Student Travel Insurance

Author: Melissa A.

Published: August 8th, 2023 | Updated: August 8th, 2023
Read time: 3 mins

What is student travel insurance?

Student travel insurance is specialized coverage tailored to students’ unique needs. It is designed for full-time Canadian and international students and typically includes emergency medical and non-emergency medical benefits. If you are Canadian and planning to study abroad or in another province, your Government Health Insurance Plan (GHIP) will provide little to no coverage outside your home country, province, or territory. Therefore, student trip insurance will fill in coverage gaps and provide benefits that don’t carry over, saving you costly, upfront, and out-of-pocket expenses if an unexpected event occurs that is covered by your policy. If you are an international student planning to study in Canada, it is a requirement by Canadian academic institutions that you have medical insurance for the duration of your stay. In some instances, medical insurance must be obtained from a Canadian provider.

How much is travel insurance for students studying abroad?

If you are an international student planning to study in Canada, you must have student travel medical insurance coverage before your college or university program begins. The cost of travel insurance for students varies in price. It can depend on factors such as location, duration of coverage, a required minimum amount of coverage, add-ons, and the plan and provider you choose.

Is travel insurance mandatory for a Canada student visa?

No, travel insurance is not mandatory to obtain a Canadian student visa, commonly called a visitor visa. However, if you are an international student from overseas coming to Canada to attend school, you must have medical insurance before arriving on campus and for the duration of your stay until you graduate. Before travelling to Canada, check online by visiting the Government of Canada website to see what documentation you require to enter and study in Canada.

What does international student insurance cover?

International student insurance covers risk when studying away from home. It typically includes emergency medical and non-emergency medical benefits, trip cancellation and interruption benefits, and baggage loss and delay benefits. Such valuable benefits can consist of the following:

• Emergency medical treatment
• Emergency evacuation and repatriation
• Returning your travelling companion and children home
• Returning your pet(s), baggage, and vehicle home
• Transportation for a loved one to travel to you
• A bedside companion
• Emergency paramedical services
• Emergency dental treatment
• Meals, accommodations, phone calls, transportation, and incidental hospital expenses
• Medical appliance rental
• AD&D (Accidental Death and Dismemberment)
• Routine exams
• Prescription medication
• Mental health counselling
• Sports injuries
• Return of tuition
• Allowance to return home or travel during semester breaks

When choosing an international student insurance plan, carefully read all the insurance policy’s information – terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions and understand them to ensure that it fully covers your unique needs before you buy. Study abroad insurance can be purchased online through us at InsureMyTrip. We will help you compare plans from trusted Canadian providers to find the best policy for your trip abroad, and our customer care team can assist you with any questions you may have.