Student Travel Insurance Guide: Study Abroad Cover
By the Travel Insurance Comparison NZ editorial team
Studying overseas usually means a longer stay than a holiday, and sometimes a visa or institution with its own insurance rules. Sort out what your host institution and visa require first, then check a travel policy against what is left.
What SafeTravel advises students
MFAT's SafeTravel advice for New Zealanders studying overseas says to get comprehensive travel insurance before heading overseas, and to check the policy against these questions (SafeTravel (MFAT): People studying overseas):
- Does it cover all activities you plan to do, including adventure sports or skiing?
- Does it cover medical evacuation if you cannot be treated in your destination country?
- Does it cover any pre-existing conditions you have?
- Will it cover you if you travel onwards to a third country for a holiday?
SafeTravel also recommends registering your travel, checking whether your student visa allows you to earn income, and considering your physical and mental health before you go.
ACC while you are away
ACC may help with an accidental injury after you return home, but only while you are still ordinarily resident in New Zealand. ACC says it generally covers injuries if you intend to be out of the country for less than six months, and that it does not cover overseas treatment costs (ACC: If you're a New Zealander injured overseas). For a longer course, check your position with ACC before you go.
What else to check in the policy
- Maximum trip length and extension rules.
- Limits for laptops and phones, and exclusions for unattended items.
- Cancellation or curtailment cover, and whether it says anything about course fees.
- Mental health exclusions and what support the emergency assistance service offers.
See also our longer student travel insurance guide.
Frequently asked questions
Does my overseas university require a particular insurance policy?
Your host institution or your student visa may set its own insurance requirements. Ask your host institution and check the visa rules for your destination before buying travel insurance.
Will a travel policy cover a whole semester or year abroad?
Maximum trip lengths differ between insurers and policies. Check the maximum period of cover, whether it can be extended while you are overseas, and whether trips home in between are allowed.
Am I covered if I work part-time while studying?
Check the work and occupation exclusions in the policy wording, and check that your student visa allows you to earn income.
This page is general information, not financial advice, and does not take your personal circumstances into account. Cover, limits, excesses and exclusions differ between insurers and policies. The policy wording (and any policy schedule or endorsement) is what decides a claim, so read it — or ask the insurer — before you buy.
Sources
Official sources cited on this page, checked 30 September 2026.
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