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Best Travel Insurance for Students Studying Abroad

Team AckoOct 6, 2025

Every year, hundreds of Indian students fly to different countries for higher studies. Whether it is a short course or a full degree, studying abroad is a wonderful experience. But with enthusiasm also comes responsibility. What if you fall sick, lose your passport, or have a flight delay in a foreign land?

This is where you can rely on student travel insurance. It ensures that you can focus on studying without worrying about unexpected losses of money.

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This article explains why you should have student travel insurance, what it covers, and how to choose the best plan for your needs.

Contents

What is Student Travel Insurance?
Major Benefits of Student Travel Insurance
What Is Not Covered in Student Travel Insurance?
When Is Student Travel Insurance Required?
How to Choose the Best Student Travel Insurance in India?
Final thoughts
Frequently asked questions

What is Student Travel Insurance?

When you move abroad for studies, life is full of new opportunities, but it also comes with unexpected risks. From a sudden illness to losing your passport, even a small problem can become a big hassle in a foreign country. That’s where student travel insurance comes in.

It’s not the same as regular travel insurance. While it covers common travel issues, it also includes student-specific protection, such as reimbursement of tuition fees if your studies are interrupted, or financial support if your sponsor faces difficulties. In short, it acts like a safety net so you can concentrate on your education without worrying about what might go wrong.

Major Benefits of Student Travel Insurance

Here’s how student travel insurance can help you:

1. Cover for Medical Emergencies

Healthcare abroad can burn a hole in your pocket. With student travel insurance, doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, and even emergency medical evacuations are covered. Some policies also include treatment for COVID-19.

2. Protection Against Flight Issues

Flight cancellations or delays are common. If this disrupts your journey, your insurance can cover extra costs like meals, hotel stays, or alternative transport.

3. Safety from Passport or Baggage Loss

Losing your passport or baggage in another country can be overwhelming. Insurance helps you with compensation and guidance to replace lost travel documents. It also covers delayed or lost luggage.

4. Study Interruption Cover

If your education is disrupted due to illness, a family emergency, or other serious reasons, the policy can refund your prepaid, non-refundable tuition fees.

5. Personal Liability Protection

Accidentally damage someone’s property or cause injury? Student travel insurance steps in to cover those costs, saving you from legal or financial trouble.

6. 24x7 Assistance

Most plans give you round-the-clock support. Whether you need medical help, guidance after losing a document, or urgent advice, there’s always someone to assist.

Read More: What are the Benefits of Buying Travel Insurance Online?

What Is Not Covered in Student Travel Insurance?

Student travel insurance also has a few exclusions, and they are as follows:

Pre-existing sickness: If you have a pre-existing condition or disease, treatment for the same in another country might not be covered unless specifically stated in your policy.

Disobedience of local laws: If you travel illegally or get into a problem for violating laws, your cover won't act.

Adventure sports and dangerous activities: Unless you pay additional cover, skiing, scuba diving or bungee jumping are typically excluded.

Alcohol or drug use: Any damage or loss occurring when affected by alcohol or narcotics will be non-reimbursable.

Negligence with personal belongings: If your bags are left unattended and stolen, the insurer can deny the claim.

Therefore, before purchasing your plan, always carefully read the fine print. Insurers such as ACKO have simple policies with clearly stated exclusions, making it easy for parents and students to know what is included and excluded.

When Is Student Travel Insurance Required?

Student travel insurance is required when studying abroad, as many universities, colleges, and countries require it for enrollment and visa purposes. Here are a few situations where student travel insurance is useful:

For Admission and Visa

Many universities and countries make student travel insurance compulsory for admission or visa approval. It shows that you’re protected if problems arise.

During Medical Emergencies

Healthcare abroad can be very costly. Insurance covers hospital bills, medicines, and treatment, so you don’t have to worry about expenses while focusing on recovery.

When You Need Family Support

If you’re hospitalised for a long time, your insurance can cover travel for a family member to be by your side. Similarly, if something serious happens back home, it can pay for your travel back.

If Your Studies Get Interrupted

In case of a serious illness or accident that forces you to pause or stop your studies, the policy can reimburse prepaid tuition fees so you don’t lose all your money.

How to Choose the Best Student Travel Insurance in India?

When selecting a plan, here are some factors Indian students going abroad to study should consider:

• Affordable Premiums: As students usually have a limited budget, look for cost-effective plans without compromising on coverage.

• Comprehensive Medical Cover: Ensure it covers both emergency hospitalisation and outpatient visits.

• Coverage for Study-Related Risks: Opt for plans that include tuition fee reimbursement and sponsor protection.

• Cashless Hospitalisation: Check if the insurer has a wide hospital network in your destination country.

• Easy Online Process: Few insurers provide travel insurance that is simple to buy and manage policies online.

• Customisation: As students, check the add-ons, such as coverage for pre-existing conditions, adventure sports, or maternity benefits.

Final thoughts

Going abroad for studies is a big step. It’s exciting, full of opportunities, and often a little overwhelming. But along with the thrill, there’s always a chance that unexpected problems like medical issues, flight delays, or lost documents might come your way.

This is why it is crucial to have student travel insurance. It helps you handle sudden expenses and reassures your family that you’re financially protected while you’re away. You must choose a reliable policy before you leave. Today, with trusted digital insurers like ACKO, getting covered is quick, simple, and completely hassle-free.

Frequently asked questions

What is student travel insurance?

It's insurance specifically tailored for students travelling overseas for studies. It protects you from medical emergencies, flight delays, lost passports, tuition costs, and more.

Why do Indian students require travel insurance to study abroad?

They need it because healthcare and emergencies abroad are very costly. Insurance ensures you don’t face financial trouble while focusing on your studies.

When should I buy my student travel insurance?

You should buy it as soon as your admission is confirmed and before your departure. Some plans also cover pre-departure risks.

Is student travel insurance mandatory?

Yes, student travel insurance is mandatory in many countries and universities. Even if it’s not, it’s strongly recommended.

Can I get insurance for short-term courses or internships?

Yes, student travel insurance can be purchased for short-term study programmes, internships, and exchange semesters too.

What if my course gets extended?

Many insurers allow you to extend your policy before it expires. Contact your provider in advance for an extension.

Does student travel insurance cover pre-existing conditions?

Most basic plans don’t cover pre-existing conditions. But some insurers offer coverage if declared in advance, often with an additional premium.

Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet, and is subject to changes. Please check the policy document for cancellation reasons, and terms and conditions of the policy.