Student travel insurance is a crucial step in ensuring a smooth student exchange program abroad. Having the right insurance provides you with peace of mind and protection in case of any unexpected events.
Travelling abroad to study is a great way to further your education, especially when it comes to language skills! Many companies look favourably on candidates who have studied abroad.
However, the cost of medical care abroad can be exorbitant, so even a small accident or illness can ruin your stay. So, today I’ll be going over everything you need to know about student travel insurance, why you need it, and how to get the best policy for your trip.
Now, let’s take a closer look at the best student travel insurance policies available now.
Travel insurance for students: comparison in September 2023
The most effective way to make an informed decision on your insurance is to compare policies. By looking at a comparative table, for example, you can see which policies offer the level of coverage you need for your trip.
In the following table, we have selected the most relevant travel insurance features in terms of coverage, so you can assess the best offers currently available:
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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️ | |
Cap Student | Long Stay | Star | Short Stay | Nomad | |
Price (1 month) | 24€ | 27€ | 27€ | 28€ | 42€ |
Discount in September 2023 | – 5% | – 5% | – 5% | ❌ | ❌ |
Activate Discount | Activate Discount | Activate Discount | Get a Free Quote | Get a Free Quote | |
Covid-19 | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Medical expenses | 200.000€ | 3.500.000 € | 500.000€ | info | 222.600€ |
Hospitalization | 30€/day | Actual costs | Actual costs | info | 300.000€ |
Theft or loss of luggage | 2.000€ | 1.700€ | 1.500€ | 2.300€ | 2.670€ |
Repatriation | Actual costs | Actual costs | Actual costs | Actual costs | 17.800€ |
Sports activities | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered |
Phone theft | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
Camera or drone theft | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
Recommended for | All types of stays | All types of stays | All types of stays | All types of stays | Digital nomad |
Review | Chapka insurance | HeyMondo insurance | IATI travel insurance | SafetyWing insurance | |
Promo Code Chapka | Promo Code HeyMondo | Promo Code IATI |
What is the best student travel insurance policy in September 2023?
Given the wide variety of insurance alternatives on the market, comparing policies is a great exercise to make sure you get the ideal policy for your trip. It’s important to opt for a policy that offers neither too little, nor too much coverage.
Here is a summary of the coverage of the insurance companies with the highest user ratings: Chapka, HeyMondo, ACS, Oasis, IATI and Safety Wing.
Chapka Cap Student: the best travel insurance for students
One of the most memorable university experiences is undoubtedly going on a student exchange program, or ERASMUS. Such programs allow students to travel abroad to continue their undergraduate or postgraduate studies.
If you intend to study abroad, it is strongly recommended to take out insurance, to ensure a stay without any nasty surprises. In this sense, Cap Student by Chapka offers the best coverage among insurance policies for students.
Chapka Cap Student: benefits and discount
With Cap Student, medical expenses are paid at 100%, and a family member can come to be by your side if you should end up in hospital for a while.
This is the perfect policy for those who want to go to as many countries as possible. With Cap Student, not only are you covered in your country of study, but worldwide, for stays of 3 months or less!
In September 2023, get a 5% discount on Chapka Student insurance!
Click here: Activate Promo Code
- Fill in the form
- Click on “Get a quote”.
- The discount will be applied automatically!
HeyMondo: premium travel insurance for students
HeyMondo travel insurance stands out for its broad coverage, which is perfectly suited to young people studying abroad, facilitating a fun, safe, and adventure-packed time overseas.
Depending on the dynamics of your exchange program, we recommend taking a look at HeyMondo annual multi-trip, single trip, and long stay. Whatever your plans for studying, HeyMondo has a comprehensive travel insurance option for you.
HeyMondo: coverage and discount
HeyMondo is now one of the most popular travel insurance options for overseas exchanges, because of its extensive coverage, which is particularly crucial if you want to avoid an obscenely high medical bill.
Also, they’re currently offering Planet Nomad readers a great deal, so you can get a special travel insurance student discount today!
In September 2023, get 5% off HeyMondo travel insurance
Click here: Activate Promo Code
- You will be redirected to the official website.
- Select your insurance policy.
- Answer the questions and click on “Calculate the price”.
- Your discount will be applied automatically.
IATI: travel insurance for students studying abroad
IATI’s travel insurance for students is also distinguished by its exceptional coverage, specifically designed for students headed abroad, and for annual, postgraduate, and P.H.D. courses in particular!
IATI is a highly reputable travel insurance provider, largely due to its broad medical coverage. I must stress the importance of this once more, as this is especially critical considering the exorbitant expenses associated with healthcare.
IATI Students: coverage and discounts
This package covers theft or damage to your luggage of up to €1500, it covers repatriation, and a cancellation cover of €2000 in the event that you are unable to travel.
It also includes an adventure sports package, so you can make the most of the exciting opportunities that come your way! Remember to carefully consider which activities you’ll be taking part in, and to check exactly which activities are and aren’t included.
Chapka Student is perfect for students heading abroad. This policy is especially useful for students studying in countries with high medical costs, such as the USA, Canada, and Japan.
Get a 5% discount on Cap Student in September 2023:
- Click here : Activate Discount
- Fill in your trip info (country of residence, travel dates, type of insurance).
- Click on “Calculate your Insurance”.
- All done! The discount will be applied automatically.
Cap Student also covers travel and accommodation costs for a family member to visit you if you are hospitalised for 2 days or more:
- Repatriation and early return.
- Chronic, pre-existing or congenital conditions.
- Dental expenses.
- Personal injury from motor vehicle accidents.
Oasis travel insurance
Oasis travel insurance is another sought-after insurance provider that offers numerous comprehensive policies. Oasis does not currently have an insurance plan specifically directed at students, but this does not mean it should be disregarded!
On Trustpilot, the world’s leading business review platform, Oasis Insurance scores a 4.6/5, with 80% of reviewers giving a 5-star review.
Oasis insurance: benefits and coverage for students
Oasis’ plans offer some of the highest emergency medical and repatriation coverage on the market, including reimbursements for scheduled airline failure or loss of services on your trip. You can also count on their 24/7 emergency assistance helpline.
Another advantage of Oasis is that when you contract one of their policies, you can choose between a bronze, silver, and gold package. This way, you have more control, and you can choose the policy that is best adapted to your needs.
ACS Globe Partner: cheap student travel insurance
ACS Globe Partner offers travel insurance at an unbeatable price. Its coverage is designed for stays of a minimum duration of three months. This policy is also designed for interns and researchers, as well as students.
People who wish to extend their stay can renew their student travel insurance at any time, in case you want to continue your adventure!
This plan also offers:
- Direct payment of hospitalisation fees without advance payment
- Medical expenses of up to €300 000
- Repatriation assistance and medical transport
- Civil liability private life
- Individual accident compensation
- Baggage insurance (round trip)
- Support for objects entrusted during internships
- Free choice of doctor and hospital
- Support platform available 24/7 in major languages
- Request for reimbursement of medical expenses under €500 via online platform
- Epidemics & Covid-19: medical expenses, hospitalisation, and assistance covered
Visit the official website for more information: www.acs-ami.com/globe-partner
Safetywing: digital nomad insurance
Safetywing is one of the new insurance providers currently offering policies suited to digital nomads and long-stay enthusiasts, which means they offer some of the most flexible policies on the market.
As a student, having this flexibility could greatly improve your student exchange. You will have peace of mind knowing that you can renew your policy, and remain covered in multiple countries, including during short trips back to your home country.
Safetywing is a comprehensive alternative for long trips, so if your studies are taking you abroad for an extended period of time, it’s definitely worth taking a look at Safetywing. Their flexibility will make your exchange so much easier!
In September 2023, get SafetyWing nomad insurance for $45/month
Click here: Activate Plan
Tips and tricks for saving money on your student exchange
Students are known, of course, for always being a little low on cash, making international travel difficult. However, I’ve been travelling for many years now, and I’ve found many different things you can do to save money before, and during your travels.
Choosing insurance that is tailored to your needs is vital, but remember that flights, accommodation, the card you use, and how you book your activities are crucial factors as well.
Budgeting and saving money becomes even more important when travelling for an extended period of time, so try to save where you can.
Here are a few tricks I’ve learned over the years, they take a little time and effort, but they’ll help you reduce the cost of your trip, so you can get the most out of your student exchange!
Fly at reduced prices
You know, flights don’t cost the same from all countries! To pay for my cheapest flights, I use NordVPN.
Basically, it’s a private network that allows you to access Internet sites from locations other than your own, and this can have some serious benefits:
In September 2023, enjoy a 59% discount on NordVPN.
Click here to activate your discount
Flights from Barcelona to Buenos Aires don’t cost the same if you buy them from Spain as from India, for example. So, once you’ve installed NordVPN, simply access websites like Skyscanner and compare prices by entering as if you were browsing from different countries.
The 8 countries from which it is cheapest to buy flights are: Malaysia, Bulgaria, India, Turkey, Romania, Indonesia, Portugal, and Thailand. Once you have NordVPN, head over to Skyscanner and start paying reduced prices for flights all over the world!
Stay at a discount all year round
Access Booking.com now and get discounts of up to 15% in September 2023 by becoming a Genius user.
There are also ways to save money when booking your accommodation with Booking. The first of which is becoming a Genius user, something you get from making 2 bookings (Genius level 1), and 5 bookings (Genius level 2).
As a Genius user in Booking.com, you can enjoy:
- Discounts on room rates.
- Free breakfast.
- Upgrades to superior room categories.
- Free parking.
- Late check-out.
- Welcome gifts.
In addition, there are hotels in Booking.com that directly offer you a 10 to 15% discount on your rate for being a Genius user.
Access to get discounts of up to 15% by becoming a Genius user.
Finally, Booking.com has a Minimum Price Guarantee program, so if you find a cheaper price for your hotel on any other website, they’ll match it!
Get the best travel card
If you travel frequently, the Revolut Metal Card is another great way to save money. For starters, they offer you unlimited currency exchanges without paying any fees!
The Revolut Metal Card allows you to make unlimited domestic transfers free of charge, and withdraw up to £800 a month from international ATMs.
If you spent £650 abroad in a month using a standard card, and withdrew £350 at ATMs, you would have paid around £44 in fees.
With the Revolut Metal card, you would have paid £0 in fees.
Reserve your activities and entertainment in advance
GetYourGuide is an indispensable tool for organising any trip to any destination. It’s a platform that helps you book tourism and leisure activities for your trip.
With GetYourGuide, you can book your activities online to avoid queues, and take advantage of a discount for online bookings. This way, you save time and money, so you can enjoy more activities during your trip!
You may be thinking that some of these money-saving techniques don’t seem like they’ll save you a lot, but trust me, if you save a little here, and a little there, you’ll end up saving a lot. It just takes a little commitment on your part!
Is travel insurance compulsory for students?
Overseas travel insurance for students is sometimes mandatory, depending on the country where you will be studying.
Countries such as the United States do not require it, for example, but this country is the best example of why purchasing insurance protection is so essential. Medical costs in many countries, especially the US, are simply far too high for a student’s budget!
Carefully assess your destination and the potential risks involved with travelling there. If you are an Erasmus student, remember that in most of the European Union, health costs are covered by the European Health Insurance Card.
Do I need insurance if I have a European card?
The European Health Insurance Card, or EHIC, is a document that allows travellers to benefit from health services in different European countries.
It is undoubtedly a good option for people who travel for tourism, business, or their studies. However, you should know that the EHIC does not guarantee free medical care, and is not an all-encompassing option, so it’s best not to have to rely on it.
This means that in some cases, depending on the treatment, you will have to pay a non-refundable payment. This is why it’s advisable to take out travel insurance in addition to the European health insurance card, so you’re not taking any chances.
Is the insurance valid outside the country where I study?
Student travel insurance is contracted based on the location where you will be based. For this reason, student travel insurance generally does not apply to other countries.
If you plan to travel a lot during your exchange, consider choosing a broader policy, that isn’t only for students. It’s crucial that you read the terms and conditions of your policy very carefully to avoid any surprises while abroad.
How does student travel insurance work?
Travel insurance protects students when they travel abroad. It typically covers a range of travel-related risks, including medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost or stolen baggage, and more.
This is crucial because when you’re on your student exchange, you want to put all your focus on carrying out your studies and expanding your skills, not constantly worried about avoiding a financial nightmare.
The coverage and benefits of travel insurance can vary depending on the provider and the specific policy, so it’s a good idea to do your research beforehand, and also to familiarise yourself with the policy you’re taking out.
To get the most out of your travel insurance, it’s important to select a policy that is suited to your needs. We highly recommend the one that offers the possibility of renewal, in case you need to extend your stay.
How much does student travel insurance cost?
The price of student insurance depends on a multitude of factors:
- The length of stay abroad.
- The destination.
- The coverage and benefits included in the policy.
- The insurance company.
We recommend that you always compare the available travel insurance offers, so you can get the best deal possible.
To give you an idea of how much student travel insurance costs, I calculated the average cost of 7 different policies for a 3-month period:
- Average cost: 176€
- Cheapest student travel insurance: 72€ (Chapka)
What should student insurance cover?
Students have specific needs when on an overseas exchange, that’s why it’s critical that you make an informed decision when selecting your policy. Here are some benefits that your travel insurance policy should have to ensure a smooth trip:
- Medical expenses: this is the most critical benefit that your policy should have, including coverage of medical fees for any illness or injury that you may experience while overseas.
- Trip cancellation: your policy should cover the cost of cancelling or interrupting your trip due to unforeseen circumstances, such as a medical emergency, natural disaster, or political unrest.
- Repatriation: in case you need to return to your country due to illness or emergency circumstances.
Lost or stolen belongings: you want to know that your policy protects your personal belongings, by covering the cost of replacing any lost or stolen luggage or personal items, such as your passport or wallet.
Another thing to look out for is whether a company offers 24-hour emergency assistance. Many companies provide 24-hour access to emergency assistance, which you can call if you need urgent help, which can be very reassuring while abroad.
How do I buy my student travel insurance?
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to take out your student policy:
The websites of the insurance companies I mention are straightforward and intuitive, so don’t worry!
Go to the website of the insurer of your choice and click on the policy you want.
Once you have selected the insurance, you will see a “Contract” button, or something similar. Click to start the contracting process.
Once there, you will need to fill in your trip details. Fill in: the duration of the trip, and always check for renewal in case you think you might want to extend your trip; the number of travellers; and finally, the countries you will be visiting.
Fill in the details of each traveller and add a supplement if necessary. This is usually the cancellation or adventure sports option.
- Read the insurance conditions carefully, and that’s it. You now have your student insurance policy.
How to make the most of your travel insurance while abroad
Studying abroad is a valuable gift, and you want to be able to take advantage of the opportunities that come your way. This way, you can create memories that you’ll cherish for a lifetime.
Student travel insurance is an essential investment for any student going abroad, and will allow you to focus on your studies and enjoy yourself. Not taking out insurance simply isn’t worth the risk!
In my experience, the most expensive policies don’t always provide the most quality coverage, and the cheaper policies don’t always offer low-quality coverage, so keep this in mind.
Once you have a student travel insurance policy that is suited to your specific needs, you’ll be ready to get out there and begin your adventure! 
