In 2026, most “fully funded” scholarships will have updated their packages to include full medical coverage because the cost of private health insurance is going up around the world. For many countries, the scholarship’s health insurance coverage is a must-have for getting your student visa.
These are the best scholarships in the world for the 2026/2027 school year that cover all of your health care costs.
1. Chevening Scholarships (UK)
The Chevening scholarship is the UK’s most important international scholarship for master’s students. The UK has a state-funded system called the NHS, but Chevening pays the “access fee” for you.
- How it works: As part of their visa, international students in the UK have to pay an Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
- Coverage: Chevening pays for the whole IHS (about £776 per year in 2026), so you can use the National Health Service just like a UK resident.
- 2026 If your programme is shorter than six months, Chevening will help you buy private health insurance by giving you up to £200.
2. DAAD EPOS Scholarships (Germany)
The DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) offers one of the best insurance plans in Europe, especially for professionals from developing countries.
- How it works: In Germany, you have to have health insurance to go to school.
- Coverage: DAAD pays for all of your health, accident, and personal liability insurance. The DAAD pays this directly, so you don’t have to pay the monthly student premium (about €148/month) out of your stipend.
- As of February 2026, the stipend for PhD candidates will go up to €1,400 per month. However, the insurance will still be a separate, fully covered benefit.
3. The Fulbright Programme for Foreign Students in the US
Healthcare in the United States is very expensive, which is why the Fulbright health benefit is essential.
- How it works: The Accidents and Sickness Program for Exchanges (ASPE) covers scholars.
- Coverage: This program is a health benefit plan paid for by the government that pays for most unexpected accidents and illnesses.
- Important Note: ASPE is not “comprehensive” insurance because it doesn’t cover routine check-ups or conditions that already exist. However, many host universities in the US provide additional insurance to Fulbright scholars to ensure their complete coverage.
4. Scholarships for the Australia Awards
Before applying for a visa, all international students must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
- How it works: The scholarship board buys an OSHC policy for you that lasts the whole time you are in school.
- Coverage: pays for medical and hospital care, some prescription drugs, and ambulance services.
- 2027 Intake: Applications for the 2027 cycle opened on February 1, 2026, and were due by April 30, 2026.
5. Stipendium Hungaricum (Hungary)
This is a very popular choice for 2026/2027 because it has a simple “all-in-one” package that is great for students on a budget.
- How it works: Each participant automatically gets a Social Security Card (TAJ card) and extra private health insurance.
- Coverage: Lets people in Hungary use the public health system for free and get extra services from private providers for up to HUF 65,000 a year.
- Application Cycle: The next time to apply for the 2027/2028 school year is in November 2026.
6. A comparison of health insurance plans for scholarships (2026)
- Chevening (UK): Paid for by the Immigration Health Surcharge (NHS access).
- DAAD (Germany): Private group insurance that covers health, accidents, and liability.
- Fulbright (USA): ASPE plan (only for accidents and sickness) plus university extras.
- Australia Awards: Full OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) policy.
- Stipendium Hungaricum: a national social security card and private insurance.
Final Thoughts
The DAAD EPOS (Germany) and Australia Awards offer the most complete health insurance for high-content because they cover not only illnesses but also accidents and liability. The DAAD and Gates Cambridge are the best options if you are moving with a family because they give you more money for your dependents’ health and living expenses.
