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The Best Student Travel Insurance: How To Choose, Tips, and Policies [2024]

Jessica Merritt

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‌Best Cheap Student Travel Insurance: Battleface

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Whether you’re planning to study abroad, backpacking through continents, or just going on a quick adventure, student travel can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. If you’re an inexperienced traveler or have family members at home who need some reassurance, you could benefit from the security that student travel insurance provides, whether it’s financial support or a 24/7 travel assistance hotline.

Let’s explore your options in student travel insurance, from trip cancellation and medical insurance to what you need to know about finding the best prices and coverage.

The 5 Best Travel Insurance Policies for Students

The best student travel insurance might be cheaper than you think. Students can get affordable travel insurance coverage for trip cancellations, emergency medical benefits, and more. We’ve run the numbers to get policy quotes based on age, benefits, and trip length so you can get an idea of what to expect from travel insurance for students.

Consider these student travel insurance policies:

Student travelers on a budget likely want extensive coverage at a low price.

Travel insurance is often cheap for students, considering companies usually offer good rates for young adult travelers. The Battleface Discovery Plan has limited benefits but comes in strong where it really counts, with $100,000 in emergency medical coverage and $500,000 for emergency medical evacuation benefits. Trip cancellation coverage is available for up to your full trip cost, but there is no trip interruption benefit.

We were quoted $33.41 for this plan for a 19-year-old visiting Mexico.

International students traveling to the U.S. may be limited in choices with trip cancellation and interruption coverage, but medical coverage is often generous. The IMG Patriot America Platinum policy has no benefits for trip cancellation and just $10,000 for trip interruption, but it offers $2 million each for emergency medical and emergency evacuation benefits.

This $2 million in coverage was quoted to us for just $25.76 for a 20-year-old student visiting the U.S. from China.

Medical coverage is key when traveling far from home, and the John Hancock Insurance Agency Silver plan offers good emergency medical benefits. This plan provides $500,000 in medical evacuation coverage and $100,000 in primary emergency medical benefits. While primary coverage costs more, it’s also more helpful because you don’t have to go through any other insurance coverage before it kicks in. This plan also offers up to 100% reimbursement for trip cancellation and 150% for trip interruption.

We got a quote on this plan for $68 for an 18-year-old visiting Germany.

Travel insurance for longer, more costly student travel, such as exchange programs, is more expensive than what you’d get for a week or 2 abroad. Still, the Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection ExactCare Value plan offers a reasonable rate for up to 100% trip cancellation and interruption insurance, $15,000 in secondary emergency medical benefits, and $150,000 in emergency medical evacuation coverage.

Our quote for a 17-year-old on a 6-month exchange program in the U.K. was $189.

Concerns about COVID-19 can interfere with your travel plans, whether you get sick before your trip or pick it up along the way. Most travel insurance policies include COVID-19 in trip cancellation and interruption coverage as well as emergency medical benefits, and the Aegis Go Ready Choice plan is no exception. You can get up to 100% reimbursement for trip cancellation or 150% for trip interruption with COVID-19 as a covered reason. You’ll also get $50,000 in secondary emergency medical coverage, including COVID-19, and $250,000 in emergency medical evacuation.

We got a quote for $35 to cover a 21-year-old visiting China.

Travel insurance is often worth it, especially if you can’t afford to lose your nonrefundable travel expenses or you’re traveling internationally. As young travelers, students in particular may find having a 24/7 assistance hotline helpful. If it’s your first time traveling abroad, knowing that assistance is just a phone call away can be reassuring.

Student travelers may run into issues such as language barriers, not understanding cultural norms, getting sick from food, or overdoing it with alcohol. You may get support for these challenges from a student travel insurance policy.

Traveling to a country where you’re old enough to drink? Be careful not to overdo it, and check your travel insurance coverage. Some emergency medical benefits limit or exclude coverage for medical care related to intoxication or drug use.

Students who have saved up to be able to take a trip may be concerned about losing nonrefundable trip costs. If your bookings aren’t refundable and you’re not willing to risk your travel investment, travel insurance can give you some reassurance. Travel insurance policies offering trip cancellation or interruption coverage will reimburse you if you need to cancel or cut short your travel due to covered circumstances. That way, you can get your money back and take your trip later.

Health coverage is also a major reason why students might choose to get travel insurance. You shouldn’t expect your U.S.-based health insurance to cover medical treatment when traveling abroad. Most travel insurance policies offer emergency medical benefits that can help you get the medical care you need without worrying about how you’re going to pay for it. Student visa holders may be required to hold health insurance.

Emergency medical evacuation coverage can help you get medical care if your destination doesn’t have adequate medical facilities to treat you. This coverage can save you money — and potentially your life — with 6-figure benefits available to connect you with care.

While cancellation and medical coverage are the most important benefits you can get from student travel insurance, you may find additional benefits helpful. Some travel insurance policies offer coverage for financial default, which is when your tour operator goes out of business. You may also be covered if you’re laid off from work and need to cancel for financial reasons. Canceled flights, lost bags, and missed connections may also be covered, so you can get reimbursement if you have to deal with these travel mishaps.

Another benefit that may make student travel insurance worthwhile is a 24/7 travel assistance hotline . A travel assistance hotline can help you with travel needs, from destination information to emergency cash, roadside assistance, or getting local medical care. In an emergency, the hotline can help keep loved ones updated at home, offering reassurance and peace of mind to family members who might be anxious about your safety while you travel.

Some international study programs require travel insurance. Make sure your policy meets the requirements, or consider purchasing from the program’s recommended provider.

Generally, student travel insurance costs about 5% to 10% of your total trip cost if you’re purchasing a comprehensive plan. Limited plans like those just for trip cancellation or medical coverage may cost less. 

If you’re taking a $2,000 trip, that 5% to 10% breaks down to about $100 to $200, though your rates may be less as a young traveler. Comprehensive travel insurance policies usually include trip cancellation and interruption coverage, emergency medical benefits, and emergency medical evacuation — in addition to roadside assistance and a travel assistance hotline.

While you can generally expect to pay between 5% and 10% of your trip cost, how much student travel insurance costs depends on factors influencing your policy quote. These include:

• Coverage options you choose
• How long your trip is
• How much your trip costs
• How old you are
• Policy deductibles and limits
• Where you’re going
• Additional benefits, such as Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR)

Get more information on what you can expect to pay for student travel insurance in our guide to the average cost of travel insurance .

What Student Travel Insurance Covers

Though each coverage plan may vary, most comprehensive student travel insurance includes these benefits:

• Emergency Medical: Your insurance can pay for emergency medical treatment whether you get sick with a virus, break a leg, or need serious medical care.
• Emergency Evacuation: If you need serious medical care that’s not available at your destination, your travel insurance may offer coverage that can evacuate you to a medical facility that can care for you appropriately.
• Trip Cancellation: If you cancel your trip for covered reasons, such as severe illness or a natural disaster, you can get 100% reimbursement for your nonrefundable travel costs. However, keep in mind that this coverage typically won’t cover refunds for educational programs, such as deposits you’ve made for tuition or room and board.
• Trip Interruption: Similar to trip cancellation, trip interruption may offer 100% or 150% reimbursement for nonrefundable travel costs if you need to cut your trip short due to covered reasons.
• 24/7 Travel Assistance Hotline: You can call or chat with your travel insurance company’s assistance hotline to get help with travel needs, such as replacing lost credit cards or identification, finding a medical facility, or keeping your family updated in an emergency.
• Travel Delay: Your travel insurance coverage may offer benefits if your travel is delayed significantly, such as a flight that’s several hours late. Missed connection benefits may also be available.
• Baggage Delay or Loss: With this coverage, you can get reimbursed for lost baggage or for items you needed to buy while your baggage was delayed.
• Rental Car Damage: If you’re renting a car and have this coverage, you can decline the rental car company’s insurance and use your travel insurance coverage for damages instead.

Some of the expenses your student travel insurance may cover include plane tickets, hotel bookings, prepaid car rentals, tour tickets, meals, clothing, toiletries, and medical costs.

Read the details of your travel insurance policy’s medical benefits. Coverage details you may want to confirm include emergency contraceptives, COVID-19 testing and treatment, mental health care, and intoxication-related incidents.

Many travel insurance policies include coverage for COVID-19. Look for COVID-19 coverage in trip cancellation and interruption benefits as well as in emergency medical and evacuation benefits.

Comprehensive travel insurance policies are a common choice for students, but you can generally customize your travel insurance coverage to fit your needs. Some policies allow you to just get emergency medical coverage or opt for trip cancellation only. 

Additional coverage options may allow you to add CFAR coverage, allowing you to cancel your trip for any reason — not just the covered reasons in your standard coverage. With CFAR, you won’t get full reimbursement, but you’ll generally get 50% to 75% reimbursement, depending on the policy you choose. 

Some student travel insurance policies may offer additional coverage for adventure sports . For example, suppose you’d like to do some rock climbing, sky diving, or bungee jumping on your trip. In that case, most student travel insurance policies won’t cover those activities unless you add adventure sports coverage .

If you’re taking a gap year, participating in a student exchange program, or otherwise taking an extended trip as a student, you may want to consider an annual travel insurance policy . With an annual travel insurance policy, you can get insured for all of the trips you take within the covered year, whether you’re doing long trips or multiple short ones.

Although student travel insurance policies frequently offer many of the same coverage types, there are variables that should influence which policy you choose. These factors can change how much you pay, how much coverage you get, and ultimately, the experience you have if you need to use your student travel insurance. 

Consider these factors as you compare student travel insurance plans:

• Cost: Students on a tight budget may primarily consider cost. You can find the best deal on student travel insurance by getting multiple quotes from insurance companies. Just be sure to compare coverage, too, as the cheapest student travel insurance policy may not have all the benefits you need.
• Benefits: Look at the list of benefits and coverage to see what’s included, such as emergency medical treatment and evacuation, trip cancellation, and baggage delay. If you want CFAR or adventure sports coverage, confirm it’s available.
• Deductibles and Limits: You’ll find the most variables in how much a student travel insurance policy covers. For example, a policy may only offer $50,000 in secondary emergency medical insurance, but you might want a policy that offers $100,000 or more in primary emergency medical coverage.
• Exclusions: Understand what’s included and what’s not. Some policies may allow you to cancel your trip and receive reimbursement if you have work or school commitments you can’t get out of, but that’s not the case for all, so you should read the fine print.
• Requirements and Details: Details such as how long your travel has to be delayed before you can get trip delay benefits or how close to your trip you can cancel and still get a refund.
• Eligibility: Some student travel insurance policies may have restrictions on ages, destinations, trip duration, and other criteria that make you or your trip ineligible for coverage.
• Company Reviews and Ratings: Before you purchase your student travel insurance policy, consider what other customers have to say. Look for expert and customer ratings and read reviews to get an idea of the experience you can expect from the travel insurance company you’re purchasing coverage from.

If you’re traveling on a student visa, such as an F-1, J-1, or J-2 visa, you may have health insurance requirements. Check your coverage to make sure the student travel insurance policy you’re considering will offer the health insurance benefits you need. 

Travel insurance policies may exclude competitive sports, so check each policy’s fine print to make sure any sports activities you’ve planned are covered. For example, if you’re traveling for a collegiate sports activity.

How To Get Student Travel Insurance

There are a few ways to get student travel insurance: at booking, with your student travel program, or independently by shopping directly with travel insurance companies.

If you’re planning to travel with a student exchange program or on a student group trip, the organizer or travel agent may offer travel insurance policies you can purchase when you plan your travel. The benefit of going this route is you can get coverage from a travel insurance company that the program trusts, and it may offer the right coverage for the trip you’re planning.

Even when you’re booking travel on your own, you may get offers for travel insurance. Some airlines and hotels offer travel insurance at checkout. Online travel agencies (OTAs) such as Expedia and Booking.com typically offer travel insurance when you make a booking.

Purchasing the travel insurance policies offered to you from your travel program or at booking may make sense, but it’s still a good idea to compare these policies with other options. Consider student travel insurance you can get directly from a travel insurance company.

If you’re shopping on your own for travel insurance companies , you can visit travel insurance company websites to get quotes. If you want to save some time, you can use a travel comparison website such as Squaremouth that can give you quotes for policies from travel insurance companies that meet your search criteria.

In any case, it’s best to purchase student travel insurance shortly after booking. You can make the most of your coverage if you buy travel insurance within 2 weeks of making your first trip payment.

You may have travel insurance from a credit card , such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred ® Card . Look carefully at your card’s travel protection benefits to consider whether it’s enough to cover your needs for an upcoming trip. If your card coverage isn’t enough, see where a student travel insurance policy can fill in the gaps.

Traveling as a student can be a thrilling experience, though not without risks. If you want to travel more confidently and quell anxieties, student travel insurance might be just the ticket. You can get covered for medical care, travel assistance, cancellations, and even evacuation if you need it. Just be sure to shop around to find the best coverage at a good price to meet your student travel needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does student travel insurance cover.

Actual coverage depends on the plan you select, but student travel insurance generally covers emergency medical treatment and evacuation, trip cancellation and interruption, travel delays, baggage delay or loss, rental car damage, and 24/7 travel assistance.

Do international students need health insurance in the U.S.?

If you have a J-1 or J-2 visa, the U.S. Department of State requires that you have medical insurance for the length of your program. However, the U.S. government doesn’t require F-1 visa holders to have medical insurance. Still, universities may require international students to carry health insurance regardless of visa requirements. Even if you’re not required by the government or educational programs to carry medical insurance, it’s still a good idea because medical care in the U.S. can be very costly without insurance coverage.

What type of travel insurance do college students need?

Most college students will find a comprehensive travel insurance policy adequate for their needs. This type of coverage offers a broad array of benefits ranging from trip cancellation to emergency medical care.

Do I need health insurance to study abroad?

It’s likely you’ll need health insurance to study abroad. Your host country, study abroad program, or school may require it. Even if health insurance isn’t required, you should consider getting medical coverage so you can get the care you need if an emergency pops up while you’re overseas.

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About Jessica Merritt

A long-time points and miles student, Jessica is the former Personal Finance Managing Editor at U.S. News and World Report and is passionate about helping consumers fund their travels for as little cash as possible.

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The Best Student Travel Insurance Companies of 2024

Companies like Seven Corners, Travelex and Nationwide can provide affordable options for student travel insurance if you’re planning to travel or study abroad.

in under 2 minutes

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If you’re a college student planning an international excursion, you may decide to protect your investment with travel insurance. Travel insurance compensates you if you need to cancel your trip for a covered reason, get injured abroad, or lose your luggage or other personal belongings while traveling.

Our top recommended travel insurance provider for college students is Travelex , thanks to its budget-friendly policies and quick applications.

Compare Student Travel Insurance Companies

Our top picks for student travel insurance are Travelex, Faye and Nationwide, which offer a blend of affordability and a range of coverage options.

Why Trust MarketWatch Guides

Our editorial team follows a comprehensive methodology for rating and reviewing travel insurance companies. Advertisers have no effect on our rankings.

Companies Reviewed

Quotes Collected

Rating Factors

Top 6 Travel Insurance Companies for Students

Here are our top picks for companies that offer student travel insurance:

• Travelex: Our top pick
• Faye : Our pick for all-online experience
• Seven Corners : Our pick for international travelers
• AXA Assistance USA : Our pick for leisure travelers
• Nationwide: Our pick for cruise travel
• Generali Global Assistance: Our pick for emergency assistance

To help you get a better idea of what you might pay for travel insurance as a student, we requested quotes from each of the above providers, as listed in the table below. We collected sample quotes for seven trip types, outlined in our methodology.

Pros & Cons

We we chose travelex.

As a student, price may be a main focus when shopping for travel coverage. Travelex is our top choice for affordable student travel insurance thanks to its low rates. It offers two policies — the Travel Select and Travel Basic plans — with coverage available from just $30 for most low-value trips. Travel Basic plans include limited coverage but can provide peace of mind for students traveling on a budget.

Each plan also includes access to the company’s 24-hour assistance services, a hotline you can call for help with a variety of travel-related issues, such as medical emergencies and lost passports. Note that you will need to purchase the higher-cost Travel Select to cover a trip longer than 30 days (like a semester abroad).

Coverage & Cost

Add-On Options

Travelex offers the following add-on coverages with its travel insurance plans.

• CFAR coverage:  Reimburses you up to 50% for nonrefundable expenses if a trip is canceled for a covered reason.
• Additional medical expense coverage:  Extends your emergency medical expense coverage to $500,000 depending on your plan.
• Accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D):  Offers your family members up to $25,000 in death benefits if you die or are dismembered while traveling. Coverage excludes airline accidents.
• Adventure sports riders:  Travelex’s policies exclude injuries from adventure sports from your emergency medical coverage. This waiver eliminates that exclusion, extending your coverage to sporting accidents.

To help you get an idea of how much you might pay for a travel insurance policy, we requested a few sample quotes directly from Travelex. Browse the table below to learn more about coverage costs.

Why We Chose Faye

If you’re a digital native, you may enjoy how Faye leverages insurance tech to help you get a policy quickly and file a claim on the go. Benefitting from a digital underwriting process, Faye allows you to view policy options and start comparing quotes in seconds.

Launched in 2022 , Faye may be a newcomer to the travel insurance industry, but its seamless online experience has already earned the company hundreds of positive online customer reviews.

Faye features an all-online quote process with just a handful of questions, enrollment and claims-filing process. You can enroll in coverage and file claims directly through its mobile app, and even be reimbursed on approved claims to your phone’s Faye wallet. Faye also offers real-time alerts and 24/7 customer service before and during your trip.

We recommend Faye to travelers who want a quick, all-online experience that doesn’t require wading through complicated coverage options.

Coverage & Add-Ons

Faye offers one plan with several optional add-on options.

Optional Add-Ons 

• Cancel for any reason (CFAR) 
• Rental car damage or theft
• Adventure and extreme sports protection 
• Vacation rental damage protection

*Coverage limits and availability may vary by state of residence.

A 30-year-old traveler planning a $4,000, five-day trip to the Bahamas would pay about $187 for travel insurance with Faye. Unlike competitors, this company offers only one policy for international travelers.

We We Chose Seven Corners

Seven Corners is a travel insurance provider offering a range of affordable options for students living both in the U.S. and abroad. The Basic and Choice RoundTrip plans will be the most useful for students who are residents of the U.S., providing protections for trip cancellation and interruption, emergency medical expenses, emergency evacuation and repatriation, and lost or stolen baggage.

It’s important to note that the coverage provided by the RoundTrip plan may be subject to certain limits and exclusions, so it’s important to read the policy details carefully and contact Seven Corners with any questions. However, with affordable rates and comprehensive plan inclusions, Seven Corners offers a great policy selection for students.

Seven Corners allows you to enhance travel insurance policies with the following add-ons:

• Cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage:  Extends up to 75% reimbursement for nonrefundable travel expenses. You must add CFAR coverage within 20 days of your initial trip payment deposit.
• Rental car damage:  Extends coverage to include up to $35,000 in collision coverage for rental cars you use abroad.
• Trip interruption for any reason (IFAR) coverage:  Like CFAR coverage, this add-on extends up to a 75% reimbursement if you need to leave your vacation early. You must purchase IFAR coverage within 20 days of your initial trip payment.

To help you get an idea of how much you might pay for a travel insurance policy, we requested a few sample quotes directly from Seven Corners. Browse the table below to learn more about coverage costs.

We We Chose AXA

AXA’s travel insurance policies are comprehensive and provide higher-than-average coverage limits compared to some providers. AXA offers three plan choices — and its most inclusive policy, the Platinum Plan, is ideal for adventure travelers. It includes coverage for lost skiing days, rounds of golf and even up to $1,000 in sports equipment rentals.

Overall, AXA’s plans are highly inclusive and offer a range of benefits. However, pricing is higher than competitors, which can be a particularly large consideration for students.

AXA offers two add-on options.

• CFAR coverage:  Provides reimbursements of up to 75% of your trip costs, but you must purchase coverage within 14 days of your initial trip payment.
• Collision coverage:  Extends up to $50,000 in collision coverage if you rent a car abroad.

Browse the table below to learn more about what you might pay for an insurance plan with AXA.

We We Chose Nationwide

If you’re a student saving up for a cruise, you probably want to do everything you can to protect your investment. Nationwide is one of the only travel insurance providers to offer policies specifically for cruise vacations. Cruise policies from Nationwide include coverage for all of the following: trip cancellation and interruption, missed connections, itinerary changes, and emergency medical expenses and evacuations.

All Nationwide cruise insurance plans include coverage for weather, work and school-related schedule changes. Coverage even extends to international terrorism that forces you or your cruise liner to cancel. Nationwide also offers standard round-trip insurance plans, which cover all of the standard protections you’d expect from competing insurance providers.

You can add the following optional coverages to Nationwide’s travel plans:

• AD&D:  Policies include up to $25,000 in add-on coverage for events that result in AD&D.
• CFAR coverage:  Reimburses you for up to 75% of nonrefundable trip expenses.
• Preexisting conditions waiver:  Select plans allow you to extend your medical insurance coverage to include preexisting medical conditions present at the time that you apply for coverage.
• Rental car collision coverage:  Extends up to $35,000 in rental car collision coverage depending on your plan choice.

Browse the table below to learn more about what you might pay for an insurance plan with Nationwide. Quotes are for standard roundtrip travel insurance policies.

We We Chose Generali

Generali is our top choice for travel insurance that includes 24/7 emergency service — an important consideration if you’re a student traveling abroad for the first time. Generali customers receive access to a 24/7 emergency hotline to contact international travel or telemedicine experts. If you’re traveling to a country where the native language is not English, this can provide peace of mind if you need translation services during an emergency.

Generali’s plans include all the standard coverages one would expect from travel insurance, with three policies available. All policies also include access to emergency transportation, telemedicine assistance and identity theft protection.

You can add the following optional coverages to Generali’s travel insurance plans.

• Rental car damage:  You can add up to $25,000 worth of rental car collision coverage on most trips.
• CFAR coverage:  Generali allows you to add CFAR coverage to select plans, which provide you with reimbursements of up to 60% for prepaid expenses.

Browse the table below to learn more about what you might pay for an insurance plan with Generali Global Assistance.

What Does Student Travel Insurance Cover?

As a student, most of your money likely goes towards tuition, housing expenses, textbooks and other costs associated with furthering your education. This can make it especially important to protect your financial investments when traveling.

Student travel insurance can provide coverage if you are traveling abroad for educational or cultural purposes. This type of insurance typically covers a range of risks that students may encounter while traveling domestically or abroad, including medical emergencies, trip cancellations or interruptions, lost or stolen luggage, and emergency medical evacuation.

You can purchase travel insurance for a single trip or for multiple trips over a specified period of time. Travel insurance coverage can vary widely depending on your policy details and provider, but if your trip is interrupted or canceled, most plans provide reimbursements for the following nonrefundable expenses:

• Plane tickets
• Reserved car deposits
• Lodging expenses
• Event tickets and excursions you’re unable to use
• Meals, clothing, toiletries and other necessities if your luggage is lost or stolen
• Medical expenses if you are hurt while traveling

While travel insurance is not mandatory for most trips, it can provide peace of mind if you want protection from unexpected trip expenses or disruptions. But keep in mind that travel insurance only provides reimbursements for nonrefundable trip expenses under certain cancellation circumstances — unless you opt for CFAR coverage .

Common Add-Ons

Travel insurance companies commonly allow you to upgrade your plan with add-on coverages. Some of the most common travel insurance add-ons include the following:

• CFAR coverage: Allows you to cancel your trip for any reason and still receive partial reimbursement.
• Rental car coverage: If you’re renting a car abroad, you may need collision coverage. Many travel insurers allow you to add this coverage for an additional cost.
• Umbrella policies: If you’re traveling to a country with particularly high medical expenses, you may want to extend medical coverage using an umbrella rider.

Specific add-on availability will vary by the insurance provider.

Should Students Consider COVID-19 Coverage?

Students may be concerned about whether travel insurance will cover cancellations and interruptions due to COVID-19 . While the specific details of each policy will vary depending on the insurance provider, most travel insurance plans treat COVID-19 as a standard illness when considering reimbursements.

Under the terms of most travel insurance cancellation policies, if you become sick with COVID before traveling and must cancel your trip, you’d be entitled to a reimbursement. Policies may also include medical coverage that extends to a COVID diagnosis you receive abroad. However, plans do not cover trip cancellations due to new COVID-19 outbreaks or strains that develop, nor fear of international travel due to COVID.

How Much Does Student Travel Insurance Cost?

Overall, the total cost of your trip will be the primary factor that influences the price of your travel insurance policy. As the value of your trip increases, so does the expense your insurer will need to cover if you file a claim. This can make travel insurance cheaper for students, who tend to travel on a budget. Medical coverage can also be more affordable for younger travelers, as they are less likely to incur major treatment bills abroad.

According to our review, students can expect to pay about $30 to $60 for travel insurance on most low-value trips. Explore the table below to learn more about how age, trip cost and trip length influence price.

Note: We gathered quotes directly from each company’s website for the trip details listed above. Prices reflect average costs across multiple providers and are accurate as of October 2023.

Factors That Determine Student Travel Insurance Cost

Several factors can affect the cost of student travel insurance, including:

• Destination: The cost of travel insurance can vary based on where you’re traveling. Some destinations may have higher medical care or evacuation expenses, affecting your premium.
• Length of trip: The length of your trip can affect the cost of travel insurance. The longer your trip, the higher your premium will be.
• Age: The age of the traveler can also impact the cost of travel insurance. Older travelers may have higher premiums due to an increased risk of health issues.
• Preexisting medical conditions: If you have preexisting medical conditions, it can affect the cost of travel insurance. Depending on the severity of your condition, you may need to pay a higher premium.
• Trip cost: More expensive trips will come with higher insurance costs since potential reimbursements depend on the price you paid for the trip.
• Deductible: If you choose a travel insurance plan with a deductible, it can lower your premium. However, you’ll be responsible for paying the deductible before insurance coverage kicks in.

Before you buy travel insurance, it’s important to compare companies carefully and select a plan that offers the coverage you need at a price you can afford. You can also check out our guide to the cheapest travel insurance for more coverage options.

Use the dropdown menu below to select your country of travel for a more in-depth guide on travel insurance for that specific location.

Is Student Travel Insurance Worth It?

Student travel insurance is often affordable, as students are more likely to be younger and insure less expensive trips. Both of these factors make students less likely to need to file a claim, which lowers the price of your insurance premium. If you’re planning a more valuable trip or you’re investing a significant amount of time putting your trip together, it can be worth it to consider travel insurance .

Student travel insurance is often worth the expense, as premiums tend to be lower than those paid by older travelers or for a luxury vacation. However, this does not mean that every travel insurance policy is equally as valuable. Like most types of insurance, coverage and benefits will vary depending on the insurer you choose.

Finding the most affordable student coverage starts by defining your needs. If you are traveling abroad for more than a few weeks to study abroad , be sure to review your visa requirements before buying coverage. Read each company’s policy documentation before you buy, and get a quote from at least three providers to see which offers the best deal for your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions About Student Travel Insurance

Can i get travel insurance for a school trip.

Yes, travel insurance companies do provide insurance coverage for school-sponsored trips. If you’re planning on joining a class trip and have non-refundable expenses, it can be a good idea to consider a travel insurance policy.

Do I need travel insurance to study abroad?

Travel insurance is not usually legally required by international governments for students studying abroad. However, your college or university may have its own requirements you must meet in order to qualify for international study. Consult with your student advisor after selecting a study abroad destination to learn more about travel insurance program requirements.

How can college students afford to travel?

College students can afford to travel by taking trips during off seasons, saving money regularly throughout the year, and by taking advantage of study abroad programs. Students traveling internationally may also want to explore budget accommodations like hostels and low-cost airlines to travel without spending as much money.

What does student travel insurance cover?

Student travel insurance provides coverage for unexpected events that can occur during a trip to other U.S. states or a foreign country. These events may include trip cancellations, trip delays or interruptions, emergency medical bills, lost or stolen luggage, and other unforeseen circumstances.

Do I need student health insurance to travel or study abroad?

While U.S. residents do not legally need health insurance to travel, some schools require students to have health insurance while studying abroad. If your medical coverage does not extend outside your home country, you can purchase travel medical insurance to cover you abroad. While standard travel insurance only covers costs related to medical emergencies, some companies offer specific international health insurance plans for routine healthcare costs and medical treatments while traveling.

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Methodology: Our System for Rating Travel Insurance Companies

• A 30-year-old couple taking a $5,000 vacation to Mexico.
• A family of four taking an $8,000 vacation to Mexico.
• A 65-year-old couple taking a $7,000 vacation to the United Kingdom.
• A 30-year-old couple taking a $7,000 trip to the United Kingdom.
• A 19-year-old taking a $2,000 trip to France.
• A 27-year-old couple taking a $1,200 trip to Greece.
• A 51-year-old couple taking a $2,000 trip to Spain.
• Plan availability (10%): We look for insurers with a variety of travel insurance plans and the ability to customize a policy with coverage upgrades.
• Coverage details (29%): We review the baseline coverage each company offers in its cheapest comprehensive plan. A provider with robust coverage earns full points, including baggage delay and loss, COVID-19 coverage, emergency evacuation and medical coverage, trip delay and cancellation coverage, and more. Companies also receive points for offering a variety of policy add-ons like accidental death and dismemberment, extreme sports, valuable items, cancel for any reason coverage and more.
• Coverage times and amounts (34%): We compare each company’s waiting periods and maximum reimbursement amounts for baggage, travel and weather delays. Companies that offer customers reimbursement after fewer than 12 hours of delays earn full points in this category. We also reward travel insurance providers that cover more than 100% of trip costs in the event of cancellations or interruptions.
• Company service and reviews (17%): We look for indicators that a company is well-prepared to respond to customer needs. Companies with an established global resource network, 24/7 emergency hotline, mobile app, multiple ways to file a claim and concierge services score higher in this category. We assess reputation by evaluating consumer reviews, third-party financial strength and customer experience ratings, specifically from AM Best and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

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