Travel Insurance for Studying Abroad

INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL INSURANCE: SOMETHING YOU SHOULD NEVER FORGET WHEN TRAVELING ABROAD.

The dream of an unforgettable trip abroad can turn into a nightmare for anyone who is not prepared for the unexpected. These eventualities may be minor and sorted out immediately, or they may turn into a major headache! That is why international travel insurance is essential for any traveler, especially students on an exchange abroad…

Living in another country for a while is certainly an experience that brings enormous personal and professional value to any student. We know that while you are away, homesickness hits hard and every morning brings discoveries and adventures. To experience it all with peace of mind and a sense of responsibility, it is essential to leave Brazil with good international travel insurance that can help in a possible emergency.

After all, what if…

What is international travel insurance for?

Travel insurance helps you deal with unexpected situations that may arise abroad. THINK: you are in another country, far from your family and friends, and you accidentally break your leg and need treatment. In many countries, first aid and this kind of treatment can cost around 2 thousand or perhaps 10 thousand bucks. If something this serious happens and you call on your travel insurance assistance, you will not have that expense weighing on your trip.

Yes, this text is meant to be pessimistic. We have not even mentioned that in many destinations you are required to have travel insurance just to set foot in the country… but many people fail to see why they need it for their trip. So yes, this text is meant to be pessimistic to help you include the security of international assistance in your travel plans. Think of travel insurance as something essential for your trip, like your plane ticket, accommodation, luggage, toothbrush, panties, or underpants. You do not travel without those, right? If you do, okay, let's move on…

Now for the price. YeeeeH, how much is it my friend ?!?

The cost of travel insurance can vary depending on several factors: the coverage amount, age, destination, number of items covered, and so on. Most policies basically cover accidents and their consequences (such as disability or death), medications, flight delays and cancellations by the airline (only for specific reasons listed in the general conditions of each policy), as well as misrouted baggage and various other items that you can check when purchasing. Yes, there are plenty of insurance brands that are not worth a plugged nickel; do not be fooled by miraculous deals. The average cost of minimally decent insurance for six months abroad can be between R$ 1.200,00 and R$ 3.000,00 thousand, depending on what is covered. And the rule is clear: the greater the plan's coverage, the more it will cost to take it out. That is because if you need assistance, the insurer's risk will be greater… As Grandpa used to say, there is no such thing as a free lunch.

About the famous Xiiiiiiiiiennnnnguiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii treaty

Officially called the Schengen Agreement. It is the agreement that establishes, among other things, that any tourist, or even that super-cool Wolverine student, will need travel insurance with minimum coverage of 30 thousand euros to set foot in the Old Continent countries that are part of this lovely agreement. Now, you may be thinking: “But immigration might not ask me to show this proof.” Yes, they might not ask for the document showing that you fully meet the legal requirements, so come back to reality: what if…

Except… in that case, one thing is certain: you will not be authorized to enter your destination country, and you even run the risk of deportation. So you left your house and crossed your country's borders just to embarrass yourself like that? Shame on you!

But this legal issue should not even be the focus; the focus is your peace of mind during the trip.

All right! I am convinced that something teeeeerrible could happen…

How do you use travel insurance abroad? First, it is essential to read the conditions of any plan you take out so you know the details of all the things you are entitled to. Okay, you are not going to read a damn thing, are you? Here is the summary:

Always keep the voucher for the plan you purchased within easy reach. Obviously, here in the 21st century, the tip is exactly what you are thinking: SMARTPHONE!

Had a problem? Call the emergency number on the voucher saved on your smartphone (and in your email too). The agent will ask for your voucher number to identify your plan's coverage and then refer you for treatment at the nearest partner hospital. But, waiiiit wait! What if I have an accident and they take me straight to the hospital? In that case, make sure you keep all your receipts so you can request reimbursement for what you spent afterward. Another alternative is to try to contact the insurer while you are at the hospital so they can try to coordinate your care.

It is always worth remembering that insurers usually check whether the information the user provides matches what happened. So, don't lie to me!

Finally, there is that old saying of Grandpa's: “Better safe than sorry!”

It is better to buy international travel insurance and return to Brazil safe and sound without having used it than not to have taken out any at all and be left vulnerable far from dear Mommy's apron strings!