student travel insurance benefits

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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. 

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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.

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

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‌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.

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

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

The 5 Best Travel Insurance Policies for Students

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

Consider these student travel insurance policies:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What Student Travel Insurance Covers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Consider these factors as you compare student travel insurance plans:

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

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

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

How To Get Student Travel Insurance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What does student travel insurance cover.

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

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

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

What type of travel insurance do college students need?

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

Do I need health insurance to study abroad?

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

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About Jessica Merritt

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

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International Student Insurance (ISI)

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International Student Insurance is the premier destination online for international student health insurance and international student travel insurance plans. Our plans are not only comprehensive, but they are affordable for any budget, and are specially designed to provide health insurance for international students.

Comprehensive but affordable, international student health insurance plans are designed to meet visa requirements and provide key coverage that schools want, like mental health, sports and maternity. With multiple plans and levels offered, we have a plan for every international student budget and need.

For international travelers around the world, travel medical plans offer instant coverage up to $5 million for trips from 5 days to a year outside of your home country. With your choice of deductibles and plan levels, travel medical insurance is very flexible to meet the needs of travelers and students.

For expatriates, families and students that need long-term, more permanent coverage, we offer international major medical plans. Once purchased, you can renew these benefit-rich plans annually for as long as you remain eligible.

ISI offers a range of international student insurance options to meet school and country requirements, including for those on F (includes OPT), M, or J visas as well as for students studying abroad. Our commitment to outstanding customer service and support sets us apart and ensures that our clients always have the information they need to make informed decisions.

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Travel Insurance for Studying Abroad: 2024 Student Guide

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Molly Corry is an English literature graduate, travel writer and PR professional specializing in travel advice. Based in Leeds, England, when she is not writing, she enjoys attending dance classes and exploring new travel destinations to get inspired for her next piece of content.

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.

Securing a place on a study abroad program is a wonderful achievement. But amid the excitement of becoming an international student, remember to develop an insurance plan to protect yourself from any unexpected circumstances while you’re away from home.

Buying travel insurance for your extended stay overseas is a helpful way to give yourself and your family members peace of mind while you’re gone. In this article, we cover all you need to know to find the best travel insurance policy while studying abroad.

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Should I Get Travel Insurance to Study Abroad?

Study abroad travel insurance serves as a safety net for international students during their time out of the U.S. Being in a foreign country, navigating unfamiliar healthcare systems and support networks can leave anyone feeling vulnerable. And it’s rare that anyone takes such a life-changing adventure in a foreign country with the thought of mapping out where the local health providers are and whether their medical coverage supplies financial reimbursement for doctor bills. That’s what makes a short-term study abroad health insurance policy so valuable.

Study abroad travel insurance primarily safeguards students against unforeseen situations like lost luggage, accidents or medical emergencies, providing them (and their parents) with a source of comfort through the duration of the journey.

With this coverage in place, international students are financially shielded against potential circumstances that could have a huge impact on their experience, allowing them to focus on their studies and enjoy their time abroad.

Benefits of Study Abroad Travel Insurance

Study abroad travel insurance delivers a range of valuable benefits for international students. Here are some key advantages to consider.

Medical Coverage

With study abroad health insurance, your medical expenses will be covered if you suddenly fall ill or get injured during your time away from home. This includes the cost of treatment, prescription medications, doctor’s appointments, overnight stays and emergency medical services.

Emergency Medical Evacuation

Your insurance will cover the cost of evacuation to the nearest appropriate hospital or medical facility if you have a serious medical emergency . You will receive the necessary care at no expense.

Repatriation

Study abroad insurance coverage also extends to repatriation, especially for an emergency evacuation. If you experience a severe illness, the insurance coverage will arrange and cover the expenses for a return home. This is also true if you suffered a fatal accident while overseas.

Coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions

Some international health insurance policies also cover pre-existing conditions . This means that medical expenses related to health issues you had prior to your trip will be included in your policy’s coverage. You will want to declare any pre-existing medical condition you have to your insurer before buying the policy.

24/7 Support

Study abroad international travel insurance gives students access to round-the-clock services like helplines. Whether your issue is a health-related concern or a travel query, you can rely on the 24/7 support offered by your insurance provider to help you.

Coverage Considerations for Students

As you explore different coverage options and the most suitable insurance policy for your study abroad experience, pay special attention to the following areas within the policy. You want to make the plan makes sense for an international student in several areas.

Healthcare Costs

Research the cost of healthcare services in the destination you plan to visit. Look at how much emergency services and hospitalization are. Then assess if the medical coverage limit of your insurance plan is sufficient.

Duration of Coverage

Your insurance plan should span the full duration of your study abroad program. Make sure the start and end dates match your full trip. If there’s a chance you could extend your trip, ensure your policy follows suit.

Pre-Existing Health Conditions Personal Liability Coverage:

Be mindful of any specific requirements or circumstances you may have, such as pre-existing health conditions or the need for mental health services. Ensure that your international student needs are covered by your policy.

Personal Liability Coverage

Check if the insurance policy includes personal liability coverage, which protects you if you accidentally cause harm to someone else or damage another person’s property. Personal liability coverage also often includes the cost of legal help.

Travel Document Protection

Look for insurance coverage that protects your travel documents. This ensures you’re covered if your passport , visa or identity cards get lost or stolen during your study abroad time.

Study Abroad Insurance vs. Regular Travel Insurance

Several key distinctions exist between travel insurance and study abroad coverage. The latter protects you for an extended period of time, but regular policies are designed for short business trips or vacations.

The medical care insurance included in the study abroad insurance policies covers events like repatriation and emergency medical evacuations . It often also covers pre-existing conditions, but you must tell your carrier about them before you buy the policy.

Study abroad insurance policies typically include specialized coverage tailored to educational travel. It can encompass tuition and fees, study interruption, academic materials and liability in academic-related situations such as internships , research and extracurricular activities.

You’ll also find that student travel insurance often offers added services specifically beneficial for students. It can include 24/7 access to an emergency assistance helpline, legal aid and support with issues specifically related to studying in a foreign country.

Finding the Right Study Abroad Travel Insurance

Navigating the process of finding the right study abroad travel insurance policy may initially seem like an impossible task, but with careful consideration and research, you can make an informed choice. One crucial aspect to focus on is understanding the exclusions outlined in travel insurance policies.

By doing so, you can ensure that your key needs and requirements are within the coverage scope of your travel insurance plans. It’s also important to have a clear understanding of the deductibles associated with the policy.

An insurance deductible refers to the amount of money you must pay before your insurance coverage comes into effect. Picking a higher deductible can lower your premium costs, but it also means you’ll be accountable for a larger part of expenses before your coverage begins.

Lastly, take time to research and evaluate the reputation of insurance providers. Read third-party reviews, check ratings and look for online feedback from previous customers. Learning from the experiences of past and current policyholders will allow you to gain valuable insights into the quality of service and make an informed decision on whether a particular international student insurance policy is a fit for you.

The Bottom Line

After successful enrollment as an international student, explore the health coverage and insurance options for your upcoming journey. Setting off to study in a foreign country can seem intimidating, but with the right student health insurance by your side, you can embark on your academic journey with confidence. You’ll be prepared for unforeseen circumstances and equipped to make the most of your valuable time as an international student.

Frequently Asked Questions About Study Abroad Travel Insurance

What is the cost of travel insurance.

The cost of travel insurance varies greatly depending on a range of factors such as the destination you’re heading to, how long you’ll be away, the coverage limits in place and the age of the traveler. The price can sit everywhere from ten to several hundred dollars per day.

Do you need health insurance to study abroad?

For those heading overseas for educational purposes, the need for medical insurance depends on the destination and the specific educational institution or program they will be joining.

While it may not be a mandatory requirement in all cases, having adequate medical coverage is strongly recommended as a precautionary measure.

How much is health insurance in the USA for international students?

The cost of health insurance in the U.S. for international travel depends on the duration of your stay and the kind of coverage you want. On average, the price sits somewhere between $500 to $1,000 per year.

How do I plan a semester abroad?

Organizing a semester abroad can be a lengthy process. You will want to begin your search early to give yourself enough time. Different academic programs have varying levels of flexibility regarding the courses you can take and the sequencing of those courses.

It is crucial to evaluate whether the courses offered in your desired study abroad program align with the curriculum of your major.

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

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D esigned for individuals or groups of five or more students or scholars participating in a sponsored study abroad program, and who desire an annually renewable medical plan. This plan meets student visa requirements, includes benefits for maternity, mental health, organized sports and international emergency care.

Your educational adventure should be enjoyable and gratifying. Maintaining the ability to be flexible and responsive, IMG developed Student Health Advantage, an international health care plan designed to specifically meet the needs of international students involved in long-term educational programs. The plan offers a complete package of international benefits available 24 hours a day.

For students, scholars, and cultural exchange participants when inside the U.S., the UnitedHealthcare Options network is a longstanding reputable tier 1 network that gives you more access to more doctors and services. When outside the U.S., you can also enjoy access to quality healthcare worldwide with our proprietary IPA network that includes over 18,550 physicians and facilities. For additional benefits, check out our highest level of international student insurance coverage, Student Health Advantage Platinum .

• Comprehensive 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 preexisting conditions

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• Coverage and benefits are subject to the deductible and coinsurance, and all terms of the Certificate of Insurance and Master Policy
• Coverage under this plan is secondary to any other coverage
• Coverage and benefits are for medically necessary, usual, reasonable, and customary charges only
• Charges must be administered or ordered by a physician
• Charges must be incurred during the period of coverage or benefit period
• Claims must be presented to IMG for payment within ninety (90) days from the date the claim was incurred

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply to the Student Health Advantage plan, you must:

• Be a full-time student or scholar, the spouse of the full-time student or scholar, or a dependent traveling with the full-time student or scholar
• Reside outside the country of residence for the purpose of pursing international educational activities including college course work, research, or teaching for a temporary period of time.
• Be physically and legally residing in host country with the intent to reside there for at least 30 days on the effective date and at renewal.
• Not be hospitalized, disabled, or HIV+ on the initial effective date.

Renewal of Coverage

Eligible insureds whose initial coverage is at least 3 months can request coverage under the plan be renewed monthly for up to 12 month periods, for a maximum of 60 continuous months, as long as the premium is paid when due and the insured continues to meet the eligibility requirements of the plan.

How Does the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Affect My Coverage?

Non-U.S. citizens: As non-resident aliens, international students, scholars, and people involved in cultural exchange programs on F, J, M and Q visas (and certain family members) are not subject to the individual mandate for their first five years in the U.S. All other J categories (teacher, trainee, work and travel, au pair, high school, etc.) are not subject to the individual mandate for two years (out of the past six). Since international students are not subject to the mandate, they are not required to purchase a plan that meets PPACA requirements and can purchase Student Health Advantage.

U.S. citizens: Under ACA, all U.S. citizens, nationals and resident aliens are required to purchase minimum essential coverage (ACA compliant coverage), unless they are exempt. Exempt U.S. citizens include U.S. citizens who reside outside of the U.S. for 330 of any 365-day period, or have a tax home (main place of work or employment, or if you don’t have a main place of work or employment, your main residence) in a foreign country, and is a bona fide resident of a foreign country.

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The Benefits of Student Travel Insurance for Studying Abroad

Introduction

Student travel insurance presents an exciting opportunity for students to explore new cultures, learn new skills, and broaden their horizons when studying abroad. This enriching experience enables them to gain a global perspective and build connections with individuals worldwide. 

However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that traveling to a foreign country carries inherent risks and uncertainties, including medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and the potential loss or theft of personal belongings. 

That’s why students need to address these risks proactively by considering the purchase of student travel insurance. 

In this article, we will delve into the benefits of studying abroad and underscore the importance of having student travel insurance when venturing overseas.

Key Takeaways

Student travel insurance covers v arious contingencies such as medical emergencies, trip disruptions, lost or stolen luggage, and emergency medical evacuation.

One advantage of student travel insurance is its affordability , as younger students often undertake less costly trips.

Student travel insurance safeguards students against unforeseen expenses that could disrupt their study-abroad endeavors .

When selecting a policy, it is vital to assess the specific risks associated with international travel, compare different policies to find an affordable option that provides comprehensive coverage, verify that the policy covers the entire study abroad duration , and grasp the policy’s exclusions.

Well-regarded travel insurance providers catering to students studying abroad include Allianz Travel, Travel Guard, International Student Insurance , Seven Corners, and World Nomads.

Preparing for unexpected circumstances while traveling abroad is essential, and choosing a policy that carefully aligns with your needs is crucial.

Studying abroad is a remarkable opportunity for personal growth, and student travel insurance can facilitate students in immersing themselves in their studies and cultural experiences without anxiety over unforeseen expenses.

Table of Contents

What is student travel insurance.

Student travel insurance is a specialized insurance policy that safeguards students during their educational journeys abroad. This type of insurance is designed to shield students from unforeseen circumstances that may arise while they are away from their home country. Here are some crucial facts to bear in mind about student travel insurance:

• Requirement: Student travel insurance is often a mandatory condition imposed by educational institutions, study-abroad providers, or host countries.
• Coverage: Generally, there are three main types of travel insurance policies suitable for students studying abroad: travel medical insurance, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, and lost or stolen luggage insurance.
• Protection: Student travel insurance covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations or interruptions, lost or stolen luggage, and emergency medical evacuation.
• Cost: The price of student travel insurance may vary depending on factors such as the trip duration, the level of coverage, and the insurance provider.
• Top Providers: Prominent providers of student travel insurance include Allianz Travel, Travel Guard, International Student Insurance, Seven Corners, and World Nomads.
• Peace of Mind: Student travel insurance policies reassure students and their families, knowing they are safeguarded in case of emergencies. Overall, student travel insurance should be a significant consideration for students studying abroad. It offers coverage for unexpected events and ensures students are protected throughout their time away from home.

How Student Travel Insurance protects students financially against potential trip-related Incidents

Student travel insurance offers valuable financial protection for students engaging in educational pursuits abroad. Let’s explore the various ways in which student travel insurance can safeguard students against potential trip-related incidents:

• Travel medical insurance: This coverage helps alleviate the burden of medical expenses if a student falls ill or sustains an injury while abroad.
• Trip cancellation/interruption insurance: In the event of unforeseen trip cancellation, interruption, or delay, this insurance provides financial protection.
• Lost or stolen luggage insurance: Should a student’s luggage go missing or get stolen during the trip, this insurance offers coverage for the loss.
• Emergency medical evacuation insurance: If a student requires urgent medical evacuation due to a medical emergency, this insurance ensures expense coverage.

Students need student travel insurance to find themselves responsible for covering these expenses out of their own pockets, leading to financial strain. Students and their families gain peace of mind by obtaining student travel insurance, knowing they are safeguarded in emergencies.

The variety of events covered by student travel insurance

Student travel insurance offers coverage for various events during educational trips abroad. Let’s explore some of the events that can be covered by student travel insurance:

• Study interruption: Coverage is provided for any study interruption resulting from health issues .
• Baggage loss: Insurance protects against the loss or theft of luggage.
• Loss of passport: Coverage includes the cost of reissuing or obtaining a new passport if it gets lost.
• Flight delay: Insurance covers losses incurred due to flight delays or cancellations.
• Emergency medical evacuation: Coverage is provided for the expenses associated with emergency medical evacuation.
• Medical expenses: Insurance covers medical expenses if the student falls ill or sustains an injury abroad.
• Dental expenses: Some student travel insurance plans include coverage for dental expenses.
• Trip cancellation/interruption: Financial protection is provided in case of unexpected trip cancellation, interruption, or delay.
• Event tickets and excursions: Coverage extends to event tickets and excursions the student cannot utilize due to unforeseen circumstances.

It’s important to note that the specific events covered by student travel insurance may vary depending on the policy and insurance provider. When selecting a policy, it is crucial to carefully read and understand the coverage details outlined in the policy document.

Benefits of Student Travel Insurance

Student travel insurance offers a range of benefits for students embarking on educational or cultural journeys abroad. Let’s explore some of the key benefits of student travel insurance:

• Coverage for medical emergencies: Insurance covers medical expenses if a student falls ill or sustains an injury during their time abroad.
• Coverage for trip cancellations or interruptions: Financial protection is offered in case of unexpected trip cancellations, interruptions, or delays.
• Coverage for lost or stolen luggage: Insurance covers the loss or theft of luggage during the trip.
• Coverage for emergency medical evacuation: Insurance covers the expenses associated with emergency medical evacuation.
• Coverage for study interruption: Protection is available for any study interruptions caused by health issues.
• Affordability: Student travel insurance is often affordable, as students typically undertake less expensive trips and are younger.
• Peace of mind: Student travel insurance grants peace of mind to students and their families, knowing they are protected in emergencies.

By obtaining student travel insurance, students and their families can enjoy the assurance of financial security and focus on making the most of their educational experiences abroad.

Coverage for Medical Emergencies

Student travel insurance offers comprehensive coverage for medical emergencies that may occur during educational trips abroad. Let’s explore some of the medical coverage benefits that are typically included in student travel insurance policies:

• Emergency and non-emergency medical treatment: Insurance can cover both emergency and non-emergency medical treatment, encompassing pre-existing conditions, maternity-related care, and routine check-ups.
• Medical and dental coverage: Certain student travel insurance plans cover medical and dental expenses.
• Emergency medical reunion coverage: Insurance can cover emergency medical reunion, meaning that the insurance company will cover the expenses for a family member to travel to the student’s location if hospitalization is necessary.
• Emergency medical evacuation coverage: Coverage extends to emergency medical evacuation, where the insurance company pays for transportation to a medical facility if the student needs to be evacuated due to a medical emergency.
• Coverage for unexpected medical costs: Student travel insurance covers the costs of unforeseen medical bills if the student falls ill or sustains an injury during their time abroad.

It’s important to note that student travel insurance’s specific medical coverage benefits can vary depending on the policy and insurance provider. When selecting a policy, it is crucial to carefully review the policy documents to understand the coverage details and any exclusions.

Reimbursement for Trip Cancellations or Interruptions

Student travel insurance offers valuable reimbursement for trip cancellations or interruptions that may occur during educational trips abroad. Let’s explore some of the coverage benefits typically included in student travel insurance policies:

• Reimbursement for nonrefundable travel expenses: Insurance reimburses expenses, including plane tickets, reserved car deposits, lodging expenses, and unused event tickets or excursions due to unforeseen circumstances.
• Trip interruption coverage: Financial protection is offered in case of an unexpected trip interruption or delay.
• Trip cancellation coverage: Insurance provides reimbursement for pre-paid, non-refundable trip deposits such as airline tickets, hotel rooms, rental cars, and tours for the qualifying reasons listed in the policy.
• Coverage for travel delay: Insurance helps cover personal necessities that the student needs to purchase during unexpectedly long layovers.
• Coverage for baggage loss: Insurance provides coverage if the student’s luggage is lost or stolen during the trip.

It’s important to note that the specific coverage benefits of student travel insurance can vary depending on the policy and insurance provider. When selecting a policy, it is crucial to carefully review the policy documents to understand the coverage details and any exclusions.

Compensation for Lost or Stolen Luggage

Student travel insurance offers comprehensive coverage for lost or stolen luggage incidents that may occur during educational trips abroad. Let’s explore some of the coverage benefits typically included in student travel insurance policies:

Reimbursement for lost or stolen luggage: Insurance reimburses lost or stolen luggage, including personal items, textbooks, and school supplies.

Coverage for damaged luggage: Insurance offers coverage for damaged luggage during transit.

Coverage for delayed luggage: Insurance provides coverage for personal necessities that the student needs to purchase during an unexpectedly long layover when their luggage is delayed.

Coverage for lost or stolen passports: Insurance covers the cost of reissuing or obtaining a new passport if it is lost.

Emergency Medical Evacuation Coverage

Emergency medical evacuation coverage is an essential component that can be included in student travel insurance policies. Here are some important points to consider about emergency medical evacuation coverage:

• Coverage for emergency transportation: Emergency medical evacuation coverage ensures immediate transportation to the nearest suitable treatment center if you experience a severe illness or injury while traveling and require urgent medical attention.
• Repatriation to home country: In certain cases, the coverage also includes the cost of transporting you back to your home country if it is medically necessary.
• Inclusion in comprehensive travel insurance plans: Emergency medical evacuation coverage is typically part of a comprehensive travel insurance plan offering multiple coverage forms.
• Varying coverage amounts: The maximum coverage for emergency medical evacuation can differ between plans, so it’s important to compare options and choose a plan with a high coverage amount if it is your priority.
• Up to $1 million coverage: Top-tier travel insurance plans often provide up to $1 million per person for medical evacuation expenses.
• Limits determined by the company and plan: The specific limits for emergency medical evacuation coverage may vary depending on the insurance company and the chosen plan.
• Inclusion in student travel insurance: Emergency medical evacuation coverage is frequently bundled with other student travel insurance policies, such as medical and dental coverage, trip interruption coverage, passport and credit card coverage, and emergency medical reunion coverage.

Overall, emergency medical evacuation coverage reassures students and their families, knowing they are safeguarded during a medical emergency while traveling abroad.

Types of Student Travel Insurance

Regarding student travel insurance, several common policies are available to provide coverage for students traveling abroad for educational purposes. Here are the main categories of student travel insurance:

Travel Medical Insurance

Travel medical insurance is designed to cover medical expenses while traveling abroad. It includes coverage for emergency and non-emergency medical treatments , such as pre-existing conditions, maternity care, and routine check-ups . 

This type of insurance can also provide coverage for emergency medical evacuation to the nearest suitable treatment center if the student faces a medical emergency. Some travel medical insurance policies may even include dental coverage.

Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance

Trip cancellation/interruption insurance covers unexpected cancellations or interruptions due to unforeseen circumstances . 

It reimburses nonrefundable travel expenses, such as plane tickets, reserved car deposits, lodging expenses, and unused event tickets or excursions. Trip interruption coverage provides financial protection in case of unexpected trip delays or interruptions.

 In contrast, trip cancellation coverage reimburses pre-paid, non-refundable trip deposits for qualifying reasons listed in the policy. Coverage for travel delays can also help cover personal necessities during extended layovers.

Lost or Stolen Luggage Insurance

Lost or stolen luggage insurance provides coverage for the loss or theft of luggage. It reimburses the student for lost or stolen luggage, including personal belongings, textbooks, and school supplies. This type of insurance can also cover damages to luggage during transit.

 Furthermore, coverage for delayed luggage can assist in covering the costs of essential items during unexpected and prolonged layovers.

Emergency Medical Evacuation Insurance

Emergency medical evacuation insurance covers the costs of emergency medical evacuations when necessary. It ensures coverage for emergency transportation to the nearest suitable treatment center if the student becomes seriously ill or injured while traveling and requires immediate medical attention. 

This insurance can sometimes cover transporting the student back to their home country if it is medically necessary .

It’s important for students to carefully review the details and terms of each insurance policy, as coverage options may vary among insurance providers. By understanding the available types of coverage, students can make informed decisions to obtain suitable insurance for their educational travel.

Selecting the Appropriate Student Travel Insurance

Selecting the right student travel insurance policy is crucial for students embarking on educational journeys abroad. Here are key factors to consider when choosing a student travel insurance policy:

Coverage: Ensuring Comprehensive Protection

Opting for a policy that offers coverage for the specific risks you may encounter during your international travels is vital. Look for coverage options such as medical coverage, trip cancellation/interruption coverage, lost or stolen luggage coverage, and emergency medical evacuation coverage. 

Carefully review the policy to understand the extent of coverage provided.

Cost: Comparing Policies for Affordability

Student travel insurance is often affordable, catering to younger individuals and relatively lower-cost trips. However, costs vary based on trip duration, coverage level, and insurance provider. Compare different policies to find an affordable option that meets your coverage requirements.

Duration: Ensuring Coverage for the Entire Study Abroad Period

Choose a policy that guarantees coverage for the entire duration of your study abroad period. Some policies may restrict coverage length, so it’s crucial to confirm that the policy aligns with the entire duration of your trip.

Exclusions: Understanding Policy Limitations

Familiarize yourself with the exclusions specified in the policy. Certain activities or pre-existing conditions may be excluded from coverage. Reading and understanding the policy will help you identify any limitations or circumstances not covered.

When selecting a student travel insurance policy, consider the unique risks associated with your travel, compare policies to find an affordable option with adequate coverage, ensure coverage for the entire study abroad period, and clearly understand what is excluded from the policy.

 Considering these factors, you can make an informed decision and secure the appropriate insurance coverage for your educational journey abroad.

Where to Purchase Student Travel Insurance

Numerous well-regarded travel insurance providers cater to students studying abroad. Here are some of the popular choices:

1. Allianz Travel

Allianz Travel is widely recognized for its travel insurance offerings tailored to students studying abroad. Their diverse range of plans encompasses coverage for medical expenses, trip cancellations/interruptions, lost or stolen luggage, and emergency medical evacuation.

2. Travel Guard

Travel Guard is another renowned travel insurance provider that offers comprehensive coverage for students studying abroad. Their plans include medical expenses, trip cancellations/interruptions, lost or stolen luggage, and emergency medical evacuation.

3. International Student Insurance

International Student Insurance specializes in providing coverage for international students. Their plans address medical expenses, trip cancellations/interruptions, lost or stolen luggage, and emergency medical evacuation.

4. Seven Corners

Seven Corners is a reputable travel insurance provider that extends coverage to students studying abroad. Their plans encompass medical expenses, trip cancellations/interruptions, lost or stolen luggage, and emergency medical evacuation.

5. World Nomads

World Nomads is a trusted travel insurance provider catering to students studying abroad . Their plans encompass a wide range of coverage, including medical expenses, trip cancellations/interruptions, lost or stolen luggage, and emergency medical evacuation.

When selecting a travel insurance provider, comparing policies to find an affordable option that suits your coverage needs is important. Additionally, carefully review the policy terms to understand the extent of coverage and any exclusions.

How much is Student travel insurance?

The cost of obtaining student travel insurance can vary based on the trip duration, coverage level, and chosen insurance provider . Nonetheless, student travel insurance generally offers affordability due to the younger age group and relatively lower trip expenses typically associated with students.

Student travel insurance expenses typically range from $25 to $100 monthly , contingent on coverage level and trip duration.

Certain insurance providers may provide discounts for students who opt for coverage throughout the entire study abroad period .

When selecting a student travel insurance policy, it is vital to compare different options and identify an affordable plan that offers the necessary coverage. 

Reviewing the policy terms is essential to comprehend the scope of coverage and any exclusions. Some policies limit coverage duration, so ensuring that the chosen policy provides coverage for the entire trip duration is crucial.

What is the cheapest Student travel insurance?

When it comes to affordable student travel insurance, there are several options available. Here are some of the cheapest student travel insurance options found in the search results:

• Travelex: With their Travel Select and Travel Basic plans, Travelex offers coverage starting from just $30 for most low-value trips. While the Travel Basic plans have limited coverage, they provide peace of mind for budget-conscious students.
• Coverwise: Although not specifically tailored for students, Coverwise offers competitive rates, making it worth obtaining a quote.
• Allianz Travel: Allianz Travel provides OneTrip plans suitable for students studying abroad.
• Arch RoamRight: Students studying abroad can benefit from the Essential, Preferred, and Elite travel insurance plans offered by Arch RoamRight.
• World Nomads: World Nomads offers the Explorer plan, which is a viable option for students engaged in overseas studies.
• International Student Insurance (ISI): ISI offers a variety of international student insurance options that meet school and country requirements. Their comprehensive yet affordable plans are specifically designed to provide health insurance for international students on F, M, or J visas and those studying abroad.

Considering that the cheapest option may not always be the most suitable for individual needs is important. Comparing coverage and benefits is crucial before finalizing a plan choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is student travel insurance, and why is it necessary.

Student travel insurance is a type of insurance plan that provides coverage for students traveling abroad for academic purposes, such as studying abroad or participating in a study abroad program. It is necessary because it protects students from unforeseen circumstances during their travel, such as medical emergencies, trip cancellation, loss of luggage, and more.

What does a typical student travel insurance plan cover?

A typical student travel insurance plan covers medical expenses, including emergency medical treatment, prescription drugs, and hospitalization. It also covers trip cancellation, trip interruption, baggage loss, and other travel-related mishaps. Additionally, some plans may provide travel assistance services, such as emergency cash transfers, emergency medical evacuation, and 24-hour help hotlines.

Do I need to purchase student travel insurance if I already have health insurance?

While your existing health insurance plan may cover medical expenses incurred while traveling abroad, it may not be sufficient for all the issues you may encounter while studying abroad. Student travel insurance provides broader coverage, including trip protection, medical evacuation, and other assistance services that standard health insurance plans do not offer.

Can I purchase student travel insurance even if I am not a student?

Most student travel insurance plans require you to enroll in a study abroad program or be a student. Still, there are other travel insurance options available that can be suitable for non-students. It would be best to look for travel insurance companies that offer general travel insurance, which can provide similar benefits and coverage.

How do I buy student travel insurance?

You can buy student travel insurance through a travel insurance company or your school’s study abroad program. Some schools may require students to purchase their insurance, while others may include it in their study abroad tuition. Before deciding, you should research different insurance plans and compare coverage, benefits, and prices.

What is the difference between health insurance and student travel insurance?

Health insurance covers medical expenses and treatments but may not cover other issues a student may encounter while traveling abroad, such as trip cancellation, loss of luggage, and more. On the other hand, student travel insurance provides broader coverage that includes medical expenses and travel-related issues.

Can I use student travel insurance for trips outside of my study abroad program?

Some travel insurance plans may offer coverage for trips outside of your study abroad program. You should check the policy to see if it covers personal travel or only applies to activities related to your academic program.

How does student travel insurance help if I need to be medically evacuated?

Student travel insurance may cover the cost of emergency medical evacuation if you are seriously injured or ill and need to be transported to a hospital or medical facility. The insurance company may arrange for transportation by ground or air, depending on the severity of your condition and location.

Is student travel insurance mandatory for all study abroad programs?

The policy regarding student travel insurance can vary depending on the individual study abroad program. Some programs may require students to purchase travel insurance, while others may provide it as part of their tuition. It is important to check with your study abroad program to determine their travel insurance policy.

What factors should I consider when choosing student travel insurance?

When choosing student travel insurance, you should consider factors such as the coverage provided, the cost of the policy, the deductible and excess, the length of coverage, and any additional services or benefits offered. Researching different insurance plans and comparing them is essential to determine which one best fits your individual needs and circumstances.

student travel insurance offers many benefits to students embarking on educational or cultural journeys abroad. It provides essential coverage for medical emergencies, trip disruptions, lost belongings, and emergency medical evacuations.

Preparing for unforeseen circumstances is crucial when traveling abroad; student travel insurance grants students and their families peace of mind. When selecting a policy, it is important to assess the specific risks associated with international travel, compare different options to find an affordable plan with adequate coverage, ensure the policy spans the entire study abroad period, and fully comprehend its exclusions.

Studying abroad is an immensely rewarding experience, and student travel insurance plays a vital role in enabling students to immerse themselves in their studies and cultural encounters without undue financial concerns. 

We encourage students to meticulously choose a policy tailored to their needs and take advantage of reputable travel insurance providers specializing in coverage for students studying abroad.

• Leverage Edu. “What is Student Travel Insurance and its Importance?” (2021). Retrieved from https://leverageedu.com/blog/student-travel-insurance/
• VisaGuide.World. “Travel Insurance Coverage for Students” (2020). Retrieved from https://visaguide.world/travel-insurance/student-travel-insurance/
• The College Investor. “Travel Insurance For College Students” (2022). Retrieved from https://thecollegeinvestor.com/22792/travel-insurance/
• MarketWatch. “The 5 Best Student Travel Insurance Companies of (2023)” (2023). Retrieved from https://www.marketwatch.com/guides/insurance-services/student-travel-insurance/
• TravelInsurance.com. “Student Travel Insurance – Study Abroad Insurance”. Retrieved from https://www.travelinsurance.com/student-travel-insurance/
• American Visitor Insurance. “Best student travel insurance plans” (2018). Retrieved from https://www.americanvisitorinsurance.com/student-travel/
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Travel Insurance

Student travel insurance.

All UCEAP participants are automatically enrolled in the student travel insurance policy, providing medical and non-medical benefits so you can get the medical care you need while abroad.

The student travel insurance serves as your primary medical coverage while abroad. It works on a reimbursement basis. Costs for medical care must be paid out-of-pocket, and are then reimbursable according to the policy details.

Some benefits include:

• $0 deductible/$0 copay
• Prescription drug benefits
• Mental health counseling
• Medical/security evacuation
• Continued treatment for pre-existing, covered conditions 
• Personal property (limits apply)
• Trip cancelation/delay
• Global teleconsultation
• Emergency Remote Behavioral Health Consultation

While abroad, the travel insurance policy through Chubb is considered to be primary for medical expenses in cases of accident and/or illness. However, preventative care such as physicals, routine exams, vaccinations, and COVID tests in the absence of symptoms aren't covered.

Students are required to maintain health insurance in the US, either by keeping UCSHIP during your time abroad, or by having private US health insurance in accordance with UCSHIP waiver policies. The travel insurance policy doesn't allow you to waive UCSHIP. The deadline and process to waive out is set by UCSHIP. Please contact the UCSHIP office at your campus if you have any questions.

Coverage for COVID-19

COVID-19 is treated as any other covered sickness and is subject to the policy terms and conditions. If you experience symptoms of an illness while traveling overseas, you should seek medical care. Expenses resulting from medically necessary treatment will be considered for reimbursement according to the policy rules.

When coverage starts and ends

The student travel insurance begins 14 days before you are required to arrive in your study abroad location. Coverage ends 14 days after your program ends.

Preparing to Study Abroad

Information about medical providers in the host country where you want to study abroad is available through  AXA Assistance , a non-insurance benefit included with the student travel insurance policy.

To obtain pre-travel information regarding medical care and providers, you'll start by registering for a free account on Travel Eye .

After confirming your email, you can:

• Log in with the email and password.
• Select the city and country where you plan to study abroad.
• Select the type of medical care. 

If you need additional assistance, contact UCEAP's travel insurance liaison . Provide a brief overview of what you need to know, and you'll receive a response with information, next steps, and resources.

While abroad

You may contact Chubb-AXA Global Travel Assistance while you're abroad—they will provide:

• Referrals for teleconsultations
• Medical or mental health providers in your location
• Direct transfer to a therapist during a mental health crisis
• Medical monitoring if you are hospitalized
• Payment guarantee for hospital admission

Travel Insurance Resources

23-24 Insurance Card : Print out the student policy card.

23-24 Travel Insurance Brochure : Read the full policy details.

23-24 Travel Insurance at a Glance : Find a summary of the insurance policy.

24-25 Insurance Card : Print out the student policy card.

24-25 Travel Insurance Brochure : Read the full policy details.

24-25 Travel Insurance at a Glance : Find a summary of the insurance policy.

Accident/Sickness Insurance Claim Form  and  Student Instructions

Personal Property Claim Form  and  Student Instructions

Trip Cancelation Form

For claims assistance, contact the claims administrator, Administrative Concepts, Inc.

Email:  [email protected]

Or call: +1-888-293-9229 (in the US/Canada) or

+1610 293 9229 (outside the US) 

Be sure to have the UCEAP policy number ready: N04834823

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Manulife CoverMe ® Student Travel Insurance

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Get help with medical expenses when studying away from home

Are you an international student coming to Canada? Or a Canadian studying abroad or out-of-province? Don’t break your budget: let us help cover your health care expenses so you don’t have to pay out-of-pocket. Get comprehensive student travel insurance for unexpected and routine health care expenses with Manulife CoverMe Travel Insurance for Students.

Student travel plans

Canadians studying abroad.

Adventuring outside of Canada? This plan ensures you’ll be covered for health care costs in your host country.

• Up to $2 million in emergency and non-emergency medical coverage
• Includes coverage for hospital services, dental, vision, physiotherapy, and more!

Canadians studying in another province/territory

Studying within Canada but out-of-province? You get a 50% discount on premiums.

International students studying in Canada

Are you a foreign student coming to study in Canada? This plan helps protect you from high health care costs while you’re in Canada.

Why Manulife

All our plans for students come with the following benefits:

• Access to Manulife’s Travel Assistance 24/7 – 365 days a year – wherever you are in the world
• Full refund for medical plans before your effective date if you change your mind
• Pause your coverage for up to 60 days without terminating it

The Canadian government does not specifically require student travel health insurance when international students apply for a study permit. However, it is often required by designated learning institutions (DLI) before they can enroll you as a student and grant you a letter of acceptance.  

As an international student studying abroad, you are not covered under the provincial health insurance plan. This means that, without travel insurance, you will have to pay out-of-pocket for visits to the physician for check-ups, prescription drugs, ambulance, hospital stays and other health care-related expenses. 

Any pre-existing medical conditions that have not remained stable in the 3 months leading up to the effective date are not covered by travel insurance for students.

For Manulife’s travel insurance for students, a medical condition is considered stable when all the following statements are true:

• No new treatment has been prescribed or recommended, and there have been no change(s) to existing treatment (including a stoppage in treatment).
• There have been no changes in medication and no recommendation to start or starting of a new prescription drug.
• The medical condition has not worsened.
• There have not been any new, more frequent or more severe symptoms.
• There has been no hospitalization nor referral to a specialist.
• There have not been any tests, investigations nor treatments recommended and incomplete.
• There are no outstanding test results.
• There is no planned or pending treatment.

All the above conditions must be met for a medical condition to be considered stable. Please review the conditions above very carefully before you purchase travel insurance for students and leave your home country to study abroad.

Need assistance?

Want to talk through your options.

Have questions and want to speak to a licensed insurance advisor? We can help with that!

Submit a travel claim

Visit our dedicated travel portal to start a claim. First-time on the site? Simply register, activate your account, and sign in.

Explore other travel insurance products

Travel insurance for travelling canadians.

Explore out-of-province or country with less worry with coverage for emergency medical, flight cancellations and delays, and more.

Travel Insurance for Visitors to Canada

Get affordable coverage for medical expenses while visiting Canada. Meets the requirements for the super visa.

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The Complete Guide to Student Hotel Deals

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Generally, student life provides the unique opportunity to travel more freely. A common hurdle that students encounter while traveling is cost. This is particularly true for big-ticket expenses, like lodging.

If you’re eager to find affordable accommodations, here are sites where you can find student discount hotels and hostels on a budget.

Best websites for hostels and hotels at student discounts

Major travel platforms, such as Kayak and Expedia , can generally be a good starting point to find cheap hotels. However, there are sites designed specifically for students’ lifestyle, schedules and wallets that might land you a room more suited to your needs.

1. CheapOair

Although its name might suggest it offers cheap airfare only, students might also uncover hotel savings on CheapOair , too. It features lodging of all types, including affordable hotels and budget motels. It also has a dedicated page for last-minute hotel deals for a spontaneous weekend getaway.

You can browse available accommodations on the CheapOair website or on its mobile app. You also can call an agent at 845-848-0154 to explore your options and book your room.

UNiDAYS is a site dedicated to offering various student discounts from hotels, clothing stores, grocers, gyms and more.

To access these deals, you must be a current student and sign up to be a member online. Membership is free, but UNiDAYS might accept commissions on hotel bookings you make through its platform.

It partners with popular hotel and vacation rental sites to offer student members additional discounts. For example, if using UNiDAYS to book a room on Hotels.com, you might receive up to 40% off and an extra 8% off on hotels.

» Learn more: Are Airbnbs cheaper than hotels?

Hostelz gathers data from other booking sites so you can easily run price comparisons for your preferred room.

It pulls rates and traveler reviews from Hostelworld.com, Booking.com and Hostelclub.com. The platform offers the largest worldwide database of hostels, giving its customers access to a comprehensive list of available rooms around the world.

Searching its database is free, and according to the site, it offers an average savings of 10.6%, and up to 60% for some bookings. Its reviews show full transparency and aren’t guided by Hostelz’s commissions or screened by the hostels.

4. StudentUniverse

StudentUniverse is a site devoted to students and travelers under 30 years old that are from the U.S., the U.K., Australia and Canada. Its hotel database has more than 200,000 hotel and vacation properties worldwide, and students can access discounts of up to 60% off on hotel reservations.

The deals on StudentUniverse are exclusive for its members. To sign up, you’ll need to provide your name, date of birth, email address, and your school and expected graduation year.

When browsing available stays, keep in mind that the prices shown don’t include taxes and fees. Make sure you account for these added costs before finalizing your reservation.

Tips for finding student discount hotels

With so many details to work out, planning a trip on a shoestring budget might feel chaotic and costly. Taking some extra steps while sorting out logistics for your next stay can help you keep both to a minimum.

Stay flexible

If you’re on a tight budget or need a last-minute reservation, you’ll find more options by keeping an open mind. This includes check-in or checkout dates and room features.

The least glamorous room type at a hotel is likely its cheapest option. This might mean accepting a room with a tight square footage, a view of a parking structure or one that is close to a noisy elevator or staircase.

Call the hotel or hostel directly

Student hotel deal websites are a solid place to start your search for cheap stays; however, as a third-party aggregator (or online travel agency), these sites often tack on additional fees that add up.

Once you’ve found a room you like on a deals site, call the hotel or hostel directly to compare its rate for that room type.

You might be able to secure a reservation with the agent on the phone, or through the lodging’s website, at a lower total price.

Look up promos before checkout

Sometimes the hotel’s rates are about the same as the hotel’s student discount price. See if you can find extra discounts for the deal site you’re booking through.

If you’re booking the reservation around a major holiday, or are a new customer on the platform, you might find a promo code for an extra discount.

Book with a credit card

Using a credit card to pay for your stay offers additional benefits during and beyond your trip. Some will let you earn an unlimited 5% cash back for hotel reservations made in certain online travel booking portals.

Booking your hotel or hostel lodgings through a credit card also builds your credit history. Just ensure that you can afford repaying any purchases placed on the account to avoid accumulating debt. Before reserving your next accommodations, compare the best college student credit cards .

» Learn more: The best hotel credit cards right now

Don’t forget about safety

Finding cheap lodging can have the biggest impact on your travel budget, but cost savings should never compromise your personal safety. Do your due diligence by checking whether the building has secured entry during late hours and whether there’s on-site security personnel or cameras in common areas, like lobbies and hallways.

Also, read reviews of each hotel or hostel under consideration and what other students have to say about the surrounding area.

Hotels with student discounts, recapped

When you’re on a student budget, taking advantage of ways to travel affordably is essential. Using deal websites for student discount hotels is a good way to uncover a low-cost yet comfortable haven to return to during your trip.

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

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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℠.

1.5%-6.5% Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year). After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

$300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

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• Oncological Sciences

Benefits & Support

School of medicine, on this page, information for current students.

In addition to the policies discussed below, students must follow University of Utah policies and regulations, as outlined in the following resources:

Safety and Wellness

Your safety and well-being are our top priority. In an emergency, dial 911 or seek a nearby emergency phone (throughout campus). Report any crimes or suspicious people to 801-585-COPS(2677); this number will dispatch an officer at the  University of Utah Department of Public Safety  (DPS). In addition, if you would like to be escorted by a security officer to or from areas on campus  at any time , DPS will help — just give a call.

Counseling and Support Services

The University of Utah seeks to provide a safe and healthy experience for students, employees, and others who make use of campus facilities.  In support of this goal, the University has established confidential resources and support services to assist students who may have been affected by harassment, abusive relationships, or sexual misconduct. A detailed listing of University Resources for campus safety can be found at  https://registrar.utah.edu/handbook/campussafety.php

Your well-being is key to your personal safety. If you are in crisis, call 801-587-3000; help is close. The university has additional excellent resources to promote emotional and physical wellness, including the  Counseling Center , the  Wellness Center , and the  Women’s Resource Center . Counselors and advocates in these centers can help guide you to other resources to address a range of issues, including substance abuse and addiction. Here is a list of support services available on campus:

• American Indian Resource Center: 801-581-7019
• Black Cultural Center: 801-213-1441
• Center for Ethnic Student Affairs (CESA): 801-581-8151
• Center for Student Wellness (victim-survivor advocates, bystander intervention training): 801-581-7776
• Dream Center: 801-213-3697
• Employee Assistance Program(staff): 801-587-9319 or 800-926-9619
• Independent Review Committee: complaints about public safety personnel may be reported to the Independent Review Committee at  utah.edu
• LGBT Resource Center: 801-587-7973
• Office for Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and Title IX: 801-581-8365
• Office of the Dean of Students: 801-581-7066
• Resiliency Center: 801-213-3403
• University Counseling Center (students only): 801-581-6826
• University Crisis Center: 801-587-3000
• University Neuropsychiatric Institute crisis line (available 24/7): 801-587-3000
• Women’s Resource Center: 801-581-8030

COVID-19 Resources

If you are experiencing general fear and anxiety regarding COVID-19, or any other distress, the University of Utah provides many free resources for students, including crisis and counseling services (listed above). Additional information on COVID-19, including the latest updates on campus testing programs, current health guidelines, self-reporting forms and hotlines for any other COVID-19 related questions can be found here:  https://dps.utah.edu/coronavirus/ .

Tuition and Health Insurance

The Department of Oncological Sciences is committed to providing financial compensation to students throughout their tenure in the department. In addition to tuition benefits (for a required minimum number of credit hours and at least a 3.0 GPA), the faculty advisor pays a stipend to each student according to the recommended levels set by the interdepartmental programs.

Students are expected to devote their full effort toward graduate studies while enrolled in the program. It is not permissible for a student to work another job or be enrolled in another educational program. A variety of student loans are available to ameliorate cases of severe financial hardship.

From the  Graduate School website  concerning Summer Semester tuition coverage for students on Tuition Benefit: "Tuition benefit support is available for all graduate students during summer semester, no matter their source of pay. Summer TBP covers only 3 credit hours and students must register for 3 credits to be eligible. Summer semester does not count against the total number of semesters that a student is eligible for."

Health Insurance

To ensure appropriate medical insurance coverage for graduate students and their families, the Department of Oncological Sciences will cover medical insurance in one of three ways:

• Single students are covered by payment of health insurance premiums by the department.
• Married students whose spouses are covered through their employment may be covered as above, or the student can be covered through the spouse's insurance.
• Married students (with and without children) whose spouses (and families) cannot be covered by outside employers, can have their family's health insurance covered through the department*.

*Note that this additional family policy is only a trial at this point, and we cannot guarantee it will be continued indefinitely. Contact the department office for enrollment information.

Travel Support

Graduate school travel overview.

Graduate students whose research or creative project has been accepted for presentation at a professional meeting can apply for travel support from the Graduate School. This assistance is contingent upon the applicant presenting at the meeting. Applications must be received in the graduate school prior to travel dates. Requests are considered up to a maximum of $500 and must be supported with a dollar-for-dollar match from university funds. Matching support must be from university funding sources, such as development, operation, service, and research. One award only will be made during each fiscal year (July 1–June 30) to any graduate student. Student travel assistance funding can reimburse airfare/car mileage, ground transportation fares, lodging, abstract fees, and conference registration fees. The assistance will not reimburse meals, per diem, society memberships, or poster preparation fees. For a complete process overview and the link for application, please  visit the Graduate School site .

Department of Oncological Sciences Travel Overview

Applications for department travel assistance are invited from current department students in good standing whose research or creative project has been accepted for presentation at a professional meeting. This assistance is contingent upon the applicant presenting at the meeting. Applications must be received in the department office and approved by the graduate committee prior to travel dates. Requests are considered up to a maximum of $500. The department will determine total funds available for each month; funding is granted on a first come, first serve basis until funds for the month are exhausted.

John H. Weis Memorial Graduate Student Award

"The Award will be given on a competitive basis, with selection by a committee of faculty members in the Molecular Biology Program. This Award will recognize outstanding graduate achievement by a student who exemplifies John’s creative and original approach to science and life at the University of Utah. It will provide either stipend support for research by an outstanding Ph.D. or M.D. student, or one or more travel awards to support student participation in a scientific meeting." Notifications of the application dates and guidelines are emailed annually.

Vacation Policy

Students may take up to two weeks of vacation per calendar year. All vacations must be discussed in advance with the graduate advisor. Vacation time over two weeks must be approved by the graduate advisor in advance.

Parental Leave Policy

The Department of Oncological Sciences (“Department”)  policy  is intended to supplement existing University regulations related to parental leaves of absence. In the event of any conflict between this policy and any University Policy or other regulation, the University Policy or other regulation shall govern.

Money latest: The 'German classic' that's a healthier and cheaper alternative to crisps

Crisps are on the menu as we see where you can make healthier choices for the best value. Elsewhere, the boss of Sainsbury's has insisted customers like self-checkouts - do you agree? Leave your thoughts in the box below.

Friday 26 April 2024 19:45, UK

• New research reveals cost of having children
• Sainsbury's boss insists customers like self-checkouts
• FTSE 100 hits another record high
• Halifax hikes mortgage rates - as entire market moves upwards

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Ask a question or make a comment

The family home where Captain Sir Tom Moore walked 100 laps to raise nearly £40m for the NHS during the first COVID lockdown is up for sale for £2.25m.

The Grade II-listed Old Rectory is described as a "magnificent seven-bedroom property" by estate agents Fine & Country.

In a video tour of the house, a sculpture of Captain Tom with his walking frame can be seen in the hallway, while a photo of the fundraising hero being knighted by the Queen is on a wall in the separate coach house building.

Introducing the property, an estate agent says in the tour video: "I'm sure you'll recognise this iconic and very famous driveway behind me as it was home to the late Captain Sir Tom Moore who walked 100 laps of his garden, raising over £37m for NHS charities."

It comes less than three months after the demolition of an unauthorised spa pool block in the grounds of the property in Marston Moretaine, Bedfordshire.

Speaking at an appeal hearing over that spa, Scott Stemp, representing Captain Tom's daughter Hannah Ingram-Moore and her husband, said the foundation named after the fundraising hero "is to be closed down" following a Charity Commission probe launched amid concerns about its management.

For the full story, click here ...

"Status symbol" pets are being given up by owners who get scared as they grow up, an animal charity has said, with the cost of living possibly paying a part in a rise in separations.

The Exotic Pet Refuge, which homes parrots, monkeys, snakes and alligators among others, says it receives referrals across the country, including from zoos and the RSPCA.

"They're a status symbol. People will say, 'OK, I'll have an alligator or a 10ft boa constrictor'," co-owner Pam Mansfield told the BBC.

"But when the animal gets big, they will get too frightened to handle them, and then the pet has to go."

She added people who want to get rid of the pets sometimes call zoos for help, which then call on her charity.

In some cases, owners don't have licences to own dangerous animals, she says, blaming a "lack of understanding" for what she says is a rise in the number of exotic animals needing to be rehomed.

She says people "just don't have the space" for some snakes, for example, with some growing to as much as 12ft and needing their own room.

The cost of living crisis has also forced owners to give their pets away, she says.

Her charity has also been affected by those increased costs, with the electricity bill rising to £10,000 a month at their highest, to fund things like heated pools for alligators.

Private car parks are accused of "confusing drivers" after introducing a new code of conduct - despite "doing all they can" to prevent an official government version.

The code of practice launched by two industry bodies - British Parking Association and the International Parking Community - includes a ten-minute grace period for motorists to leave a car park after the parking period they paid for ends.

It also features requirements for consistent signage, a single set of rules for operators on private land and an "appeals charter".

Private parking businesses have been accused of using misleading and confusing signs, aggressive debt collection and unreasonable fees.

That comes after a government-backed code of conduct was withdrawn in June 2022, after a legal challenges by parking companies.

RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: "We're flabbergasted that the BPA and the IPC have suddenly announced plans to introduce their own private parking code after doing all they can over the last five years to prevent the official government code created by an act of Parliament coming into force.

"While there are clearly some positive elements to what the private parking industry is proposing, it conveniently avoids some of the biggest issues around caps on penalty charges and debt recovery fees which badly need to be addressed to prevent drivers being taken advantage of."

BPA chief executive Andrew Pester said: "This is a crucial milestone as we work closely with government, consumer bodies and others to deliver fairer and more consistent parking standards for motorists."

IPC chief executive Will Hurley said: "The single code will benefit all compliant motorists and will present clear consequences for those who decide to break the rules."

Sky News has learnt the owner of Superdry's flagship store is weighing up a legal challenge to a rescue plan launched by the struggling fashion retailer.

M&G, the London-listed asset manager, has engaged lawyers from Hogan Lovells to scrutinise the restructuring plan.

The move by M&G, which owns the fashion retailer's 32,000 square foot Oxford Street store, will not necessarily result in a formal legal challenge - but sources say it's possible.

Read City editor Mark Kleinman 's story here...

NatWest says its mortgage lending nearly halved at the start of the year as it retreated from parts of the market when competition among lenders stepped up.

New mortgage lending totalled £5.2bn in the first three months of 2024, the banking group has revealed, down from £9.9bn the previous year.

The group, which includes Royal Bank of Scotland and Coutts, also reported an operating pre-tax profit of £1.3bn for the first quarter, down 27% from £1.8bn the previous year.

An unexplained flow of British luxury cars into states neighbouring Russia continued into February, new data shows.

About £26m worth of British cars were exported to Azerbaijan, making the former Soviet country the 17th biggest destination for UK cars - bigger than long-established export markets such as Ireland, Portugal and Qatar.

Azerbaijan's ascent has coincided almost to the month with the imposition of sanctions on the export of cars to Russia.

Read the rest of economics and data editor Ed Conway 's analysis here...

Rishi Sunak has hailed the arrival of pay day with a reminder his government's additional National Insurance tax cut kicks in this month for the first time.

At last month's budget, the chancellor announced NI will be cut by a further 2p - so some workers will pay 8% of their earnings instead of the 12% if was before autumn.

The prime minister has repeated his claim this will be worth £900 for someone on the average UK salary.

While this additional cut - on top of the previous 2p cut in January - does equate to £900 for those on average full-time earnings of £35,000, there are two key issues with Mr Sunak's claim:

• Once the effect of all income tax changes since 2021 are taken into account, the Institute for Fiscal Studies reports an average earner will benefit from a tax cut of £340 - far less than £900;
• Moreover, anyone earning less than £26,000 or between £55,000-£131,000 will ultimately be worse off.

In short, this is because NI cuts are more than offset by other tax rises.

We explain below how this is the case...

Tax thresholds

This is partly down to tax thresholds - the amount you are allowed to earn before you start paying tax (and national insurance) and before you start paying the higher rate of tax - will remain frozen. 

This means people end up paying more tax than they otherwise would, when their pay rises with inflation but the thresholds don't keep up. 

This phenomenon is known as "fiscal drag" and it's often called a stealth tax because it's not as noticeable immediately in your pay packet.

That low threshold of £12,570 has been in place since April 2021. 

The Office for Budget Responsibility says if it had increased with inflation it would be set at £15,220 for 2024/25.

If that were the case, workers could earn an extra £2,650 tax-free each year.

Less give, more take

Sky News analysis shows someone on £16,000 a year will pay £607 more in total - equivalent to more than three months of average household spending on food. 

Their income level means national insurance savings are limited but they are paying 20% in income tax on an additional £2,650 of earnings.

In its analysis , the IFS states: "In aggregate the NICs cuts just serve to give back a portion of the money that is being taken away through other income tax and NICs changes - in particular, multi-year freezes to tax thresholds at a time of high inflation."

Overall, according to the institute, for every £1 given back to workers by the National Insurance cuts, £1.30 will have been taken away due to threshold changes between 2021 and 2024.

This rises to £1.90 in 2027.

The UK could face a shortage of cava due to a drought in the sparkling wine's Spanish heartlands.

The Penedes area of Catalonia is dealing with its worst drought on record, with vineyards across the region so parched the roots of 30-year-old vines have died.

It's left shrivelled red and green grapes languishing under intense sun, fuelled by fossil-fuel driven climate change.

Cava is an increasingly popular drink in the UK, with 17.8 million bottles sold in 2023 - an increase of 5% from the previous year, when Britons stocked up on 16.8 million bottles, according to the Cava Regulatory Board.

That makes the UK the fourth-biggest buyer, behind only the US, Belgium and Germany.

Workforce slashed

The problems have been compounded after Catalonia-based cava producer Freixenet announced it will temporarily lay off 615 workers, almost 80% of its workforce.

Under Spanish law, companies facing exceptional circumstances can lay off staff or reduce working hours.

This measure is expected to take effect from May and it is not known how long it will last.

Price rises

One industry source told retail publication The Grocer  that cava shortages would push up prices "certainly for next year" if there isn't enough supply.

This could last for years if the drought persists, they added.

Consumer expert Helen Dewdney told MailOnline the staff cuts at Freixenet can only mean one thing - price rises.

However, she added, supermarkets say they are not experiencing any issues right now.

Parents are being hammered by rising childcare costs, according to a new study that suggests they may spend more than £160,000 raising their child to the age of 18.

Research by Hargreaves Lansdown has found that parents with children pay £6,969 a year more than couples without.

Over 18 years and assuming an annual inflation rate of 3%, that amounts to a whopping £163,175, the investment platform said.

Its study also found that parents were less likely to have money left at the end of the month.

Single parents carry the biggest burden, with the research suggesting they have just £85 left on average compared to £365 for couples with children.

Hargreaves Lansdown also found just 23% of single parents reported having enough emergency savings to cover at least three months' worth of essential expenses, compared to 63% of couples with children.

Parents are also at a slight disadvantage when it comes to pensions, the research found, with only 43% of couples with children on track for a moderate retirement income, compared to 47% without. Only 17% of single parents have a decent projected pension fund.

Sarah Coles, head of personal finance at the firm, said "having children is one of the most expensive decisions a person can make".

She adds that as a result of having a child, "financial resilience suffers across the board", and added: "For single parents, life is even tougher, and they face far lower resilience on almost every measure.

"It means we need all the help we can get."

By Daniel Binns, business reporter

One of the top stories shaking up the markets this morning is that UK-based mining company Anglo American has rejected a major $38.8bn (£31bn) takeover bid.

Details of the attempted buyout by Australian rival BHP emerged yesterday  - sending Anglo American shares soaring.

The deal would have created the world's biggest copper mining company - with the news coming as the price of the metal hit record highs this week.

However, Anglo American has now dismissed the proposal as "opportunistic" and said BHP had undervalued the company.

Anglo's shares are slightly down by 0.8% this morning - suggesting investors may not have given up hopes that a deal could eventually be agreed.

However, overall the FTSE 100 is up around 0.4% this morning, buoyed by strong reported earnings from US tech giants Microsoft and Google owner Alphabet.

It's helped the index, of the London Stock Exchange's 100 most valuable companies, hit yet another intraday (during the day) record of 8,136 points this morning.

The winning streak comes after a week of all-time highs on the index - including a record close of 8,078 points yesterday. The score is based on a calculation of the total value of the shares on the index.

Among the companies doing well this morning is NatWest - despite the bank reporting a fall in pre-tax profits of nearly 28% for the first quarter of the year.

Shares in the lender are up more than 3% after its results were better than expected by analysts.

On the currency markets, £1 buys $1.25 US or €1.16, almost on a par with yesterday.

Meanwhile, the price of a barrel of Brent crude oil has crept up slightly to $89 (£71).

Self-checkouts - they're like marmite, people seem to either love them or hate them.

But the boss of Sainsbury's has claimed that his customers do  enjoy using self-checkouts, despite criticism that that machines don't always provide the convenience promised.

Simon Roberts told The Telegraph that there are more of them in Sainsbury's stores "than a number of years ago" as shoppers like the "speedy checkout".

But despite this, he said there won't be a time when they'll replace cashiers completely.

"Over the last year, where we've put more self-checkouts in, we're always making sure that the traditional kind of belted checkout is there," he said.

His comments come after northern supermarket Booths ditched self-checkouts at all but two of its sites after customer feedback. 

Walmart and Costco in the US have also scaled back on the systems.

Let us know in the comments - do you love or hate self-checkouts?

We've all heard consumer advice that's repeated so often it almost becomes cliché. So, every Friday the Money team will get to the bottom of a different "fact" and decide whether it's a myth or must.

This week it is...

'Smart meters save you money'

For this one, we've enlisted the help of Dr Steve Buckley, also known as the Energy Doctor and head of data science at Loop...

So do smart meters help you save? 

"The short answer is both yes and no," Steve says.

"Installing a smart meter by itself won't magically reduce your energy consumption. But, by giving you easy access to your energy usage data, smart meters pave the way for savings that you couldn't achieve otherwise."

Before smart meters, most households only found out how much energy they had used when the bill arrived. 

By that stage it's too late to address wasteful usage, leading to what's known as "bill shock". 

"With a smart meter, you can see your usage and costs in real-time through an in-home display or an app provided by your supplier," Steve says. 

"This immediate feedback encourages you to use less energy. If you measure it, you can control it."

In 2022, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero found that homes with smart meters used about 3.4% less electricity and 3% less gas. 

"This might not seem like a lot, but it adds up to a saving of over £50 per household annually," Steve says.  

If all homes in the UK made similar cuts, that would amount to savings of around £1.5bn and a potential reduction in CO2 emissions by about 2.7m tonnes each year. 

"Good for individual households but also great for the planet," Steve says. 

Smart meters are often installed at no extra cost to the consumer - it's effectively free data for households. 

Limitations

Smart meters are more or less what you make of them - a simple, free tool that allows you to see headline figures. 

However, "without detailed analysis, it's tough to identify and eliminate" where you could be wasting money, Steve says. 

Apps like Utrack, Loop and Hugo Energy can help you work out where you might be losing money by offering a more detailed breakdown if connected to your smart meter. 

Those tools are often free, but you may need to register your card details as proof of address. 

The tools give a number of useful insights, including looking at consumption in other households of similar size or monitoring where chunks of your money are going, such as to a faulty boiler or the "phantom load" (energy wasted by devices left on unnecessarily).

Myth or must?

Although smart meters alone don't reduce energy bills, they are a vital tool to help energy efficiency and cost savings. 

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