What Is Student Travel Insurance?

Student travel insurance gives you coverage for travel and medical emergencies when your life goes abroad. It’s a safety net that lets you focus on exploring, learning, and living your best life without worrying what will happen if things go wrong. Because one accident, one illness, or one missed flight can cost thousands. And that’s the last thing you want to deal with in the middle of your exchange. 

Why Do Students Need Travel Insurance?

Every student going abroad should have travel insurance. Not because we’re trying to scare you. But because: 

Your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or local insurance might not cover private doctors, or certain hospital fees. They won’t refund you if your luggage goes missing, or your flight gets cancelled. They can’t send you home if you need urgent medical repatriation or if a family emergency occurs. Travel insurance covers all that, and more. 

Skipping insurance might seem like a way to save money, but a single hospital visit, like for food poisoning in France could run to €2000 (and potentially higher in some cases). 

Also, some universities may require proof of coverage to confirm your enrolment. 

What Should You Look for in Student Travel Insurance?

Prioritize Medical Coverage  

Beyond basic travel protection, make sure your policy covers emergency care, hospital stays, and repatriation to your home country. The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) won’t cover everything, especially if you need to be transported home. 

Check for Liability Coverage   

Accidents happen, whether it’s spilling coffee on your team’s laptop or a flowerpot falling from your flat balcony.  Insurance with Third Party Liability covers these situations and protects you in case you accidentally damage property or injure someone. Claims for bike-car accidents are very common and recurrent.  

Review Coverage Limits   

Pay close attention to the coverage limits, which are the maximum amounts the insurance provider will pay per claim. This can be a deal-breaker when deciding on the best policy for your needs.  

What Does Student Travel Insurance Cover?

Coverage typically includes:  

• Emergency medical treatment. For injuries or sudden illness, plus hospital stays and repatriation back to your country, if necessary. 

• Stolen, damaged or lost baggage. If your luggage goes missing or your belongings are damaged during your trip. 

• Flight delays or cancellations. Reimbursement for delays or cancellations caused by events like strikes or severe weather. 

If you’re planning activities like scuba diving or skiing, consider adding sports protection to your plan. 

What Isn’t Covered by Student Travel Insurance?

Here are a few common exclusions: 

• Undisclosed pre-existing health conditions 

• Incidents involving drugs, alcohol, or reckless behaviour 

• Negligence, like leaving your valuables unattended 

• Theft during camping or from shared/unsecured areas 

Tips for Choosing the Best Student Travel Insurance

1. Check with Your University First

Some study abroad programs have specific insurance requirements or recommendations. Checking with your university early will help you narrow down your options and ensure you meet all necessary guidelines.  

2. Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute

Choosing the right insurance takes time. If you leave it for the last minute, you may end up buying a policy without much consideration. Also, you’ll be busier with final arrangements before your Erasmus. So, consider getting insured as soon as you book your transportation.  

3. Understand the Limits of the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)

Even if you have a European Health Insurance Card, it only covers state-provided healthcare. That means you won’t be covered for things like repatriation, flight delays, lost baggage, or trip cancellations. Travel insurance fills these gaps to ensure you’re fully protected. 

If you require medical transport back to your home country for further treatment, EHIC won’t cover the costs. Repatriation can be extremely expensive, so it’s essential to have additional travel insurance to ensure you’re protected in such situations. The EHIC is not a substitute for comprehensive travel insurance. 

4. Check the Coverage Limits

Pay close attention to the coverage limits, which are the maximum amounts the insurance provider will pay for claims. This can be a deal-breaker when deciding on the best policy for your needs.  

5. Look for Extra Benefits

A good travel insurance policy should offer additional benefits that make your time abroad easier, such as:  

• 24/7 emergency assistance  
• Multilingual customer service 
• Video consultations  
• Coverage for lost or stolen items  

6. Consider Sports Coverage

If you’re an adrenaline junkie or plan to practice sports during your stay, look for a plan that offers optional sports coverage.   

7. Compare Cost vs. Coverage

Consider all the above factors and balance cost against coverage to make sure you’re getting the best value for your money. Always pay attention to the coverage limits.  

8. Ask Questions Before You Buy 

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact the insurance company. Clear up any doubts to ensure you’re choosing the best travel insurance for your study abroad experience. 

Common Myths About Student Travel Insurance

Myth 1: “My insurance from home works just fine.”  

Your health insurance might offer some coverage abroad, but it’s often limited or doesn’t apply at all outside your home country. Student travel insurance is designed specifically for this, covering everything from medical emergencies to lost baggage.   

Myth 2: “Travel insurance is too expensive.”  

Worried about the cost? You’ll be surprised! Student travel insurance can be budget-friendly and often costs less than you’d spend on a night out. Now, think about the cost of replacing your laptop if it gets stolen, or needing emergency medical assistance in a foreign hospital. Suddenly, insurance doesn’t seem so pricey, right? It’s a smart investment in your peace of mind. With OnCampus Abroad, for instance, you can get full coverage for less than the cost of your daily coffee.  

Myth 3: “I’m in Europe, I’ve got the EHIC, I’m good.”  

The European Health Insurance Card is useful, but it’s not a magic bullet. It only covers state-provided healthcare, so you won’t be covered for things like getting flown home in an emergency (repatriation), stolen or lost luggage, or if you must cut your trip short. Travel insurance fills those gaps, making sure you’re properly protected.  

Myth 4: “I’m young and healthy, nothing’s going to happen to me.”  

We get it, you’re feeling invincible. But even the healthiest students can get sick, have accidents, or lose their belongings. A sudden illness, a sprained ankle, a delayed flight, these things can happen to anyone. Travel insurance isn’t about expecting the worst; it’s about being prepared for anything.  

Myth 5: “Travel insurance is just for holidays.”  

Studying abroad is way different than a vacation. You’re living in a new place, navigating a new culture, and facing new daily risks. Whether you’re commuting to class, exploring on weekends, or even just hanging out in your new city, travel insurance covers you throughout your entire stay. 

Is Travel Insurance Required for Studying Abroad?

Student travel insurance isn’t a legal obligation in most cases, but it’s definitely a good idea. It ensures that you have access to the best possible care, wherever you are. Whether you need to visit a doctor for a twisted ankle or require hospitalization for a more serious condition, your international travel insurance has you covered.    

Additionally, some universities or exchange programs may require proof of insurance as part of your registration process. Make sure to verify this before your departure. 

Do I need Travel Insurance if I already have a European Health Insurance Card?

Having an EHIC means you can receive state-provided emergency medical treatment on the same terms as an EU national.  

An EHIC does not guarantee free services. Each country’s healthcare system is different, so some services that may be free at home, might not be free in another country.  You may have to pay for your treatment and then claim some or all of the money back. 

While this can make sure you’ll receive any medically necessary treatment, it isn’t a replacement for travel insurance. You might still face additional standard costs for treatment, and it won’t cover medical repatriation to your country, non-urgent treatment, or treatment in private clinics. 

If you require medical transport back to your home country for further treatment, EHIC won’t cover the costs. Repatriation can be extremely expensive, so it’s essential to have additional travel insurance to ensure you’re protected in such situations.  

The EHIC is not a substitute for comprehensive travel insurance. In addition to medical coverage, travel insurance can also protect you against a range of other risks. This typically includes coverage for:   

• Lost or stolen passports or luggage 
• Cancellation or interruption of your trip 
• Travel delays 
• Third party liability in case of damages   
• Some even include legal assistance 

Need The Right Insurance to Back You Up?

Get covered with OnCampus Abroad Student Travel Insurance and enjoy your study abroad journey worry-free!