Studying abroad is now a natural part of student life – from a one-week study trip to a full Erasmus semester. From an insurance perspective, the question is always the same: how long does this count as travel, and from what point does it become living abroad? The dividing line isn't philosophical – it's drawn by classic travel insurance's duration rules.
- Short study trip, language course, competition: classic travel insurance – as a student-discounted or standard policy.
- A semester or year abroad (Erasmus): the territory of long-stay cover – ordinary travel insurance is typically not enough.
- The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) applies to students in the EU too – it entitles you to state-funded emergency care during your studies as well, according to local rules.
Short-Form Trips: Study Visits, Camps, Competitions
A school trip, language camp, or academic competition lasting a few days to a few weeks is the territory of classic travel insurance – taken out individually or in a group form if the school organises it. For student athletes (competitions, training camps!), the activity-declaration rule applies here too. One practical tip for parents: put the policy number and the assistance hotline into your child's phone – they'll be the one there if something goes wrong, not you.
Erasmus and Similar Programmes: The Long Stay
A stay of several months is a different category: the duration limit on classic travel insurance is typically shorter than this, and the risks of “living abroad” (ongoing healthcare needs, renting a room or flat, work) are different too. This calls for cover designed for long stays abroad – the duration chapter of the working abroad article discusses the details too. For Erasmus programmes, the host institution often sets a minimum insurance requirement as well – it's worth clarifying this at the outset and matching your cover to it.
The EHIC from a Student's Point of View
For studies within the EU, the EHIC is a student's good friend: it entitles you to state-funded emergency care in the host country too, according to local rules. But its limits (covered in a dedicated article) apply to students as well: private care, medical repatriation, and baggage are left uncovered without it. The good formula for students is the same double act: EHIC + insurance matched to the length of stay.
The Student Recipe
For a short trip: travel insurance matched to the type of activity (sport? competition?). For a long stay abroad: a product matched to the duration + EHIC + checking the host institution's requirements. In every case: the policy and assistance hotline saved on the student's phone, with a copy for the parents – plus a short “what to do if something goes wrong” conversation before departure; the in-case-of-trouble card is a good basis for this.
Frequently asked questions on this topic
Is the insurance offered by the university enough?
Packages offered by host institutions vary widely – some are fully comprehensive, others cover only a liability element. You need to read the content just as you would any offer: limits, exclusions, assistance service – and any gaps can be topped up from home.
Working alongside my studies – does my insurance cover that?
Working is a separate category: cover taken out for study purposes typically does not automatically extend to student work. If you'll also be working while abroad, you need to declare this when taking out cover – the working-abroad article explains why.
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