Galway Business School Medical Insurance

GBS Medical Insurance

Before you travel, it is important to have both travel and health insurance to cover your stay in Ireland. All EU citizens are entitled to have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) which will allow you to avail of free medical treatment during your stay in Ireland.

Non-EU students are required to purchase medical Insurance before they travel to Ireland. It is a requirement of your ISD permissions in Ireland to have medical insurance. Galway Business School can assist you in this process. Please ask the GBS team about medical insurance when you are enquiring about or booking your course. 

It is the responsibility of each learner to ensure that valid medical insurance is in place:

• Prior to travelling to Ireland (where required for visa approval), and
• For the entire period of enrolment and residence in Ireland.

Insurance Arranged by the school

GBS supports international students in organising appropriate medical insurance for their stay in Ireland. While you are welcome to select any government-approved insurance provider, GBS often recommends Guard.me International Insurance, a trusted company specialising in health and travel insurance for students studying abroad.

Policies from Guard.me are tailored specifically to the needs of international learners and are widely used within the global education sector. They are designed to offer comprehensive coverage for students travelling and studying overseas. If preferred, your insurance can be arranged directly through GBS in partnership with Guard.me, with the administration fee included as part of this service. Any insurance costs are treated as an additional fee and will be clearly communicated before enrolment, in accordance with Higher Education (HE) guidelines on fee transparency.

If you choose to arrange insurance through GBS:

• The full cost of the insurance will be clearly outlined at the time of booking
  
• Details of the provider, level of coverage, and duration will be confirmed in writing
• You will receive full policy documentation, including terms and conditions, for your records

This approach ensures you have clear, reliable cover in place, giving you peace of mind throughout your studies in Ireland.

Learners Arranging Their Own Insurance

Students also have the option to organise their own private medical insurance, as long as it meets the necessary requirements for studying in Ireland.

To be accepted, your policy must:

• Comply with current Irish immigration regulations
• Provide suitable medical coverage for the entire duration of your stay
• Be submitted to the school as proof of insurance before your course begins

GBS may request confirmation that your insurance provides sufficient cover. This is to ensure compliance with immigration rules and to support your wellbeing during your time in Ireland.

What Medical Insurance Typically Covers

Private medical insurance for international students typically includes a range of essential healthcare benefits to support you during your stay abroad.
Most policies generally cover:

• Emergency medical treatment
• Hospitalisation
• Repatriation in the event of serious illness or death

It’s important to carefully review your individual policy to fully understand what is included.

Be sure to check:

• Coverage limits
• Any exclusions or restrictions
• Excess or out-of-pocket payments
• The claims process and required documentation

Please note that GBS is not the insurance provider and cannot influence or take responsibility for any decisions made by insurance companies regarding claims.

Access to Healthcare in Ireland

As an international student, you will have access to a range of healthcare services during your stay in Ireland, particularly in the Salthill and Galway area.
You may access:

• Local General Practitioners (GPs) for everyday medical concerns
• Public hospital emergency departments for urgent care
• Specialist services, usually through a GP referral

Salthill and Galway offer a variety of nearby medical centres, pharmacies, and healthcare facilities, making it easy for students to find support when needed. However, medical treatment in Ireland can be expensive without adequate insurance, so it’s important to understand your policy and how to use it.

Student Support & Medical Guidance

As part of your induction at GBS, you will receive practical guidance to help you access healthcare services with confidence. This includes information on local doctors and medical facilities in Salthill and Galway; important emergency contact numbers & the steps to take if you need medical assistance. This guidance reflects GBS’s ongoing commitment to student welfare, ensuring you feel informed, supported, and prepared throughout your time in Ireland.

Changes, Cancellations and Refunds (Insurance)

Where insurance has been arranged through the school:

• Insurance fees are subject to the terms and conditions of the insurance provider
• Once the policy has been activated, refunds may not be possible
• In visa refusal cases, refund eligibility will depend on provider terms and proof of refusal

More details in our Terms & Conditions.