Insurance during exchange period
We hope that everything goes smoothly during your exchange period but unexpected things do happen and during those times the last thing you want to do is think about money. That’s why it’s important to have an insurance.
Please note that if you receive Erasmus+ funding and/or are an Erasmus+ exchange student, it is mandatory per your grant agreement and Erasmus+ Student Charter to have an insurance for the duration of your mobility.
For students who don’t use Erasmus+ funds, insurance coverage is highly recommended.
Per Erasmus+ Student Charter in regard to insurance
Your entitlements:
You are entitled to receive information on obtaining insurance, finding housing, securing a visa (if required), and facilities/support available for those with special needs.
Your obligations and duties:
Upon receiving the information and guidance on obtaining insurance from your Higher Education Institution, you should ensure that you have health insurance coverage for your stay abroad. In the case of student mobility for traineeships, you should ensure, together with your traineeship host, that you take up also liability and accident insurance coverage.
What type of insurance do I need?
– Health insurance
– Travel insurance
– Liability insurance
– Accident insurance
It’s best to discuss the suitable options through with your coordinator back home, as they know best the types that would suit your needs and home country’s regulations. However, below you will find our recommendations and things to keep an eye out for.
Some insurance providers in Estonia:
Please also note that in Estonia it is quite popular to have a credit card that has travel insurance which covers everything. Check if your local bank has similar options. Here is Estonian example: Gold revolving credit card – Swedbank.
Health insurance
If you are a citizen of an EU-country and have an European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), you can get free medical service for medical emergencies and health problems which occur during your stay in Estonia. Please note that this card can be used in emergencies only (for example ER). If you wish to visit for example dentist or psychologist, you either need to pay for it by yourself or use your insurance to cover the cost.
If you are a citizen of a non-EU country, you either need to pay for all medical services yourself or use your insurance to cover the cost.
For emergency care, please call 112. For less time sensitive things we recommend calling 1220. Advisory info line is available 24/7 in Estonian and in English every day from 9 am to 5 pm. There you can ask if your condition is serious, are there some easy remedies for your problems etc.
Travel insurance
You need travel insurance to cover expenses for example if your flights are delayed or cancelled, your package is damaged or lost. Once again those things can add up quite fast, especially for a student on budget, so having an insurance really gives you peace of mind.
Liability insurance
This is maybe a less used insurance but still as necessary. Liability insurance is used for example when you break someone’s phone by accident (knocking it out of someone’s hand) or you scratch a car while driving with a scooter. Those things can be quite expensive odd instances but do come up.
Accident insurance
This insurance type is used in cases where unexpected emergencies happen. Should you for example fall seriously ill, your family member can come and stay with you in Tallinn and insurance can cover their travel and housing costs. Once again quite a specific event but in moments like these thinking about money shouldn’t be an added worry.
When you are choosing your insurance type and duration, make sure it covers the whole period you are in Estonia. Also pay attention to how early you need to have it for it to work in your case. For example, some insurances demand you buy it 7 days before the start of your trip or otherwise they won’t cover you.
If you have any questions about insurance, please turn to your home university or EBS, as we are happy to help you and give advice.
