International Student Medical Insurance

Best Study Abroad Insurance

Study Abroad Medical Insurance

Your Essential Guide to Global Study Abroad Insurance

Your acceptance letter has arrived, your bags are nearly packed, and a world of new experiences awaits you. Whether you're heading to the historic universities of the United Kingdom, the vibrant cities of the Schengen Area, the sunny shores of Australia, or any other global destination, your journey starts with being prepared.

The most important preparation you can make is securing comprehensive study abroad health insurance. Navigating a foreign healthcare system can be daunting and expensive. We make it simple to find the right coverage, so you can focus on what matters most: your education and your adventure.

Choosing the Right Plan for Your Destination

The right study abroad insurance plan for you will depend on your destination and the length of your program:

  • Insurance for Europe (Programs over 90 Days): If you are studying for a semester or longer in countries like Spain, Germany, France, or Italy, you must apply for a national long-stay visa (often called a Type D visa), not a short-stay Schengen visa. While this national visa is for a specific country, its insurance requirements are often very similar to the Schengen standards (e.g., minimum coverage of €30,000, emergency evacuation, and repatriation). Your insurance plan also becomes essential for traveling to other Schengen countries during holidays and weekend trips.
  • Insurance for Europe (Programs under 90 Days): For short courses, language schools, or research programs lasting less than 90 days, you may need a short-stay Schengen (Type C) visa. The Schengen visa insurance plans we offer easily satisfy these requirements, providing seamless coverage for your brief but important academic stay.
  • Insurance for the United Kingdom: While the UK has the National Health Service (NHS), international students are often required to pay an immigration health surcharge (IHS). Private travel medical insurance can supplement this by providing faster access to specialists, emergency care, and other services not fully covered by the NHS.
  • Insurance for Australia & New Zealand: International students in Australia are typically required to purchase Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). Our plans can act as a great supplement to OSHC, covering things like travel interruptions, baggage loss, and medical care outside of Australia during school breaks.
  • Insurance for Canada, Asia, and Beyond: No matter your destination, we offer a wide range of study abroad travel medical plans that provide robust medical protection. 

Our Most Popular Study Abroad Insurance Options 

For Long-Stay Programs 


Patriot International® Lite

Underwriter: SiriusPoint Specialty Insurance Corporation

Coverage Availability 5 Days to 2 Years

Overview

After deductible, pays 100% to policy maximum.

Acute Onset of Pre-Existing Conditions

US Citizens: To policy maximum for age up to 64 with Primary Health Plan; $20,000 without. Ages 65-69: $2,500 maximum. Non-US Citizens Ages 69 and younger up to policy maximum or $1,000,000 (lower amount) Learn More
  • $1,000,000
  • To policy maximum
  • Included

StudentSecure®

Underwriter: TMHCC (CI) Insurance SPC Ltd

Coverage Availability 1 Month to 4 Years

Overview

Within PPO network:
Elite: After copayments, plan pays 80% up to $10,000, then 100% up to the policy maximum.
Select: After copayments, plan pays 80% up to $25,000, then 100% up to the policy maximum.
Budget: After copayments, plan pays 80% up to $45,000, then 100% up to the policy maximum.
Smart: After copayments, plan pays 80% up to $100,000, then 100% up to the policy maximum.

Direct Billing

  • $30, $50, $75, or $100 copay. $60, $100, $150, or $200 copay outside PPO.
  • $500,000
  • -
  • Included

Student Health Advantage

Underwriter: SiriusPoint Specialty Insurance Corporation

Coverage Availability 1 Month to 5 Years

Overview

Within PPO network: After deductible, plan pays 90% up to $10,000, then 100% up to the policy maximum.
Outside PPO network: After deductible, plan pays 80% up to the policy maximum.
Outside US: After deductible, covers at 100% up to the policy maximum.

Direct Billing

  • $500,000
  • $50,000
  • Included

For Short-Stays (under 90 days) in the Schengen Area 


Atlas International®

Underwriter: TMHCC (CI) Insurance SPC Ltd

Coverage Availability 5 Days to 12 Months

Overview

After deductible, pays 100% to policy maximum.

Acute Onset of Pre-Existing Conditions

Coverage to policy max for ages <80 Learn More
  • $1,000,000
  • To policy maximum
  • Included

Plan Details

Beacon International

Underwriter: Lloyd's

Coverage Availability 5 Days to 364 Days

Overview

After deductible, pays 100% to policy maximum.

Acute Onset of Pre-Existing Conditions

Coverage for under age 70. $150,000 for policy maximums of $550,000 and over; $50,000 for policy maximums between $60,000 and $200,000 Learn More
  • To policy maximum
  • $50,000
  • Included, up to $100,000 or policy maximum; whichever is lower.

Plan Details

Patriot Exchange Program

Underwriter: SiriusPoint Specialty Insurance Corporation

Coverage Availability 1 Month to 4 Years

Overview

Within PPO network: After deductible, plan pays 90% up to $10,000, then 100% up to the policy maximum.
Outside PPO network: After deductible, plan pays 80% up to the policy maximum.
Outside US: After deductible, covers at 100% up to the policy maximum.

Direct Billing

  • $50 copay, unless $0 deductible
  • $20 copay, unless $0 deductible
  • $50,000
  • $25,000
  • Included

Plan Details

Study Abroad Insurance FAQ

What is the difference between a Schengen visa and a national visa for studying in Europe? 

This is a critical distinction. A Schengen (Type C) visa is for short stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. It's suitable for short-term courses. For any program lasting longer than 90 days (like a full semester or year), you must apply for a national long-stay (Type D) visa directly from the embassy or consulate of the country you will be living in. While it's a national visa, the insurance you need for it often must meet the same minimum standards (€30,000 coverage, evacuation, repatriation) as Schengen visa insurance.

Do I need insurance if my host country has a national healthcare system? 

Yes, it is highly recommended and often mandatory for your visa. National healthcare systems may not cover everything and can have long wait times. Private insurance is essential for filling these gaps and covering critical benefits not included in public systems, such as emergency medical evacuation back to your home country.

Can I purchase insurance for just one semester? 

Absolutely. You can customize the length of your coverage to match your exact study period, whether it's for a few months, a semester, or a full academic year.

What's the difference between the plans on your website and my university's group plan? 

University plans can sometimes be more expensive and may offer limited coverage, especially during semester breaks or if you travel to other countries. The plans we offer are often more affordable and flexible, allowing you to choose the benefits that matter most to you. It's always a good idea to compare our options with your school's plan to see which is best for your needs. We have licensed, USA-based agents available to answer any of your questions.  

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