US Residents can protect their student trips with travel insurance benefits

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At a glance

  • World Nomads Travel Insurance plans may help cover emergency medical costs, trip interruptions, and lost baggage so students can focus on learning, not logistics.
  • Flexible coverage for study abroad, gap years, volunteering, and independent travel, including over 250 adventure activities.
  • Buy, extend, or claim online - even while you’re already overseas.

Every year, more than 300,000 U.S. students study, intern, or volunteer abroad for academic credit — and another 40,000 to 60,000 take a gap year to explore the world before or after college. Whether you’re earning credits overseas, teaching English, or backpacking through a new country, travel doesn’t always go according to plan. Lost luggage, sudden illness, or an accident on a weekend trip can quickly turn your adventure into a stressful situation. With a World Nomads Travel Insurance plan, students may explore with confidence knowing they’re protected for those “just in case” moments.

What can travel protection for student trips cover?

Many students discover that their health insurance back home doesn’t extend overseas — which can make even basic medical care expensive. Travel protection coverage for students may help cover unexpected medical costs if you get sick or injured abroad, from food poisoning to emergency evacuation. It may also offer coverage for trip interruptions, lost belongings, or travel delays — so you can focus on your studies (or your next adventure), not surprise expenses.

What may not be included

  • Routine Healthcare (non-emergency)
  • Care or treatment that is payable under any other insurance plan
  • Any reckless or illegal behavior, including being under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Travel within 100 miles of your primary residence

Maximum trip lengths per plan

Standard Plan

Explorer Plan

Epic Plan

Annual Plan

180 days

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180 days

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180 days

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45 days per trip

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Who can be eligible for a travel insurance plan for student trips?

  • Any US resident, under the age of 69 years old.
  • If several students from the same family are traveling together, a protection plan for family trips may be worth considering. Up to 7 dependent children (see plan document for definition) can be included on one travel protection plan.

How to use your travel protection coverage for student trips abroad

  1. Print out or save your plan document in an easy to find place
  2. If you get hurt or sick while on vacation, contact local authorities as soon as you’re able to do so for immediate attention. If you are currently experiencing an emergency while on your trip, contact our 24/7 non-insurance Emergency Assistance Team at your earliest opportunity. They can direct you to an appropriate medical facility if you are sick or injured, or assist you with rebooking if you are stuck at the airport, plus much more! Be sure to have your plan number handy so they can find your information easily.
  3. Stay in touch! As the unexpected situation develops, keep our team informed so they can continue to assist you.
  4. Save all paperwork (digital or otherwise) relating to your situation. This includes receipts, boarding documents, doctor’s notes, billing details, etc. If your airline was delayed, you will need itemized receipts for additional expenses incurred and the reason if you were delayed. Attempt to obtain a statement from the airline indicating why the flight was delayed. The more information you have with dates and payments made, the easier your claim will be to file later.
  5. File a claim, as soon as possible.

Top safety tips we recommend for your student trip

Keep copies of important documents: Store photos of your passport, student ID, and travel insurance in secure cloud storage in case your bag or wallet goes missing.

Know the local emergency numbers: 911 doesn’t work everywhere. Save the local police, ambulance, and embassy contacts before you go.

Stay alert in shared spaces: Student housing and hostels can attract petty theft — use locks and keep valuables out of sight.

Respect local laws and customs: Even minor infractions can have serious consequences abroad. Learn basic local etiquette and avoid political demonstrations.

Practice safe nightlife habits: Go out with friends you trust, keep an eye on your drink, and plan how you’ll get home safely — especially in unfamiliar cities.

Need destination inspiration for your next student trip? 

Not sure where you should go for your study abroad or gap year? Some of our best memories came from the time we spent overseas. While the research may seem daunting, trust us – it’s worth it! Here are some sites to get your started:

USA Study Abroad

Go Overseas

How to Volunteer Overseas Without Breaking the Bank

20251114-4962376. This is not a full list of what is and isn’t covered, so please check your plan document for a full list of maximums, terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions that may apply to your state specific plan. Any example scenarios provided above are not a guarantee of coverage. All claims are subject to review, require documentation and are considered individually. Exclusion applies to Adventure or Extreme Activities.

FAQ

Here are our most frequently asked questions about cover for student travel insurance. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Help Center or you can ask the customer service team.

  • Can I purchase a plan for student travel after I’ve already started my trip?
    Yes. If your vacation has already started, World Nomads can still offer you coverage. You can buy a plan that includes travel insurance coverage and non-insurance services online anytime, from anywhere in the world. World Nomads Travel Protection Plans for U.S. residents take effect at 12:01 a.m. local time the day after you purchase your plan. If you’re already traveling and want to get coverage while on your vacation, you’ll need to purchase your plan at least the day before you need coverage.

Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you

Trip Protection

Protect your hard earned vacation from unexpected cancellation.

  • Standard Plan: $2,500
  • Explorer Plan: $10,000
  • Epic Plan: $15,000
  • Annual Plan: $5,000
Trip Protection
  • Unexpectedly hospitalized?
  • Travel buddy unfit to travel?
  • Close relative suddenly dies?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Insurance

Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.

  • Standard Plan: $125,000
  • Explorer Plan: $150,000
  • Epic Plan: $250,000
  • Annual Plan: $100,000
Emergency Medical Insurance
  • Need meds quick?
  • Accidentally injured?
  • Suddenly sick?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Evacuation

We'll provide assistance to get you to the hospital or home quickly.

  • Standard Plan: $400,000
  • Explorer Plan: $500,000
  • Epic Plan: $700,000
  • Annual Plan: $100,000
Emergency Evacuation
  • Banged up abroad?
  • Need a hospital urgently?
  • Medevac home?

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Covers the loss, theft or damage of your bags, tech and gear.

  • Standard Plan: $1,000
  • Explorer Plan: $2,000
  • Epic Plan: $3,000
  • Annual Plan: $2,000
Protect your gear
  • Passport or tech stolen?
  • Airline lost your gear?
  • Bags delayed?

Help starts here.

The amounts listed represent the maximum benefit amount.

Protect your health

  • 24/7 Emergency Assistance Help Line
  • Emergency Medical & Dental Expenses
  • Emergency Evacuations
  • Bedside Companion Travel
  • Emergency Medications

Protect Your Trip

  • Trip Cancellation
  • Optional Cancel for Any Reason (Explorer or Epic)
  • Trip Delay & Trip Interruption
  • Missed Connection (Explorer or Epic)
  • Rental Car Damage (Explorer, Epic or Annual)

Protect Your Stuff

  • Baggage Delay
  • Passport and Visa Loss
  • Lost or Stolen Bags
  • Personal Tech, Equipment & Gear
  • Baggage Return After Evacuation

Non-Insurance Services

  • Medical & Non-Medical 24/7 Emergency Assistance Line
  • Translators Available
  • Pre-Departure Telehealth Services
  • Portable Health Records
  • Delayed or Lost Baggage Tracking and Delivery
This is a general summary for US residents only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Benefits limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Check the plan documents for full details.