Europe is an epic classroom—but a hospital bill can cost more than a semester’s tuition. Requirements vary by country, visa type, and program, and the insurance jargon can be confusing. Do you need Schengen visa insurance? Is EHIC/GHIC enough? What about winter sports or personal liability for labs and internships?
This guide makes it simple. We compare the best student travel insurance in Europe, explain Schengen rules, flag common exclusions, and give you provider shortlists for exchanges, Erasmus semesters, language schools, and backpacking side trips. By the end, you’ll know what to buy, how much coverage you need, and how to get a visa-compliant certificate in minutes.
Quick answer: Do you need student travel insurance in Europe?
- Non‑EU/EEA students visiting Schengen countries for up to 90 days (e.g., language course, summer school, short exchange) typically need Schengen travel insurance meeting the €30,000 minimum medical coverage and repatriation requirement across all Schengen states.
- Long-stay (more than 90 days): You’ll usually need country‑specific student health insurance after arrival (e.g., Germany’s statutory student plan, France’s Assurance Maladie, Italy’s SSN). Travel insurance is still recommended for your journey and initial weeks, and for trip cover.
- EU/EEA students with an EHIC: Your EHIC covers medically necessary public care during temporary stays in other EU/EEA states—BUT it does not cover private hospitals, medical evacuation, repatriation, or trip cancellation. Pair EHIC with travel insurance.
- UK students with a GHIC/EHIC: Similar to EHIC limits; add travel insurance for baggage, cancellations, private care, and repatriation.
- Erasmus/Study abroad in Europe: Many universities require proof of travel medical insurance plus personal liability (especially in Germany/France for labs/internships). Check your host’s paperwork.
Tip: When in doubt, buy a plan that explicitly states “Schengen visa compliant” and issues an embassy letter.
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| Best Student Travel Insurance in Europe |
Schengen travel insurance: What the visa actually requires
To satisfy Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa rules, your student travel insurance in Europe should:
- Provide a minimum of €30,000 in medical coverage per person.
- Cover all Schengen member states.
- Be valid for the entire duration of your stay (and ideally a few extra days).
- Include repatriation of remains and medical evacuation.
- Provide a certificate/letter in English (or the consulate’s language) stating coverage, dates, and policy number.
Nice-to-have extras for students:
- COVID‑19 illness coverage (still often requested).
- No or low deductible for easier visa approval in some consulates.
- Personal liability (often required by host universities for internships or lab work).
- 24/7 assistance line and direct‑billing hospital network.
How to choose the best student travel insurance in Europe (2025 checklist)
- Visa status and duration: Schengen short stay vs national long-stay student visa.
- Coverage limits: Aim for €100,000–€1,000,000 medical maximum (more than the €30k minimum).
- Deductible/excess: €0–€100 makes budgeting easier; higher excess lowers premiums.
- Evacuation/repatriation: At least €50,000 evacuation and repatriation included.
- Personal liability: €500,000+ recommended for housing, labs, bikes, internships.
- Winter/adventure sports: Add a rider if you’ll ski, snowboard, dive, or hike at altitude.
- Pre‑existing conditions: Check waiting periods and “acute onset” provisions.
- Mental health: Look for counseling/therapy session coverage (often capped).
- Electronics/gadgets: Add coverage for laptops/phones if not included.
- Proof for consulates/universities: Instant visa letter and English policy documents.
Editor’s picks: Best student travel insurance in Europe (2025)
These providers are widely used by students, Erasmus participants, and universities. Always verify coverage, exclusions, and eligibility for your nationality and destination.
| Provider | Type | Best For | Standout Features | Visa Letter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AXA Schengen | Schengen travel | Short stays, visa appointments | €30k–€100k options, instant certificate, multi-trip | Yes |
| Europ Assistance (Schengen/Student) | Schengen travel | Visa-required trips, city breaks | 24/7 assistance, strong European network | Yes |
| Allianz Assistance (Allianz Travel) | Travel/Backpacker | Erasmus, backpackers, multi-country trips | Wide benefit tiers, winter sports options | Yes |
| DR‑WALTER (EDUCARE24/Protrip‑World) | Student/Intern | Erasmus, interns, Au Pair, semesters | Medical + liability, embassy-accepted in DE/FR | Yes |
| HanseMerkur (Young Travel) | Student/Travel | Work & Travel, exchange, semesters | Student-friendly pricing, liability add-ons | Yes |
| Swisscare (StudentPass Europe) | Student/Travel | Students needing EU-wide proof | Visa letter, modular benefits, multi-month | Yes |
| IMG (Patriot Travel Medical) | Travel medical | High medical max, long trips | Up to $1–2M medical max, Schengen letter | Yes |
| Seven Corners (Liaison Student) | Student travel | Fewer exclusions, families | Evacuation strong, trip cover options | Yes |
| World Nomads | Adventure travel | Sports-heavy trips | Extensive activities list, flexible extensions | Yes |
| SafetyWing (Nomad Insurance) | Global travel | Multi-country, rolling monthly | Monthly subscription, some EU countries covered | Yes (check consulate acceptance) |
| Allianz Care / Cigna Global | International health | Long stays, multi-country | Worldwide cover, evacuation, add-ons | Not Schengen-specific (ask for letter) |
Note: For long-stay student visas (e.g., Germany D‑visa), consider country-specific student health insurance after arrival; use a travel policy for transit and initial period.
At-a-glance comparison: Key benefits students care about
| Feature | Schengen Travel Plans | Student/Intern Plans | International Health Plans |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical maximum | €30k–€500k (choose higher) | €250k–€1M typical | €1M–unlimited |
| Evacuation & repatriation | Included | Included | Included |
| Personal liability | Sometimes | Often standard or optional | Optional |
| Winter sports | Add-on | Add-on | Add-on |
| Electronics/gadgets | Rare; separate policy | Optional in some | Optional |
| Pre‑existing conditions | Limited/acute onset | Limited; check waiting periods | Underwritten; better for long-term |
| Mental health | Limited | Moderate (session caps) | Stronger with add-ons |
| Visa certificate | Yes | Yes | On request (not Schengen-specific) |
| Ideal trip length | Days to 90 days | 1–12 months (semester/year) | 6–24 months multi-country |
Best by scenario: What to buy for your study plan
1) Short language course or summer school (under 90 days)
- What you need: Schengen visa-compliant travel insurance.
- Recommended features:
- €100,000+ medical max
- €0–€100 deductible
- Evacuation/repatriation
- COVID‑19 coverage
- Providers to consider: AXA Schengen, Europ Assistance, IMG Patriot, Seven Corners, Swisscare.
2) Erasmus/Exchange semester (90–180 days)
- What you need: Student-focused travel insurance with liability and sports options; check if your host requires liability insurance (Haftpflicht).
- Recommended features:
- €250,000+ medical max
- Personal liability €500,000–€1,000,000
- Mental health sessions
- Trip interruption and baggage
- Providers to consider: DR‑WALTER EDUCARE24/Protrip‑World, HanseMerkur Young Travel, Allianz Assistance Student, Swisscare StudentPass.
3) Full degree (1–2 years) in a Schengen country
- What you need: Travel insurance for the trip + initial weeks, then switch to national student health insurance (mandatory in many countries).
- Country notes:
- Germany: Public student insurance (TK, AOK, Barmer) for under‑30s; private “incoming” plans for language/pathway students or over‑30s.
- France: Register with Assurance Maladie (free) + consider top-up (mutuelle).
- Netherlands: Basic Dutch insurance if you take paid work/internships; otherwise private student coverage for studies.
- Italy/Spain: National health enrollment options for students (regional rules).
- Providers to consider (initial travel): Allianz, IMG, Seven Corners; then switch locally.
4) UK student traveling in EU on weekend trips
- What you need: GHIC for necessary public care + travel insurance for repatriation, baggage, cancellation, and winter sports.
- Providers to consider: AXA, Allianz Assistance, World Nomads (activities), Endsleigh for contents/gadgets.
5) Adventure-heavy travel (skiing in the Alps, diving, hiking)
- What you need: Winter/adventure sports add-on, higher medical max, off‑piste cover if applicable, search & rescue.
- Providers to consider: World Nomads (broad sports list), Allianz Assistance with sports add-on, DR‑WALTER sports modules, HanseMerkur wintersport rider.
What student travel insurance in Europe should cover
Must-haves:
- Emergency medical and hospitalization
- Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation of remains
- 24/7 assistance helpline
- COVID‑19 medical treatment (explicitly included)
- Personal liability (preferably €500k+), especially for internships/housing
- Trip interruption and delay (for non-refundable program costs and flights)
- Baggage loss/delay and passport replacement
- Telemedicine/virtual GP access
Nice-to-haves:
- Mental health sessions and crisis support
- Search & rescue in mountain regions
- Winter/adventure sports coverage
- Electronics/gadget cover (or a separate policy)
- Rental car CDW/LDW (if you’ll drive)
Typically not covered (or limited):
- Routine checkups, vaccinations, and chronic condition management (use local systems for long stays)
- Pre‑existing conditions (unless declared and accepted; or “acute onset” only)
- Alcohol/drug-related incidents, reckless behavior
- Unapproved adventure activities or competitions
- Unattended baggage or unlocked accommodation thefts
How much does student travel insurance in Europe cost?
Indicative pricing (varies by age, length, destination, and benefits):
- Schengen travel (short stay): €1–€3 per day for basic; €3–€6 per day for mid‑tier with liability/sports.
- Semester‑length student plans: €25–€60 per month basic; €40–€100 per month with liability/mental health/sports.
- International health (long stay, multi‑country): €60–€200+ per month depending on zone and outpatient options.
Money‑saving tips:
- Choose a slightly higher deductible (€100–€250) to cut premiums.
- Exclude the USA zone if not needed.
- Buy multi‑trip annual if you’ll take multiple short trips.
- Use student promo codes and university partner discounts.
- Pay annually where discounts apply.
Visa documents: How to get a Schengen insurance certificate
- Buy a plan marked “Schengen visa compliant.”
- Download the certificate/visa letter:
- Shows your name, dates, territory (Schengen/Europe), policy number, and coverage amounts (≥€30,000 medical + repatriation).
- Print or save PDFs for your consulate appointment.
- Travel date changes? Ask the insurer to revise dates and reissue the letter.
Pro tip: Add 3–5 buffer days beyond your planned return in case of delays.
Personal liability: Often required for students
- Why it matters: Many European universities, labs, and landlords require proof of personal liability (“Responsabilité Civile,” “Haftpflicht”) to cover accidental damage or third-party injury.
- Target limit: €500,000–€1,500,000.
- Where to get it: DR‑WALTER, HanseMerkur, Swisscare often include or offer as an add‑on; some countries sell stand‑alone policies.
Claiming on your policy: Step-by-step
- Emergencies: Call the insurer’s 24/7 assistance line ASAP (number on your card/certificate). They’ll direct you to an approved hospital and handle guarantees of payment where possible.
- Non‑emergencies: Use telemedicine or visit a listed clinic; some plans require pre‑authorization for imaging or hospital stays.
- Keep everything: Medical reports, prescriptions, invoices, police reports (for theft), boarding passes (for delay).
- Submit claims promptly via the app/portal; follow file size and format rules.
- Track reimbursements and appeal if necessary within the policy timeframe.
Common mistakes (and how to avoid them)
- Buying a generic travel policy that doesn’t include repatriation or a visa letter—result: refused Schengen application.
- Forgetting personal liability when a host university requires it—result: enrollment delays or housing issues.
- Assuming EHIC/GHIC replaces travel insurance—it doesn’t cover repatriation, baggage, or cancellations.
- Ignoring winter sports exclusions—always add the rider if you’ll ski/snowboard.
- Undervaluing electronics—buy gadgets/contents cover separately if your laptop is essential.
- Not declaring pre‑existing conditions—claims may be denied.
FAQs: Best Student Travel Insurance in Europe (Schema-friendly)
Q1: What is the minimum insurance required for a Schengen student visa?
A1: At least €30,000 in medical coverage, valid in all Schengen countries for the entire stay, including repatriation of remains and emergency medical evacuation. A visa certificate/letter is usually required for your appointment.Q2: Is an EHIC or GHIC enough for student trips in Europe?
A2: No. EHIC/GHIC covers medically necessary care in public facilities during temporary stays, but it doesn’t cover private care, repatriation, baggage, or trip cancellations. Pair it with travel insurance.Q3: Do I need personal liability insurance for Erasmus?
A3: Often yes. Many universities and landlords in Europe (especially Germany and France) require personal liability coverage. Look for student plans that include or allow a liability add‑on.Q4: Which insurers are commonly accepted for Schengen visa applications?
A4: AXA Schengen, Europ Assistance, Allianz Assistance, DR‑WALTER (EDUCARE24/Protrip‑World), HanseMerkur, Swisscare, IMG, and Seven Corners are widely used. Always bring a visa letter and verify your consulate’s preferences.Q5: How much should I insure for winter sports in the Alps?
A5: Choose a plan that explicitly includes winter sports and search & rescue, with a high medical maximum (€250,000–€1,000,000) and evacuation coverage. Off‑piste or freestyle may require a higher tier.Q6: I’m studying in Germany for two years. Do I buy travel insurance or health insurance?
A6: Use travel insurance for your journey and initial weeks. For the academic period, enroll in German student health insurance (statutory for most under‑30s, private “incoming” for language/pathway). Your university will advise.Q7: Will my policy cover pre‑existing conditions?
A7: Many travel policies exclude them or cover only the “acute onset.” Some student plans have waiting periods. Declare conditions upfront and, for long stays, consider international health insurance with underwritten coverage.Buy once, be covered everywhere you study
The best student travel insurance in Europe protects your health, your budget, and your plans—from Schengen visa approval to weekend ski trips. Pick a policy that meets visa rules, includes evacuation and liability, and fits your activities. Pair EHIC/GHIC or national student health systems with travel insurance for cancellations, baggage, and private care when you need it.