Ireland's Lowest Cost Student Health Cover - from €162/year

Exclusively with Cornmarket

Ireland's largest independent Health Insurance broker. Access our exclusive university group scheme or let us compare all 4 insurers on your behalf. No broker fee. All waiting periods waived. Required for your student visa. Get your policy document today, ready for your IRP Registration. Free Travel Insurance Included and waiting periods waived. 

Two ways to get your cover

Whether you know what you need or want expert advice — we have you covered.

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Exclusive university group scheme

Level Health Plan A — Ireland's lowest cost visa-compliant student plan. Available exclusively through Cornmarket. If you contact Level Health directly, quote group code CMKT to access group pricing and waived waiting periods.

INCLUDES
  • From €162/yr (44c/day) age 18–20
  • All waiting periods waived from day one
  • Free worldwide Travel Insurance included
  • Unlimited digital GP, digital Physio & online prescriptions
  • Unlimited digital GP & mental health support
  • Urgent care & minor injury clinic access
  • Policy document issued instantly — ready for IRP
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MOST POPULAR

Full market comparison

Not sure which plan is right for you? We compare every plan from all 4 Irish insurers and find the best cover for your needs and budget. Expert, independent, free.

INCLUDES
  • 330+ plans compared independently
  • VHI, Laya, Irish Life Health & Level Health assessed
  • Expert advice
  • Free annual review included
  • Response within one working day
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What's included

Everything you need — from day one

All waiting periods waived

New conditions, pre-existing conditions, upgrades and maternity — all waived. You are fully covered from the first day of your policy, with no exclusions based on your medical history. This is a unique feature of the Cornmarket group scheme.

Free worldwide travel insurance

Included at no extra cost. Cover for trips home, holidays and travel across Europe and worldwide. Winter sports included where selected. Emergency repatriation up to €1 million.

Unlimited digital GP & online prescriptions

Video or messaging with a qualified doctor 24/7. Online prescriptions sent directly to you. Physio, nutrition and psychology also available — all from your phone, anywhere in the world. No need to register with a local GP first.

Mental health support — TELUS Health (Unique in Ireland)

24/7 app-based mental health platform. Messaging and video with professionals, guided mindfulness, fitness and wellbeing tools. No other student health plan in Ireland currently offers this.

Urgent care & minor injury clinics

Access to urgent care and minor injury clinics across Ireland — up to €100 per visit. Fast access when you need it most.

Diagnostics, scans & hospital cover

MRI, CT, PET-CT and ultrasound across Ireland's widest network of scan centres. Hospital cover including day cases, consultants and inpatient care.

Overseas emergency cover

Up to €100,000 for emergency hospital treatment abroad. Emergency urgent care covered up to €100 per visit. 24/7 international assistance helpline.

How it works

Three steps to being covered

  • Fill in the form

    Tell us your name, university, age and email. Takes under 60 seconds. No medical history required upfront.

  • We find the right plan

    We compare all options and recommend the best cover for your needs. We respond within one working day by phone or email.

  • Policy issued instantly

    Your policy document is issued immediately and sent by email — ready to submit with your IRP registration or visa application.

Visa & Immigration

Health insurance and your Irish student visa — everything you need to know

Is health insurance mandatory for a student visa in Ireland?

Yes. Private health insurance is a mandatory requirement for all non-EEA students applying for an Irish student visa (D-study visa) or registering with the Irish Registration Office (IRP). You must have valid cover before you arrive and maintain it for the full duration of your studies. Cancelling your policy after registration is considered a breach of your immigration conditions.

What proof of health insurance do I need for my visa application and IRP registration?

You need a policy document in English showing your full name, the policy start and end date, the level of cover, and the name of the insurer. Your Cornmarket policy document includes all of this and is accepted at all IRP offices across Ireland. The Irish Immigration Service requires comprehensive private medical insurance — travel insurance is not accepted beyond year one.

Does travel insurance count as health insurance for my student visa?

No. Travel insurance is not accepted as a substitute for private health insurance for IRP registration or annual visa renewals. For a D-study visa and ongoing IRP registration, you must hold a full private health insurance policy from an authorised Irish insurer. All Cornmarket plans meet this requirement.

When should I arrange my health insurance?

Ideally at the same time as you book your flights — usually 4–8 weeks before your course start date. Having your policy document ready means you can complete your IRP registration as soon as you arrive without delay. Our team can process applications quickly, so even a week before arrival is fine.

What is the IRP (Irish Residence Permit) and what documents do I need?

The IRP is the official residency document issued to non-EEA nationals living in Ireland. All non-EEA students must register within 90 days of arriving. You will attend your local registration office with: proof of health insurance, your passport, proof of address, and evidence of enrolment. See the official IRP registration guide ↗ for full requirements.

I don't have an Irish address yet. Can I still take out a policy?

Yes. You can use your university's address as your correspondence address (e.g. c/o International Office, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4) until you find permanent accommodation. This is fully accepted on all our policies and by IRP registration offices.

How much does student health insurance cost?

Through our exclusive university group scheme, Level Health Plan A starts from €168.90 per year — just 46 cent a day — for students aged 18–20, and €1.36 per day or less for all age groups. There is no broker fee. Annual payment only — this is the standard requirement for student visa health insurance in Ireland.

I have a pre-existing medical condition. Will I be covered?

Yes. Under the group scheme, all waiting periods are waived — including for pre-existing conditions, new conditions, upgrades and maternity. You are fully covered from your first day of cover with no exclusions based on medical history. This is one of the most significant benefits of the Cornmarket group scheme.

Can I go directly to Level Health instead of through Cornmarket?

You can — but if you do, make sure to quote group code CMKT or ask for the Cornmarket group scheme. Going direct without this code means you may not receive the exclusive group pricing or the waived waiting periods. Contacting Cornmarket directly ensures you get the best available price and full scheme benefits — at no cost to you.

Official government sources

For full and up-to-date visa requirements, always check: irishimmigration.ie ↗ | citizensinformation.ie ↗ | Health Insurance Authority (hia.ie) ↗ | IRP registration info ↗

Student questions

What students ask us most

Is there a fee for using Cornmarket?

No. There is absolutely no broker fee for international students. Our service is completely free — you pay only for your insurance policy.

How do I pay? Is monthly payment available?

The student group scheme requires annual payment in full. This is standard practice for student visa health insurance in Ireland and the most straightforward option for IRP registration. We accept all major payment methods.

Can I upgrade my cover later in the year?

Yes. You can upgrade to a more comprehensive plan at any time. Because all waiting periods are already waived under the group scheme, there is no penalty or waiting period when you upgrade — you are covered on the new plan immediately.

What is TELUS Health Engage?

TELUS Health Engage is an app-based wellbeing platform included with your plan at no extra cost. It provides 24/7 access to mental health professionals by messaging or video call, alongside fitness, mindfulness and nutrition tools. No other student health plan in Ireland currently offers this.

Can I use my health insurance to see a GP in Ireland?

Yes. Your plan includes cashback on GP visits and access to unlimited digital GP consultations 24/7. You can use the digital GP service from your phone — without needing to register with a local GP first — or visit any GP in Ireland and claim back your costs.

Is the policy document accepted for visa applications in other countries?

Your Cornmarket policy document is in English and includes all required details. However, we recommend checking the specific requirements of your home country's visa office or embassy, as requirements can vary.

Ready to get covered before you arrive?

Fill in the form or contact us directly. Our team responds within one working day.

University partnerships

Referred by your university?

Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI)
University of Galway
University College Dublin (UCD)
Dundalk Institute of Technology (DKIT)
Maynooth University

The information contained on Level Health Plan A is from Level Health | Health Insurance Made Simple Source, Level Health, 2025. Cornmarket cannot be held responsible for content contained on external websites.