Travel Insurance vs Student Travel Insurance: Which to Choose

Travelling abroad, whether for leisure, work or education, comes with both excitement and risks. Unexpected medical emergencies, trip cancellations or loss of belongings can turn a dream trip into a financial nightmare. This is where travel insurance steps in.

While regular travel insurance covers most travellers, students often require additional protection designed for their needs. Understanding how international student travel insurance differs from regular travel insurance is critical for anyone who is planning to study abroad.

Read on to discover the key differences between travel insurance and student travel insurance.

What is travel insurance?

Travel insurance is a safety net that protects you from unexpected expenses and emergencies while travelling domestically or internationally.

Here is what it usually covers:

• Medical emergencies abroad, such as hospitalisation, surgeries or treatments.
• In the event of trip cancellations, it can provide reimbursement for prepaid bookings.
• Loss or theft of baggage or passport. An insurance policy can help you get compensation or offer assistance in the recovery process.
• Flight delays or missed connections are covered for additional costs.
• In case you accidentally cause property damage, it can also help you cover personal liability.

What is student travel insurance?

Travel insurance for students studying overseas is a specialised policy designed for students. It provides financial protection to students against many unexpected events, such as medical emergencies, cancellations, interruptions, loss of luggage or important documents and personal liability.

Additionally, it is sometimes mandatory to carry student travel insurance, as many universities require it as a necessary document for enrollment. There are several other benefits that this insurance can give you:

• Some policies may reimburse tuition fees if a student must withdraw due to illness.
• Certain plans offer coverage for family visits in case of hospitalisation, but this is not standard across all policies.

Difference between travel insurance & student travel insurance

Coverage for overseas student travel insurance can vary depending on the provider and policy. The following are general features commonly offered, but it’s important to verify the exact inclusions with your insurer.

The key differences between travel insurance and student travel insurance are as follows:

Travel iInsurance or student travel insurance: what to choose?

Whether you need insurance for students studying abroad or travel insurance, here is how to choose.

Choose travel insurance:

• If you are going on a short travel or business trip.
• If you are looking for general protection for luggage, trip delays and medical emergencies.
• If you need flexible coverage for different travel durations.

Choose student travel insurance:

• If you are enrolling in a college, university or exchange program abroad.
• If you need coverage for extended stays, typically 6 months to 3 years.
• If you require protection against study interruptions.
• If you want coverage for study-related travel, internships or research trips.
• If you need greater medical coverage, which is often required by universities and visa authorities.

Things to consider when buying a travel insurance or student travel insurance policy

Here are a few things to consider when buying student or regular travel insurance online.

• Trip duration and destination: Ensure it covers the entire trip duration and destination you are visiting.
• Medical coverage limits: Check if the sum insured is adequate for the medical expenses.
• Loss or delay protection: Check if it covers the loss of baggage, passport or trip delays.
• Emergency assistance services: Look for a 24*7 helpline support for emergencies.
• Student-specific benefits: Look for add-ons like study interruption coverage or laptop protection.
• Sports or activity coverage: Check if the insurance plan covers adventurous or sports activities.
• Claim process and support: Review how easy it is to file a claim abroad and what the average settlement time is.
• Cost vs. coverage: Choose a plan that offers an optimal balance between the premium cost and the coverage offered.

Conclusion

The selection of the right travel insurance or student travel insurance does not only depend on the premium cost, but also on what it covers and how it ensures full protection.

By comparing benefits, checking coverage limits, understanding exclusions and assessing your own needs before purchasing, you can choose the right one. A well-chosen policy provides you with financial security and peace of mind, wherever your journey takes you.

FAQs

• Does travel insurance cover adventure sports or activities?

Many insurers exclude high-risk adventure. However, some may allow you to add them as an extra benefit.

• Can I extend my travel insurance while I’m already abroad?

Many insurers allow extensions, but only if applied for before the current policy expires.

• What happens if I lose my travel insurance documents during my trip?

Most insurers offer digital copies and 24*7 support to resend your policy details.

• Will my student travel insurance cover part-time work abroad?

The coverage for work-related injuries varies. Check if your policy includes it or if an upgrade is required.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the topic featured in the article. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.