Traveling abroad as a student can be an enriching and rewarding experience, but it also comes with some risks and uncertainties. Whether you are studying, volunteering, interning, or just exploring a new country, you may face unexpected situations such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost baggage, or theft. That’s why having a reliable travel insurance policy is essential for protecting your health, safety, and finances while you are away from home.
Travel insurance is a type of insurance that covers various expenses and losses related to travel, such as medical costs, trip interruption, baggage delay, and emergency evacuation. Depending on the plan you choose, you may also get additional benefits such as travel assistance, concierge services, or identity theft protection. Travel insurance can help you avoid or minimize the financial impact of unforeseen events that may disrupt your trip or harm your well-being.
However, not all travel insurance plans are created equal. Some may have exclusions, limitations, or high deductibles that may not suit your needs or budget. As a student traveler, you need to find a plan that offers adequate coverage, affordable rates, and flexible options that match your travel plans and preferences. To help you with your search, we have compiled a list of the top 7 travel insurance options for students in the USA in 2023.
Top 7 Travel Insurance Options for Students in the USA
Here are our top picks for travel insurance companies that offer plans designed for student travelers:
1. AXA Assistance USA
AXA Assistance USA is a leading provider of travel insurance and assistance services worldwide. It offers three levels of coverage: Silver, Gold, and Platinum. All plans include 24/7 emergency assistance, trip cancellation and interruption, baggage protection, and medical coverage. The Platinum plan also covers pre-existing medical conditions, rental car damage, and sports equipment. You can customize your plan with optional add-ons such as cancel for any reason, adventure sports coverage, or academic protection. AXA Assistance USA has a network of over 40,000 providers in more than 200 countries and territories.
2. Travel Guard
Travel Guard is a trusted name in the travel insurance industry, with over 30 years of experience and millions of customers worldwide. It offers four plans for student travelers: Essential, Preferred, Deluxe, and Student Deluxe. All plans include trip cancellation and interruption, medical expenses and evacuation, baggage loss and delay, and travel assistance services. The Student Deluxe plan also covers academic interruption or cancellation due to illness or injury. You can enhance your coverage with optional upgrades such as cancel for any reason, medical upgrade, or adventure sports coverage.
3. Allianz Global Assistance
Allianz Global Assistance is one of the largest travel insurance and assistance companies in the world, with over 35 million customers in 76 countries. It offers two plans for student travelers: OneTrip Basic and OneTrip Prime. Both plans include trip cancellation and interruption, emergency medical and dental care, baggage loss and delay, and 24/7 travel assistance. The OneTrip Prime plan also covers pre-existing medical conditions and rental car damage. You can also choose from various annual plans if you travel frequently throughout the year.
4. USI Affinity Travel Insurance Services
USI Affinity Travel Insurance Services is a prominent individual and group travel insurance provider. Student travelers might choose Study USA HealthCare or InterMedical Insurance. Both programs provide full medical coverage for international and US students. Emergency medical evacuation, repatriation, accidental death and dismemberment, personal responsibility, and terrorist coverage are also included. Adjust your deductible and insurance limit to meet your budget.
5. Travelex Insurance
Travelex Insurance is a reputable travel insurance company that has been serving travelers since 1996. It offers two plans for student travelers: Travel Basic and Travel Select. Both plans include trip cancellation and interruption, emergency medical expenses and evacuation, baggage protection, and travel assistance services. The Travel Select plan also covers pre-existing medical conditions and offers optional upgrades such as cancellation for any reason, adventure sports coverage, or car rental collision.
6. Generali Global Assistance
Generali Global Assistance is a global leader in travel insurance and assistance services, with over 25 years of experience and more than 13 million customers worldwide. It offers three plans for student travelers: Standard, Preferred, and Premium. All plans include trip cancellation and interruption, medical expenses, and evacuation, baggage loss and delay, and 24/7 travel assistance. The Preferred and Premium plans also cover pre-existing medical conditions and offer optional add-ons such as cancel for any reason, medical upgrade, or rental car damage.
7. World Nomads
World Nomads is a popular travel insurance company that caters to adventurous and independent travelers. It offers two plans for student travelers: Standard and Explorer. Both plans include medical expenses and evacuation, trip cancellation and interruption, baggage loss, and delay, and 24/7 emergency assistance. The Explorer plan also covers adventure sports and activities, such as skiing, scuba diving, bungee jumping, and more. You can also extend or modify your coverage online while you are traveling.
Coverage Details and Benefits of Each Insurance Option
| Insurance Option | Trip Cancellation | Trip Interruption | Emergency Medical | Emergency Evacuation | Baggage and Personal Effects | Baggage Delay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AXA Assistance USA123 | 100% of trip cost | 100% or 150% of trip cost (depending on plan) | $25,000 to $250,000 (depending on plan) | $100,000 to $1,000,000 (depending on plan) | $750 to $3,000 (depending on plan) | $200 to $600 (depending on plan) |
| Travel Guard45 | 100% of trip cost (for most plans) | 100% or 150% of trip cost (depending on plan) | $15,000 to $250,000 (depending on plan) | $150,000 to $1,000,000 (depending on plan) | $750 to $2,500 (depending on plan) | $100 to $1,000 (depending on plan) |
| Allianz Global Assistance | Up to 100% of trip cost (for most plans) | Up to 150% of trip cost (for most plans) | $10,000 to $250,000 (depending on plan) | $50,000 to $1,000,000 (depending on plan) | $500 to $2,000 (depending on plan) | $200 to $600 (depending on plan) |
| USI Affinity Travel Insurance Services | Up to 100% of trip cost (for most plans) | Up to 150% of trip cost (for most plans) | Up to $250,000 (depending on plan) | Up to $1,000,000 (depending on plan) | Up to $2,500 (depending on plan) | Up to $600 (depending on plan) |
| Travelex Insurance | Up to 100% of trip cost (for most plans) | Up to 150% of trip cost (for most plans) | Up to $50,000 (depending on plan) | Up to $500,000 (depending on plan) | Up to $1,000 (depending on plan) | Up to $600 (depending on plan) |
| Generali Global Assistance | Up to 100% of trip cost (for most plans) | Up to 175% of trip cost (for most plans) | Up to $250,000 (depending on plan) | Up to $1,000,000 (depending on plan) | Up to $2,500 (depending on plan) | Up to $750 (depending on plan) |
| World Nomads | Not available for US residents. For non-US residents: up to 100% of trip cost for some plans. | For US residents: not available. For non-US residents: up to 150% of trip cost for some plans. | For US residents: not available. For non-US residents: up to 150% of trip cost for some plans. | For US residents: up to $100,000 for medical expenses and up to $300,000 for medical evacuation. For non-US residents: up to unlimited amount for medical expenses and up to unlimited amount for medical evacuation. | For US residents: up to $1,000 for baggage and personal effects. For non-US residents: up to £2,500 for baggage and personal effects. | For US residents: up to $300 for baggage delay. For non-US residents: up to £500 for baggage delay. |
