Going Abroad for Studies? You Must Buy Student Travel Insurance

Student travel plans are formulated after considering the insurance needs of students who travel abroad for studies.

Student travel insurance is formulated after considering the insurance needs of students who travel overseas for higher education.

(Photo: iStock)

Going abroad for pursuing higher education is a dream for most students. After all, they get an opportunity that most only dream of. If you are going overseas to pursue your higher education, do buy student travel plans to eliminate the financial risks associated with any unfortunate and unpredictable circumstances. After getting through with the paperwork and documentation, including the tickets and visa formalities, check out various plans and pick the one that offers comprehensive insurance coverage.

Many students undermine the value of a student travel plan. They believe that nothing wrong can happen to them. Having a positive outlook is good, but one should always be prepared for worst possible scenarios. This way, one wouldn’t have to face any inconvenience a foreign land all alone. Being confident is appreciated, but being over-confident has innumerable downsides.

If you still haven’t understood the importance of buying a travel insurance policy, mentioned below is everything you ought to know about travel insurance.

What exactly is Student Travel Insurance?

Let’s consider this: You land in your dream country for your higher education. You love the city and the food. Somehow, after a few days, you get diagnosed with typhoid. You get hospitalised and the healthcare expenses cost you a bomb. If you have a student travel insurance plan, your insurance provider will take care of such medical expenses.

Student travel insurance is formulated after considering the insurance needs of students who travel overseas for higher education. It provides financial security against any unpredictable situation(s) during their stay abroad. It greatly helps in case of medical as well as non-medical emergencies. Also, it looks after any education interruption expenses due to legitimate reasons. Apart from medical expenses and study interruption expenses, there are various other benefits offered by a student travel plan.

Student travel insurance plan offers insurance coverage till the time the insured student completes his/her studies overseas.(Photo: iStock)

What are the inclusions of a Student Travel Insurance Plan?

A student travel insurance plan provides insurance coverage against almost every situation that can make your stay in a foreign country uncomfortable or inconvenient.

Here are the situations that are covered by ST insurance:

1. Personal Accident - It covers the expenses in case of accidental injuries, permanent partial/ total disability or death.

2. Medical Expenses - It covers medical expenses in case of illnesses, a sudden surgery and death.

3. Transportation of Mortal Remains - In case of untimely death of the policyholder, expenses incurred in transportation of mortal remains to India are also covered.

4. Emergency Evacuation Expenses -In case of emergency evacuation to India, the transportation expenses are covered.

5. Dental Treatments Expenses- Expenses of dental treatments are covered.

6. Baggage Loss- Baggage loss or loss of personal belongings is covered.

7. Passport Loss- In case of passport loss, expenses incurred in obtaining a duplicate passport are covered.

8. Compassionate Visit- In case the insured is hospitalised for more than 7 days, the airfare of a family member paying a visit to him/her is also covered.

9. Bail Amount- In case the insured person is arrested for an offence in the foreign country, bail expenses will be covered.

10. Fees Reimbursement- In case the insured student’s education is interrupted because of any medical emergency, reimbursement for the semester fees paid in advance is also provided.

What are the exclusions of a Student Travel Insurance Plan?

While a student travel insurance policy provides the highest insurance coverage possible for a hassle-free stay in a foreign country, here are the situations that aren’t covered by ST insurance.

1. Travelling against a physician’s advice - In case you travel against the advice of your physician, the insurance coverage ceases to exist.

2. Pre-existing illnesses - Insurance coverage isn’t provided for any pre-existing illnesses/medical conditions.

3. Participation in adventure sports - Any Injury due to participation in adventure sports or dangerous activities isn’t covered.

4. Attempted suicide/Suicide - Any injury due to attempted suicide or suicide isn’t covered.

5. Stress-related disorders - Stress, anxiety and depression-related disorders aren’t covered.

6. Civil commotion and attempted crime - Insurance coverage isn’t provided in case of attempted or actual participation in a civil commotion or/and attempted crime.

7. HIV/AIDS - Insurance coverage isn’t provided for medical treatment expenses related to HIV/AIDS.

8. Maternity-related expenses - Any expenses arising due to pregnancy, childbirth or miscarriage aren’t covered.

Student travel plan offers you much needed support when you’re alone in a foreign land.(Photo: iStock)

Why Should You Buy Student Travel Insurance Plan?

Should you buy a travel insurance plan or pick a student-specific plan? Let’s understand the difference between student travel insurance and travel insurance.

Student Travel Insurance vs. Travel Insurance

A travel insurance plan offers insurance cover from the moment the trip begins till the trip ends. On the other hand, a student travel insurance plan offers insurance coverage till the time the insured student completes his/her studies overseas. As compared to a travel insurance plan, a student travel insurance plan offers comprehensive insurance coverage.

Here are the points that will help you to understand the importance of an ST Insurance plan.

1. If your mother contracts a severe illness

Imagine: your mother falls severely sick, and you desperately want to meet her. If you have ST insurance, in such a case, the round trip flight expenses will be covered by your insurance provider.

2. If you get hospitalised

Let’s say, due to some reason, you get hospitalised during your stay abroad. While you’ll feel lonely, your family would be worried as well. ST insurance will help you sponsor the round trip tickets of your parents/close relatives so that they can be with you and make you feel comfortable.

3. If you lose your money and passport

If you are a traveler, then you are an easy target for thieves and robbers. If you get robbed, how would you manage without your money and passport? ST insurance would help you to obtain a duplicate passport and will bear the passport replacement expenses.

In a Nutshell

We hope that you now know how beneficial a student travel plan is. It offers much needed support and security when you are in a foreign land all by yourself. It adds an extra layer of security and gives you the assurance that you won’t be alone at the time of need.

Before you buy a student travel insurance plan, take a look around and analyse your insurance needs. Then, zero down on a plan that fulfills your insurance expectations.