Travelling abroad can always be a thrilling experience, but it comes with several risks. Mishaps can cause significant stress and financial burden, particularly if you’re an international student living on your own in a foreign country. That’s why it’s essential to have student travel insurance, which provides coverage for unexpected events while travelling abroad. And if you are exploring options and looking at various courses and modules that suit your interest, remember that investing in a comprehensive travel insurance plan will provide you with a much-needed safety net.
What does student travel insurance entail?
These customised policies offer financial security to students travelling overseas to pursue their academic interests. It covers them against unexpected circumstances that may occur during their journey and the entire duration of their stay. Typically, these policies include coverage for the trip and a student’s medical needs.
Which individuals are eligible to purchase a student travel insurance policy?
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Typically, those aged between sixteen and thirty-five, enrolled in a registered higher learning educational institution, and attending full-time classes in a foreign country, are eligible to apply.
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It’s important to note that each person is allowed only one travel insurance policy for the specified period of his/her stay as an international student.
What are the attributes & advantages of student travel insurance?
Student travel insurance offers coverage for various expenses, including the following:
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Loss of baggage
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Family visits
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Hospitalisation
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Other incidental expenses
It also provides comprehensive coverage facilities, such as:
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Study interruption
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Sponsor Protection
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Bail bonds
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Two-way flight coverage in the event of a compassionate visit from the student’s family
What does student travel insurance cover?
Student travel insurance covers medical expenses for sudden injuries, illnesses or even death while travelling. It also covers emergency medical evacuation to your home country. It also covers transportation expenses for the insured’s mortal remains in case of untimely demise. Other expenditures that will get covered include the following:
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accidental injury
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loss of Passport
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dental treatment
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compensation for a personal accident-causing permanent disability or even death
The policy also provides reimbursement of return ticket fare for a family member visiting the insured if he/she gets hospitalised for seven days or more.
If a medical emergency interrupts the policyholder’s education, the insurer reimburses the semester fee.
In addition, the policy covers the bail amount in case of detention or arrest of the policyholder. It also reimburses tuition fees if the sponsor of the insured student passes away due to injury.
What are the exclusions that apply to student travel insurance policies?
Here are some aspects that do not get covered by such policies:
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Any health condition that existed before the purchase of the insurance policy
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Travelling for medical treatment or against the advice of a doctor
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Suicide attempts, self-harm, mental health issues like depression or anxiety, and sexually transmitted diseases like HIV
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Engaging in unlawful activities, criminal acts, riots, wars, or being intoxicated by drugs or alcohol
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Participation in specific high-risk activities like skydiving, bungee jumping, scuba diving, or taking part in races.
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Losses resulting from pregnancy or childbirth or riding a motorcycle or motorised two-wheeler
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Injuries sustained, legal liabilities, losses or damages resulting from illegal acts, terrorism or trips to countries that are prohibited and mentioned in the policy
Important factor to note about student travel insurance
If you have insurance but don’t travel during the specified time, you can get a refund on the premium you paid. To do so, you’ll need to provide a few documents to show that you didn’t travel. These include photocopies of your Passport, a valid reason for cancelling the policy, and, if applicable, a rejection letter from the Embassy if your Visa gets denied.
What is the coverage provided by multi-trip travel insurance?
Multi-trip travel insurance covers you for a year from the date of issue. It is more cost-effective if you happen to travel frequently. Before buying a multi-trip policy, remember to scrutinise the plan’s terms and conditions. This makes it less likely to miss any exclusions that could cause issues later. Although such policies provide coverage for a predefined period, make sure to check the travel limit for each trip and the countries covered under the policy.
Conclusion
It makes sense to choose and invest in travel insurance plans tailored for international students. It provides coverage in unforeseen circumstances and gives you the confidence to plan your foreign sojourn with a stress-free mind. But remember to check the policy’s limitations and exclusions and whether it matches your specific requirements.