Insurance requirements for studying in Latvia
Insurance information for Latvia
If you are going to study and live in Latvia, you want to be fully prepared before starting your adventure. Among other things, you want to make sure your insurance covers everything you need, without paying too much.
International students who enter the territory of Latvia with the purpose to study, must have a valid health insurance policy, which guarantees that the costs of healthcare services in the Republic of Latvia are covered. The health insurance policy shall be presented in order to receive a temporary residence permit or visa.
Students from EU/EEA countries
Students from EU/EEA countries, who are in possession of valid health insurance in their home country, may use the European Health Insurance Card (see FAQ EHIC). This is a free card that gives you access to medically necessary, state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in any of the 27 EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland under the same conditions and at the same cost (free in some countries) as people insured in that country. Please note that EHIC is according to EU recommendations not an alternative for Travel Insurance .EHIC does not guarantee free services. As each country’s healthcare system is different services that cost nothing at home might not be free in another country.
Students from outside the EU/EEA
All non-EU students must be covered by private (health) insurance for the entire planned period of stay in Latvia.
There are some minimum requirements.
- emergency medical assistance;
- inpatient treatment of critical condition dangerous to life or health;
- transportation to the nearest medical treatment institution in which the services referred to in Sub-paragraphs
- transportation for conveyance back to the country of residence in case of serious illness or death.
- The minimum limit of the insurer liability indicated in a policy during the insurance period may not be less than:
- EUR 30,000 cover when requesting a short-stay visa;
- EUR 42,600 cover when requesting a long-stay visa, a long-stay visa which is concurrently valid as a short-stay visa, or a residence permit.
No worries, we've got you covered. Together with our partner Aon, we are going to make sure you get the perfect insurance package. Your study abroad adventure will be awesome, but insured for all risks, including health care.
Is this enough?
It is important to understand that the EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) is not always enough, Please note that EHIC is according to EU recommendations not an alternative for Travel Insurance, and that the local offered health insurance will probably not cover:
- (Additional) medical costs
- Repatriation
- Liability
- Home contents and baggage
- Accidents
- Legal aid
- Worldwide cover
You will need an insurance policy also covering, but also arranging for you, for example:
- You returning home if a close relative is seriously ill or dies;
- Up to two close relatives visiting you in if you fall seriously ill;
- Your medical repatriation to your home country for hospitalization or rehabilitation treatment;
- or in the worst possible situation, returning a body home for burial.
- Tuition Fee Insurance for international students what is it and why its useful
Free quote from Aon
Via our partner Aon, you can easily discover details that apply to your specific situation. To get advice and insight in the costs of insurance, you can freely request an instant quote.
About Latvia
Tuition fees at public universities in Latvia are affordable, making it an attractive option for students. The country's academic education is of high quality, contributing to its reputation as a hub for research and innovation. Latvia has made significant advancements in various sectors such as smart materials, biomedicine, and disease treatments. Nature enthusiasts will find Latvia to be an ideal study destination, with over half of its territory covered in forests and more than 500 km of coastline offering pristine beaches to explore.
Frequently asked questions
Please note that EHIC is according to EU recommendations not an alternative for Travel Insurance
(European Health Insurance Card - Employment, Social Affairs & Inclusion - European Commission (europa.eu))
An EHIC gives the student the right to access state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in another EU country, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland.
When you are in possession of a valid EHIC during your study period in Latvia, it only provides coverage for emergency medical expenses. Please note that this does not include any costs for medical evacuation, physical therapy, acupuncture or emergency dental expenses. You are also not covered for your personal possessions, liability, legal aid, emergency assistance and extra travel expenses.
The validity of the EHIC depends on your home country and your insurer in your home country. It may not cover the full period of studies. Please verify the validity of your EHIC with your insurer in your home country for your study period abroad in Latvia.
However, the coverage of the European Health Insurance Card or private insurance may not be sufficient, especially in case of repatriation and specific medical intervention. In that case, a complementary private insurance might be useful.
Taking out an additional insurance during your study abroad in Latvia is specially needed for the risks that are not covered for with your EHIC. This to be certain that you are properly insured during your study period.As each country’s healthcare system is different services that cost nothing at home might not be free in another country like Latvia.
