International students in Finland must have health insurance to get a residence permit or visa. Insurance requirements vary by nationality and study duration. We’ve listed the top 10 insurance providers with plans that meet visa requirements, detailing coverage, benefits, and compliance.
🎓 Health Insurance Requirements in Finland for International Students
Before diving into the providers, it’s essential to understand the Finnish immigration health insurance requirements:
For Non-EU/EEA Students:
- Studies Less Than 2 Years: Insurance must cover at least €120,000 in medical expenses.
- Studies of 2 Years or More: Insurance must cover at least €40,000, including pharmaceutical costs.
- Deductible Limit: The maximum deductible allowed is €300.
- Validity: The insurance must be valid upon arrival and throughout the entire stay without any lapse.
For EU/EEA/UK Students:
- Use your EHIC or GHIC to access Finnish public health services at the same cost as locals.
- Buy private insurance for services not covered by EHIC/GHIC, like repatriation, dental emergencies, and private hospital treatments.
🏆 Top 10 Health Insurance Providers for International Students in Finland
Provider | Coverage Highlights | Visa Compliant | 24/7 Support | Additional Benefits |
Swisscare | Up to €500,000, 3 plan levels, dental, liability, repatriation | ✅ | ✅ | EU-wide coverage, flexible terms |
Aon Student Insurance | Up to €500,000, includes travel and belongings | ✅ | ✅ | Theft, personal liability, accident insurance |
International Student Insurance | Finland-specific plans with visa letters | ✅ | ✅ | Instant online enrollment |
ACS-AMi | Global coverage; hospitalization and outpatient care | ✅ | ✅ | Excellent international reach |
Cigna Global | Major medical, evacuation, dental, and vision options | ✅ | ✅ | Customizable global coverage |
Atlas Travel Insurance | Emergency medical, AD&D, hospital costs | ✅ | ✅ | Visa certificate included |
Student Secure (WorldTrips) | Standard to premium levels, mental health, maternity | ✅ | ✅ | Value-added health services |
Europe Travel Insurance | Focus on travel and acute needs, includes visa letters | ✅ | ✅ | Designed for EU/Schengen students |
APRIL International | Comprehensive coverage for expats and students | ✅ | ✅ | Multilingual, tailored support |
IMG Global | Travel, medical, repatriation, flexible deductibles | ✅ | ✅ | Versatile and student-friendly |
🌍 In-Depth Provider Overview
1. Swisscare
Website: https://www.swisscare.com
Swisscare provides adaptable student insurance that complies with Finland’s visa needs. Students can choose from three coverage levels, offering protection up to €500,000. This includes dental, personal liability, and emergency repatriation. It’s ideal for short-term and full-degree students throughout the EU.
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2. Aon Student Insurance
Website: https://www.aon.com
Aon offers a robust package that covers medical needs, personal belongings, and travel issues. It includes personal liability and accident protection, making it perfect for students seeking a comprehensive solution.
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3. International Student Insurance (ISI)
Website: https://www.internationalstudentinsurance.com
ISI provides student-focused plans tailored for Finnish student visa requirements. They deliver immediate visa letters after purchase and offer an easy online enrollment process with strong support services.
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4. ACS-AMi
Website: https://www.acs-ami.com
ACS offers dependable global coverage and an extensive hospital network. It’s ideal for students needing comprehensive outpatient, inpatient, and emergency care that meets Finnish immigration requirements.
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5. Cigna Global
Website: https://www.cignaglobal.com
Cigna provides extensive medical insurance worldwide. Their student plans are adaptable, offering vision, dental, and wellness benefits. Cigna’s international support system makes it ideal for students with diverse needs.
6. Atlas Travel Insurance
Website: https://www.worldtrips.com
Atlas plans offer cost-effective short-term coverage. They include emergency medical expenses, accidental death and dismemberment, hospital costs, and evacuation. Perfect for exchange or 1-year program students.
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7. Student Secure (by WorldTrips)
Website: https://www.worldtrips.com
Student Secure plans provide standard and premium options that fulfill all Finnish student visa requirements. They offer essential benefits such as mental health support, maternity care, and optional dental coverage.
8. Europe Travel Insurance
Website: https://www.internationalstudentinsurance.com
This policy is tailored for Schengen and EU students, addressing urgent medical needs and providing necessary visa documentation. It’s ideal for short-term travelers and exchange students due to its travel-centric nature.
9. APRIL International
Website: https://www.april-international.com
APRIL International offers tailored health insurance for international students and expats in Europe. Their plans feature multilingual support, hospitalization, surgery, and optional extras, making them a flexible option.
10. IMG Global (International Medical Group)
Website: https://www.imglobal.com
IMG provides student insurance worldwide, covering medical emergencies, repatriation, and evacuation. Students can select different deductible options to manage costs and meet visa requirements.
🔍 Key Considerations When Choosing a Plan
- Ensure Visa/Permit Compliance
Insurance not meeting Finland’s financial coverage or deductible standards leads to visa or residence permit denial. Verify coverage and deductible limits before buying. - Look Beyond Medical Bills
A robust student insurance plan covers theft, accidents, emergency evacuation, travel delays, and personal liability, providing comprehensive peace of mind. - Non-Stop Coverage
Insurance gaps can threaten your residency. Make sure your policy covers your whole study period, including breaks or extensions. - Instant Documentation
Many insurers offer downloadable certificates and visa letters right after purchase—crucial for timely residence applications.
💡 Bonus Tips for Students
- EU/EEA/UK Students: Bring your EHIC or GHIC card, but consider additional private insurance for enhanced protection and repatriation services.
- Renew Ahead of Time: Don’t wait until the last moment. Ensure your policy is extended or renewed well before it expires.
- Choose Reputable Providers: Only buy from providers with a good reputation, multilingual customer service, and proven student support systems.
📘 Final Thoughts
Finland provides an exceptional education system, and having proper health insurance is crucial for accessing it confidently. Whether you’re there for a short stay or a full degree, selecting a compliant policy from top providers ensures complete medical and legal coverage. Always compare benefits thoroughly, focusing on visa compliance, global support, and comprehensive coverage. With strategic planning and the right insurance, you can concentrate on what truly matters—your education and experience in one of the safest and most student-friendly countries.