Your student days are some of the best times to go travelling. You’re young, with money to be able to do your own thing, without being completely tied down by a job. The travel bug is very real. Planning your trip, sorting out travel, accommodation, activities, and all that, is a super fun thing to do. However, one important thing that students may forget is travel insurance, to protect you and the people you’re travelling with, in the event of an emergency. This is especially important if you are studying abroad. Luckily, some companies offer discounts for student travellers. So, here are some of the best student travel insurance deals.
Why do I need travel insurance as a student?
Travel insurance is usually the least of our concerns when planning a holiday. It usually feels like an extra cost and let’s face it – we’ve all been on holiday without it before and had the best time (unless you’re one of those poor souls who had cancelled flights, lost luggage or you know…starred in ‘Banged up Abroad’ – although insurance probably wouldn’t be enough help here). However, there are lots of reasons why securing one of the best student travel insurance deals can be the best idea you’ve had.
Travel insurance is crucial for students planning to study abroad or travel during their studies. Firstly, it provides financial protection against unforeseen events such as trip cancellations, lost luggage, or travel delays. This is particularly important for students who often have limited budgets and cannot afford the extra costs associated with travel mishaps.
Secondly, travel insurance is essential for health coverage. Students studying in the UK for six months or less should ensure their insurance covers medical expenses, as they might not be eligible for free healthcare services. This is vital for safeguarding against high medical costs in case of illness or accidents during their stay.
Moreover, student travel insurance policies are often tailored to the unique needs of students. They can cover a wide age range and are designed to cater specifically to the insurance requirements of students studying abroad. Plus, they usually offer slightly cheaper rates.
5 of the best student travel insurance providers and deals
1. Admiral
The unique thing about Admiral’s student travel insurance is that while many companies’ single-trip policies cover you for only 31 days, theirs covers you for 365 days, so long as you don’t return to the UK. If you’re planning on taking multiple trips in a year with a return to the UK during them, then they also have an annual option. Admiral has three tiers of student insurance – standard, gold and premium, depending on the length of your trip and how much you’re able to pay.
2. InsureAndGo
InsureAndGo’s student travel insurance policy is made for student travellers in mind, covering all of the essentials at an affordable price. It offers unlimited cover for medical emergency expenses, up to £10,000 in cancellation cover and a 24/7 emergency medical hotline. You also have cover for your personal belongings, money and travel documents if they are stolen, as well as coverage for over 50 sports and activities.
3. Post Office
While they don’t have a specific policy for student travellers, the Post Office’s travel insurance policy has something that we students love: a discount. With a Student Beans account, you can get 15% off on their single, annual and backpacker travel insurance policies. The Post Office’s policy comes with Medical Assistance Plus, providing you with 24/7 holiday health support no matter where you are in the world, no matter if you have a pre-existing condition.
4. Alpha Travel Insurance
While Alpha Travel Insurance doesn’t explicitly have a student travel insurance policy, it does offer regular discount codes via email. Alongside that, their online prices automatically include a 15% discount. Their policies offer coverage worldwide (so long as you’re not travelling against the advice of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office). With a 24-hour medical helpline, an online medical screening tool and over £10 million cover for medical emergencies, you’ll have significant protection in the event of a medical incident on your travels.
5. Big Cat Travel Insurance
One of the best things about Big Cat Travel Insurance’s policy is that you can get travel insurance even after your trip has begun. That way, if you’ve forgotten to get insurance beforehand or it has run out mid-trip, you can still get coverage. Alternatively, if you want to keep your trip going after its original dates, then you can extend your coverage. Otherwise, the policy is similar to many of the others on this list – it covers your belongings and valuables, has 24/7 medical assistance and it covers many activities.
So, these are just some of the best student travel insurance deals. Of course, this is not an extensive list but should give you a couple of options to research ahead of your big trip. Travelling can be one of the most exciting things you can do as a student, so make sure you’ve got travel insurance to protect you and your belongings in the event of something going wrong.
How to find the best student travel insurance deals
To find the best student travel insurance deals, it’s essential to compare various policies and understand what each offers. Start by identifying your specific needs, such as the duration of your stay, destinations, and any planned activities that might require additional coverage.
Research and compare different insurance providers, focusing on those that specialise in student travel insurance. Look for policies that offer comprehensive coverage, including medical expenses, personal liability, lost or stolen belongings, and trip cancellation or interruption. Don’t overlook the importance of customer reviews and ratings either. They can provide insights into the reliability and customer service of the insurance provider.
You could also get advice from educational institutions, like your uni, or student travel organisations. They often have partnerships with insurance companies and can offer discounted rates or policies tailored to students’ needs.
Lastly, check any eligibility requirements, such as age limits or specific conditions for international students. Ensuring that you meet these criteria is crucial to avoid any complications in the event of a claim.
If you need more help planning an unforgettable trip, check out our picks of top girls’ holiday destinations and best places for a lads’ holiday. Or why not take a look at what music festivals are happening in Europe this year? Wherever you end up, enjoy it…and get insurance 🙂
Last Updated on December 4, 2024
Published on February 15, 2024
A student from University of Nottingham.
