How Do I Get Health Insurance When I Teach English Abroad?

Health insurance might not be the most exciting part of planning your teaching adventure abroad — but it’s one of the most important. Whether you’re heading to South Korea for a year, taking a short-term job in Spain, or freelancing in Vietnam, having the right health coverage can save you from stress, financial strain, and logistical headaches.

Depending on where you go and who you work for, you may get employer-provided insurance — or you may need to buy your own plan. This guide breaks down your options, explains regional differences, and helps you choose affordable, effective coverage that fits your lifestyle abroad.

Do English Teachers Get Health Insurance Abroad?

The short answer: sometimes.

Whether or not you receive health insurance as an English teacher abroad depends on a few key factors — mainly the country you're in, the type of job you have, and your visa status.

In more structured teaching markets like South Korea, Japan, or the UAE, insurance is often included as part of a government-backed or employer-sponsored package. You're usually enrolled in a national system or provided a private plan, and contributions may be partially or fully covered by your employer.

In contrast, teachers working on tourist visas, doing freelance lessons, or teaching English online often need to secure their own insurance. Even in countries where insurance is common, coverage can vary dramatically from school to school.

That's why it's crucial to clarify this early when job hunting. Always ask:

• Is health insurance included in the contract?
• What does it cover — public hospitals only, or private clinics too?
• When does coverage start?
• Is there a co-pay or monthly deduction?

Having clarity on this from the beginning helps you budget smart, stay protected, and avoid unpleasant surprises down the road.

Countries Where Employers Typically Provide Insurance

Asia

If you're heading to Asia to teach English, there's a good chance your employer will provide health insurance — especially in countries with well-established TEFL job markets.

• South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia
  In these countries, health coverage is often a legal requirement for full-time teachers on work visas. You're usually enrolled in the national healthcare system or provided with a private plan arranged through your school.

  • Monthly contributions are typically deducted from your paycheck — around $25–$50 USD/month
  • Public healthcare in places like Japan and South Korea is high quality and affordable
  • In Taiwan and Vietnam, private clinics are common and may be covered depending on the plan

• Thailand & Cambodia
  Health insurance is not always part of the package here. While international schools or higher-paying institutions might include coverage, many jobs — especially in language centers — don’t. If you're on a tourist visa or working part-time, assume you'll need to arrange your own plan.

Middle East

For those looking to teach in the Gulf region, benefits are typically more generous — and health insurance is a standard inclusion.

• UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman
  Schools and employers in the Middle East almost always provide private health insurance, often covering both outpatient and emergency care at modern hospitals and clinics.
  • Coverage often includes comprehensive care, including dental or vision in some cases
  • Plans are typically international-grade, with access to private hospitals
  • Paired with other perks like free housing and paid flights, this region offers one of the most financially secure TEFL packages

Government Teaching Programs

Many government-backed TEFL programs offer insurance as part of their benefits, giving you peace of mind as you settle into your new role.

• JET Program (Japan) – Includes enrollment in Japan’s national health insurance system
• EPIK Program (South Korea) – Offers coverage through the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS)
• TAPIF (France) – Provides access to France’s public healthcare via Sécurité Sociale
• Auxiliares de Conversación (Spain) – Includes public health coverage through Spanish national insurance

These programs are some of the most reliable ways to get affordable, quality health coverage while living abroad.

Countries Where You May Need to Buy Your Own Insurance

Latin America

In much of Latin America, English teachers are hired informally or on tourist visas, especially in countries like Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Argentina, and Costa Rica.

• Most schools do not offer health insurance, especially for short-term or under-the-table jobs
• Since legal work visas are rare or difficult to get, you’ll need your own international health insurance
• Basic care can be affordable out of pocket in many Latin American countries, but emergency services or hospital visits can still get expensive
• For long stays or peace of mind, consider expat-friendly health plans that cover emergencies, repatriation, and regional travel

Western Europe (for non-EU Citizens)

If you’re planning to teach in Spain, France, or Italy and don’t hold EU citizenship, you’ll likely need to arrange private insurance, especially if you’re:

• On a student visa (e.g., studying Spanish in Madrid while teaching part-time)
• Working as a freelancer or private tutor
• Teaching with no official work contract

Some employers may provide coverage through national healthcare systems if you're on a formal work visa — but this varies widely. Always ask about it up front and check if your visa type requires proof of insurance before arrival.

Eastern Europe

In places like the Czech Republic, Poland, or Hungary, the job market is friendlier to non-EU teachers — but insurance isn’t always included.

• In the Czech Republic, teachers on the popular zivno trade license usually need to buy local private insurance
  • One common option is Complex Insurance, which costs about $800/year and covers basic health, dental, and vision
• Those with official work permits may gain partial access to public healthcare, but coverage varies by country and school

Even where healthcare is affordable, having proper coverage can help avoid unexpected costs — especially if you plan to travel or need more than basic local care.

What to Ask Employers About Insurance

Before signing any contract, be clear on what’s actually included — assumptions can cost you later. Ask these questions during the interview or negotiation stage:

• Is health insurance included in my contract?
  Not all employers offer it, and some only do if you ask directly.

• What type of plan is it — national or private?
  National insurance is often cheaper and widely accepted; private plans might offer faster service or better hospitals.

• What exactly is covered?
  Clarify whether it includes hospitalization, outpatient care, dental, vision, or mental health services.

• Is there a co-pay or monthly deduction?
  In countries like South Korea or Germany, part of the premium is usually deducted from your paycheck (often around $30–$60/month).

• When does coverage start?
  Some plans only begin after a probation period. You may need gap insurance if there's a delay between arrival and coverage.

Buying Your Own International Health Insurance

If your job doesn’t provide insurance — or you’re teaching online, freelancing, or traveling between countries — you’ll need to purchase your own plan.

• Look for expat health insurance or global long-term plans, not short-term travel insurance made for vacations
• These policies usually cover:
  • Emergency hospital visits
  • Routine care
  • Prescription medication
  • Repatriation or evacuation
  • Some offer optional add-ons like dental or maternity coverage

Monthly cost range:

• Age 25–35: ~$45–$80/month
• Over 40: $70–$100+ depending on provider and coverage level

💡 Tip: Choose providers that cater to digital nomads, remote workers, and expats — like SafetyWing — they offer flexible, affordable international plans that work across borders and adapt to long-term travel or living abroad.

Having your own plan means peace of mind while traveling, teaching, and exploring — especially in places where local care is limited or inconsistent.

Recommended Providers

If you’re buying your own coverage or looking to supplement a basic plan, here are some trusted providers used by expats, remote workers, and English teachers worldwide:

• SafetyWing – Built for digital nomads and teachers abroad. Affordable monthly plans, global coverage, and the flexibility to cancel anytime. Great if you're bouncing between countries.
• Allianz, Cigna Global– More traditional expat plans. Higher premiums, but broader networks and more customization. Ideal for teachers with specific health needs or families abroad.

When comparing plans, make sure they include:

• Emergency care & hospitalization
• Travel illness and COVID-19 coverage
• Multi-country coverage, especially if you plan to travel or switch countries

Some plans also allow you to choose your deductible and coverage area — useful for tailoring costs to your situation.

Supplementing Employer-Provided Insurance

Even if your school or program includes health insurance, that doesn’t always mean full protection — especially if you plan to travel regionally or need access to specific types of care.

Supplemental insurance can help you:

• Travel with confidence beyond your destination country (many national plans only cover you locally)
• Access private hospitals or clinics with shorter wait times
• Get care for services not included, like:
  • Dental cleanings or major dental work
  • Glasses or eye exams
  • Mental health counseling or therapy
  • Medical evacuation if you get seriously ill or injured

For frequent travelers or those teaching in places with limited healthcare infrastructure, having a second layer of coverage is often worth it for peace of mind.

Health Insurance for Working Holiday & Student Visas

If you're planning to teach English abroad while on a student or working holiday visa, health insurance isn’t just a nice-to-have — it’s often a legal requirement. Countries like Spain, France, and Italy require you to show proof of private health insurance before your visa will be approved. Likewise, working holiday programs in Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, and Japan typically include mandatory insurance conditions as part of the application process.

The good news is that visa-compliant health plans are widely available and relatively affordable. You should expect to spend around $300 to $600 USD per year, depending on your age, destination, and level of coverage. Some embassies require that your policy covers emergency care, hospitalization, and even repatriation. Others might specify a minimum coverage amount — such as €30,000 or more — and may reject your application if your policy doesn’t meet the exact requirements.

To avoid surprises, always read the fine print on both your visa application and the insurance policy you choose. It’s also smart to choose a provider that has experience with expat and student plans, so you don’t get stuck with something that doesn’t satisfy immigration requirements.

Tips for Managing Health While Abroad

Once you’ve got insurance in place, make sure you’re set up to actually use it. Start by keeping both digital and printed copies of your insurance card, policy number, and customer support contact info. If you end up in a hospital or need care on short notice, you’ll want that information easily accessible.

Before any emergencies come up, take time to understand how your coverage works — especially how to file a claim and what documentation you’ll need. Some plans require you to pay out of pocket and get reimbursed later, while others have direct billing arrangements with certain clinics or hospitals. Knowing this in advance can save you a ton of stress.

It’s also a good idea to find out where the nearest English-speaking doctors or clinics are located, especially if you're living in a rural area or a country where you don’t speak the local language fluently. If you take regular medication, research whether it’s available locally and whether you’ll need a local prescription to get it refilled. In many cases, it’s wise to bring a few months' supply from home, along with a doctor’s note.

Final Thoughts: Protect Yourself, Travel Smarter

Health insurance might not be the first thing you think about when planning a new life abroad, but it’s one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Getting sick or injured overseas can be stressful enough — the last thing you want is to worry about how you’ll pay for treatment or whether your plan covers you at all.

Whether you’re covered through a teaching program, your employer, or a private policy, take the time to understand what’s included and how to access care when you need it. A little preparation goes a long way, especially when you're adjusting to a new country.

Once your insurance is sorted, you’ll be free to focus on what really matters — connecting with your students, exploring your surroundings, and enjoying the freedom that comes with living and working abroad.