Studying overseas? What are your insurance options?

The chance to study abroad is one of the perks of studying at university or college. More and more universities are offering courses which include a placement year overseas - some within Europe, others further afield. These can offer students the chance to broaden their skills and experience another culture as well as improve their knowledge of a foreign language.

However having insurance that will cover you and your belonging when you are overseas is critical but what cover is available in the current climate?

Compare Student Insurance for Study Abroad

If you are spending a year studying abroad, what should you consider when it comes to insurance?

• How many trips home will the policy allow?
• Are all the sports or activities you are planning covered?
• Is there a sufficient level of cover for the possessions you are taking?
• Will the policy cover your computer and your mobile phone?

Cover4Insurance have 3 levels of cover for their Longstay policy which is designed for those need to cover an extended time away such as those wanting to Study Abroad. With the Longstay Plus version covering up to £2500 worth of personal possessions. There is also cover of £1500 for gadgets which includes mobile phones, tablets and laptops.

The policy also includes cover for over 100 sports and activities but, with many universities now offering sports scholarships, it is good to know that it's possible to extend your policy to include more sports options.

Spending a whole year away from family and friends can be hard for some students. Many longstay travel insurance policies automatically cease when you return home but the Study Abroad Longstay Plus Insurance policy allows up to 4 trips home to the UK or Ireland. Policies can last for up to 18 months.

Endsleigh, who have covered student home and abroad for many years, have pulled out of the student market altogether in 2021 and therefore are no longer offering a study abroad product.

Can I purchase a policy for study abroad if I have already left the UK?

It is all too easy to forget to sort out insurance before you set off on your travels. Moving abroad takes a lot of organising! Cover4Insurance can, when available, assist in many cases

Can I use a travel insurance policy for my study year abroad?

Standard travel insurance is unlikely to cover a full year living in another country without costing the earth.

A long stay travel insurance such as that offered by Worldwide Insure could be an option. Their policy will cover periods from 3 to 18 months. They offer baggage and medical cover. There is the option to add Winter sports with Worldwide Insure - should you be studying anywhere near the mountains!

Image courtesy of: Joshua Earle at Unsplash

This content was last reviewed on 04/10/2023