Studying in Sweden offers a unique blend of top-notch education and a lifestyle focused on sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity. However, before embarking on this journey, securing health insurance is essential.
Why Health Insurance Matters in Sweden
In Sweden, health insurance is mandatory for international students. Your required coverage varies based on your stay duration and origin.
Let’s break that down.
- Staying for more than one year? Once you have a Swedish personal identity number, you gain access to the same healthcare benefits as Swedish citizens, including subsidized care.
- Staying less than a year? Buy private health insurance to stay legal and access healthcare.
- From the EU/EEA?Your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) provides access to public healthcare while you’re abroad, but it has limitations. For comprehensive coverage, including repatriation, dental emergencies, and liability, private insurance is strongly advised.
Swedish universities often offer insurance for exchange or fee-paying students via Kammarkollegiet. However, this isn’t guaranteed for all programs, so verify your program’s details.
What to Look for in a Student Health Insurance Plan
When choosing your plan, make sure it ticks these essential boxes:
- Meets Swedish visa requirements (especially if staying less than a year)
- Provides at least €30,000 in medical coverage
- Includes emergency care, repatriation, and hospitalization
- Offers liability protection and assistance services
- Covers you from your first day in Sweden
Now, let’s explore the best options available.
Top 10 Health Insurance Providers for International Students in Sweden
1. Swisscare
- Coverage: Medical visits, hospital stays, emergencies, assistance, liability, and repatriation.
- Visa Compliant: Yes.
- Emergency/Repatriation: Included.
- Typical Pricing: €20–€30/month.
- Why Choose It?: It’s affordable, simple to purchase online, and instantly provides proof of coverage. Ideal for students staying less than a year.
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2. IMG (International Medical Group)
- Coverage: Emergency care, mental health, maternity, COVID-19, and repatriation.
- Visa Compliant: Yes.
- Emergency/Repatriation: Yes.
- Typical Pricing: Varies by plan and location.
- Why Choose It?: IMG is globally respected, with a large provider network and 24/7 telemedicine support.
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3. Cigna Global
- Coverage: Inpatient/outpatient care, mental health, chronic conditions, optional maternity and dental.
- Visa Compliant: Yes.
- Emergency/Repatriation: Yes.
- Typical Pricing: Varies based on customizable options.
- Why Choose It?: Cigna offers full flexibility—you tailor the policy based on your actual needs.
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4. Allianz Care
- Coverage: General medical, hospitalization, emergency transport, dental, and maternity.
- Visa Compliant: Yes.
- Emergency/Repatriation: Yes.
- Typical Pricing: Based on selected plan tier.
- Why Choose It?: Allianz is a big name in global insurance. Their student plans are well-rounded and reliable.
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5. Bupa Global
- Coverage: Extensive specialist access, inpatient/outpatient, mental health, dental, vision.
- Visa Compliant: Yes.
- Emergency/Repatriation: Yes.
- Typical Pricing: Premium (higher-end pricing).
- Why Choose It?: Bupa Global is for those who want top-tier, no-compromise healthcare. If you can afford it, it’s one of the best.
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6. AXA Global Healthcare
- Coverage: Tiered plans, from basic hospitalization to extensive health services including maternity.
- Visa Compliant: Yes.
- Emergency/Repatriation: Yes.
- Typical Pricing: Varies by tier.
- Why Choose It?: AXA offers flexible packages, with add-ons like dental and virtual GP appointments.
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7. Now Health International
- Coverage: Emergency care, outpatient, maternity (after waiting period), 24/7 support.
- Visa Compliant: Yes.
- Emergency/Repatriation: Yes.
- Typical Pricing: Varies.
- Why Choose It?: Known for tech-savvy service, Now Health is ideal for digital-first students.
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8. DavidShield
- Coverage: PassportCard access, hospital care, outpatient, maternity.
- Visa Compliant: Yes.
- Emergency/Repatriation: Yes.
- Typical Pricing: Varies based on selected plan.
- Why Choose It?: Offers a modern twist on traditional insurance with instant payments via PassportCard.
9. WorldTrips (StudentSecure Plans)
- Coverage: Medical, evacuation, sports injury, accidental death, liability.
- Visa Compliant: Yes.
- Emergency/Repatriation: Yes.
- Typical Pricing: Tiered, from budget to elite.
- Why Choose It?: StudentSecure offers 4 levels of coverage, making it easy to find the right fit for your budget.
10. William Russell
- Coverage: Personal medical, outpatient, inpatient, global care.
- Visa Compliant: Yes.
- Emergency/Repatriation: Yes.
- Typical Pricing: Personalized quotes.
- Why Choose It?: Great for families or older students who want something beyond cookie-cutter plans.
Practical Tips for International Students
- Register Early: If you plan to stay longer than a year, apply for your Swedish personal number as soon as you arrive. This opens the door to subsidized healthcare.
- Have Proof Ready: For shorter stays, visa applications require proof of compliant insurance. Keep a copy of your policy and confirmation letter handy at all times.
- Check With Your University: Many universities automatically provide coverage for exchange or fee-paying students. Don’t double-pay if you’re already covered.
- Know What You’re Buying: Don’t just go for the cheapest policy. Ensure it includes what you actually need: outpatient, emergency care, repatriation, and more.
- Update if You Extend: If you decide to stay longer, make sure your policy is extended or replaced. You must always be covered while in Sweden.
Final Thoughts
In Sweden, health insurance is crucial, not just a visa formality. It protects you from navigating an unfamiliar healthcare system or facing hefty bills alone. Regardless of your origin—EU, Asia, Africa, or the Americas—having the right insurance offers peace of mind. Select a plan that aligns with your budget, lifestyle, and academic journey.
Choose any of the top 10 providers and you’re not just meeting requirements; you’re investing in your well-being while studying in one of Europe’s most progressive nations.
✅ Top 10 Health Insurance Providers for Overseas International Students in Sweden
- Swisscare
- IMG (International Medical Group)
- Cigna Global
- Allianz Care
- Bupa Global
- AXA Global
- Now Health International
- DavidShield
- WorldTrips (StudentSecure)
- William Russell
📚 References:
- Allianz Care. (n.d.). Student health insurance. Retrieved July 28, 2025, from https://www.allianzcare.com
- AXA Global Healthcare. (n.d.). International student health cover. Retrieved July 28, 2025, from https://www.axaglobalhealthcare.com
- Bupa Global. (n.d.). International health insurance for students. Retrieved July 28, 2025, from https://www.bupaglobal.com
- Cigna Global. (n.d.). Global student insurance plans. Retrieved July 28, 2025, from https://www.cignaglobal.com
- DavidShield. (n.d.). PassportCard student insurance. Retrieved July 28, 2025, from https://www.davidshield.com
- IMG Global. (n.d.). International student insurance plans. Retrieved July 28, 2025, from https://www.imglobal.com
- Now Health International. (n.d.). Student medical insurance plans. Retrieved July 28, 2025, from https://www.now-health.com
- Swisscare. (n.d.). Health insurance for students in Sweden. Retrieved July 28, 2025, from https://www.swisscare.com
- William Russell. (n.d.). International health insurance for students and expats. Retrieved July 28, 2025, from https://www.william-russell.com
- WorldTrips. (n.d.). StudentSecure health insurance plans. Retrieved July 28, 2025, from https://www.worldtrips.com
