Studying abroad is one of the most valuable travel experiences you can undertake. It's also one of the lengthiest types of travel, so long-term student travel insurance is the way to go. A lot can happen in a semester while you're acclimating to a new lifestyle abroad. Having the right coverage can provide peace of mind for both you as the student and your parents.
A Comprehensive or Travel Medical Plan
Your study abroad program or university likely has minimum medical coverage requirements. A travel medical plan is often the most affordable way to meet these limits, providing essential medical protection. For added security, consider a comprehensive plan that includes additional benefits like trip cancellation and baggage loss coverage.
Single Trip Travel Insurance
Don’t overspend on a multi-trip plan if this is your one and only travel experience for the year. Choose a single trip plan that fits your needs and budget, ensuring you’re covered without unnecessary expenses. Usually, even if you’re traveling to other countries during your study-abroad program, your travel insurance will still provide coverage.
Extended Coverage is Essential
Students usually study abroad for extended periods, oftentimes up to a year. This typically includes on-campus time and travels to surrounding areas. It’s essential to select a plan that offers coverage for up to 365 days to ensure you’re protected throughout your entire experience. Not all policies provide this length of coverage, but our travel style filter can help you find ones that do.
Medical Expense Benefit
You’re probably on a tight budget, so find a plan with coverage for any unexpected medical expenses that arise during your trip. Don’t risk being responsible for potentially exorbitant medical bills, friends.
Example: You’re climbing to get a good look at Christ the Redeemer during your semester abroad in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. During the climb, you stumble over a patch of loose rocks and break your wrist. You need a cast and a prescription medication. Medical expense coverage would provide reimbursement for those medical costs you incurred to get treated.
Medical Evacuation
Sometimes the nearest hospital isn’t equipped to provide the treatment you need in the event of an injury or illness. Medical evacuation coverage would provide transportation to a nearby facility that offers appropriate medical care.
Example: While getting your MBA in London, you take a weekend trip to Iceland, where you come down with a serious illness and need to be evacuated to the nearest hospital. The insurance emergency services provider arranges all the transportation and even sets up direct billing with the hospital. You’re diagnosed, treated, and feeling better within a week, and your transportation back to London is arranged for you.
Trip Cancellation and Interruption
Because life sometimes throws you a curveball, every plan has a list of ‘covered’ reasons for cancelling or interrupting your trip which would be eligible for reimbursement. Common reasons include unexpected illnesses and weather that affect your travel.
Example: A couple of weeks before the end of your semester, your grandfather suddenly passes away. Trip Interruption would provide coverage for a change of flight, or can even purchase a flight for you to make it home in time for the funeral. Now you can focus on your family, not your travel.
Baggage & Personal Effects Loss
Textbooks and other school supplies are expensive! In the event your baggage or personal items are lost, stolen or damaged during your trip, this coverage would provide reimbursement for the original or replacement items.
Example: You make it to South Africa for your semester in Cape Town without issue, but your baggage seems to have taken a detour. After waiting awhile for its arrival, your baggage is declared lost. Baggage coverage would provide reimbursement for the items you lost, or for the replacements you purchased in Cape Town.
