Guide to the Best Student Travel Insurance Companies

*updated on March 12, 2025

Choosing the best student travel insurance for a school, college or university traveling abroad is an important decision.

In this blog, we give students and faculty advising students a list of the best companies offering student travel insurance to protect your students’ health, safety, and finances.  We will also explore what you need to look for when choosing an insurance coverage, offer some tips, and answer some frequently asked questions from teachers and students.

Firstly, when selecting a travel insurance policy, there are several factors to consider to ensure you choose the right coverage for your students and your trip.

• Coverage: Make sure that the policy you choose provides comprehensive coverage for medical emergencies, trip interruption, and trip cancellation. Additionally, consider any specific risks associated with your destination and ensure that the policy provides adequate coverage for those risks. For example, is the country you are planning to visit politically unstable? Might there be a need for evacuation?

• Cost: Travel insurance premiums can vary widely depending on the coverage and duration of the trip. Be sure to compare prices from different providers to ensure that you are getting the best value for your budget.

• Provider Reputation: Choose a reputable student travel insurance provider with a strong track record of providing quality coverage and customer service. Look for providers with high ratings and positive reviews from customers and industry experts. TrustPilot is a great way to compare companies.

• Customer Service: There is nothing more frustrating than being on hold for hours when dealing with insurance claims. Right!? Well, you should ensure that the provider offers 24/7 customer service and support, including assistance with medical emergencies, lost luggage, and other travel-related issues. If they have a WhatsApp channel that is a good sign!

Different student travel insurance options:

Based on these factors, here is a quick list of some recommended insurance providers and some benefits they offer.

1. World Nomads: World Nomads offers comprehensive travel insurance coverage, including emergency medical and evacuation coverage, trip interruption, and trip cancellation. They have a strong reputation for excellent customer service and offer coverage for a wide range of adventure activities.

2. GeoBlue: GeoBlue gives you comprehensive travel insurance coverage specifically designed for international students and faculty. Their policies offer 24/7 medical assistance, emergency evacuation coverage, and coverage for pre-existing medical conditions.

3. IMG: IMG offers comprehensive travel insurance coverage for students traveling abroad, including emergency medical coverage, trip interruption, and trip cancellation. They also offer assistance with lost passports and other travel-related issues.

4. Dr-Walter: This Germany-based travel insurance company offers comprehensive coverage for students travelling around the world. They have a friendly team that clearly explains what will be covered with each policy. The only downside with Dr-Walter is that most of the website is in German, but you can contact an English-speaking agent on this email – [email protected].

5. Inext – This company is popular with certain educational institutes as it has experience working with students and student groups. Inext provides 24-hour support (which they bill as world class) and can tailor a plan to you and your students.

There is no doubt that choosing the best student travel insurance requires careful research and time spent comparing the coverage and communication. Saying this, once you drop on a good provider you will doubtless use them year upon year so it makes a sound long-term time investment.

For those who are still unsure on certain aspects of travel insurance on student trips, we have highlighted (and answered) some F&Qs below.

Did you know that at Kagumu we offer full student health and travel insurance on many educational trips around Latin America.

Our top tips:

Tip 1: Buy before you fly

Always buy when you book your education abroad trip or program. This ensures that if you need to cancel for whatever reason (illness or serious change or personal circumstance) then you will be able to claim your money back.

Tip 2: Compare prices

Alway do your research and use price comparison websites if you are not satisfied with your current insurance provider. You can use GoCompare.

Tip 3: Check the credit card

Get your students to check their credit cards as they often include very comprehensive travel insurance. Additionally their parents could also have the option to include them on their coverage from their credit card.

Tip 4: Insist on 24-hour help

A good policy will have a 24-hour helpline with multilingual support to assist with medical emergencies, lost documents, or other crises. You don’t want your students being left high and dry in an emergency.

Tip 5: Check on provider reputation

Check with fellow students, university colleagues or family members who may have used the insurance provider before. Alternately post a query about its reputation on your university message board or NAFSA page.

Frequently asked questions:

What is student travel insurance?

This is a type of insurance that provides coverage for those who are traveling outside their home country for educational purposes. This type of policy covers medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other unexpected events that may occur during the trip.

Do all students need travel insurance?

In most cases, yes. Student travel insurance is usually mandatory for school trips. It provides peace of mind for both teachers and parents in case of unexpected events.

Do I need student travel insurance if I am studying abroad?

Yes, it is highly recommended that you have travel insurance if you are studying abroad. Medical treatment and hospitalization can be very expensive in some countries, and having insurance will provide you with peace of mind and financial protection in case of any unforeseen circumstances.

What does it cover?

A travel insurance policy typically covers

• Medical expenses
• Emergency medical evacuation
• Trip cancellations or interruption
• Personal liability.
• Some policies may also include coverage for lost or stolen luggage and travel documents.
• Other companies also include emergency evacuation in case of political unrest.

Can I purchase insurance for a short-term study abroad program?

Yes, indeed, you can. There are many insurance companies that offer short-term policies that can provide coverage for the duration of your trip.

How much does a travel insurance policy cost?

The cost of student travel insurance varies depending on several factors such as the duration of the trip, the destination, the level of coverage, and the insurance provider. Typically, the cost ranges from $1 to $5 per day. Tip: always check price comparison websites and always buy when you book!

Can I purchase travel insurance after my students have already left for their trip?

It is possible to purchase travel insurance after you a group has already left for their trip, but it is not recommended. Most policies have a waiting period before the coverage takes effect, and some policies may not cover events that have already occurred.

How do I file a claim with my provider?

To make a claim, you will need to contact your insurance provider and give them the necessary information such as your policy number, the date of the incident, passport number of the student involved, and any supporting documentation. Your insurance provider will then evaluate the claim and determine if it is covered under your policy..

Is student travel insurance required by law?

No. A travel insurance policy for students working or studying abroad is not a legal requirement in the US or many other countries. However, it is probably a requirement of your school or educational institution or indeed third-party provider.

Need more information about student travel insurance companies? Contact one of Kagumu’s team members.