student single trip travel insurance

• Credit Cards
• All Credit Cards
• Find the Credit Card for You
• Best Credit Cards
• Best Rewards Credit Cards
• Best Travel Credit Cards
• Best 0% APR Credit Cards
• Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards
• Best Cash Back Credit Cards
• Best Credit Card Sign-Up Bonuses
• Best Credit Cards to Build Credit
• Best Credit Cards for Online Shopping
• Find the Best Personal Loan for You
• Best Personal Loans
• Best Debt Consolidation Loans
• Best Loans to Refinance Credit Card Debt
• Best Loans with Fast Funding
• Best Small Personal Loans
• Best Large Personal Loans
• Best Personal Loans to Apply Online
• Best Student Loan Refinance
• Best Car Loans
• All Banking
• Find the Savings Account for You
• Best High Yield Savings Accounts
• Best Big Bank Savings Accounts
• Best Big Bank Checking Accounts
• Best No Fee Checking Accounts
• No Overdraft Fee Checking Accounts
• Best Checking Account Bonuses
• Best Money Market Accounts
• Best Credit Unions
• All Mortgages
• Best Mortgages
• Best Mortgages for Small Down Payment
• Best Mortgages for No Down Payment
• Best Mortgages for Average Credit Score
• Best Mortgages No Origination Fee
• Adjustable Rate Mortgages
• Affording a Mortgage
• All Insurance
• Best Life Insurance
• Best Life Insurance for Seniors
• Best Homeowners Insurance
• Best Renters Insurance
• Best Car Insurance
• Best Pet Insurance
• Best Boat Insurance
• Best Motorcycle Insurance
• Travel Insurance
• Event Ticket Insurance
• Small Business
• All Small Business
• Best Small Business Savings Accounts
• Best Small Business Checking Accounts
• Best Credit Cards for Small Business
• Best Small Business Loans
• Best Tax Software for Small Business
• Personal Finance
• All Personal Finance
• Best Budgeting Apps
• Best Expense Tracker Apps
• Best Money Transfer Apps
• Best Resale Apps and Sites
• Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) Apps
• Best Debt Relief
• Credit Monitoring
• All Credit Monitoring
• Best Credit Monitoring Services
• Best Identity Theft Protection
• How to Boost Your Credit Score
• Best Credit Repair Companies
• Filing For Free
• Best Tax Software
• Best Tax Software for Small Businesses
• Tax Refunds
• Tax Brackets
• Taxes By State
• Tax Payment Plans
• Help for Low Credit Scores
• All Help for Low Credit Scores
• Best Credit Cards for Bad Credit
• Best Personal Loans for Bad Credit
• Best Debt Consolidation Loans for Bad Credit
• Personal Loans if You Don't Have Credit
• Best Credit Cards for Building Credit
• Personal Loans for 580 Credit Score Lower
• Personal Loans for 670 Credit Score or Lower
• Best Mortgages for Bad Credit
• Best Hardship Loans
• All Investing
• Best IRA Accounts
• Best Roth IRA Accounts
• Best Investing Apps
• Best Free Stock Trading Platforms
• Best Robo-Advisors
• Index Funds
• Mutual Funds
• Home & Kitchen
• Gift Guides
• Deals & Sales
• Sign up for the CNBC Select Newsletter
• Subscribe to CNBC PRO
• Privacy Policy
• Your Privacy Choices
• Terms Of Service
• CNBC Sitemap

Follow Select

Our top picks of timely offers from our partners

Studying abroad? Here are the best international student travel insurance companies

Travel insurance can not only save students money when studying abroad, but many schools also require it..

Studying abroad is a valuable educational and cultural experience and could give you an advantage in the job market after graduation. Buying travel insurance is a way to protect yourself financially while studying abroad. 

Many international programs require travel insurance , and some offer it through a predetermined provider. But if you're on the hunt for a comprehensive travel insurance plan on your own, CNBC Select has made it a little easier. We compared dozens of top travel insurance companies for students and narrowed down the five best options that stood out for their strong coverage and affordability . (See our methodology for more information.)

Best student travel insurance

• Best overall: AXA Assistance USA Travel Insurance
• Best for medical expenses: USI Affinity Travel Insurance
• Best for trip interruptions: Travel Guard Travel Insurance
• Best for customizable coverage: Allianz Travel Insurance
• Best for students on a budget: Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection

Best overall

Axa assistance usa travel insurance.

The best way to estimate your costs is to request a quote

Policy highlights

AXA Assistance USA offers several travel insurance policies that include travel interruption, trip cancellation, and the option of cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage.

24/7 assistance available

• Three tiers of plans available
• Highly rated for financial strength
• Cancel for any reason only available on highest-tier coverage

AXA Assistance USA 's most basic plan, the Silver Plan, includes all of the essentials a student will likely need while studying abroad: coverage for emergency medical expenses (up to $25,000 for accident or sickness and up to $100,000 for evacuation), baggage loss (up to $750) trip interruption and trip cancellation. 

It's budget-friendly as well and is one of the most affordable yet comprehensive travel insurance plans on the market. If you're interested in higher coverage limits, AXA offers two more premium plans, one of which includes a cancel for any reason (CFAR) option. 

[ Jump to more details ]

Best for medical expenses

Usi affinity travel insurance.

USI Affinity has travel medical policies in addition to trip cancellation policies. Travel medical plans include an option for frequent travelers to cover multiple trips. Trip cancellation options include coverage for road trips and group travel.

• Wide variety of plans for both trip cancellation coverage and travel medical insurance
• CFAR only covers up to 70% of non-refundable trip costs

USI Affinity is a good choice for students primarily concerned about potential medical expenses abroad. The company offers only one trip cancellation plan but offers a wide variety of travel medical plans tailored to specific situations.

Best for trip interruptions

Travel guard® travel insurance.

Travel Guard offers a variety of plans to suit travel ranging from road trips to long cruises. For air travelers, Travel Guard can help assist with tracking baggage or covering lost or delayed baggage.

• A variety of plans are available to help cover different types of trips
• Not all products are available for purchase online

Students who are concerned about trip interruptions should consider Travel Guard , which offers last-minute coverage. There are three base packages available online, with more options available through a representative. Its most basic plan includes typical coverage for travel medical expenses (up to $15,000 in medical expenses and $150,000 for evacuation), but robust coverage for trip cancellation, trip interruption, baggage theft as well as per-day compensation for trip delays.

Best for customizable coverage

Allianz travel insurance.

10 travel insurance plans make it possible to customize your coverage. For families, Allianz's OneTrip Prime package covers children age 17 and younger when traveling with a parent or grandparent.

• Trip cancellation benefits can reimburse your prepaid, nonrefundable trip payments if you have to cancel your trip for one of the covered reasons stated in your plan documents. 
• Limited coverage for risky sports

Allianz offers a whopping 10 different travel insurance policies. While many premium insurers offer cancel for any reason coverage that can cover up to 75% of prepaid, non-refundable trip costs, Allianz's Cancel Anytime upgrade can reimburse up to 80% of your prepaid, nonrefundable trip payments if you have to cancel your trip for one of the covered reasons stated in your plan documents. If you're planning to be adventurous during your study abroad experience, Allianz has a variety of add-ons to cover rental cars, hazardous sports and more. 

Best for students on a budget

Berkshire hathaway travel protection.

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection has multiple plans to cover vacations from luxury travel to adventure travel. The brand's LuxuryCare offers the highest limits of travel insurance coverage offered by the company. Quotes and policies are available online.

• Wide variety of policies available
• Strong financial strength rating by AM Best
• Cancel for any reason only provides reimbursement for up to 50% of non-refundable trip payments

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection is a strong choice for students on a tight budget looking for strong coverage. Its most basic plan (the ExactCare Value plan) earned one of the cheapest quotes reviewed by CNBC Select and includes moderate-limit coverage for everything a student might need while studying internationally. 

More on our top travel insurance for studying abroad

AXA's travel insurance offers medical coverage for emergencies and accidents while traveling for up to $250,000. It offers three different plans for travelers starting as low as $16 according to its website.

CFAR coverage available

24/7 assistance?  

[ Return to summary ]

USI Affinity offers a number of travel plans, including travel medical plans for those traveling outside of the U.S. Its InterMedical Insurance plan has three levels of medical coverage available ranging from $50,000 to $150,000, and starts at $1.35 per day, according to the company's website.

Travel Guard Travel Insurance

Travel Guard's travel insurance could be a fit for students studying abroad with three levels of coverage. Its travel medical expense coverage can go up to $100,000 with the brand's deluxe plan.

Allianz offers several types of travel insurance for students, including its OneTrip Emergency Medical Plan with up to $50,000 in emergency medical benefits and $250,000 in evacuation benefits. Its OneTrip Prime and Premier plans offer cancellation and trip interruption benefits on top of emergency medical benefits up to $50,000.

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Insurance

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection offers several travel insurance plans that could be a fit for student travelers, including its ExactCare Value and ExactCare plans, offering both trip cancellation and interruption coverage in addition to medical coverage.

What does travel insurance cover for studying abroad? 

Medical expenses and emergency evacuation.

Stan Sandberg, a co-founder of the online marketplace TravelInsurance.com , said medical coverage is the most important area of coverage for students studying abroad. 

Most travel insurance plans, regardless of whether they are designed for students, cover medical expenses incurred abroad. Medical expense coverage can help to cover injuries or illnesses you may incur while abroad. Emergency evacuation coverage generally includes transportation to the nearest adequate facility or transportation home.

Travel medical coverage can exclude some situations that are relevant for students studying abroad — namely, intoxication. "If the individual is either beyond a certain intoxication level or under the influence of illegal substances, those things are very often excluded from coverage," Sandberg said. "So, a student traveling to a country that doesn't have a drinking age, for instance, that would be something to keep in mind."

Because of cultural alienation and homesickness, studying abroad can be an emotionally difficult time for many students. If you are shopping for student travel insurance, you should consider searching for a plan that covers mental health services. Read your travel policy carefully to understand the coverage offered and any requirements for coverage.

If medical expenses are the only cost you wish to insure, then you might instead consider an international health plan, which Sandberg recommends for students on a budget . 

Trip cancellation and interruption 

If your circumstances change at the last minute, you'll be grateful to have a travel insurance plan with trip cancellation coverage, which will reimburse you for your non-refundable trip costs, like flights and hotels , for covered events. 

This coverage will not, however, cover any non-refundable costs of your study abroad program, such as tuition, room and board, which are likely to be much more expensive than the flights to and from. So to Sandberg, this coverage is slightly less important for students.

Travel assistance

It's possible that studying abroad will be a student's first time out of the country. Traveling internationally , especially in areas with a language barrier, can be confusing. Many travel insurance plans, and all five policies we chose as our top picks , offer a 24/7 helpline to assist you along your journey. 

Lost or stolen baggage

Along with travel assistance, baggage loss and baggage delay coverage are examples of post-departure benefits. Study abroad programs typically last an entire semester or a summer, so you'll likely pack a lot of luggage. 

If you're traveling with valuables, you should consider searching for a plan that includes baggage insurance. Sandberg recommends reading the fine print, though, as many plans exclude electronic items in luggage and items above a certain value. 

And of course, make sure any policy is worth your money and aligns with your coverage goals before purchasing it. Many travel insurance policies offer free look periods that include time to read over the policy and cancel coverage with a refund.

What is travel insurance for studying abroad? 

For students and adults alike, travel insurance is a flexible type of coverage designed to protect you when you're far from home. By purchasing a policy, you can prevent financial hardship related to international medical expenses or travel mishaps like interruptions, delays and lost luggage. Some premium travel insurance plans offer cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage, which allows you to recoup some of your expenses should you cancel your trip for any reason.

Is travel insurance worth it for studying abroad?

Travel insurance is a wise investment for travelers who will be abroad for a while, including students studying abroad. Most domestic medical plans do not cover international hospital bills, so in case of an emergency, having travel insurance with medical expense coverage could be crucial.

How much does travel insurance cost for students studying abroad?  

Travel insurance costs vary depending on the length of the trip, the age of the travelers and the extent of the coverage. You can expect to pay around 4% to 10% of your trip's total cost, according to travel insurance comparison site InsureMyTrip . Keep in mind though that your trip's "total cost" does not include the cost of your study abroad program itself. Most travel insurance companies are only interested in the cost of flights and non-program lodging like hotels. The best way to estimate the cost of insuring your trip is to get quotes from multiple companies.

What is international health insurance?

International health insurance is a health coverage plan that covers your medical expenses anywhere in the world. An international health insurance plan provides very similar medical coverage to that provided by a travel insurance plan.

Do I need travel insurance if my credit card has it already?

Some of the best travel credit cards on the market provide some travel protection. For example, the  Chase Sapphire Reserve®  card offers trip cancellation and interruption insurance up to $10,000 per covered person up to $20,000 per trip, travel accident insurance, emergency evacuation insurance and coverage for baggage delays and loss. Ask your issuer if your card has any travel protection benefits. If not, or if the coverage is minimal, you should consider purchasing travel insurance from a third party.

Bottom line

Not only is it a smart idea to purchase travel insurance to study abroad, but it is also required by a lot of international programs. With travel insurance, students can worry less about the unexpected and make the most of their experience abroad. If your academic program does not have a pre-existing partnership with a certain provider, then consider using one of these top travel insurance companies for students. 

Money matters — so make the most of it. Get expert tips, strategies, news and everything else you need to maximize your money, right to your inbox.  Sign up here .

Why trust CNBC Select?

At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed decisions with their money. Every travel insurance review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of travel insurance products. While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics. See our methodology for more information on how we choose the best cheap travel insurance.

Our methodology 

To determine the best travel insurance companies for students studying abroad, CNBC Select analyzed dozens of U.S. travel insurance companies that come with a wide variety of policies and offer coverage for a number of situations. 

When narrowing down the best travel insurance companies, we focused on the coverage available, including the number of plans available, 24/7 assistance availability and cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage availability. We also considered financial strength ratings from AM Best and Better Business Bureau ratings for customer satisfaction.

To consider costs, we gathered quotes from the top travel insurance companies for four sample trips, which included:

1. A semester-long (January 15 to June 15) study-abroad trip to the United Kingdom:

• $3,000 per person (flights to and from JFK and non-program hotels)
• New York residents
• Traveler aged 20

2. A summer (June 15-August 15) study-abroad trip to Italy:

• $2,000 per person (flights to and from JFK and non-program hotels)

Sample quotes assumed that payments were made on the date of quoting.

Note that the premiums and policy structures advertised for travel insurance companies are subject to fluctuate in accordance with the company's policies.

Catch up on CNBC Select's in-depth coverage of  credit cards ,  banking  and  money . And follow us on  TikTok ,  Facebook ,  Instagram  and  Twitter  to stay up to date.

• This 5-month term CD offers 9.5% APY, but with a catch — here's how to get your hands on it Andreina Rodriguez
• How Quicken Simplifi can help you get a grip on your spending Elizabeth Gravier
• IRA vs CD — what's the difference and which one should you pick? Andreina Rodriguez

Advertiser Disclosure

Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). However, the credit card information that we publish has been written and evaluated by experts who know these products inside out. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market. See our advertising policy here where we list advertisers that we work with, and how we make money. You can also review our credit card rating methodology .

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

Jessica Merritt

Editor & Content Contributor

85 Published Articles 484 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 4 U.S. States Visited: 23

89 Published Articles 64 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 54 U.S. States Visited: 36

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

34 Published Articles 3142 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 47 U.S. States Visited: 28

‌Best Cheap Student Travel Insurance: Battleface

‌best student travel insurance for international students: img, ‌best student travel insurance for medical coverage: john hancock insurance agency, best student travel insurance for exchange students: berkshire hathaway, best student travel insurance for covid-19: aegis, is travel insurance for students worth it, student travel insurance costs, types of student travel insurance, what to look for in a student travel insurance policy, getting insurance with a student program, getting insurance at the time of booking, getting insurance after booking, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

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.

Was this page helpful?

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.

INSIDERS ONLY: UP PULSE ™

Get the latest travel tips, crucial news, flight & hotel deal alerts...

Plus — expert strategies to maximize your points & miles by joining our (free) newsletter.

We respect your privacy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA. Google's privacy policy and terms of service apply.

UP's Bonus Valuation

This bonus value is an estimated valuation calculated by UP after analyzing redemption options, transfer partners, award availability and how much UP would pay to buy these points.

June 1, 2020

Due to travel restrictions, plans are only available with travel dates on or after

Due to travel restrictions, plans are only available with effective start dates on or after

Ukraine; Belarus; Moldova, Republic of; North Korea, Democratic People's Rep; Russia; Israel

This is a test environment. Please proceed to AllianzTravelInsurance.com and remove all bookmarks or references to this site.

Use this tool to calculate all purchases like ski-lift passes, show tickets, or even rental equipment.

Travel Insurance for Students

Get a Quote

{{travelBanText}} {{travelBanDateFormatted}}.

{{annualTravelBanText}} {{travelBanDateFormatted}}.

If your trip involves multiple destinations, please enter the destination where you’ll be spending the most time. It is not required to list all destinations on your policy.

Age of Traveler

Ages: {{quote.travelers_ages}}

If you were referred by a travel agent, enter the ACCAM number provided by your agent.

Travel Dates

{{quote.travel_dates ? quote.travel_dates : "Departure - Return" | formatDates}}

Plan Start Date

{{quote.start_date ? quote.start_date : "Date"}}

Share this Page

• {{errorMsgSendSocialEmail}}

Your browser does not support iframes.

Popular Travel Insurance Plans

• Annual Travel Insurance
• Cruise Insurance
• Domestic Travel Insurance
• International Travel Insurance
• Rental Car Insurance

View all of our travel insurance products

Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Please see your plan for full details. Benefits/Coverage may vary by state, and sublimits may apply.

Insurance benefits underwritten by BCS Insurance Company (OH, Administrative Office: 2 Mid America Plaza, Suite 200, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181), rated “A” (Excellent) by A.M. Best Co., under BCS Form No. 52.201 series or 52.401 series, or Jefferson Insurance Company (NY, Administrative Office: 9950 Mayland Drive, Richmond, VA 23233), rated “A+” (Superior) by A.M. Best Co., under Jefferson Form No. 101-C series or 101-P series, depending on your state of residence and plan chosen. A+ (Superior) and A (Excellent) are the 2nd and 3rd highest, respectively, of A.M. Best's 13 Financial Strength Ratings. Plans only available to U.S. residents and may not be available in all jurisdictions. Allianz Global Assistance and Allianz Travel Insurance are marks of AGA Service Company dba Allianz Global Assistance or its affiliates. Allianz Travel Insurance products are distributed by Allianz Global Assistance, the licensed producer and administrator of these plans and an affiliate of Jefferson Insurance Company. The insured shall not receive any special benefit or advantage due to the affiliation between AGA Service Company and Jefferson Insurance Company. Plans include insurance benefits and assistance services. Any Non-Insurance Assistance services purchased are provided through AGA Service Company. Except as expressly provided under your plan, you are responsible for charges you incur from third parties. Contact AGA Service Company at  800-284-8300 or 9950 Mayland Drive, Richmond, VA 23233 or [email protected] .

Return To Log In

Your session has expired. We are redirecting you to our sign-in page.

• Best Extended Auto Warranty
• Best Used Car Warranty
• Best Car Warranty Companies
• CarShield Reviews
• Best Auto Loan Rates
• Average Auto Loan Interest Rates
• Best Auto Refinance Rates
• Bad Credit Auto Loans
• Best Auto Shipping Companies
• How To Ship a Car
• Car Shipping Cost Calculator
• Montway Auto Transport Reviews
• Best Car Buying Apps
• Best Websites To Sell Your Car Online
• CarMax Review
• Carvana Reviews
• Best LLC Service
• Best Registered Agent Service
• Best Trademark Service
• Best Online Legal Services
• Best CRMs for Small Business
• Best CRM Software
• Best CRM for Real Estate
• Best Marketing CRM
• Best CRM for Sales
• Best Free Time Tracking Apps
• Best HR Software
• Best Payroll Services
• Best HR Outsourcing Services
• Best HRIS Software
• Best Project Management Software
• Best Construction Project Management Software
• Best Personal Loans
• Best Fast Personal Loans
• Best Debt Consolidation Loans
• Best Loans for Bad Credit
• Best Personal Loans for Fair Credit
• HOME EQUITY
• Best Home Equity Loan Rates
• Best Home Equity Loans
• Best Checking Accounts
• Best Free Checking Accounts
• Best Online Checking Accounts
• Best Online Banks
• Bank Account Bonuses
• Best High-Yield Savings Accounts
• Best Savings Accounts
• Average Savings Account Interest Rate
• Money Market Accounts
• Best CD Rates
• Best 3-Month CD Rates
• Best 6-Month CD Rates
• Best 1-Year CD Rates
• Best 5-Year CD Rates
• Best Jumbo CD Rates of April 2024
• Best Hearing Aids
• Best OTC Hearing Aids
• Most Affordable Hearing Aids
• Eargo Hearing Aids Review
• Best Medical Alert Systems
• Best Medical Alert Watches
• Best Medical Alert Necklaces
• Are Medical Alert Systems Covered by Insurance?
• Best Online Therapy
• Best Online Therapy Platforms That Take Insurance
• Best Online Psychiatrist Platforms
• BetterHelp Review
• Best Mattress
• Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
• Best Mattress for Back Pain
• Best Adjustable Beds
• Best Home Warranty Companies
• American Home Shield Review
• First American Home Warranty Review
• Best Home Appliance Insurance
• Best Moving Companies
• Best Interstate Moving Companies
• Best Long-Distance Moving Companies
• Cheap Moving Companies
• Best Window Replacement Companies
• Best Gutter Guards
• Gutter Installation Costs
• Best Window Brands
• Best Solar Companies
• Best Solar Panels
• How Much Do Solar Panels Cost?
• Solar Calculator
• Best Car Insurance Companies
• Cheapest Car Insurance Companies
• Best Car Insurance for New Drivers
• Same-day Car Insurance
• Best Pet Insurance
• Pet Insurance Cost
• Cheapest Pet Insurance
• Pet Wellness Plans
• Best Life Insurance
• Best Term Life Insurance
• Best Whole Life Insurance
• Term vs. Whole Life Insurance
• Best Travel Insurance Companies
• Best Homeowners Insurance Companies
• Best Renters Insurance Companies
• Best Motorcycle Insurance

Partner content:  This content was created by a business partner of Dow Jones, independent of the MarketWatch newsroom. Links in this article may result in us earning a commission.  Learn More

The Best Student Travel Insurance Companies of 2024

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

with our partner, travelinsurance.com

Sarah Horvath is one of the home service industry’s most accomplished writers. Her specialties include writing about home warranties, insurance, home improvement and household finances. You can find her writing published through distributors like HouseMethod, Architectural Digest, Good Housekeeping and more. When not writing, she enjoys spending time in her home in Orlando with her fiance and parrot.

Tori Addison is an editor who has worked in the digital marketing industry for over five years. Her experience includes communications and marketing work in the nonprofit, governmental and academic sectors. A journalist by trade, she started her career covering politics and news in New York’s Hudson Valley. Her work included coverage of local and state budgets, federal financial regulations and health care legislation.

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:

• Faye: Our top pick for students
• Travelex: Our pick for affordable plans
• 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

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 Travelex

As a student, price may be a main focus when shopping for travel coverage. Travelex is Our pick for families 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.

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?

According to our research, the average cost of student travel insurance is $154. However, 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.

For accurate sample pricing, our team collected quotes for the following trips:

• A 19-year-old taking a 7-day, $4,000 trip to Mexico
• A 21-year-old taking a 5-day, $1,200 cruise in the Bahamas
• A 20-year-old taking a 9-day, $5,000 trip to Italy
• A 22-year-old taking a 2-week, $6,000 trip to France
• A 20-year-old taking a month-long trip to Europe (visiting the UK, Ireland, France, Spain and Greece) costing $8,000

Explore the table below to learn more about how age, trip cost and trip length influence price.

As you can see, trip cost influences the price of travel insurance the most for students.

What Impacts the Cost of Student Travel Insurance?

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 .

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.

Other Insurance Resources From MarketWatch Guides 

Discover our top recommendations for the following insurance types to find the providers that best meet your needs.

• Best Pet Insurance Providers
• Cheapest Renters Insurance Providers
• Best Term Life Insurance Providers
• Cheapest Homeowners Insurance Companies

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).

For more information, read our full travel insurance methodology.

A.M. Best Disclaimer

If you have questions about this page, please reach out to our editors at [email protected] .

Other Travel Insurance Resources

• Help and Support
• Travel Insurance

Student Travel Insurance

Backpacking through the balkans interrailing around the swiss alps.

Don’t forget Admiral Travel Insurance when you plan your trip of a lifetime.

Travel insurance  might be the last thing on your mind when organising your epic trip. But when you’re carrying all your belongings in a backpack and intend to be away for a while, having the right cover in place should be a vital part of your plans.

Covid-19 - what our travel insurance covers

Our travel insurance now covers you for certain events related to Coronavirus (COVID-19), provided you have proof of a positive Covid-19 test and your cover is active at the time of the event.

What we cover

We provide cover for some costs related to Covid-19: please see Section 1 'emergency medical costs and repatriation' and Section 2 'cancelling or cutting short your trip' in your policy book for full details on what's covered.

We'll cover you if:

• you were diagnosed with Covid-19 before your trip was due to start
• a close relative died or became seriously ill as a result of Covid-19 before your trip was due to start
• you weren't allowed to board your pre-booked outbound travel due to symptoms of Covid-19
• an insured person or a close relative died during the trip because of Covid-19
• you couldn't take part in an excursion due to you self-isolating after getting Covid-19

What we don’t cover

You won't be covered if:

• you had reason to believe your trip may be cancelled, postponed or cut short when you booked it, purchased your policy or started your trip
• any government or public authority imposes travel restrictions or quarantine on a community, location, or vessel because of Covid-19 (this includes, but is not limited to, local lockdowns, entry requirements, being denied entry and airspace closures)
• you have to quarantine after arriving in the UK or abroad
• the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) change their advice to avoid ‘all travel’ or ‘all but essential travel’ to your destination because of Covid-19

For more information about how Coronavirus (COVID-19) affects your travel cover, see our FAQ page . And remember to check the policy booklet carefully before you buy to make sure our cover meets your needs.

What kind of student travel insurance will I need?

The policy you need depends on how long you'll be travelling for. If you're lucky enough to be taking a few months – or even a year – to travel, then you'll need a policy that covers you for the full duration.

Unlike many single trip policies that cover you for up to 31 days away, our single trip policy covers you for 365 days, as long as you don't come back to the UK at all during that period.

If you're breaking up your travels over the course of a year, or studying abroad as part of your university course and planning to return to the UK after each term, then an annual policy – which allows multiple trips abroad, up to 31 days per trip as standard – could be right for you.

Admiral Student Travel Insurance comes with three tiers to choose from – Admiral, Admiral Gold and Admiral Platinum – with increasing coverage and product benefits.

Read the full list of benefits in the policy summary booklet .

Which countries does student travel insurance cover?

Your student travel insurance needs to cover you in all the countries you're visiting, as well as every stop you make on the way (even if you're only passing through the country on an interrailing trip).

If you're heading to Europe, a  European travel policy  should meet your needs. We also include the following countries in our European travel insurance:

If your student travels are taking you further afield – to America,  Australia  or the Caribbean for instance – you'll need to look at a  worldwide insurance policy  instead.

We offer two options:

• Worldwide excluding USA, Canada, Caribbean and Mexico

What's the difference between standard and student travel insurance?

Most travel insurance policies will cover you for things like:

• Loss or theft of personal belongings
• Travel delay

But if your student trip is going to last longer than the average holiday and you'll be trying out some extreme sports along the way, then you may need to look at some additional or specialist cover. Check the  policy booklet  or  contact us  to find out if the activity you want to do is covered.

Volunteering or working abroad

Whether providing childcare in a developing country's orphanages, helping on sustainability projects in a rainforest in Peru or feeding pandas at a conservation project in China, volunteering for a great cause abroad is a fantastic thing to do when you're a student.

It's a feel-good and do-good experience you'll treasure forever.

Maybe you're planning on working your way through your travels, taking on temporary jobs to help cover the cost of your adventures.

Our  travel policies  will cover you for your trip as long as you're not doing manual work. We define this as ‘paid or unpaid manual work or physical labour of any kind’.

For example, we won’t cover activities that require any heavy lifting or risk physical injury. If you’re unsure if what you plan to do is considered manual work,  call our team  to double check.

Student ski travel insurance for skiing and adventure holidays

We know relaxing on a beach isn't everyone's idea of fun. If you're planning to try new experiences and activities on your travels, make sure you check your  travel insurance policy booklet  first.

While our standard travel insurance covers you for active pursuits such as sail-boarding and surfing, anything riskier like diving with sharks or canyon swinging (yes, it's a thing!) will require a ‘hazardous activity' upgrade to your policy.

And if you're hitting the slopes, you'll need our  winter sports insurance  upgrade to cover your ski equipment and activities from skiing to snowmobiling. Without this upgrade, your trip won’t be covered at all.

Accidents and illness can happen, of course, so don't forget your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) if it’s still in date. Otherwise you should apply for a new Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) . These cards aren’t a substitute for travel insurance, though.

They entitle you to emergency care but treatment may not be free, and the cards won't cover extra costs such as those of getting you back to the UK in a medical emergency.

What about gadget travel insurance?

We know you won't want to be parted from your tech on your travels – how else will you Skype your family or Instagram your latest location?

But accidents happen, and expensive gadgets can get lost or stolen, so check your policy covers things such as smartphones, cameras or tablets.

If the value of your tech adds up to more than the valuables limit under your personal belongings cover in your travel insurance, you can add on gadget cover.

Admiral's gadget travel insurance pays up to £1,500 for gadgets that are lost, stolen or damaged on your trip.

What if I have a pre-existing condition?

A pre-existing condition is a short or long term illness or injury you have or have had before you buy travel insurance. This includes having symptoms, tests, diagnosis or medical treatment for a condition.

You can declare your pre-existing conditions during the quote process to see if we can offer cover. If you’re unsure what needs to be declared or if you're unable to find your condition on the medical conditions list, please contact us on 0333 234 9913 .

Your pre-existing conditions won’t be covered unless you’ve:

• Declared them all on your policy
• Received written confirmation that we’ll cover your medical condition
• Paid any additional premium in full

Policy terms and conditions apply. Please note, if you’ve had a positive diagnosis of Covid-19 and been prescribed medication, received treatment, or had a consultation with a doctor or hospital specialist for any medical condition in the past two years, this needs to be declared on your policy.

If you don’t tell us about your pre-existing conditions or give us incorrect information, your policy may be invalid, and we may refuse all or part of any claim you submit.

For a quote with us, click the green button above.

The MoneyHelper directory

If you require cover for more serious medical conditions, MoneyHelper may be able to help you find specialist travel insurance through their medical directory.

If you wish to get in touch with them you can call them on 0800 138 7777 or find them online . (Monday to Friday 8:00-18:00, closed on Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays.)

Need help with your quote? Give us a call.

• Monday to Friday: 8am - 10pm
• Saturday: 9am - 6pm
• Sunday: 10am - 6pm

Calls to 03 numbers will cost no more than calls to national geographic numbers (starting 01 or 02) from both mobiles and landlines.

Getting the most out of your trip

Going anywhere nice.

Off to one of the destinations below? Take a look at our guides for some hints and tips on what you need to remember.

Travel insurance that suits you

Whether you're travelling solo, with your family, or with a little one on the way, read our guides to make sure our cover is right for you.

Family Travel Insurance

Travelling while pregnant, travel insurance over 65, travelling with medical conditions, travel insurance upgrades.

Whether you want the adrenaline rush of a skiing holiday, or fancy taking to the seas on a cruise, you'll need to add extra cover to your policy.

Cruise Travel Insurance

Ski travel insurance, gadget travel insurance, adventurous sports insurance, single trip insurance, annual trip insurance.

[email protected]

As an international student, peace of mind is a priority when you study abroad. Your educational adventure or cultural exchange program should be an enjoyable experience.

 These plans are designed to specifically meet the needs of international students, scholars, and people involved in long-term educational and cultural exchange programs. Plans that offer a robust package of benefits while outside your home country.

Recommended Plans

Student plans travel medical.

If you’re traveling abroad to study or work, prepare for safe travel and ensure you meet the requirements of your school, visa program, and host country with Seven Corners Travel Medical Insurance. Seven Corners plans provide medical coverage for illnesses or injuries that occur while you’re traveling, as well as limited protection for pre-existing conditions. You’ll also receive access to a network of medical providers and 24-hour multilingual travel assistance.

AM Best Rating: A (Excellent)

Underwriter:  lloyd’s, london.

Student Secure®  International Insurance

International student health insurance for study abroad students. The StudentSecure series offers four levels of coverage– Elite ,  Select ,  Budget , and  Smart –so you can choose the plan that best fits your needs and budget.  ​A Student Secure plan can reduce your personal expenses if you face an unexpected injury or illness throughout the course of your international studies. All four plans include multilingual travel assistance services and access to our Student Zone, where you can download your visa letter, renew your coverage as needed, and manage your policy online.

Meets J-1 visa requirements

Medical benefits such as Hospital Room & Board, Intensive Care Unit, and Local Ambulance included

Coverage for leisure sports and activities included, as well as some outpatient prescription drug coverage and mental health coverage

Monthly payment option (or savings for paying the full premium in advance)

Underwritten By: United States Fire Insurance Company

Underwritten Location: 5 Christopher Way, Eatontown, NJ 07724

GeoBlue Navigator Student

Complete, affordable worldwide coverage designed for students (including Optional Practical Training (OPT) status), teachers and faculty.

Annual plan for individuals and their families who intend to be outside their home country for at least 3 months each year.

Covers dependents and families (only the subscriber must be a teacher, student or faculty).

Flexible options for plan length.

Plan options that meet F1 and J1 Visa requirements.

Unlimited annual and lifetime medical maximum.

Patriot Exchange Program

Medical insurance for students studying abroad or participants of cultural exchange programs

Deductible options from $0 to $500

Maximum limit of $5,000,000

Most plan options are designed to meet the U.S. J1 and J2 visa travel insurance requirements

AM Best Rating  A+

Globally recognized underwriters

 A-rated Sirius International Insurance Corporation (publ) and certain underwriters at Lloyd's

Student  Health Advantage

Medical insurance for international students or scholars participating in a sponsored study abroad program

Coinsurance in PPO network or student health center within the U.S.: Company pays 100%

Deductible of $100

Maximum limit for student: $500,000

Provides coverage for mental health, organized sports and pre-existing conditions

Student  Health Advantage Platinum

Maximum limit for student: $1,000,000

Collegiate Care Elite

Collegiate care elite highlights.

United Healthcare PPO Network

Sports Activities Coverage

Motor Vehicle Accident coverage

Unlimited medical maximum

Maternity coverage

COVID-19 EXPENSES are covered and treated as any other sickness 

Collegiate Care Elite Student Plans for students, scholars, and educators while outside their home country in the USA (Must be enrolled in or work for the school)

Underwritten by Crum and Forster, SPC

Collegiate Care Essential

Budget Travel Medical and Related Benefits for persons traveling outside their home country but not to the USA. Up to $1,000,000 medical and choice of Deductible. Please note this policy IS NOT valid for travel from, in, or to the United States of America. You must live in the country of Origin. Minimum 5 day purchase. COVID-19 EXPENSES are covered and treated as any other sickness. 

Travel Medical Plans for people traveling outside their home country and not to the USA. Not available to US Citizens or Greencard Holders

Student Travel Insurance

U.S. News takes an unbiased approach to our recommendations. When you use our links to buy products, we may earn a commission but that in no way affects our editorial independence.

9 Best Travel Insurance Companies of April 2024

According to our analysis of more than 50 travel insurance companies and hundreds of different travel insurance plans, the best travel insurance company is Travelex Insurance Services. In our best travel insurance ratings, we take into account traveler reviews, credit ratings and industry awards. The best travel insurance companies offer robust coverage and excellent customer service, and many offer customizable add-ons.

Travelex Insurance Services »

Allianz Travel Insurance »

HTH Travel Insurance »

Tin Leg »

AIG Travel Guard »

Nationwide Insurance »

Seven Corners »

Generali Global Assistance »

Berkshire hathaway travel protection ».

Why Trust Us

U.S. News evaluates ratings, data and scores of more than 50 travel insurance companies from comparison websites like TravelInsurance.com, Squaremouth and InsureMyTrip, plus renowned credit rating agency AM Best, in addition to reviews and recommendations from top travel industry sources and consumers to determine the Best Travel Insurance Companies.

Table of Contents

• Travelex Insurance Services
• Allianz Travel Insurance

Travel insurance can help you protect the financial investment you made in your vacation when unexpected issues arise. Find the best travel insurance for the type of trip(s) you're taking and the coverages that matter most to you – from interruptions and misplaced belongings to illness and injury.

• Travelex Insurance Services: Best Overall
• Allianz Travel Insurance: Best for Trip Interruptions
• HTH Travel Insurance: Best for Groups
• Tin Leg: Best Cost
• AIG Travel Guard: Best for Families
• Nationwide Insurance: Best for Last-Minute Travel Insurance
• Seven Corners: Best for 24/7 Support When Traveling
• Generali Global Assistance: Best for Medical Emergencies
• Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection: Best for Specialized Coverage

Customizable upgrades are available, including car rental coverage, additional medical insurance and adventure sports coverage

Medical and trip cancellation maximum are not as high as some other companies

• 100% of the insured trip cost for trip cancellation; 150% for trip interruption
• Up to $1,000 in coverage for lost, damaged or stolen bags and personal items; $200 for luggage delays
• $750 in missed connection coverage
• $50,000 in emergency medical and dental coverage
• Up to $500,000 in emergency medical evacuation and repatriation coverage

SEE FULL REVIEW »

Annual and multitrip policies are available

Distinguishing between the company's 10 travel insurance plans can be challenging

• Up to $200,000 in trip cancellation coverage; $300,000 in trip interruption coverage
• $2,000 for lost, damaged or stolen luggage and personal effects; $600 for bag delays
• Up to $1,600 for travel delays
• Emergency medical coverage of up to $75,000
• Epidemic coverage

Generous coverage at the mid- and high-tier levels, and great group discounts

Preexisting conditions coverage is only available at mid- and high-tier plans

• 100% trip cancellation coverage (up to $50,000); 200% trip interruption coverage
• Up to $2,000 in coverage for baggage and personal effects; $400 in baggage delay coverage
• Up to $2,000 in coverage for trip delays; $1,000 for missed connections
• $500,000 in coverage per person for sickness and accidents

Variety of plans to choose from, including two budget-friendly policies and several more premium options

More limited coverage for baggage issues than other companies

• 100% trip cancellation protection; 150% trip interruption
• $500 per person for lost, stolen or damaged baggage and personal items
• Up to $2,000 per person in travel delay coverage ($150 per day); $100 per person for missed connections
• $100,000 per person in emergency medical coverage, including issues related to COVID-19

Travel insurance policy coverage is tailored to your specific trip

Information about policy coverage inclusions is not readily available without first obtaining a quote

• Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of your trip's cost; trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost
• Up to $2,500 in coverage for lost, stolen or damaged baggage; $500 related to luggage delays
• Up to $1,000 in missed connection and trip delay coverage
• $100,000 in emergency medical coverage

Variety of plans to choose from and coverage available up to a day before you leave on your trip

Limited trip cancellation coverage even at the highest tier

• Trip cancellation coverage up to $30,000; trip interruption coverage worth up to 200% of the trip cost (maximum of $60,000)
• $2,000 for lost, damaged or stolen baggage; $600 for baggage delays
• Up to $2,000 for trip delays; missed connection and itinerary change coverage of $500 each
• $150,000 for emergency medical and dental issues

Customer service available 24/7 via text, Whatsapp, email and phone

Cancel for any reason coverage costs extra

• 100% trip cancellation coverage (up to between $30,000 and $100,000 depending on your state of residence); interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost 
• Lost, stolen or damaged baggage coverage up to $2,500; up to $600 for luggage delays
• Trip delay and missed connection coverage worth up to $1,500
• Emergency medical coverage worth up to between $250,000 and $500,000 (depending on where you live)

Generous emergency medical and emergency evacuation coverage

Coverage for those with preexisting conditions is only available on the Premium plan

• 100% reimbursement for trip cancellation; 175% reimbursement for trip interruption
• $2,000 in coverage for loss of baggage per person
• $1,000 per person in travel delay and missed connection coverage
• $250,000 in medical and dental coverage per person

In addition to single-trip plans, company offers specific road trip, adventure travel, flight and cruise insurance coverage

Coverage for missed connections or accidental death and dismemberment is not part of the most basic plan

• Trip cancellation coverage worth up to 100% of the trip cost; interruption coverage worth up to 150% of the trip cost
• $500 in coverage for lost, stolen or damaged bags and personal items; bag delay coverage worth $200
• Trip delay coverage worth up to $1,000; missed connection coverage worth up to $100
• Medical coverage worth up to $50,000

To help you better understand the costs associated with travel insurance, we requested quotes for a weeklong June 2024 trip to Spain for a solo traveler, a couple and a family. These rates should help you get a rough estimate for about how much you can expect to spend on travel insurance. For additional details on specific coverage from each travel insurance plan and to input your trip information for a quote, see our comparison table below.

Travel Insurance Types: Which One Is Right for You?

There are several types of travel insurance you'll want to evaluate before choosing the policy that's right for you. A few of the most popular types of travel insurance include:

COVID travel insurance Select insurance plans offer some or a combination of the following COVID-19-related protections: coverage for rapid or PCR testing; accommodations if you're required to quarantine during your trip if you test positive for coronavirus; health care; and trip cancellations due to you or a family member testing positive for COVID-19. Read more about the best COVID-19 travel insurance options .

Cancel for any reason insurance Cancel for any reason travel insurance works exactly how it sounds. This type of travel insurance lets you cancel your trip for any reason you want – even if your reason is that you simply decide you no longer want to go. Cancel for any reason travel insurance is typically an add-on you can purchase to go along with other types of travel insurance. For that reason, you will pay more to have this kind of coverage added to your policy.

Also note that this type of coverage typically only reimburses 50% to 80% of your nonrefundable prepaid travel expenses. You'll want to make sure you know exactly how much reimbursement you could qualify for before you invest in this type of policy. Compare the best cancel for any reason travel insurance options here .

International travel insurance Travel insurance is especially useful when traveling internationally, as it can provide medical coverage for emergencies (in some cases for COVID-19) when you're far from home. Depending which international travel insurance plan you choose, this type of travel insurance can also cover lost or delayed luggage, rental cars, travel interruptions or cancellations, and more.

Cheap travel insurance If you want travel insurance but don't want to spend a lot of money, there are plenty of cheap travel insurance options that will offer at least some protections (and peace of mind). These are typically called a company's basic or standard plan; many travel insurance companies even allow you to customize your coverage, spending as little or as much as you want. Explore your options for the cheapest travel insurance here .

Trip cancellation, interruption and delay insurance Trip cancellation coverage can help you get reimbursement for prepaid travel expenses, such as your airfare and cruise fare, if your trip is ultimately canceled for a covered reason. Trip interruption insurance, on the other hand, kicks in to reimburse you if your trip is derailed after it starts. For instance, if you arrived at your destination and became gravely ill, it would cover the cost if you had to cut your trip short.

Trip delay insurance can help you qualify for reimbursement of any unexpected expenses you incur (think: lodging, transportation and food) in the event your trip is delayed for reasons beyond your control, such as your flight being canceled and rebooked for the next day. You will want to save your receipts to substantiate your claim if you have this coverage.

Lost, damaged, delayed or stolen bags or personal belongings Coverage for lost or stolen bags can come in handy if your checked luggage is lost by your airline or your luggage is delayed so long that you have to buy clothing and toiletries for your trip. This type of coverage can kick in to cover the cost to replace lost or stolen items you brought on your trip. It can also provide coverage for the baggage itself. It's even possible that your travel insurance policy will pay for your flight home if damages are caused to your residence and your belongings while you're away, forcing you to return home immediately.

Travel medical insurance If you find yourself sick or injured while you are on vacation, emergency medical coverage can pay for your medical expenses. With that in mind, however, you will need to find out whether the travel medical insurance you buy is primary or secondary. Where a primary policy can be used right away to cover medical bills incurred while you travel, secondary coverage only provides reimbursement after you have exhausted other medical policies you have.

You will also need to know how the travel medical coverage you purchase deals with any preexisting conditions you have, including whether you will have any coverage for preexisting conditions at all. Read more about the best travel medical insurance plans .

Evacuation insurance Imagine you break your leg while on the side of a mountain in some far-flung land without quality health care. Not only would you need travel medical insurance coverage in that case, but you would also need coverage for the exorbitant expense involved in getting you off the side of a mountain and flying you home where you can receive appropriate medical care.

Evacuation coverage can come in handy if you need it, but you will want to make sure any coverage you buy comes with incredibly high limits. According to Squaremouth, an emergency evacuation can easily cost $25,000 in North America and up to $50,000 in Europe, so the site typically suggests customers buy policies with $50,000 to $100,000 in emergency evacuation coverage.

Cruise insurance Travel delays; missed connections, tours or excursions; and cruise ship disablement (when a ship encounters a mechanical issue and is unable to continue on in the journey) are just a few examples why cruise insurance can be a useful protection if you've booked a cruise vacation. Learn more about the top cruise insurance plans here .

Credit card travel insurance It is not uncommon to find credit cards that include trip cancellation and interruption coverage , trip delay insurance, lost or delayed baggage coverage, travel accident insurance, and more. Cards that offer this coverage include popular options like the Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card , the Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card and The Platinum Card from American Express . 

Note that owning a credit card with travel insurance protection is not enough for your coverage to count: To take advantage of credit card travel insurance, you must pay for prepaid travel expenses like your airfare, hotel stay or cruise with that specific credit card. Also, note that credit cards with travel insurance have their own list of exclusions to watch out for. Many also require cardholders to pay an annual fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best time to buy travel insurance is normally within a few weeks of booking your trip since you may qualify for lower pricing if you book early. Keep in mind, some travel insurance providers allow you to purchase plans until the day before you depart.

Many times, you are given the option to purchase travel insurance when you book your airfare, accommodations or vacation package. Travel insurance and travel protection are frequently offered as add-ons for your trip, meaning you can pay for your vacation and some level of travel insurance at the same time.

However, many people choose to wait to buy travel insurance until after their entire vacation is booked and paid for. This helps travelers tally up all the underlying costs associated with a trip, and then choose their travel insurance provider and the level of coverage they want.

Figuring out where to buy travel insurance may be confusing but you can easily research and purchase travel insurance online these days. Some consumers prefer to shop around with a specific provider, such as Allianz or Travelex, but you can also shop and compare policies with a travel insurance platform. Popular options include:

• TravelInsurance.com: TravelInsurance.com offers travel insurance options from more than a dozen vetted insurance providers. Users can read reviews on the various travel insurance providers to find out more about previous travelers' experiences with them. Squaremouth: With Squaremouth, you can enter your trip details and compare more than 90 travel insurance plans from 20-plus providers.
• InsureMyTrip: InsureMyTrip works similarly, letting you shop around and compare plans from more than 20 travel insurance providers in one place. InsureMyTrip also offers several guarantees, including a Best Price Guarantee, a Best Plan Guarantee and a Money-Back Guarantee that promises a full refund if you decide you no longer need the plan you purchased.

Protect your trip: Search, compare and buy the best travel insurance plans for the lowest price. Get a quote .

When you need to file a travel insurance claim, you should plan on explaining to your provider what happened to your trip and why you think your policy applies. If you planned to go on a Caribbean cruise, but your husband fell gravely ill the night before you were set to depart, you would need to explain that situation to your travel insurance company. Information you should share with your provider includes the details of why you're making a claim, who was involved and the exact circumstances of your loss.

Documentation is important, and your travel insurance provider will ask for proof of what happened. Required documentation for travel insurance typically includes any proof of a delay, receipts, copies of medical bills and more.

Most travel insurance companies let you file a claim using an online form, but some also allow you to file a claim by phone or via fax. Some travel insurance providers, such as Allianz and Travel Insured International, offer their own mobile apps you can use to buy policies and upload information or documents that substantiate your claim. In any case, you will need to provide the company with proof of your claim and the circumstances that caused it.

If your claim is initially denied, you may also need to answer some questions or submit some additional information that can highlight why you do, in fact, qualify.

Whatever you do, be honest and forthcoming with all the information in your claim. Also, be willing to provide more information or answer any questions when asked.

Travel insurance claims typically take four to six weeks to process once you file with your insurance company. However, with various flight delays and cancellations due to things like extreme weather and pilot shortages, more travelers have begun purchasing travel insurance, encountering trip issues and having to submit claims. The higher volume of claims submitted has resulted in slower turnaround times at some insurance companies.

The longer you take to file your travel insurance claim after a loss, the longer you will be waiting for reimbursement. Also note that, with many travel insurance providers, there is a time limit on how long you can submit claims after a trip. For example, with Allianz Travel Insurance and Travelex Insurance Services, you have 90 days from the date of your loss to file a claim.

You may be able to expedite the claim if you provide all the required information upfront, whereas the process could drag on longer than it needs to if you delay filing a claim or the company has to follow up with you to get more information.

Travel insurance is never required, and only you can decide whether or not it's right for you. Check out Is Travel Insurance Worth It? to see some common situations where it does (and doesn't) make sense.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is an award-winning content creator who has been writing about travel insurance and travel for more than a decade. She has researched travel insurance options for her own vacations and family trips to more than 50 countries around the world, and has experience navigating the claims and reimbursement process. In fact, she has successfully filed several travel insurance claims for trip delays and trip cancellations over the years. Johnson also works alongside her husband, Greg, who has been licensed to sell travel insurance in 50 states, in their family media business.

You might also be interested in:

Carry-on Luggage and Personal Item Size Limits (2024)

Amanda Norcross

Just like checked bags, carry-on luggage size restrictions can vary by airline.

Bereavement Fares: 5 Airlines That Still Offer Discounts

Several airlines offer help in times of loss.

The Best Way to Renew a Passport in 2024

The proposed online passport renewal system is behind schedule.

The Best Carry-on Luggage of 2024

Erin Evans and Rachael Hood and Catriona Kendall and Amanda Norcross and Leilani Osmundson

Discover the best carry-on luggage for your unique travel style and needs.

Credit cards

• View all credit cards
• Banking guide
• Loans guide
• Insurance guide
• Personal finance
• View all personal finance
• Small business
• Small business guide
• View all taxes

How to Find the Best Travel Insurance

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Table of Contents

What travel insurance covers

How much does travel insurance cost, types of travel insurance, how to get travel insurance, what to look for in travel insurance, best travel insurance comparison sites, which insurance company is best for travel insurance, when to skip travel insurance, travel insurance, recapped.

Travel insurance can cover medical expenses, emergencies, trip interruptions, baggage, rental cars and more.

Cost is affected by trip length, pre-existing medical conditions, depth of coverage, your age and add-ons.

You can get it through credit cards or third-party companies, & can shop on travel insurance comparison sites.

Before buying, evaluate risks, know existing coverage, obtain quotes online and review policy details warily.

Skip it if you buy flexible airfare and hotels, already have coverage or only book refundable activities.

Booking travel always carries some degree of uncertainty. Travel insurance provides a safety net so you can step out with confidence. You may not need travel insurance for inexpensive trips, but it can provide a sense of security when you prepay for pricey reservations, a big international trip or travel during cold and flu season, which can be unpredictable.

According to insurance comparison site Squaremouth, travelers in 2023 spent an average of $403 for comprehensive coverage, compared to $96 for medical-only policies. Comprehensive plans typically cost between 5% and 10% of the insured trip cost.

Since that price tag is no small amount, it helps to know how to shop smart for travel insurance. Here's how to find the right travel insurance plan for you and your next adventure.

Depending on the type of coverage you’re looking for, the chart below will help you determine what to look for when selecting a policy:

Depending on the policy, travel insurance reimburses you or offers services when something goes awry. There’s even coverage for the worst-case scenario: if you die in an accident while traveling. Accidental death coverage pays your beneficiary a lump sum in that case.

Before you buy, take a little time to get familiar with different types of travel insurance products, how it’s priced, and what it covers and excludes. If you’re traveling during these uncertain times, you’ll want to make sure that the policy you select covers coronavirus-related emergencies. Usually, the more thorough the coverage, the more it will cost.

Travel insurance costs vary depending on:

Length and cost of the trip: The longer and more expensive the trip, the higher the policy cost.

Cost of local health care: High health-care costs in your destination can drive up the price of trip insurance.

Medical conditions you want covered: Conditions you already have will increase the cost of travel insurance coverage.

Amount and breadth of coverage: The more risks a policy covers, the more it will cost.

Your age: Generally the older you are, the higher the price.

Any optional supplement you add to your policy : Cancel For Any Reason , Interrupt For Any Reason and more.

Keep these factors in mind when considering different travel insurance options.

You’ll find a wide selection of travel protection plans when you shop for a policy.

Typically, travel insurance is sold as a package, known as a comprehensive plan, which includes a variety of coverage.

Here are seven of the most common types of travel insurance:

Travel medical insurance

These plans provide health insurance while you’re away from home. Although in some ways these policies work like traditional health plans, generally you cannot use travel health insurance for routine medical events. For example, a routine medical checkup is usually not covered. In addition, these policies often include limitations on coverage and exclusions for pre-existing conditions.

Although most travel insurance plans cover many recreational activities, such as skiing and horseback riding, they often exclude adventure sports, such as skydiving or parasailing, or competition in organized sporting events. You may need to buy a special travel policy designed for adventure or competitive sports.

International travel insurance

Most likely, your U.S.-based medical insurance will not work while you’re traveling internationally, and Medicare does not provide any coverage once you leave the United States outside of a few very specific exemptions. If you plan on traveling abroad, purchasing travel medical insurance could make a lot of sense.

» Learn more: Travel medical insurance: Emergency coverage while you travel internationally

Trip cancellation, interruption and delay

Trip cancellation coverage reimburses you for prepaid, nonrefundable expenses if the tour operator goes out of business or you have to cancel the trip for one of the covered reasons outlined in the policy, such as:

Your own illness.

The illness or death of a family member who’s not traveling with you.

Natural disasters.

Trip interruption insurance covers the nonrefundable cost of the unused portion of the trip if it is interrupted due to a reason outlined in the policy.

Trip delay coverage reimburses you for expenses such as lodging and meals if you’re delayed during a trip (e.g., your flight gets canceled due to weather ).

Many package policies cover all three. These policies are different from the cancellation waivers that cruise lines and tour operators offer, the Insurance Information Institute says. Waivers are cheap, ranging from $40 to $60, and often include restrictions. For example, according to the institute, waivers might not refund your money if you cancel immediately before departure. Waivers are technically not insurance policies.

Some companies offer additional layers of coverage at extra cost. “Cancel For Any Reason” coverage will reimburse a large part of the trip cost, no matter why you back out. And some companies let you pay extra to cover pre-existing conditions if you cancel for medical reasons.

Some insurers and comparison sites let you customize a policy by choosing types of coverage a la carte. For example, TravelInsurance.com is a comparison site that provides quotes from different providers.

Baggage and personal belongings

How does lost luggage insurance work? This coverage reimburses you for baggage and personal belongings that are lost, stolen or damaged during the trip. Some plans also reimburse you for extra expenses if you experience a baggage delay for more than a certain period, such as 12 hours.

Your renters or homeowners insurance may cover personal belongings while you are traveling. It’s best to review your homeowners insurance policy to determine the level of coverage it provides so you do not end up paying for a benefit you already have.

» Learn more: Baggage insurance explained

Emergency medical assistance, evacuation and repatriation

This coverage pays medical expenses if you get sick or injured on a trip . Medical evacuation coverage pays for transporting you to the nearest hospital, and medical repatriation pays for flying you to your home country.

» Learn more: Can I get travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions?

24-hour assistance

This service is included with many package plans. The insurer provides a 24-hour hotline that you can call when you need help, such as booking a flight after a missed connection, finding lost luggage, or locating a doctor or lawyer.

Generally, travel insurance companies do not cover sports or any activity that can be deemed risky. If you’re thinking of incorporating adventurous activities into your vacation, choose a plan that includes adventure sports coverage.

Most travel insurers cover a wide array of services, but the specific options vary. Some plans include concierge services, providing help with restaurant referrals, tee time reservations and more. Many services also offer information before the trip, such as required vaccinations. The only way to know what’s included is to read the policy.

» Learn more: Should you insure your cruise?

Accidental death and dismemberment insurance

This coverage pays a lump sum to your beneficiary, such as a family member, if you die in an accident while on the trip. Accidental death and dismemberment insurance policies also pay a portion of the sum to you if you lose a hand, foot, limb, eyesight, speech or hearing. Some plans apply only to accidental death in a plane.

This coverage may be duplicative if you already have sufficient life insurance, which pays out whether you die in an accident or from an illness. You may also already have accidental death and dismemberment insurance through work, so it's best to check your policies to ensure you’re not overpaying.

» Learn more: NerdWallet's guide to life insurance

Rental car coverage

Rental car insurance pays for repairing your rental car if it’s damaged in a wreck, by vandals or in a natural disaster. The coverage doesn't include liability insurance, which pays for damage to other vehicles or for the medical treatment of others if you cause an accident and are held responsible.

Ask your car insurance company whether your policy will cover you when renting cars on the trip. U.S. car insurance policies generally don’t cover you when driving in other countries, except Canada.

Car insurance requirements are complex because they vary among countries. You can usually purchase liability insurance from the rental car company. Learn about car insurance requirements by searching for auto insurance by country on the U.S. Embassy website .

» Learn more: Best credit cards for rental car coverage

A note about single vs. long-term policies

Single trip insurance plans are a great option for those going on a single trip for a specific length of time (e.g., a two-week vacation) and then returning home. The price of the policy is usually determined by the cost of the trip.

Long-term travel policies cover you for multiple trips, but there are limitations to how long you can be away from home, if you can return home during your travels and how many trips you can take. In addition, trip cancellation and interruption coverage is either not offered or capped at a dollar amount that can be significantly below the total cost of all the trips taken during the covered period.

Long-term travel insurance plans — often called 'multi-trip' or 'annual travel insurance' — are a suitable option for those who travel often and are satisfied with the amount of trip cancellation coverage for all the trips they take over the duration of the policy.

» Learn more: How annual (multi-trip) travel insurance works

Below, we include how to obtain travel insurance, along with the pros and cons of each option.

Some credit cards offer trip cancellation and rental car insurance if you use the card to book the trip or car.

When you book a trip with your credit card, depending on the card you use, you may already receive trip cancellation and interruption coverage.

» Learn more: 10 credit cards that provide travel insurance

Here are a handful of credit cards that offer varying levels of travel insurance coverage for purchases made with the card.

on Chase's website

on American Express' website

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per ticket for delays more than 12 hours.

• Trip cancellation: Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $40,000 per 12-month period.

• Trip interruption: Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $40,000 per 12-month period.

• Baggage delay: Up to $100 per day for five days.

• Lost luggage: Up to $3,000 per passenger.

• Travel accident: Up to $500,000.

• Rental car insurance: Up to $75,000.

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per ticket for delays more than 6 hours.

• Travel accident: Up to $1 million.

• Rental car insurance: Up to the actual cash value of the car.

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per trip for delays more than 6 hours.

• Trip cancellation: Up to $10,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $20,000 per 12-month period.

• Trip interruption: Up to $10,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $20,000 per 12-month period.

Terms apply.

Pros: Coverage is free.

Cons: You can’t customize the insurance to meet your needs. Most credit cards offer secondary car rental insurance, which pays for the costs not covered by your regular car insurance plan.

Travel agents and travel reservation sites

You can buy travel insurance when you book your flight, hotel and car rental.

Pros: Buying is as quick and easy as clicking “yes” when you book reservations. Coverage is inexpensive.

Cons: You can’t customize the coverage.

» Learn more: Airline travel insurance vs. independent travel insurance

Travel insurance comparison sites

You can compare different policies and review quotes at once based on the trip search criteria you’ve input into the search form. Examples include marketplaces like Squaremouth or TravelInsurance.com.

Pros: You can choose a policy that fits your needs and compare policies and pricing in one place.

Cons: Comparing multiple policies takes time.

Travel insurance companies

You can purchase travel insurance directly from an insurance provider.

Pros: You can choose a policy that fits your needs. Many travel insurer websites also offer information to help you understand the coverage.

Cons: You’ll need to go to multiple websites to compare coverage and pricing.

» Learn more: The best travel insurance companies right now

Keep these tips in mind when you’re considering a trip insurance policy.

Evaluate the financial risks you face when traveling. Can you bear those costs yourself, or do you want insurance?

Examine what coverage you already have: Does your credit card offer travel insurance? Do you have renters or homeowners insurance to cover belongings? What is the deductible? Will your health plan cover you in all the locations where you travel?

Get quotes for trip insurance online. Choose a package of the benefits you need and compare prices for similar coverage among carriers.

Narrow your choices and then read the policy fine print to understand what’s covered, what’s excluded and the limits on coverage. You may find that the lowest-priced policy is too restrictive and that paying a little more gets you the coverage you need. Or you might find that the cheapest, most basic policy fits the bill.

If you don’t know which provider to go with, it makes sense to browse a list of plans on a travel insurance comparison site. These online marketplaces will often include plans from the best travel insurance companies along with customer reviews.

Squaremouth

Compare plans from more than 30 providers.

Over 86,000 customer reviews of insurers.

Under its Zero Complaint Guarantee, Squaremouth (a NerdWallet partner) will remove a provider if any customer complaint isn't resolved to its satisfaction.

Has a filter option to see policies that provide COVID-coverage.

TravelInsurance.com

Compare plans from 13 providers.

See good and poor customer ratings and reviews for each insurer when you receive quotes.

“Learning Center” includes travel insurance articles and travel tips, including important how-to information.

Quotes provided from each provider include a link to COVID-19 FAQs, making it easy for customers to review what’s covered or not.

InsureMyTrip

Compare plans from more than two dozen providers.

More than 70,000 customer reviews.

“Anytime Advocates” help customers navigate the claim process and will work on behalf of the customer to help with appealing a denied claim.

Includes a link to plans that offer COVID coverage.

Compare plans from 11 providers.

Search coverage by sporting activity, including ground, air and water sports.

Many types of plans available for students, visiting family members, new immigrants, those seeking COVID quarantine coverage and more.

Compare different insurance plans from 35 providers.

Over 5,600 customer reviews on Trustpilot, with an average 4.9 stars out of five.

Formerly known as AardvarkCompare, AARDY includes a “Travel Insurance 101” learning center to help customers understand various policies and benefits.

Quote search results page includes COVID-coverage highlighted in a different color to make it easier for customers to review related limits.

Whether you’re looking for an international travel insurance plan, emergency medical care, COVID coverage or a policy that includes extreme sports, these providers have you covered.

Our full analysis and more details about each organization can be found here: The Best Travel Insurance Companies Today .

Allianz Global Assistance .

Travel Guard by AIG .

USI Affinity Travel Insurance Services .

Travel Insured International .

World Nomads .

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection .

Travelex Insurance Services .

Seven Corners .

AXA Assistance USA .

There are a few scenarios when spending extra on travel insurance doesn't really make sense, like:

You booked flexible airline tickets.

Your hotel room has a good cancellation policy.

It's already included in your credit card.

You haven't booked any nonrefundable activities.

» Learn more: When you don't need travel insurance

Yes, especially for nonrefundable trips and travel during the COVID-era. Whether you purchase a comprehensive travel insurance policy or have travel insurance from your credit card, you shouldn't travel without having some sort of travel protection in place to safeguard you and your trip. Travel insurance can protect you in case of an unexpected emergency such as a canceled flight due to weather, a medical event that requires hospitalization, lost luggage and more.

There are many good travel insurance policies out there and a policy that may be great for you may not be good for someone else. Selecting the best plan depends on what coverage you would like and your trip details.

For example, World Nomads offers a comprehensive travel insurance policy that has excellent coverage for adventure sports. Allianz provides coverage for trips of varying lengths of time through its single trip plans and multi-trip plans. Some providers offer add-on options like Cancel For Any Reason travel insurance. If you’re not sure which plan to go with, consider looking at trip insurance comparison sites like Squaremouth or Insuremytrip.

Yes, you can. However, it's better to purchase it sooner rather than later, ideally right after booking your trip because the benefits begin as soon as you purchase a policy.

Let’s say you’re going on a trip in a month and a week before departure, you fall and break your leg. If you’ve purchased a travel insurance policy, you can use your trip cancellation benefits to get your nonrefundable deposit back.

Most comprehensive travel insurance plans offer trip cancellation, trip interruption, emergency medical and dental, medical evacuation, trip delay and lost luggage coverage. Many plans offer COVID coverage, but you’ll always want to check to ensure that the policy you choose provides that benefit if you’re traveling during these times. Some plans may also allow you to add features like Cancel For Any Reason travel insurance.

It depends which credit card you have. Premium travel cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and The Platinum Card® from American Express offer travel insurance benefits if you book a trip using your card or points.

However, the coverage provided by the credit cards is usually lower than if you purchased a standalone policy. Review the travel insurance benefits on your credit card and check that the limits are adequate before foregoing from purchasing a separate plan.

Let’s say you’re going on a trip in a month and a week before departure, you fall and break your leg. If you’ve purchased a travel insurance policy, you can use your

trip cancellation benefits

to get your nonrefundable deposit back.

It depends which credit card you have. Premium travel cards like the

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

The Platinum Card® from American Express

offer travel insurance benefits if you book a trip using your card or points.

Unpredictability is one of the mind-opening joys of travel, but travel insurance should contain no surprises. The time you spend to understand your options will be well worth the peace of mind as you embark on your next adventure.

Whether you’re seeking a single or a long-term policy, each travel insurance option offers different strengths and weaknesses. Choosing the right policy depends on your trip needs, your budget and how important various benefits are to you.

Keep reading

If you want to dig in deeper to world of travel insurance, these resources will point you in the right direction.

What is travel insurance?

How much is travel insurance?

Is travel insurance worth it?

What does travel insurance cover?

Does travel insurance cover COVID?

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

1x-10x Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-2x Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases. Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services, and select streaming. Earn 1X points on all other purchases.

50,000 Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

HelloSafe » Travel Insurance » What Are The Best Student Travel Insurances?

What Are The Best Student Travel Insurances?

verified information

Information verified by   Adeline Harmant

Our articles are written by experts in their fields (finance, trading, insurance etc.) whose signatures you will see at the beginning and at the end of each article. They are also systematically reviewed and corrected before each publication, and updated regularly.

Table of Contents

Your are student and you would like to buy the right travel insurance that’s tailored to your age range and kind of trip?

You’ve come at the right place.

In the below guide, we will tell you everything you need to know about student travel insurance: is it compulsory, which cover should you get, what travel insurance terms you should pay attention to, etc.

Why does students need travel insurance?

Students need travel insurance just like anybody else to be covered for unexpected event that can go wrong such as:

• medical treatment abroad
• lost or stolen baggage
• repatriation in emergency
• accident while practicing sport etc.

Additionnaly, students are frequent travellers and are therefore even more likely to need assistance abroad.

Just to show you how important applying for travel insurance is, here are a few examples of what an unfortunate and unexpected event might cost you during an example holiday:

Good to know

Did you know that a survey conducted by Which in 2018 showed that of 10 000+ UK travellers of all age ranges, 64% had medical treatment while they were travelling abroad? The average medical spend abroad is around £1300 but it can be much more.

Depending on your trip destination, the medical expenses or trip cancellation fees you may have to face as a student could really leave you out of pocket. This is why a comprehensive travel insurance – providing you with financial compensation and assistance – is a must-have.

Compare best travel insurances for students

In order to save you time (and money!), we’ve came up with a non-exhaustive list of companies to help you finding the right student travel insurance, that is tailored for your age range and kind of trip (study abroad, gap year, single trip to discover the world with uni friends etc.):

Always carefully check insurers’ policy booklets before leaving your child alone on a trip. Understand the exclusions of the travel insurance you applied for.

Which student travel insurance policy should I go for?

It depends on what you are planning to do:

• your destination(s)
• the length of your stay
• your activities abroad.

What travel insurance should I get for backpacking around the world?

As mentioned above, if you are a student leaving UK to discover the world, you should get a specific backpacker travel insurance plan.

If you are a student backpacking, you may want to use your money in booking flights rather than hotels and fancy restaurants. You are more likely to stay in hostels, order affordable foodtrucks meals etc. You may want to get flexible travel insurance in line with your flexible itinerary. You therefore represent a higher risk than standard family travellers for example.

Backpackers dedicated travel insurance plans usually take that into account offering extras such as flexible cancellation cover, gadget cover or adventurous activities cover as standard.

Many insurers offer dedicated plan tailored for this kind of trip as mentioned above.

How much is student holiday insurance?

Student single trip travel insurance are often very affordable policies. For as cheap as £1 per day, you could let your child travel alone with peace of mind.

The table below shows indicative quotes for students travel insurance:

* Prices above are for a 25 years old student .

It is, however, quite difficult to give precise ranges of how much a travel insurance will cost as prices are based on a wide range of criteria. It will mainly depend on:

• If you are travelling alone on a single trip or as a couple, as a group, on multi-trips etc.
• If you’re subscribing to students upgrades such as gadget cover
• If you have pre-existing medical conditions (epilepsy travel insurance for example)
• The duration and destination of your stay
• The financial limits you’d like to get in case of a claim
• The excess amount you’re willing to pay
• What you will be doing abroad (winter, extreme sports).

Is student travel insurance compulsory?

No, travel insurance is not a legal requirement no matter your age range.

However, although not compulsory, we strongly advise you to apply for a travel insurance policy to cover any trip cancellation, repatriation expenses, loss of baggages you may have to face while travelling.

What travel insurance for students should cover?

Each travel insurance policy is different, since it is the insurer who determines the content of the contracts it offers: guarantees, compensation limits, deductibles, travel insurance prices, etc.

However, all contracts on the market must include at least the following guarantees, applicable in Europe or worldwide:

• Medical expenses: compensation by the insurer for your health expenses during your stay (consultation, analysis, emergency treatment, longer hospital stay, etc.)
• Repatriation assistance to the UK: financial and logistical support by a dedicated 24/7 team for your early return to your country of residence if it proves necessary
• Trip cancellation and cover for delayed or missed departure: compensation if you need to cancel your trip for whatever reason or if you missed your departure
• Personal liability: compensation for any damage or injury made to a third party (consider adding it as extra if not included in standard cover)
• Baggage: compensation for any lost or theft of baggage while travelling(consider adding it as extra if not included in standard cover)

Most of the time, travel insurers offer different formulas. Cover types involved are usually the same but the compensation limits and deductibles vary.

When applying for under 16s holiday insurance abroad, you should pay close attention to:

Always carefully check the age limit and compensation amounts as well as deductibles you’ll have to pay in case you need to make a claim. For medical expenses, always get your insurer to accept them before paying if you need to advance fees.

As nice-to-have features, you may want to get:

• dental emergency treatment abroad
• money and cash stolen (although it is often included in standard policies)
• loss of passport or official documentation.

What does student travel insurance not cover?

Most student travel insurers will not give financial compensation for:

• Any claim made as a result of a pre-existing medical condition or pending diagnosis undeclared at the time of purchase
• Any claim made as a result of you being under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Difficulties due to natural disaster, war, civil unrest (look out for strikes)
• Any claim made as a result of a terrorist act (except if you took out this cover as an option)
• Any claim made as a result of extreme sport practice not disclosed at the time of applying.

We would strongly advise you to carefully check your policy booklet for the main exclusions before leaving home. 

What travel insurance options for students can I get?

We’ve noticed that insurers emphasizes on the following extras for the under 16s age range:

Tips for students travel insurance

• Always pay attention to destination, maximum number of days and exclusions (sports, strike, cancellation trip due to carrier default, etc.) in your insurer policy booklet before choosing one.
• If you are away practicing sport, always check that the activity you're doing is covered by your travel insurance policy.
• Always take with you your European Health Insurance Card if you are travelling to Europe . It will cover you for any routine medical treatment as a local resident. That is not, in any case, a substitute for travel insurance though.
• Carefully check the claim process of each insurer before choosing one : do you have to pay fees upfront? How many days does it take to be reimbursed? Can I claim online?
• Protect all your items (gadgets, laptops, smartphones, camera, sunglasses, music instruments etc.) and check the valuable limits for each included in your travel insurance.

Alexandre Desoutter has been working as editor-in-chief and head of press relations at HelloSafe since June 2020. A graduate of Sciences Po Grenoble, he worked as a journalist for several years in French media, and continues to collaborate as a as a contributor to several publications. In this sense, his role leads him to carry out steering and support work with all HelloSafe editors and contributors so that the editorial line defined by the company is fully respected. and declined through the texts published daily on our platforms. As such, Alexandre is responsible for implementing and maintaining the strictest journalistic standards within the HelloSafe editorial staff, in order to guarantee the most accurate, up-to-date information on our platforms. and expert as possible. Alexandre has in particular undertaken for two years now the implementation of a system of systematic double-checking of all the articles published within the HelloSafe ecosystem, able to guarantee the highest quality of information.