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Why Students Need Travel Insurance

Whether you’re going on a study-abroad year, a gap-year backpacking trip, or
volunteering overseas, travel insurance that you can rely on is essential for your travels. 

  • Visa and university requirements: Many countries and institutions require proof of insurance, including Schengen visas with minimum €30,000 medical cover. 
  • Average medical claims: ABI stats show the average medical claim abroad is £1,724 (2023), so insurance helps avoid costly bills. 
  • Peace of mind for parents: Knowing your child is protected from unexpected risks eases worries. 

Which Policy Type Fits Your Trip?

Gigasure offers three key student Travel Insurance options tailored to your itinerary: 

Single-Trip Cover

Best for one-off journeys and can cover you up to 90 days. 

Annual Multi-Trip Cover

Ideal if you plan multiple trips within
12 months, like returning home
during breaks or several short
backpacking trips. 

Backpackers Cover

Designed for longer adventures or
gap years, offering extended trip
lengths and greater flexibility. This
usually covers up to 13 months. 
Trip Type Typical Duration Example Recommended Policy Sample Cost*
Term Abroad in Spain 3 months Single-Trip £68–£150
Gap year SE Asia 12 months Backpackers £450–£900
Multiple short trips UK/EU Multiple (depending on your cover level – 31,45 or 60 days per trip with a total of 183 days in a year) Annual Multi-Trip £25–£52
Single-Trip 
Trip Type:
Term Abroad in Spain
Typical Duration Example:
3 months
Sample Cost*:
£68–£150
Backpackers
Trip Type:
Gap year SE Asia
Typical Duration Example:
12 months
Sample Cost*
£450–£900
Annual Multi-Trip
Trip Type:
Multiple short trips UK/EU
Typical Duration Example:
Multiple (depending on your cover level
– 31,45 or 60 days per trip with a total
of 183 days in a year)
Sample Cost*
£450–£900

*Indicative prices; exact cost depends on age, destination, and add-ons. The example above is based on an 18 year old. 

What’s Covered and What Isn’t

Covered as Standard

Check £10–20 million medical & repatriation 
Check Cancellation / curtailment 
Check Baggage & mobility aids 
Check Personal liability & legal 
Check Delays & missed departure 

Not Covered (unless extra is added) 

Cross Claims related to the reason why the FCDO have
advised against or all but essential travel.  
Claims related to circumstances known to you at the
time of buying your policy or booking your trip,
whichever is later. 
Cross Adventure Sports and Activities (without add-on) 
Cross Undeclared medical conditions or being unfit to
travel or travelling against medical advice. 
Cross Substance, drug, alcohol abuse or drinking too much
alcohol 
Cross Losses below policy excess 

Add-Ons Students Can Buy

Gadget cover is especially popular since most students travel with valuable tech, and accidents
can be costly. The last thing you need is to lose your laptop, for example, so make sure you are
covered for the gadgets that matter most to you.

  • Gadget Cover: Protect your laptop, phone, and other devices: essential for study and travel.
  • Winter-Sports Upgrade: For skiing or snowboarding trips. 
  • Adventure Sports Activity Upgrade: Covers higher risk sports like kite buggying, sky diving, white or black water rafting or mountain biking.  
  • A different product – Car Hire Excess Insurance: Useful for road trips or working holidays. 

Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

Always declare any pre-existing conditions upfront.
Failing to do so may invalidate your cover. Be aware
that even one medical condition can raise the whole
policy premium. 

Working, Interning & Volunteering Abroad 

Many student policies allow work, internships, and
volunteering abroad but always check the policy
wording. Some activities may require special add-
ons, especially if they are manual or hazardous, and
not all policies will have the coverage you need. You
must ensure you understand exactly what you are
covered for. 

GHIC/EHIC Myth-Buster 

The UK’s GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) provides free or reduced-
cost state healthcare in some countries, but it:

  • Does not cover private medical care or repatriation.
  • Requires one card per family member.
  • Is not a substitute for reliable travel insurance. 

Even if you have a GHIC, you still need travel insurance
tailored for students.  

Visa & Study-Programme
Requirements — Key Facts 

Certain countries and programmes require minimum insurance levels or
specific wording. For example: 

Destination  Minimum Medical Cover Notes
USA  $100,000  Often mandatory for
student visa 
France  €30,000 Required for
Schengen visa 
Australia  AUD 50,000 Proof needed for
some visas 
Japan  Varies University may specify 
USA 
Minimum Medical Cover:
$100,000 
Notes:
Often mandatory for student visa 
France
Minimum Medical Cover:
€30,000
Notes:
Required for Schengen visa
Australia
Minimum Medical Cover:
AUD 50,000
Notes:
Proof needed for some visas 
Japan 
Minimum Medical Cover:
Varies
Notes:
University may specify

Always confirm requirements well before you travel so you know exactly what your policy covers,
so there’s no risk of surprises! Be aware that these costs can be far lower in case you need
medical treatment. Always check requirements and insurance cover levels.  

Cost Factors & Typical Prices

Premiums depend on: 

  • Destination (UK, Europe, worldwide) 
  • Trip length 
  • Activities (e.g., hazardous sports) 
  • Gadget value 
  • Excess amount chosen 

Gigasure App, the Fastest Way to Make a Claim

The Gigasure app takes the hassle out of submitting claims. Simply log in, select the relevant policy, and kickstart
the process. The app pre-populates most of the required information available on your account, eliminating
the need to search through old emails or documents. From there, just follow the remaining steps,
and you can submit your claim in moments. It's a seamless, streamlined experience that gets
your claim submitted quickly, saving you valuable time and frustration.

1

Your Policy

Find and select your policy
2

Your Trip

Provide details
of your trip
3

Your Claim

Tell us more
about the claim
4

Supporting Documents

Attach all your claim
supporting documents
5

Submit

Add your payment
details and submit your
claim

Submit your claim now

Why Students Choose Gigasure 

1
Clear, jargon-free policies tailored for students
2
Competitive pricing with flexible cover options
3
Instant online quotes and easy purchase
4
24/7 UK-based support and claims handling

No need for long wait times on the phone while listening to elevator
music. Gigasure is quick, efficient, and no-frills. In addition, you can
always access your policy documents via our app. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Can you get student travel insurance?
Yes, Gigasure offers tailored Travel Insurance policies designed specifically for students. Whether you’re studying
abroad, backpacking through multiple countries, or taking a gap year to travel, work, or volunteer, Gigasure has
flexible options to suit your needs. These policies provide essential coverage such as medical emergencies, trip
cancellations, and baggage protection, with the added option to include gadget cover and extreme-sports upgrades.  
Is travel insurance mandatory for a UK student travelling overseas?
It depends on your destination and the specific visa or university requirements. Many countries, particularly in
Europe and North America, require proof of travel insurance as part of their visa application process to ensure you
have adequate medical coverage while abroad. 
Can non-residents buy travel insurance in the UK? 
Most policies, including those from Gigasure, usually require you to be a UK resident to be eligible for cover. This is
because the policies are designed to meet UK regulations and consumer protections. However, there can be
exceptions or special arrangements depending on the insurer and the specific product. 
Useful Resources: