The Department of Foreign Affairs recommends that all students going abroad should be covered by a comprehensive travel insurance policy and, in the case of EU citizens travelling to an EU destination, hold an EHIC. University of Galway requires you to follow this advice.

There are therefore two requirements here for students going to EU countries:

1. A European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is essential for every EU citizen travelling to another European country; as a student, it entitles you to necessary healthcare in the public system of any EU/EEA member state. The EHIC provides for basic health cover, but what constitutes basic cover may vary from one country to another, and in some cases the patient will be required to make a contribution to the costs of care in the public health system, so it’s advisable to check the website www.ehic.ie to get precise information on the different countries. You can also apply for the card via that website. One card is needed for each individual or member of a family. You don’t need to send us a copy of your EHIC, but by signing the Erasmus grant agreement you will be confirming that you hold an EHIC (if you are an EU citizen) and that it’s valid for the entire duration of your study visit. The EHIC is not a substitute for travel insurance, however, and it’s quite limited in what it covers. Healthcare in a private setting is not included, nor is the cost of repatriation, or the additional travel and accommodation costs that can accrue in a case of illness or an accident abroad. You will also need to be covered for eventualities like cancelled/delayed flights and lost luggage, as well as insuring your personal effects and money. This is where private travel insurance comes in.
2. You will need to purchase a private travel insurance policy that also includes cover for accidents, medical treatment, cancellation/curtailment of travel, personal liability, and repatriation, and you must provide the basic details of this policy (insurance provider, policy name and number) in the allocated space in your Grant Agreement. Without these details, your Grant Agreement is not valid and you will not be eligible for an Erasmus+ grant. Please note that you do not need to send us your insurance policy document. Indeed, you may find that some host universities will also require you to provide them with details of your private travel insurance policy.

Where can I get help with choosing an insurance policy?

Ultimately, you must make a decision yourself about the insurance policy that’s right for you. There are a number of Insurance providers in Ireland who can provide cover, and you can find a list of some of them on the following University of Galway website, in the drop-down menu under Insurance: www.universityofgalway.ie/international-students/outbounduniversityofgalway/outbound-study-abroad/undergraduatetoolkit/.

There are different levels of cover available, which provide different levels of benefit under the policy, and students are advised to familiarise themselves with the cover types available.

University of Galway Insurance Cover Requirements & Recommendations:

• Medical Expenses to include Repatriation – at least €1 Million
• Personal Liability – at least €500,000
• Cancellation/Curtailment/Rearrangement – Highly recommended
• Baggage /Personal Items/ Money/ Passport – Highly recommended

Other important considerations when purchasing insurance:

• Duration of the policy cover: your Travel Insurance must cover the entire duration of your time abroad.
• Material facts: please ensure you disclose all relevant material facts to your Insurer, e.g., pre-existing medical conditions.
• Covid-19 cover: please ensure you check and review the policy carefully in relation to Covid-19 costs and expenses. Policies differ from one Insurer to another in relation to the coverage offered.
• Excluded Territories: all policies will include an Excluded Territory List. Please ensure you are familiar with same and discuss any issues/concerns with your Insurer.
• Exclusions: please read the policy before purchasing to understand the specific exclusions.
• Holidays/returning home: if you intend to take a holiday during your trip abroad, or return home at any point, please check that this is covered by your policy before travelling.
• Winter Sports: if you intend to participate in any winter sports during your time abroad please ensure this is covered by your policy.
• It’s important to check the policy Terms and Conditions at the time of purchase, as these can change frequently.

Students are reminded that it is your responsibility to ensure that you obtain a policy which satisfies the University requirements and your own needs in advance of departure and to ensure you have adequate cover in place for the duration of your time abroad. Please also make sure to read carefully the information provided at www.universityofgalway.ie/erasmus-programme/outgoingstudents/healthinsurance.