This Article was fact checked and last updated for accuracy on December 3, 2024 by Mani Karthik

So, you’re an international student and looking for a good travel insurance plan? Here’s the ultimate guide for you. It’ll help you choose the best student travel insurance during your stay.

The number of Indians traveling abroad to study is growing at a rapid pace, with most students preferring the US for higher education. In 2014-15, a whopping 281,160 Indian students enrolled in the top seven educational destinations in the world.

Of these students, a majority, or 47% were enrolled in the US, 17% in Canada, and 13% in Australia, with the rest being enrolled in places like the UK, China, New Zealand, and Germany, according to data published by WENR.

Going abroad for higher studies does offer major advantages. It not only gives a student the chance to gain exposure to a totally different style of education, but it also exposes them to a whole new culture, outlook, and activities. It allows students to see the world and develop a new perspective on things and people.

But, do you know what else Indians studying abroad are exposed to? Unfortunately, they are also exposed to illnesses, accidents, and financial uncertainties.

The way to stay prepared for any challenge that a student might have to face in a foreign land is to arm yourself with a good travel insurance plan that is specifically meant for international students and their families coming to the US on an F1/J1/M1 student visa.

Student travel insurance is a type of insurance specifically designed to cover the needs of students who are traveling. This can include everything from emergency medical coverage to trip cancellation and interruption insurance. Student travel insurance can be an important way to protect yourself while you are away from home, and it is important to make sure that you have the right coverage for your needs.

There are a few things you should keep in mind when choosing student travel insurance:

  • Make sure the policy covers medical expenses and evacuation.
  • Check the policy limits and make sure they are adequate for your needs.
  • Make sure the policy covers pre-existing medical conditions.
  • Check the exclusions and make sure the policy is right for you.

Related: Best travel insurance for visitors to the USA

Factors to consider choosing student travel insurance

There are many factors to consider when choosing a travel insurance policy for international students. Some of the most important factors include:

1. Coverage

Make sure that the policy you choose provides adequate coverage for your needs. Consider the type of activities you will be doing while abroad, and make sure that your policy covers those activities.

2. Cost

Be sure to compare the costs of different policies before you choose one. Make sure you understand the policy’s coverage and limitations before you make a decision.

3. Company reputation

Choose a company with a good reputation for customer service and claims processing.

4. Exclusions

Be aware of any exclusions in the policy, such as pre-existing medical conditions, that could prevent you from making a claim.

5. Cancellation and refund policies

Make sure you understand the policy’s cancellation and refund policies before you purchase it.

Best Travel Insurance for Students

Here’s a look at my top picks for student travel insurance plans for international students.

GeoBlue Navigator

  • Plan Administrator: HTH
  • Underwriter: 4Ever Life Insurance Co.
  • AM Best Rating: A (Excellent)

Reasons to Buy: A comprehensive travel insurance plan, with an unlimited policy maximum, that covers students inside and outside the US for a minimum of 3 months, including preventive care. It doesn’t have any stringent eligibility conditions, although it offers typical coverage limits and exclusion of benefits that are common in most travel insurance plans.

GeoBlue Navigator is a student travel insurance plan that offers a variety of benefits and coverage options.

GeoBlue Navigator Pros and Cons

Some of the pros of this plan include:

  • Coverage for a variety of medical expenses, including emergency medical evacuation and repatriation
  • Coverage for lost or stolen baggage
  • 24/7 access to a team of medical professionals who can provide guidance and assistance
  • A wide network of providers worldwide

Some of the cons of this plan include:

  • The cost of the plan may be prohibitive for some students
  • There is a deductible that must be met before coverage kicks in
  • The plan may have exclusions that could leave students without coverage for certain types of expenses

Collegiate Care Preferred

  • Plan Administrator: Trawick International
  • Underwriter: United States Fire Insurance Company
  • AM Best Rating: A (Excellent)

Reasons to Buy: A comprehensive plan designed to provide continuous medical, evacuation, and repatriation coverage to international students who have entered the US on an F1/J1 visa, as well as their families. The plan provides coverage for up to $500,000 per illness or injury.

Collegiate Care is a student travel insurance plan that offers a variety of benefits and coverage options.

Collegiate Care Pros and Cons

Some of the pros of this plan include

  • The plan provides comprehensive coverage for students while they are traveling abroad, including medical expenses, evacuation and repatriation, trip interruption and cancellation, lost or stolen baggage, and more.
  • The plan is designed specifically for students, so it takes into account the unique needs and risks associated with student travel.
  • The plan is affordable and offers a variety of coverage options to choose from, so students can tailor their coverage to their specific needs and budget.

Some of the cons of this plan include:

  • The plan has a maximum coverage limit of $250,000, which may not be enough to cover all expenses in the event of a major medical emergency or evacuation.
  • The plan has a deductible of $100 per covered person, per covered trip, which means that students will have to pay out of pocket for any expenses incurred up to that amount.
  • The plan does not cover pre-existing medical conditions, so students with existing health problems may not be able to get the coverage they need.

Collegiate Care-Standard

  • Plan Administrator: Trawick International
  • Underwriter: United States Fire Insurance Company
  • AM Best Rating: A (Excellent)

Reasons to Buy: A standard plan that provides basic medical, evacuation, and repatriation coverage for international students (F1/J1 visa holders). The plan also covers the family of the international student, studying or teaching in the USA. The plan provides $100,000 coverage per injury or illness.

Study USA Preferred 500

  • Plan Administrator: TIS
  • Carrier: HCCMIS
  • AM Best Rating: A (Excellent)

Reasons to Buy: This is the best option for students who are away from their home country and want medical coverage in the US. The plan meets J-visa requirements. It pays $500,000 per incidence of injury or illness.

Student Secure-Elite

  • Plan Administrator: HCC MIS
  • Underwriter: Lloyd’s of London
  • AM Best Rating: A(Excellent)

Reasons to buy: A great visitor’s medical insurance that provides medical coverage for international students in case of an illness or injury, as well as during an act of terrorism. However, it doesn’t offer family coverage. The plan is already popular for its thoughtful travel assistance services. The plan pays $500,000 per incident.

Student Health Advantage- Platinum

  • Plan Administrator: IMG
  • Underwriter: Sirius International
  • AM Best Rating: A (Excellent)

Reasons to Buy: An excellent plan for international students, scholars, and faculty, as well as their families. It provides coverage of 5 years to students traveling to the US for long-term educational programs. The plan meets the requirements of the J1 visa. The plan covers a pre-existing disease after a period of 12 months. The best part about this plan is that it provides benefits for mental health, maternity, and organized sports.

Study USA Preferred 300

  • Plan Administrator: TIS
  • Underwriter: HCCMIS
  • AM Best Rating: A (Excellent)

Reasons to Buy: A decent travel insurance plan that offers medical coverage to international students in the US and their eligible dependents. The plan meets the J-visa requirements. The policy pays $300,000 per policy period and $300,000 per incident. It covers for a pre-existing medical condition after a waiting period of 6 months.

Study USA Standard Plan

  • Plan Administrator: TIS
  • Underwriter: HCCMIS
  • AM Best Rating: A (Excellent)

Reasons to Buy: This is a good plan for international students and their eligible dependents, as well as US citizens traveling overseas. It pays $200,000 per policy period and $100,000 per incidence of injury or illness. The plan meets the J-visa requirements.

Student Health Advantage – Standard

  • Plan Administrator: IMG
  • Underwriter: Sirius International
  • AM Best Rating: A (Excellent)

Reasons to Buy: A great travel health insurance plan designed keeping in mind the needs and concerns of students, scholars and faculty, their families, and groups of two or more involved in long-term educational programs in a foreign land.

Offering long-term medical coverage of 5 years, the plan provides coverage of $300,000 per incident for individuals and groups and $100,000 for their dependents.

The plan also provides mental health benefits, maternity, and organized sports coverage, along with coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, after a waiting period of 12 months.

All the above-mentioned travel insurance plans for international students in the US have their own PPO network, which covers the policyholder for treatment from the doctor or hospital within that network.

Also read: Best travel insurance for parents visiting USA

Some things to keep in mind when buying travel insurance for Indian students studying abroad:

  • Make sure the policy covers medical expenses, including evacuation and repatriation.
  • Check that the policy covers you for the duration of your studies, including any field trips or internships.
  • Consider buying a policy that includes adventure activities such as skiing or surfing, if you plan to participate in these while abroad.
  • Make sure you are familiar with the claims process and have all the necessary documents and contact information handy in case you need to make a claim.

All the best!

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