Asteroid Editorial Team

Exchange students are the most underestimated segment of the travel insurance market. They stay abroad longer, have thinner financial reserves, and often think they are too young to need insurance. The numbers say otherwise.

In 2024, tens of thousands of international students went on mid- and long-term exchanges. Most went to Canada, Ireland, the United Kingdom, the USA and Australia. All destinations where a single medical emergency can cost more than the entire exchange.

Requirements by Destination

Canada: not formally required, but uninsured students cannot get adequate access to the provincial health system. Some provinces have schemes for international students — check with your institution.

Ireland and the United Kingdom: not required for the student visa, but the NHS charges tourists and non-EU students. Consultations run GBP 100-300; hospitalization, GBP 500-2,000/night.

Schengen (Germany, France, Portugal, Spain, etc.): mandatory for the student visa — EUR 30,000 minimum. Recommended: USD 100,000+.

USA (F-1 or J-1 visa): some universities require minimum coverage as a condition of enrollment. The J-1 cultural exchange visa has specific coverage requirements. For the American health system: USD 250,000 minimum.

Australia (student visa 500): requires Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) — specific coverage that can be bought separately or through travel insurance.

Long Stay: The Difference That Matters

Most standard travel insurance covers up to 30 or 60 days. For a 3, 6 or 12-month exchange, you need to check that the plan covers the full duration — or choose an annual multi-trip plan with extended coverage.

Long-duration coverage has specific rules:

Students Do Riskier Things

Skiing in Canada, surfing in Australia, hiking in the Alps, diving in Northern Ireland — exchange students take part in activities that standard insurance does not include.

Important riders for students: - Winter sports (ski/snowboard) - Extreme water activities - School/group organized excursions

If you are going to do one of these activities, check BEFORE whether you are covered. A ski rescue in Canada can cost CAD 5,000-15,000.

Mental Health Abroad

Living in a foreign country is stressful — especially in the first year. Some premium travel insurance includes mental health coverage: psychologist/psychiatrist consultations, emergency anxiety and depression treatment. For long stays, that coverage can be decisive.

A Student Card Is Not Enough

ISIC and similar cards offer limited benefits. They do not replace adequate medical coverage. A premium credit card may include travel insurance — but usually with basic coverage insufficient for long stays and serious emergencies.

Real Price: Annual vs Per Trip

For exchanges of 6+ months: a dedicated long-stay plan (usually cheaper per day than renewing monthly). For students with frequent short trips: an annual multi-trip plan with an extension. Compare the cost per day of equivalent coverage.

Lembrete: para os EUA, USD 250,000 mínimo. For Europe, USD 100,000. Do not skimp on the coverage limit — it is the difference between coming home debt-free or with decades of debt.

FAQ

Do I need different insurance for a long exchange? Yes — check that the plan covers the full duration. Standard 30-60 day plans will not do. Look for long-stay or annual plans with continuous coverage.

Will my school help me in a medical emergency abroad? The school can help with guidance, but it does not cover medical costs. You are financially responsible for your health abroad.

Does travel insurance cover routine checkups abroad? Generally no — emergencies only. For ongoing healthcare (regular checkups, chronic medication, physical therapy), check whether the destination has health agreements with your home country or plan ahead.

Get an Asteroid quote for your exchange · Mandatory travel insurance by country · Health guide