Galway Business & English School Medical Insurance

Medical Insurance Requirements for International Learners

All non-EU/EEA international learners who require an entry visa and/or immigration permission to study in Ireland must hold appropriate private medical insurance for the full duration of their stay, in accordance with Irish immigration requirements and ELE Code obligations regarding learner welfare and visa-related information. Non-EU students are required to have medical insurance at a level that will cover the cost of hospital admission. This is a condition of your ISD study permissions in Ireland. 

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

Where applicable, the school can arrange private medical insurance on behalf of learners as part of the enrolment process. Our trusted partner is GuardMe Insurance, a trusted partner for the education sector across Canada and Europe. 

GuardMe International Insurance policies specifically meet the needs of the international education community and it is widely used by international learners. Their policies are designed to provide comprehensive cover to students travelling anywhere in the world. Medical insurance can be arranged by the school in collaboration with GuardMe (administration fee is included).

If insurance is arranged through the school:

• The cost of insurance will be clearly itemised at the time of booking
• The policy provider name, level of cover, and duration of cover will be confirmed in writing
• Learners will receive documentation outlining the terms and conditions of the policy

Insurance fees, where included, are treated as an additional cost and are outlined clearly prior to enrolment, in line with ELE Code requirements on transparency of fees and additional costs.

Learners Arranging Their Own Insurance

Learners may arrange their own private medical insurance, provided that:

• The policy meets current Irish immigration requirements
• It provides appropriate medical cover for the full duration of stay
• Evidence of cover is submitted to the school prior to course commencement

GCI reserves the right to request confirmation of adequate cover to ensure compliance with immigration and welfare obligations.

EU Learners 

EU students should have an EHIC Card to avail of free medical treatment with state doctors and emergency hospital care. Travel insurance, for both EU and non-EU students, offers you additional cover in case of emergencies. 

What Medical Insurance Typically Covers

Private medical insurance policies for international learners generally include:

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

Learners should carefully review their individual policy documents to understand:

• Coverage limits
• Exclusions
• Excess payments
• Claims procedures

The school does not provide medical advice and is not responsible for decisions made by insurers regarding claims.

Access to Healthcare in Ireland

International learners may access:

• Local General Practitioners (GPs)
• Public hospital emergency departments
• Specialist services (by referral)

Medical treatment in Ireland can be costly without insurance. Learners are strongly advised to familiarise themselves with their insurance policy and how to access services.

During induction, learners are provided with information about:

• Local medical services
• Emergency contact numbers
• Procedures for seeking assistance

This forms part of the school's commitment to learner welfare and support.

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.