- What are the best student travel insurance plans?
- What exactly is student travel insurance?
- The price of student travel insurance
- What Student Travel Insurance Covers
- The conditions of student travel insurance
- Why take out student travel insurance?
- How to Choose the Right student Travel Insurance
- Do my current insurance policies cover student travel insurance?
- FAQ
student travel insurance: key takeaways
1. Definition: Student travel insurance covers medical and travel risks for Canadians studying or on educational trips abroad.
2. Price: For a one-week trip to Europe, expect to pay between $30 and $60 CAD for basic coverage.
3. Coverage: It covers emergency medical and repatriation but often excludes pre-existing conditions and high-risk sports without add-ons.
4. Bank cards and health insurances: Provincial plans (OHIP, RAMQ) and credit cards offer very limited or no coverage for student travel.
5. Tips: Ensure your policy covers the entire study duration and meets your school's or visa's insurance requirements.
6. Other useful info: For study in the USA, ensure your medical coverage limit is high due to expensive healthcare costs.
Why trust HelloSafe ?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travelers every month. After analyzing 38 travel insurance policies available in Canada, our experts share here everything you need to know to choose the best student travel insurance.
What are the best student travel insurance plans?
Here is a selection of the best student travel insurance plans available for residents of Canada in 2025. These policies stand out for their high coverage limits, low deductibles and flexible terms, providing optimal protection for worry-free student travel.
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement | Deductible | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | $730,000 CAD | $0 CAD | • Covers winter sports and high-risk activities. • Extended studies and work placements included. • 24/7 multilingual support. • Mobile app for easy claims. |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | $730,000 CAD | $0 CAD | • 24/7 worldwide emergency hotline. • Mental health crisis support. • Direct billing to hospitals. • Fast claims processing. |
| Tourist Card | $220,000 CAD | $45 CAD | • Quick reimbursement system. • Luggage and electronics protection. • Trip cancellation included. • Personal liability coverage. |
| World Travel | $730,000 CAD (USA/Canada), $314,000 CAD (others) | $50 CAD | • Quarantine and isolation expenses covered. • Worldwide coverage. • Covers emergency evacuation. • Psychological support. |
| Globe Partner | $314,000 CAD | $0 CAD | • Simple online enrolment. • Valid for most study destinations. • 24/7 telephone assistance. |
| Globe Traveller | $440,000 CAD | $0 CAD | • Long-term stays covered. • Age-based premium stability. • Digital platform for claims. • Support in several languages. |
• Extended studies and work placements included.
• 24/7 multilingual support.
• Mobile app for easy claims.
• Mental health crisis support.
• Direct billing to hospitals.
• Fast claims processing.
• Luggage and electronics protection.
• Trip cancellation included.
• Personal liability coverage.
• Worldwide coverage.
• Covers emergency evacuation.
• Psychological support.
• Valid for most study destinations.
• 24/7 telephone assistance.
• Age-based premium stability.
• Digital platform for claims.
• Support in several languages.
The best student travel insurance may vary depending on your needs. We invite you to use HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison tool to find the plan that suits you best and subscribe directly online.
Compare the best travel insurance policies for freeI compareWhat exactly is student travel insurance?
Student travel insurance is a targeted insurance policy designed for students travelling outside their home province or Canada to study or take part in educational activities.
It covers unexpected medical emergencies, hospitalization, repatriation, trip cancellation, personal liability and baggage loss for the full duration of a program, often from several weeks to a year.
It is essential because provincial health insurance does not cover medical care outside Canada and many institutions or visas require this coverage.
This coverage is also known as “international student insurance” or “study abroad insurance”.
Expert advice
Here are the situations where taking out student travel insurance is especially important for students from Canada:
- Your provincial health plan offers very little coverage outside of Canada.
- When studying in countries with high healthcare costs like the USA.
- Your school or study visa requires proof of sufficient medical coverage.
- For long-term stays like a semester or a full academic year.
- To protect tuition fees and expensive personal items like your laptop.
- For emergency medical evacuation and repatriation back to Canada.
- To access crucial mental health support and counseling services while abroad.
The price of student travel insurance
On average, student travel insurance costs between 2% and 4% of the total trip price.
| Trip | Trip cost | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| Semester abroad in France (4 months) | $8,000 | $250 to $400 |
| Full academic year in the USA (10 months) | $22,000 | $500 to $900 |
| Summer language program in Japan (6 weeks) | $5,000 | $100 to $180 |
| Volunteer trip to Mexico (2 weeks) | $3,000 | $40 to $90 |
These prices are provided as an indication and may vary depending on the type of plan chosen (standard or premium) and the specific conditions of each insurer.
The price of your student travel insurance depends on several factors:
- trip duration: longer study programs require higher overall premiums.
- destination: countries with high medical costs, such as the USA, make insurance more expensive.
- traveller’s age: some plans increase in price after certain age thresholds.
- level of coverage: higher limits, mental health support, or low deductibles will increase the cost.
- selected options: coverage for laptops, adventure activities, or pre-existing conditions raises the premium.
What Student Travel Insurance Covers
Student travel insurance offers protection for students who study or participate in programs abroad. It is tailored to cover the risks specific to extended academic travel and young adults.
| Covered guarantee | Definition | Expert advice |
|---|---|---|
| 🎟️ Trip cancellation | Refunds the cost if you cancel due to a covered reason before departure. | We recommend a minimum cover of $1,500 and keeping the deductible below $50. Illness not documented, changes of mind, or visa issues are commonly excluded. |
| 🛄 Lost or delayed baggage | Compensation for your luggage if lost, stolen, or delayed in transit. | At least $1,000 coverage is advised, with a deductible no higher than $30. Unattended bags and valuable items are frequently excluded. |
| 🕒 Missed departure | Covers extra transport costs if you miss your flight/train due to events beyond your control. | Aim for at least $250 with no deductible. Self-inflicted delays and missing written proof are typical exclusions. |
| 🏥 Emergency medical expenses abroad | Key guarantee. Pays for urgent care, hospital fees, and doctor visits abroad. | Minimum cover should be $1M to $5M. Choose a deductible under $50. Pre-existing conditions and non-urgent or routine care are excluded. |
| 🚑 Medical evacuation/repatriation | Key guarantee. Pays for medical transportation to Canada if needed. | Coverage should be unlimited. The insurer should organize repatriation. Non-medical repatriation or refusal to be repatriated are excluded. |
| 🦷 Emergency dental care | Pays urgent dental expenses for pain or accidents during travel. | A minimum of $300 is recommended, with deductibles under $30. Planned dental work and cosmetic procedures are excluded. |
| 🧍♂️ Personal liability abroad | Covers unintentional harm to others or property during the trip. | $500,000 is a safe minimum, with deductibles no higher than $100. Damage to rented goods or intentional acts are excluded. |
| 🧳 Luggage delay | Pays for essentials if your bag arrives late after outbound travel. | Look for $150 after 24 hours, no deductible preferred. Delays of less than 24 hours or for the return leg are not covered. |
| ⚖️ Legal assistance abroad | Covers lawyer fees or bail if you face legal issues during your stay. | A minimum of $3,000 for lawyer and $7,500 for bail is recommended. Criminal acts and legal issues after alcohol use are excluded. |
| 🧠 Mental health/crisis support | Offers access to urgent counseling abroad after traumatic events. | Ensure $500 to $2,000 minimum, usually no deductible. Pre-existing conditions and regular therapy sessions are commonly excluded. |
Illness not documented, changes of mind, or visa issues are commonly excluded.
Unattended bags and valuable items are frequently excluded.
Self-inflicted delays and missing written proof are typical exclusions.
Pre-existing conditions and non-urgent or routine care are excluded.
Non-medical repatriation or refusal to be repatriated are excluded.
Planned dental work and cosmetic procedures are excluded.
Damage to rented goods or intentional acts are excluded.
Delays of less than 24 hours or for the return leg are not covered.
Criminal acts and legal issues after alcohol use are excluded.
Pre-existing conditions and regular therapy sessions are commonly excluded.
Reimbursement limits vary depending on the insurer and the plan selected (eco, standard, premium). They must always be checked in the general terms and conditions.
To find the student travel insurance best suited to your profile and your trip, easily compare offers on HelloSafe.
The conditions of student travel insurance
For your student travel insurance to be valid, several key conditions must be respected. These are among the most important to consider before departure:
- Eligibility as a student: you must be enrolled in a recognized educational institution during your trip.
- Policy purchase timing: you must buy the insurance before leaving Canada and before your studies abroad start.
- Proof of enrollment: you are required to provide evidence of student status, such as an admission or registration letter.
- Trip duration compliance: your trip cannot exceed the maximum coverage period stated in the contract, often up to 365 days.
- Residency requirement: you must be a permanent resident of Canada at the time of policy purchase.
- Destination restrictions: your trip must not include countries or areas under Canadian government travel advisories.
- Reporting obligations: any incident or medical emergency must be reported to the insurer as soon as possible.
- Pre-existing conditions disclosure: you are required to declare all relevant medical history when applying for coverage.
Watch out!
Many Canadian students mistakenly believe their provincial health plan or a parent's credit card offers adequate coverage. These plans are not designed for long-term study abroad and often exclude high medical costs. Always purchase a dedicated student policy before departure to ensure you are properly protected.
Why take out student travel insurance?
While travelling abroad as a student, even minor health issues can lead to unexpectedly high expenses owing to international healthcare costs and administrative fees.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs abroad:
| Type of treatment | Average cost | Covered by insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Foot sprain (X-ray and consultation) |
| Up to $5,000,000 depending on plan |
| Stitches after a fall |
| Up to $5,000,000 depending on plan |
| Intestinal infection (consultation and treatment) |
| Up to $5,000,000 depending on plan |
| Emergency tooth extraction |
| Limit per incident, usually $2,000 to $5,000 |
| Psychiatric emergency (1 night hospital observation) |
| Limit per event, often $2,000 to $5,000 |
- Europe: $300
- North America: $800
- Asia: $200
- Europe: $250
- North America: $1,000
- Asia: $150
- Europe: $200
- North America: $700
- Asia: $120
- Europe: $350
- North America: $1,200
- Asia: $250
- Europe: $1,000
- North America: $5,000
- Asia: $800
Coverage varies greatly depending on the plan chosen (standard or premium) and the insurer. Refer to the general conditions and always compare with tools like HelloSafe.
In addition to medical expenses, student travel insurance also helps cover other risks: trip interruption or cancellation, baggage loss, personal liability, emergency repatriation and 24/7 assistance services—all useful if an unforeseen event happens abroad.
Good to know
Your provincial plan won't cover you abroad. A simple accident could cost thousands, while a plan like Chapka's Cap Student offers unlimited medical coverage with no upfront payment. Don't risk a massive bill; travel protected and focus on your studies.
How to Choose the Right student Travel Insurance
Coverage amounts and conditions can vary widely between student travel insurance plans, making it important to know which criteria truly fit your situation.
| Criterion | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 💶 Reimbursement limits | Caps the maximum that will be paid for medical care and emergencies abroad | Always choose at least $500,000, and up to $2,000,000 or more for destinations like the USA. |
| 📉 Deductible | This is the amount you must pay yourself before reimbursement begins | Prefer plans with a low or zero deductible for medical expenses abroad. |
| 📋 Policy conditions | Certain guarantees only apply if you meet set deadlines or requirements | Read the contract carefully to understand deadlines for purchase, declarations and claims. |
| 👵 Traveller’s age | Many plans have age restrictions or different rates for older or younger students | Check if the plan covers the entire period and all ages of eligible students. |
| 👨🎓 Traveller profile | Needs may vary: exchange student, full year study, research, internship, or language program | Ensure your plan matches your academic activities and potential travel during your studies. |
| 📆 Trip duration | Not all plans are valid for extended academic years, semesters or breaks | Confirm that your insurance covers the full length of your course and accidental travel. |
| 🌍 Geographic area | Coverage limits, conditions and cost depend on where you travel, including Schengen requirements | Make sure coverage applies for every country you will visit or transit through. |
| 🛡️ Existing coverage | Credit cards and home insurance rarely cover long term study abroad or education-related activities | Always review what you already have before taking additional or overlapping coverage. |
| 🧗 Planned activities | Sports, adventure or internships can be excluded or require extra coverage | Declare any risky or elective activities in advance to avoid denied coverage. |
Do my current insurance policies cover student travel insurance?
It is legitimate to wonder if your current insurance, like credit card or public health insurance, can cover you as a student abroad, but unfortunately it is often not enough.
Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Student travel insurance included? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) | Never | No medical coverage abroad or repatriation. Hospitalization: $0, Outpatient: $0. No trip cancellation, no baggage, no liability, no mental health or dental coverage. | Travel insurance covers up to $5,000,000, with repatriation, liability, baggage loss, and mental health, none of which OHIP provides abroad. |
| Private health insurance (Studentcare, Manulife) | Almost Never | Limited emergency medical or hospitalization, max $2,000,000. Some dental or vision coverage. No trip interruption, trip cancellation, extended stay, or liability coverage. | Travel insurance covers up to $5,000,000, plus interruption, cancellation, and personal liability benefits, usually excluded from private health plans. |
| Classic credit card (RBC Visa Classic, TD Rewards Visa) | Never | No coverage for student travel abroad. No repatriation or extended care. Only possible for short tourist stays. No study period, no medical evacuation, no cancellation, no lost baggage. | Travel insurance covers up to $500,000 – $5,000,000 and guarantees student stays, repatriation, lost language course fees, and study interruption. |
| Premium credit card (Scotiabank Gold Amex, BMO World Elite) | Limited Coverage | Emergency medical for short trips only (<15–25 days), max $2,000,000, sometimes baggage or delay. No long-term studies, no mental health, no pre-existing coverage, no extended personal belongings. | Travel insurance covers longer durations and guarantees like mental health, dental, internships, or personal effects not covered by credit cards. |
No trip cancellation, no baggage, no liability, no mental health or dental coverage.
No trip interruption, trip cancellation, extended stay, or liability coverage.
No study period, no medical evacuation, no cancellation, no lost baggage.
No long-term studies, no mental health, no pre-existing coverage, no extended personal belongings.
Expert advice
Your bank card or provincial health plan often excludes key situations like trip interruption for a family emergency. Always read the fine print to avoid costly surprises abroad. In all cases, it is safer and more reassuring to subscribe to a dedicated travel insurance plan tailored to your trip.
FAQ
Is student travel insurance mandatory?
Student travel insurance is mandatory for entry into many countries, especially in Europe, Australia, and for certain Canadian university programs. However, it is not required by law for all destinations. Even where optional, it is strongly recommended—an example is the USA, where a short hospital visit without insurance can cost thousands of dollars.
When is it recommended to purchase student travel insurance?
It is best to purchase student travel insurance right after confirming your travel or study arrangements. Buying early ensures coverage for trip cancellation risks and guarantees your protection from the very first day of travel until you return to Canada. Waiting may result in exclusion of certain pre-departure events.
How do I purchase student travel insurance?
First, compare available plans using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform to find options meeting student needs. Next, carefully review the guarantees and exclusions specific to students. Then, purchase the policy securely online. You will instantly receive a certificate required for your studies or visa by email.
Can I purchase student travel insurance after booking my trip?
Yes, you can buy student travel insurance after booking flights, but you should do so before departing Canada. Some protections, like trip cancellation benefits, only apply if the insurance is purchased shortly after booking—ideally within a few days.
How do I make a claim?
To make a claim, contact your insurer’s 24/7 assistance service using the numbers provided in your policy documents. You will typically need to submit receipts, medical reports, or incident details online or via email. Keep all supporting documents, as they will be required for processing your claim.
Does student travel insurance cover mental health support?
Many student travel insurance plans include emergency mental health support for issues such as crisis intervention or short-term counseling. Routine therapy and ongoing treatment are usually not covered, so review your plan’s mental health provisions carefully before departure.
Are pre-existing conditions covered under student travel insurance?
Coverage for pre-existing conditions varies by insurer and policy. Some may offer limited or no benefits for medical care related to pre-existing conditions, while others offer extended coverage if disclosed upfront. Always declare health conditions before purchase to avoid claim denials.
Is student travel insurance mandatory?
Student travel insurance is mandatory for entry into many countries, especially in Europe, Australia, and for certain Canadian university programs. However, it is not required by law for all destinations. Even where optional, it is strongly recommended—an example is the USA, where a short hospital visit without insurance can cost thousands of dollars.
When is it recommended to purchase student travel insurance?
It is best to purchase student travel insurance right after confirming your travel or study arrangements. Buying early ensures coverage for trip cancellation risks and guarantees your protection from the very first day of travel until you return to Canada. Waiting may result in exclusion of certain pre-departure events.
How do I purchase student travel insurance?
First, compare available plans using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform to find options meeting student needs. Next, carefully review the guarantees and exclusions specific to students. Then, purchase the policy securely online. You will instantly receive a certificate required for your studies or visa by email.
Can I purchase student travel insurance after booking my trip?
Yes, you can buy student travel insurance after booking flights, but you should do so before departing Canada. Some protections, like trip cancellation benefits, only apply if the insurance is purchased shortly after booking—ideally within a few days.
How do I make a claim?
To make a claim, contact your insurer’s 24/7 assistance service using the numbers provided in your policy documents. You will typically need to submit receipts, medical reports, or incident details online or via email. Keep all supporting documents, as they will be required for processing your claim.
Does student travel insurance cover mental health support?
Many student travel insurance plans include emergency mental health support for issues such as crisis intervention or short-term counseling. Routine therapy and ongoing treatment are usually not covered, so review your plan’s mental health provisions carefully before departure.
Are pre-existing conditions covered under student travel insurance?
Coverage for pre-existing conditions varies by insurer and policy. Some may offer limited or no benefits for medical care related to pre-existing conditions, while others offer extended coverage if disclosed upfront. Always declare health conditions before purchase to avoid claim denials.
