Why Is International Travel Insurance Important For Students Travelling Abroad?

Summary
An international travel insurance policy helps you to stay covered when you go abroad for higher studies. There are some crucial covers such as medical covers and travel covers that prove to be beneficial.

It is quite prevalent these days to find Indian students in global universities. With so many youngsters pursuing their dreams of getting a degree from a prestigious university abroad, we see a large outflow of Indian students. Every student who travels requires an international travel insurance policy from a good insurance provider. Such a plan offers several layers of protection to a student, which is quite valuable for him. Read on to know more.

What is international student travel insurance?

An international student travel insurance policy is a special kind of long-term travel cover that allows you to have coverage for the entire duration of your course. These plans offer coverage for up to three years. You get medical covers, along with other special covers to keep you safe and protected while you study in a foreign country.

Why is it important to get international travel insurance?

It is very important for all students travelling abroad for higher studies to get a good travel insurance policy from a reliable insurer. here are some ways in which the policy proves to be beneficial:

1. Medical coverage

One of the main reasons why you need international student travel insurance is to get medical coverage. Whether you have an accident, get sick or require emergency care for any reason, the travel plan will cover you. This is extremely important, as medical expenses in Western countries are high and beyond the affordability powers of most people.

2. Travel coverage

You get all the regular travel insurance covers under a student plan. If you miss a flight or need to reschedule the trip, you will get compensated for the financial losses. If there is a delay in your trip due to any unforeseen event, or you get stuck in transit, the insurance provider will pay for all the additional expenses. Next, you will get coverage for lost baggage. These are essential travel covers that every traveller needs.

3. Third-party liability coverage

If you happen to get into any legal trouble at your destination, the insurer will assist you. If you harm or damage a third-party or third-party property, the insurer will compensate the third party on your behalf. Apart from this, you will also get compensated for any legal costs that may come up as a repercussion of the event.

4. Compensatory visit coverage

If you get very sick, one of your immediate family members will get a flight ticket to come and visit you. The same holds true if an immediate and close family member, such as a parent, gets very sick. The insurance provider will offer a compensatory flight ticket to you to travel back to India. This is a wonderful benefit of a student travel plan.

5. Sponsor protection coverage

If your sponsor dies before the end of your education tenure and you are unable to pay the tuition fees yourself, the insurance provider will step in and clear the fees for you. However, this is not available with all standard student travel insurance plans. Some insurers offer this as an add-on cover, so read the terms and conditions carefully before you buy the plan.

6. Study interruption coverage

At times, students are forced to leave their studies behind and return to India due to some unforeseen and unfortunate events. If you have to do so, the insurance provider will compensate you for the unused tuition fee. This can happen only if they are compelled to leave the course unfinished due to either the death of an immediate family member, a terminal illness diagnosis or a severe illness or injury leading to three or more months of hospitalisation.

7. Coverage for loss of passport

There are some other important covers available under a travel insurance plan such as loss of passport. It can be quite nightmarish if you suddenly lose your passport while staying in a foreign country. At such a time, the insurance provider will extend their support and help you to get a new passport. This is another crucial coverage that you get when you invest in a good student travel insurance plan from a leading Indian general insurance company.

As you can see, travel insurance for students is a vital requirement. Do your research and find the best policy before you leave for your course.

How to choose the best student travel insurance plan?

If you are in the process of buying international student travel insurance, here are some helpful pointers for you:

1. Check your requirements

Insurance is very people-specific. Hence, you need to know your own requirements and then decide on the sum insured accordingly. Ensure you have sufficient coverage that can help you when you need it the most. Healthcare expenses are extremely high in foreign countries, so you need ample coverage to take care of any emergency that may arise.

2. Compare the plans

Do not make the mistake of buying the very first student travel insurance plan that you come across. Do your research, compare the plans and then choose the one that seems like the best option. Apart from the price of the policy, you should also look at the scope of coverage. And most importantly, look at the reputation of the insurance provider. Choose a trusted name and you will be assured of getting the best coverage for the entire duration of your course.

3. Buy online

It is very popular for people to get insurance online these days. It is a logical thing to do as well, as the inline plans are cheaper and very easy to purchase as well. All the leading insurance providers offer online travel insurance plans, so get the best plan while comfortably sitting at home.

4. Know the rules

Some universities in countries like the US and Germany have specific rules regarding student travel insurance. For example, some universities make it compulsory for you to have covers like maternity cover and sports injury cover. Read the clauses carefully and get a plan that meets the requirements to ensure your admission is smooth and quick.

5. Learn about the claim process

And finally, learn about the claim process when buying travel insurance. Most insurers have a very simple claim process these days but you need to be aware. If you feel the process is too complicated, choose a different insurer who has a simpler claim process as this will help you immensely in the future.

Follow these simple tips and you will be able to find the best plan at the best rate without any hassles whatsoever.

In a nutshell

All foreign students need to have international travel insurance. As mentioned above, such a plan offers a lot of valuable covers which allow a student to live a healthy and stress-free life. It offers financial help when needed the most and that is truly priceless. So if you are about to embark upon your new journey of pursuing your dreams abroad, get yourself the best international travel insurance coverage and have a wholesome and meaningful study duration in the country of your choice.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.