MSH International. (n.d.). International student insurance plans. https://www.msh-intl.com
Indigo Expat. (n.d.). Expat Junior insurance. https://www.indigo-expat.com
