Few experiences are as thrilling and terrifying as getting ready to study abroad. It sounds great to create a bucket list that includes experiences like paragliding in Rio de Janeiro or skiing in the French Alps, but there are some other crucial aspects you’ll need to iron out before you can start ticking those off, including understanding how your insurance works when you’re abroad.
In addition to saving you from some needless financial strain and difficulty, health insurance is frequently a requirement of your school, study abroad provider, or host nation.
Finding the ideal insurance package before travelling abroad is crucial. Here is all the information you need to know about travel insurance for international study.
Why do I require travel insurance if I intend to study abroad?
Perhaps you fell off your scooter as a result of misreading a few street signs and are now stranded at a nearby hospital. Or perhaps a pandemic strikes the world and stops your programme (as well as the status of the nation you’re in), forcing you to board a plane and return home right now. Occasionally, things don’t go as planned, and that’s when your travel insurance comes in handy.
Travel insurance can be useful in a wide range of situations. Here are some examples of unforeseen issues that travel insurance would be helpful for, whether they are minor inconveniences or situations that affect the entire country:
- Stolen or lost luggage
- Travel cancellations or delays
- Accidental injuries
- Confusion or miscommunication on the funding needs of regional hospitals
- Damage to property
- Natural disasters in the host nation
Type of Policy You Must Have
There are normally three different types of travel insurance policies that are appropriate for students studying abroad; your decision will be heavily influenced by the length of your stay and your travel needs.
Single Trip – This usually refers to a single journey of up to 87 days. You might need to buy supplemental cancellation or curtailment cover for these “extra trips” because not all single trip policies provide full coverage for travel to multiple nations. Every insurer is unique, so if you’re unsure, call customer support or consult the policy terms.
Annual multi-trip – This policy covers several journeys over the course of a year, with a maximum stay of 45 days each journey. Therefore, this may be less expensive than many single trip policies if you’re studying abroad for a brief period of time and taking vacations throughout the year.
Backpacker – The primary form of insurance used to cover students for extended periods of time is one that offers continuous coverage for up to two years. Additionally, it will pay for one trip home (for a maximum of 14 days), which is fantastic if you wish to return home for a short break while you’re still in school. It will also protect you if you decide to take any further travels while you are studying abroad, providing that they fall within the predetermined geographic area of coverage.
In the event of any crises or issues, having travel insurance can help you (and your parents) feel more at peace. No one puts illness or injury on their previously mentioned bucket lists, yet they do occasionally occur. Therefore, it’s crucial to be ready. We guarantee that after your insurance problem is resolved, you’ll feel more at ease as you start your once-in-a-lifetime adventure!
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