Single trip insurance
A single-trip policy covers just one trip, usually up to a maximum of 31 days. Depending on where you’re going, you can get European or worldwide travel insurance
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Why do I need student travel insurance when studying abroad?
As with any trip, having travel insurance means that you’re covered for things like:
Accidents, illness and medical treatments
Lost, damaged or stolen personal belongings and baggage
However, if you’re studying abroad, volunteering, or on a gap year, your trip may be a little different to a normal holiday. For example, you may be planning to try out particular activities, such as extreme sports, and you’ll likely be travelling for a longer period of time.
In which case, student travel insurance can provide more cover than a standard travel insurance policy.
What type of student travel insurance cover do I need?
The student travel insurance policy that’s right for you depends on what you’re looking for. When comparing policies, think about your plans and what you need from a policy.
There are several types of travel insurance available, including:
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Annual multi-trip insurance
With an annual policy, you can go away several times in a year without having to arrange insurance each time. Generally, if you plan multiple trips a year, an annual policy is cheaper than a single-trip one
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Backpacker travel insurance
Going on a gap year? Backpacker insurance can run for several months to over a year, and covers multiple countries. Make sure it covers every destination on your journey, even if you’re only passing through
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Couples’ travel insurance
If you’re travelling with your partner, couples’ travel insurance covers both people under one policy. To qualify, both of you need to be over the age of 18, living at the same address, and in a relationship
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Group travel insurance
Group travel insurance will cover multiple people going on a trip at the same time. There may be maximum age limits (usually aged 65 and older) that insurers will provide cover for
What is and isn’t covered by student travel insurance?
Not all travel insurance policies are the same, and some can have their cover adjusted by optional add-ons. When it comes to a standard travel insurance policy, however, the following is what you can usually expect to get out of your cover:
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What's covered:
Medical costs: If you experience a medical emergency while on holiday, your travel insurance will cover the cost of medical fees associated with your treatment and care while you're abroad
Lost baggage: If your luggage is lost, damaged, or stolen while you're on holiday, travel insurance will provide you with some compensation to cover the loss and get your holiday back on track
Damaged or stolen belongings: As with luggage, travel insurance can cover some of the cost of any personal belongings that are lost, damaged or stolen. However, there's usually a single-item limit – this is the maximum amount that will be paid towards a single item
Cancellation and curtailment: You can have the cost of your holiday reimbursed if you have to cancel your holiday early for certain reasons, such as a medical emergency or bereavement
Travel disruption: Your insurance will cover you for certain disruptions to your holiday, such as poor weather, closure of travel routes, mechanical breakdowns, or industrial action
Repatriation: In the event of a medical emergency, you may need to be returned home to the UK for treatment and care. The cost of arranging your repatriation will be covered by travel insurance
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What's not covered:
Pre-existing conditions: A standard travel insurance policy won't normally cover pre-existing conditions. You can, however, get specialist travel insurance for pre-existing conditions
Alcohol or drug related incidents: Providers are unlikely to cover you for any accidents that may occur while you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. They won't pay out for any injuries nor damaged property
High-risk activities: Risky activities aren't covered by standard travel insurance. You will need specialist travel insurance to get cover for high-risk sports and winter or water activities and extreme sports will almost never be covered
Missed flights: Missed flights are only covered in particular circumstances out of your control, and usually you’ll have to get this as an add-on to your policy. If you are found to be at fault for missing your flight – for example, if you’re running late – then it's unlikely you'll be compensated
Travelling against FCDO advice: You won't receive any type of travel insurance cover if you travel to a high-risk country that the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has advised against travelling to
What policy extras can I get?
If you need additional cover to suit your specific needs, there's a wide selection of policy extras to choose from, including:
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Winter sports travel insurance
Insurers view all winter sports as high risk, as snow and ice can increase the chances of an accident. So, even if you’re only going on a sleigh-ride, you may need to get specialist winter sports insurance to cover this
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Volunteer travel insurance
This will cover work and volunteering activities, for anywhere between 12-24 months. If you’ll be volunteering with animals or doing manual labour, you should let your insurer know. Many insurers will allow one or two return trips home, too
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Gadget cover
It's worth getting additional gadget travel insurance to cover any expensive electronics you're travelling with. In the event that your phone or laptop is damaged, stolen, or lost, you may be able to claim back the full amount
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Passport cover
Your policy will likely cover lost or stolen passports, or at least the cost of the replacement. Some will cover extra costs incurred by a missing passport, such as an extra night in a hotel while you wait for an emergency travel document
Our expert says…
If this is your first time buying travel insurance, it may be a good idea to familiarise yourself with the basics. Our travel insurance guides are a great place to start to get to grips with the basics. Armed with knowledge, you might feel more confident looking through policies to find good deals and spot some of the unique benefits on offer.
Alicia Hempsted Insurance Expert
Guides and expert tips
Keep up to date and find out all you need to know with our latest guides
Can I get student travel insurance with a pre-existing condition?
Although it may be difficult, you can still purchase standard student travel insurance cover with a pre-existing condition. However, your premiums will likely be higher, or your condition will be excluded in your policy.
You might want to get specialised travel insurance policies that will cover your pre-existing health conditions to ensure you will be covered if you needed medical treatment related to your condition while you're away. Travelling without appropriate insurance could end up being more expensive than the cost of a policy.
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Do I need travel insurance as a student?
It’s not mandatory or required by law to get travel insurance as a student. But, as with all travel plans, getting insurance will help protect you, your belongings, your health and your finances if something comes up.
It’ll give you peace of mind, as well as making sure you’re not suddenly out of pocket if something unexpected happens.
Is student travel insurance required by law?
Generally, no. A travel insurance policy for students working or studying abroad is normally not a legal requirement.
However, depending on where you’re going, travel insurance may be legally required for certain destinations – for example, if you’re travelling to Cuba. So, if you’re unsure, it’s a good idea to check before travelling – you can do so on the Gov.uk website.
Do I need insurance to study abroad?
That depends on your course, as having travel insurance in place could be part of your visa or course entry requirements. It’s important to carefully check this – ask your university or educational institution if you’re unsure.
In any case, student travel cover can provide you with financial security and much-needed peace of mind.
Do you get cheaper insurance as a student?
Not really – as a student, you don’t get particular discounts on travel insurance.
You can certainly find cheap deals – for example, single-trip insurance for Europe can be as low as under £102. But it’s worth bearing in mind that the cheapest isn’t necessarily the best. The cover might not be as comprehensive, or the claim limits could be lower.
It’s also worth finding out about the excess, which is the amount you have to pay towards each claim. You often pay a lower premium if you agree to a higher excess. But if you can’t afford the excess, it may work out more expensive if something does happen.
To find a suitable deal for you, it’s best to shop around and compare prices. MoneySuperMarket’s free independent comparison service can help you find the best policy, at the best price, within minutes. Just provide us with a few details about you and your plans and we’ll help you find a policy that fits your needs and budget.
2Based on an individual aged 30 taking single trip cover for 3 days to France.
What other essential documents will I need before travelling?
Insurance is not the only important travel document you’ll need. You should also make sure you have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond your return date, plus any necessary visas. For advice, you can contact HM Passport Office by calling 0300 222 0000 or visiting the Gov.uk website.
Always keep your passport safe and make a note of the number, date, and place of issue in case it is lost or stolen. It’s also a good idea to take a back-up form of identification, such as a valid driving licence.
Do I need student travel insurance for a UK staycation?
One of the main benefits of travel insurance is that it offers cover for medical costs and treatment abroad. Of course, if you’re staying in the UK, the NHS provides medical treatment for its citizens for free.
Still, there are many other advantages that you can receive from travel insurance if you’re planning a UK getaway. With student travel insurance in place, you will be able to claim in the event of a mishap, such as cancellations and lost luggage.
Can I use a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)?
The UK is still participating in the EHIC scheme, although existing EHIC cards are being phased out for UK residents. Instead, they are being replaced with a new UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC).
The GHIC is free and will work in the same way. The holder is entitled to free or reduced-cost emergency healthcare in State-run hospitals and clinics in EU countries and Switzerland.
However, the EHIC/GHIC should not be a replacement for good-quality travel insurance. It only covers emergency treatment in EU countries. For instance, it doesn’t cover repatriation to the UK, or the cost to airlift you to a hospital in an emergency. It also has no protection in the event of other incidents, such as baggage loss or the theft of your phone or wallet.
For peace of mind, take out travel insurance and carry your EHIC/GHIC for European trips.
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Reviewed on 19 Dec 2025 by
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