Travel insurance is vital to any person intending to travel, whether within one’s own country or to a foreign one. The risks one may encounter are many and often unprecedented. They include unexpected medical expenses, disasters caused by natural phenomena (like floods and earthquakes), delayed departures, court litigations, loss of money and luggage, kidnaps and ransoms, accidents, and even death.  A student intending to travel would thus benefit from a travel insurance cover, more precisely, a student travel insurance.

There are different types of travel insurance, such as medical, business, single trip, multi-trip (also known as annual travel insurance), and group travel insurances. Student travel insurance may take the form of a single-trip insurance, annual, medical or even group travel insurance, with tailor-made specifications to suit the student’s needs. The group travel insurance cover, specifically, covers students who are traveling in a group. This is common, especially for schools taking students on educational trips.

A typical student travel insurance policy will often cover a number of things. The most common coverage includes medical expenses, loss of baggage, personal liability, interruption in travel plans and emergency services. Other options that a student may request to have included are injury and accidental death, repatriation, delay in flights and defaulting by tour operators. Students are regarded as high-risk travelers. They are considered more adventurous than many other travelers. So are the activities for which they are insured against. This is even more applicable for students who love extreme sports such as bungee jumping, skiing, rock climbing, or scuba diving, among other activities.

A standard policy will offer compensation for any medical expenses incurred during the trip, delayed departures or cancelled trips, transport costs incurred in the event of an illness or injury, and reimbursements for those whose trips have been shortened unexpectedly. It is also worth noting that certain policies do not cover fully for the baggage lost during travel. In addition, a student may request for an upgrade on the policy where his/her luggage contains valuable items such as laptops, costly electronic devices and sports equipment.

There are also special types of student travel insurance policies. Student backpackers, for example, have their special kind of insurance. Unlike the standard travel insurance that is for a limited period, a backpacker’s insurance is designed to cover a prolonged travel period as well as addressing the unique needs of the backpacker. Insurance companies also provide student travel insurance for students studying abroad. This policy does not cover medical expenses; it only covers loss of course fees in the event the student cuts short his course due to illness or injury.

A number of insurance companies offer student travel insurance. A little research and comparison of policies from different insurance companies will enable the student select the best policy cover to suit his/her needs. Contrary to popular myth, student travel insurance is quite affordable. Therefore, take the time to find a student travel insurance that best suits your needs before proceeding for that trip.