📅 Feb 20, 2026Written by A. Fruchard
How much does travel insurance cost in 2026?How much does travel insurance cost in 2026? See real prices by destination, age and coverage. Compare daily rates and save.Student Travel Insurance 2026: Study & Internship Coverage with Instant Certificate
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🎓 Student Travel Insurance: What You Need to Know in 30 Seconds
- 🌍 Long stay = real risk: 6 to 12 months abroad mechanically increases the probability of a claim.
- 🏥 Medical expenses: absolute priority: Europe → €100,000 may be sufficient. USA/Canada → choose actual costs coverage or a very high limit.
- 🛡️ Mandatory personal liability insurance: often required by universities (≥ €1,500,000 recommended).
- ✈️ Repatriation at actual cost is essential (always check the terms and conditions).
- 📄 Visa & campus requirements: insurance certificate is often required immediately (in English for the USA) – available instantly by email when subscribing through HelloSafe.
- 💰 Realistic budget: on average €1 to €2 per day, the difference between basic and enhanced coverage is minimal.
- ⚠️ Critical contractual points: Deductible per medical consultation – Annual overall limit – Multi-country coverage – Extension requested before expiration.
- 👉 The real decision is not about a €30 difference, but about the medical coverage limit and exclusions.
Is Student Travel Insurance Mandatory?
In many countries (USA, Canada, Australia), international health insurance is mandatory for visa approval. Even within Europe, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) does not cover repatriation or private healthcare. Below is a summary of insurance requirements and recommendations by country for students:
Destination | Insurance Mandatory? | Recommended Medical Limit | Essential Coverage | Specific Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
🇺🇸 United States | Yes (often required for visa/university) | Actual costs (no low cap) |
| Universities require certificate in English. Standard travel insurance often rejected. |
🇨🇦 Canada | Yes (most visas) | Actual costs |
| Some provinces have specific requirements. |
🇦🇺 Australia | Mandatory via OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) or recognized equivalent | OSHC-compliant (actual costs) |
| Must be OSHC or recognized equivalent policy. |
🇳🇿 New Zealand | Yes (most institutions) | Actual costs |
| Required by most universities. |
🇬🇧 United Kingdom | Partially (IHS + recommended) | Actual costs if outside NHS |
| Visa includes NHS via IHS, but additional coverage recommended. |
🇪🇺 European Union | Not mandatory | €100,000 – €300,000 (min.) |
| EHIC gives access to public care BUT does not cover repatriation or private care. |
🇯🇵 Japan | National system often mandatory; international supplementary insurance strongly advised | Actual costs or ≥ €300,000 – €500,000 |
| Local insurance may be mandatory depending on visa. |
🇰🇷 South Korea | Yes (beyond certain stay duration) | €300,000 – €500,000 / actual costs recommended |
| Mandatory enrollment in local system after certain period. |
🇸🇬 Singapore | Often required by universities | Actual costs |
| Minimum medical limits sometimes specified by institutions. |
🇨🇭 Switzerland (non-EU) | Not mandatory | €300,000 – €500,000 |
| High healthcare costs → actual costs preferred. |
🇲🇽 Mexico | Not mandatory | €200,000 – €300,000 |
| Direct hospital payment recommended. |
🇧🇷 Brazil | Not mandatory | €200,000 – €300,000 |
| Private care expensive → verify direct payment option. |
🇨🇳 China | Often required (by some universities/visa types) | Actual costs or ≥ €300,000 – €500,000 |
| Requirements vary by visa type. |
🇴🇲 Rest of World | Varies by visa/institution | €300,000 – actual costs |
| Always verify local requirements. |
Student Travel Insurance Requirements by Country
Each country has different requirements: medical limits, liability coverage, visa compliance, direct hospital payment… Do not choose a “generic” policy. Compare the best student travel insurance options now on HelloSafe.
Find the right insurance for your destinationWhy Student Travel Insurance Is Essential for Studying or Interning Abroad
A student stay abroad (Erasmus, U.S. university, internship in Asia, gap year) lasts on average 6 to 12 months, sometimes up to 2 years.
Over this duration, risk is no longer theoretical — it becomes statistically significant.
Potential claims can include:
Case / Claim | Approx. Real Cost | Standard Insurance Coverage | Enhanced (Student / International) Coverage | Risk if Not Covered |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1. Basic medical consultation (EU) | ~€100–150 | ✔️ Reimbursed after deductible | ✔️ Reimbursed, often without upfront payment | You pay first, then request reimbursement |
2. Specialist consultation (outside EU) | €150–300 | ✔️ Up to limit (e.g., €300,000) | ✔️ No strict cap / actual costs | Delayed reimbursement + possible out-of-pocket |
3. Emergency / Accident (cast + treatment) | €2,000–5,000 | ✔️ Covered | ✔️ Covered | Without insurance → 100% at your expense |
4. 3-day hospitalization (EU) | €6,000–15,000 | ✔️ Covered up to limit | ✔️ Covered at actual cost | Without insurance → very expensive |
5. 5-day hospitalization (USA) | €50,000–150,000 | ❌ Often limited cap or exclusions | ✔️ Covered at actual cost + possible repatriation | Without insurance → massive bills (personal liability) |
6. Major dental issue (non-emergency) | €500–1,500 | ❌ Often limited or excluded | ✔️ Covered depending on policy (within limit) | High out-of-pocket |
7. Lost luggage | €500–1,000 | ✔️ With limit | ✔️ Limit + assistance | No compensation without insurance |
8. Medical repatriation to home country | €5,000–25,000 | ❌ Sometimes excluded | ✔️ Covered at actual cost | Extremely high expense |
9. Personal liability abroad | €10,000–100,000+ | ❌ May be limited | ✔️ Covered up to €4.5M+ | You must personally pay damages |
10. Trip cancellation (urgent case) | €500–3,000 | ❌ Often excluded | ✔️ Covered depending on reason | Total financial loss |
📋 Examples of Claims and Student Travel Insurance Coverage
Expert Insight
✔ Always check whether direct medical payment is included (critical outside Europe).
✔ Compare per-claim limits and annual limits (not just “overall total”).
✔ Ensure high personal liability coverage (≥ €4.5M), especially for group activities.
✔ For USA/Canada/Australia, prioritize student travel insurance with actual cost coverage and no low cap.
Best Student Travel Insurance Plans for Long-Term Studies and Internships
Plans truly adapted to long student stays combine:
- High medical coverage or actual cost reimbursement
- Personal liability ≥ €4,500,000
- Repatriation at actual cost
- Maximum duration of 365 days (renewable)
Here is a selection of offers we consider best suited for students going abroad:
WorldSecure Basic
Insured by MGEN
Medical expenses€300,000
Repatriation assistance 24/7Actual costs
Studies interruptionNot included
Personal liability€4,500,000
Excellent value for money for budget-conscious travelers
Medical expenses covered from the first euro
Direct hospital coverage with no upfront payment required
24/7 multilingual assistance available worldwide
Cap Student
Insured by Axa
Medical expensesActual costs
Repatriation assistance 24/7Actual costs
Studies interruptionOptional
Personal liability€4,500,000
Mobile app to manage contract, assistance and claims
Unlimited medical expenses from the 1st euro
Hospitalization without upfront costs
24/7 assistance and repatriation
Safe Campus
Insured by AIG
Medical expensesActual costs
Repatriation assistance 24/7Actual costs
Studies interruptionOptional
Personal liability€4,500,000
Designed for U.S. and Canadian universities
Unlimited medical coverage abroad from the first dollar
Hospitalization covered with no upfront payment required
24/7 emergency assistance and repatriation worldwide
Safe StudiesInsured by AIG
Medical expensesActual costs
Repatriation assistance 24/7Actual costs
Studies interruptionOptional
Personal liability€4,500,000
Coverage designed for study and internship stays abroad
Unlimited medical expenses covered from the first euro
Hospitalization covered with no upfront payment
Immediate assistance from the first emergency
Good to know
👉 The difference between a €300,000 cap and actual cost coverage often represents less than €0.50 per day over a semester.
Find all these student travel insurance plans on HelloSafe and subscribe in just a few minutes.
Get a personalized travel insurance quoteHow Much Does Student Travel Insurance Cost?
The cost of student travel insurance generally remains affordable, even for destinations with high medical risks.
For a multi-month stay, the average budget ranges from €1 to €2 per day, depending on the country and coverage level selected (medical cap, actual costs, optional add-ons).
Here are the observed price ranges for a 20-year-old student staying 3 to 4 months:
✔ Europe: between €1 and €1.50 per day
✔ Asia: between €1.50 and €2 per day
✔ United States: often under €2 per day, despite very high medical costs
Destination | Duration | Observed Range | Median | Median €/day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Spain | ~3 months | €87 – €122 | ~€117 | ~€1.30 |
Singapore | ~3 months | €117 – €173 | ~€145 | ~€1.60 |
United States | ~3 months | €165 – €177 | ~€172 | ~€1.90 |
Spain | ~4 months | €116 – €160 | ~€156 | ~€1.30 |
United States | ~4 months | €220 – €236 | ~€226 | ~€1.85 |
Student Travel Insurance Pricing Analysis by Destination and Duration – Real Observed Rates (20-year-old student)
Key Takeaway
The price difference between a basic and enhanced plan is minimal over a semester.
The real decision is not about a few dozen euros, but about:
- the actual medical coverage limit,
- multi-country coverage,
- exclusions,
- and extension options.
👉 Compare prices now and find the student travel insurance plan suited to your destination on HelloSafe.
Compare the prices of the best travel insuranceDeductibles, Coverage Limits and Reimbursements: Critical Contractual Points
A student travel insurance policy generally covers:
- Medical consultations (general practitioners and specialists)
- Emergency and hospital care
- Prescribed medications
- Hospitalizations (surgery, tests, overnight stays)
However, what truly makes the difference is not the listed benefits — it is the reimbursement terms.
🎯 1️⃣ Deductibles
The deductible is the portion you must pay out of pocket.
- Deductible per consultation: €0 to €50
- Deductible per claim file (single deductible for multiple related procedures)
- Specific hospitalization deductible
- Sometimes no deductible for severe hospitalization
👉 Practical example: €30 deductible for 10 consultations = €300 out of pocket over the semester.
🎯 2️⃣ Medical Coverage Limits
The coverage limit is the maximum reimbursement amount.
- Annual overall limit: minimum €100,000 to €300,000
- Some plans: actual costs (no predefined cap)
- Higher specific limit recommended for USA / Canada
⚠️ In the United States, a simple hospitalization can exceed €50,000. A low cap may be exhausted in just a few days.
🎯 3️⃣ Direct Payment of Medical Expenses
This is often overlooked.
- With third-party payment / direct billing: the insurer pays the hospital directly
- Without direct payment: you must pay upfront and then request reimbursement
In the USA or Canada, medical facilities often require immediate financial guarantees.
🎯 4️⃣ Multi-Country Coverage and Mobility During Exchange
A student abroad rarely stays in only one country. Weekend trips to neighboring countries, university breaks, short stays outside campus — mobility is part of the experience.
Key points to verify:
- Exact geographical coverage (Europe, Worldwide excluding USA/Canada, Worldwide including USA/Canada)
- Explicit inclusion of the United States and Canada (often priced separately)
- Maximum authorized stay per country
- Coverage for leisure trips during the exchange period
⚠️ Practical example: a “Europe-only” policy may exclude a tourist stay in the United States during an Erasmus exchange.
🎯 5️⃣ Extension of Stay: What to Anticipate
Student insurance contracts are typically purchased for:
- 6 months
- 12 months
They are often renewable once or twice, but:
- The extension must be requested before the expiration date
- Retroactive extensions are rarely accepted
- An undeclared overstay may result in denial of coverage
👉 Planning the extension 2 to 3 weeks before the contract ends helps avoid any coverage gap.
👉 What Truly Impacts Your Level of Protection
- Per-claim limit (not only annual limit)
- Availability of direct hospital payment
- Exact deductible amounts
- Exclusions (sports, pre-existing conditions, undeclared extension)
These factors determine your real out-of-pocket cost in case of a problem.
Key Point
A €100,000 limit may be sufficient in Europe.
In the United States, it quickly becomes insufficient.
Always verify:
- per-claim limit,
- total annual limit,
- direct hospital payment coverage.
What Is Not Covered by Student Travel Insurance?
Price is secondary. The contract clauses determine your actual level of protection. Always check exclusions in advance, especially if you are a student:
- ❌ Exceeding the contractual duration
- ❌ High-risk sports (requires appropriate optional coverage)
- ❌ Vaccinations and routine check-ups
- ❌ Unstabilized pre-existing medical conditions
- ❌ Accidents under the influence of alcohol or drugs
An undeclared extension of stay is a common reason for denied claims.
Which Student Travel Insurance Should You Choose Based on Your Profile?
Profile | Priorities | What to Verify by Country | Recommended Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
🇪🇺 Erasmus in Europe |
💰 ~€1/day | Exact geographic area (EU or extended Europe) Non-EU exclusions Max stay per country Extension option | 👉 WorldSecure Basic (MGEN) €300,000 cap sufficient in Europe + €4.5M liability |
🇺🇸 University in USA |
💰 ~€1.80–€2/day | Per-claim limit Direct hospital billing Consultation deductible University waiver approval | 👉 Cap Student (AXA) 👉 Safe Campus (AIG) Actual costs + USA visa compliance |
🌏 Long internship in Asia |
💰 ~€1.50/day | Mandatory local affiliation Minimum required cap Regional travel coverage Direct payment option | 👉 Safe Studies (AIG) Adapted for long international internships |
🌍 Gap year |
| Max duration (often 365 days) Renewal conditions Extension without returning home Sports exclusions | 👉 Safe Studies (AIG) or Cap Student (AXA) depending on destination |
🎓 Student Travel Insurance Recommendations by Profile
PRO Tip
Plan your extension 2 to 3 weeks before the contract ends.
Retroactive extensions are rarely accepted.
An undeclared overstay may invalidate coverage.
Always verify:
- maximum duration (often 365 days),
- renewal conditions,
- possibility of extension before expiration.
How to Subscribe to Student Travel Insurance?
With HelloSafe, subscription is 100% online and takes just a few minutes.
- ✔ Instant comparison of the best student travel insurance plans
- ✔ Insurance certificate issued immediately after payment
- ✔ Documents compliant with visa and university requirements
- ✔ Immediate PDF download
Good to know
The insurance certificate is often required for:
- visa application files,
- campus registration,
- validation of an internship abroad.
👉 With HelloSafe, your certificate is available immediately after subscription, allowing you to finalize administrative procedures without delay.
Compare the best travel insurance in 2 clicks.
🆘 24/7 Assistance💳 Advance of medical expenses🏥 Up to 2 M€ in medical expenses❌ Premium cancellation
Compare pricesLong-Term Student Insurance vs Standard Travel Insurance: Structural Differences
- Coverage tailored to student visa requirements
- High liability coverage often required by universities
- 6 to 12-month duration (renewable)
- Immediate downloadable certificate
A standard tourist travel insurance policy is not always accepted by educational institutions.
PRO Tip
Always verify:
- Personal liability included
- Certificate available immediately
- Multi-country coverage for travel during exchange
- Maximum duration (1 year, renewable?)
- Extension clause before contract expiration
FAQ
Yes in many cases (USA, Canada, Australia, and some European universities).
It is often required for visa approval or enrollment.
Leisure activities (running, fitness, amateur team sports) are generally covered.
Official competitions or high-risk sports (diving, off-piste skiing, motor sports) are often excluded without specific add-on coverage.
An extension must be requested before the expiration date.
Without renewal, coverage automatically ends.
Retroactive extensions are rarely accepted.
Yes, if your policy includes multi-destination coverage.
Be careful: USA/Canada zones are often priced differently.
On average between €1 and €2 per day, depending on the destination and medical coverage limit chosen.
Passport, student visa (if applicable), university acceptance letter.
The insurance certificate is generally issued immediately after subscription.
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