What is travel insurance for students?
Whether it’s backpacking through Europe or joining a student exchange program, having affordable travel insurance could be the key to enjoying your time exploring, learning, and making memories—minus the “what-if” worries of unexpected expenses in the back of your mind.
Why should I consider travel insurance as a student or gap year traveller?
Travelling as a student or going on a gap year is both exciting and daunting, especially on a shoestring budget. While it might be tempting to skip travel insurance and save a few bucks, remember that mishaps often happen—medical bills, replacing lost items, and trip cancellations can outweigh the cost of travel insurance.
Key benefits of travel insurance for young travellers
You're best off looking at what is (and isn’t) covered in our TID policies, but here are some specifics for a student travelling overseas:
Overseas medical emergencies
Healthcare abroad can be costly. Whether you fall ill or have an accident, TID offers cover for medical bills, including hospital stays and treatment. Our policies also offer cover for medical evacuation and repatriation if you need to travel back to Australia.
Luggage
If your passport or travel documents gets lost or stolen, we may help you replace those essentials so you can get back to your adventure. If your phone or laptop gets lost or stolen, depending on your specific circumstances, you may get up to $12,000 worth of coverage for your luggage and personal items if they are stolen, permanently lost, or accidentally damaged due to circumstances outside your control.
Trip cancellations or airline delays
Flight and airport delays or cancellations are common. TID may help cover the cost of any pre-booked accommodation or tours that you may miss due to these changes.
Sports & activities travel insurance
Planning on skydiving, scuba diving, or hiking? TID can cover many adventure sports, but always check your Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for details. Read the PDS before purchasing.
Travel delay
With travel delay coverage, you may be reimbursed for additional expenses, like accommodation or meals, if your travel is interrupted, up to $2,000 (with a limit of $250 per 24 hours).
Read the fine print and compare our plans
This is a brief summary of cover only and does not include the full terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions. Read the PDS before purchasing
Top destinations for students and gap year travellers
Some of the most popular places amongst travelling students are:
Thailand
Perfect for volunteering, adventure, and experiencing vibrant culture.
New Zealand
Ideal for outdoor activities, adventure sports, and breathtaking landscapes.
Canada
Great for studying abroad, skiing, and exploring beautiful national parks.
Japan
Offers a blend of modernity and tradition, great for both travel and study.
Bali
With a short(ish) flight from Australia, hospitable locals, and little budget required, Bali is a perfect paradise to unwind and explore. Just watch out for thieves, questionable food, and scooter mishaps!
Europe
Rich in history and culture, popular for study abroad programs. Europe is a prime destination for young travellers, whether for a semester abroad or a quick, educational escape.
USA
The USA offers great education, and endless bucket list destinations, from California to New York, making it a top pick for Australian students.
Travel, safety, and study tips for gap year travellers
- Keep digital and hard copies of important documents: Have backups of your passport, visa, insurance, and itinerary.
Stay connected: Make sure to have a way to reach your family and friends in case of emergency.- Budget wisely: Plan your finances ahead, but always leave room for unexpected costs.
Pack light: Don’t overpack—only take what you really need. Here is a list of TID’S travel packing essentials.- Check travel advisories: Stay informed about the safety situation in the country you are visiting. Refer to the Australian Government’s Smartraveller website for the latest travel alerts and information.
Additional cover options available for students
For some travellers, gap year is about adrenaline-packed adventures, for others, it’s capturing every moment. TID offers some add-ons when purchasing a travel insurance plan, so you can customise your travel insurance to suit your travel abroad.
Extra cover for your valuable items
While our policy covers some valuable electronic items like cameras, laptops and phones, you may wish to add extra cover for specific items above our standard limits. This can include a musical instrument, sports gear and tech gadgets.
Snow sports cover option
Skiing can be exhilarating, but accidents do happen. Protect yourself with our Snow Sports cover, available for an additional premium, no matter your skill level.
Student and gap yar traveller travel insurance FAQs
Why do I need travel insurance for my gap year?
Travel insurance covers more than just lost luggage. For gap year travellers, it protects against unexpected situations like medical emergencies, cancellations, or changes to your itinerary due to a delayed or cancelled flight.
What should I look for in travel insurance as a student?
Look for travel insurance covering the places you’ll visit, activities you enjoy, and unplanned events (trip delays, lost/stolen belongings, medical emergencies, etc.). It’s also important to ensure your travel insurance is affordable, especially as a travelling student.
Can I extend my travel insurance if my gap year plans change?
Yes, you can easily extend your travel insurance online if your gap year plans change, as long as your policy’s still current.
What happens if I cancel my studies and come home early?
Depending on your circumstances and reasons for returning home early, TID may be able to cover the costs of your early return. Check your PDS for specific details, and if you’re still unsure, contact us.
What if my child is travelling alone and is under 18 years old? Are there any restrictions?
If your child is under 18 and travelling alone, you can purchase travel insurance from TID on their behalf. They’ll receive full coverage as outlined in the policy’s terms and conditions. They’ll also receive 24/7 emergency assistance, so you can relax, knowing they’re supported.
This is a brief summary of cover only and does not include the full terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions. Read the PDS before purchasing.