
Every year, thousands of Indian students head to countries like Canada, the US, the UK, Australia, and Germany for higher education.
One of the mandatory requirements on most university and visa checklists? Health or travel insurance.
But here’s what many families don’t realize:
Too often, students (or parents) pick the cheapest plan suggested by a visa agent or aggregator site — without reading the fine print.
That’s fine until something goes wrong — like a stolen laptop, delayed flight, or an unexpected surgery abroad.
Travel insurance isn’t just for visa approval — it’s your financial safety net when your child is studying thousands of miles away.
This guide will walk you through the 5 most important things you must know before buying a student travel insurance plan.
1. Health Cover Looks Big — But Has Gaps
Most student travel policies boast ₹25 lakh to ₹1 crore medical cover.
Sounds great, right? But dig deeper into what’s not covered:
- Dental care — unless caused by an accident.
- Mental health support — often excluded or with very low limits.
- Pregnancy-related expenses or pre-existing conditions.
- Cashless treatment only at limited network hospitals abroad.
Example: A student in Toronto was hospitalized for stress-related anxiety. Her plan didn’t cover mental health consultations — she ended up paying ₹18,000 from her own pocket.
Tip: Always check your destination’s network hospital list and whether claims are cashless or reimbursement-based.
2. Trip Delays and Cancellations — Not as Simple as They Sound
Flight delays, university deferrals, or visa changes happen.
But will your insurer pay for that ₹90,000 rescheduled ticket? Only under strict conditions:
- Trip cancellation: Usually covered only for medical emergencies, visa rejection, or close family bereavement.
- Trip delay: Needs proof of delay beyond a set limit (often 6+ hours) and an airline certificate.
- Study interruption: Only for hospitalization or death in the immediate family.
Pro Tip: If you’re booking flexible student fares or refundable tickets, you may not need the highest trip cancellation cover — but do check if your policy covers tuition or hostel fees in emergencies.
3. Family Visit Benefit (Compassionate Travel) — Often Overlooked
Imagine your child is hospitalized abroad and needs a parent’s support.
Some policies cover one family member’s airfare + stay (for 5–7 days) under “compassionate travel.”
Usually triggered by:
- Hospitalization over 7 days.
- ICU admission or surgery.
But many budget plans skip this entirely.
Tip: For expensive destinations like the US, UK, or Australia, this benefit can save lakhs in last-minute travel costs.
4. Baggage Loss, Laptop Theft & Passport Claims — But with Caps
Student travel policies do cover belongings, but payout limits are lower than many expect:
Item | Typical Max Cover |
---|---|
Checked-in baggage loss | ₹20,000–₹30,000 |
Laptop / electronics theft | ₹30,000–₹40,000 |
Lost passport | Reissue fee only |
To claim, you’ll need:
- FIR from local police.
- Airline loss report.
- Purchase receipts for stolen items.
Tip: Keep digital copies of receipts, passport pages, and university ID in cloud storage for faster claims.
5. Claims Often Get Stuck Over Missing Documents
Insurers love documentation — and missing paperwork is the #1 reason claims are delayed.
Commonly required:
- Visa & admission letter.
- Boarding passes & tickets.
- Hospital bills & doctor reports.
- Police reports (for theft/loss).
Check before buying: Does your insurer have 24/7 international assistance via WhatsApp, toll-free, or app? Indian-hours-only helplines are useless when you’re in a different time zone.
Quick Pre-Purchase Checklist for Parents & Students
Before buying, ask:
- Does the health cover include mental health, dental, and pre-existing conditions?
- Are tuition fees or study interruption covered?
- What’s the electronic & baggage loss limit?
- Is family visit benefit included?
- How do I file a claim from abroad?
- Is there cashless hospitalization in my university’s city?
Final Word — Don’t Buy the Cheapest Plan, Buy the Smartest One
For most families, student travel insurance is a visa requirement.
But beyond that, it’s your child’s lifeline abroad.
Avoid dirt-cheap, agent-bundled plans with unclear exclusions.
Choose a reputed insurer, read the fine print, and make sure the policy reflects real student life risks.
Because in a foreign country, peace of mind is the most valuable currency.
Planning for studies abroad is a good time to review protection at home too—see why home insurance matters in India .