Studying abroad requires more than just academic preparation; it also requires a suitable overseas student insurance plan, and there could be a lot of questions. So, MoneySmart has compiled a list of frequently asked questions about overseas student insurance to help you navigate the complex world of insurance. Can travel insurance replace overseas student insurance? What about the coverage while travelling outside of your host country?
We answer these questions and more, detailing the special coverage and exclusions of overseas student insurance. Don’t let unforeseen circumstances ruin your study abroad experience; choose the insurance plan that’s right for you and pursue your dream with peace of mind!
Overseas student insurance comparison
We know there are plenty of options out there, and it could be a headache when it comes to choosing the right plan. So we’ve got you a list of the top overseas student insurance companies in Hong Kong:
Discount Premium 
HK$3,510
Discounted Premium
HK$3,175.2
- Medical Expenses
- HK$1,500,000
- Personal Accident
- HK$500,000
- Personal Belongings
- HK$15,000
- Discounted Premium
- HK$3,175.2
1. Can travel insurance replace overseas student insurance?
Many people believe that travel insurance can replace overseas student insurance, but this is not the case. While travel insurance may seem like a cheaper alternative, it has much stricter limitations and does not provide the comprehensive coverage of overseas student insurance.
For example, most travel insurance policies have a journey limit of 90-182 days, making them unsuitable for long-term study abroad. Overseas student insurance, on the other hand, not only covers medical expenses due to accidents but also provides additional coverage such as protection against academic interruptions, home insurance, and emergency travel coverage.
2. Will overseas student insurance cover my out-of-town travel while studying abroad?
Studying abroad is not only about hitting the books but also exploring new destinations during school breaks or weekends. Most overseas student insurance plans cover these trips, but high-risk activities such as skydiving, skiing, bungee jumping, hot air ballooning, high-altitude trekking above 5,000 metres, or diving below 30 metres deep are usually not covered.
We advise students to carefully review the coverage and terms before purchasing a study abroad insurance plan or engaging in high-risk activities to avoid claim rejection in the future. Note that the coverage may vary depending on the policy terms and conditions. Always refer to the actual insurance plan for details.
4. When should I buy overseas student insurance?
Overseas student insurance must be purchased on or before the date of departure from Hong Kong.
5. Can I purchase overseas student insurance after departure?
No, overseas student insurance should be purchased before departure! Some countries require students to provide proof of insurance when registering for school or applying for entry. Students should decide when to purchase insurance based on actual conditions and requirements. When purchasing insurance, you should also pay attention to whether there is a waiting period and effective date on the policy to avoid coverage gaps.
6. Will overseas student insurance cover expenses incurred as a result of injuries sustained while working abroad?
Generally, overseas student insurance covers expenses incurred due to accidental injuries during internships or part-time jobs during the study abroad period. If you plan to work while studying abroad, you must carefully review whether the relevant terms and conditions cover this item.
7. What does overseas student insurance cover?
Some overseas student insurance plans cover the following items:
- Medical expenses
- Emergency medical transportation
- Accidental death and permanent disability
- Luggage and personal items
- Personal liability: insured students are protected against legal liability for negligence resulting in bodily injury or property damage to others
In addition to basic medical and property protection, some overseas student insurance plans also provide the following additional coverage:
- Protection against academic interruptions: compensates insured students for tuition fees that are confiscated or repeated as a result of interruptions in their studies due to accidents such as injury, illness, the death of immediate family members, or war.
- Education fund protection: If the insured student’s parent or guardian suffers a permanent disability or dies due to an accident or illness, the education fund will sponsor the student’s continued education.
- Kidnapping protection: compensates insured students in case of kidnapping during their study abroad period. This coverage is only available in a few overseas student insurance plans.
- Emergency departure: If the insured student is hospitalised for a certain number of consecutive days due to a serious accident or illness and requires one adult family member to go to the local area to take care of them, the insurance company will compensate for airfare and hotel accommodation expenses
8. What is not covered by overseas student insurance?
Here are some of the examples that are not covered by overseas student insurance:
- Any pre-existing diseases before purchasing insurance, congenital or genetic diseases, suicide, self-harm, pregnancy, childbirth, miscarriage, cosmetic surgery, dental care (except for accidents), mental or nervous disorders, AIDS, and related syndromes.
- Military actions such as war, civil war, rebellion, revolution, etc.
- Any intentional, malicious, illegal, or deliberate behaviour by the insured person or their immediate family members.
- Damage caused by alcohol or drug use.
- High-altitude trekking above 5,000 metres or diving below 30 metres deep
- Any car racing, professional sports, or sports that can earn income or rewards; any land, water, or air competitions using machines; gliding, mountaineering, rock climbing, parachuting, and piloting aircraft
- Lost items or documents that have not been reported to the police within 24 hours of discovery and holding a police lost report
9. What special coverage does overseas student insurance provide?
Some overseas student insurance plans also cover special protection items. Here are some examples:
- Trauma counselling compensates insured students for reasonable medical expenses incurred due to the diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder caused by a severe accident or incident during their study abroad period and requires psychological counselling during or after their study abroad period.
- Trip delay: compensates insured students in case of delays due to industrial action, strikes, adverse weather, or mechanical failures of public transportation during their study abroad period.
- Home insurance for overseas residences: covers damage to the insured student’s place of residence due to fire, wind, explosion, etc., during their study abroad period.
10. Does overseas student insurance include home insurance for the student’s residence abroad?
Some overseas insurance plans include home insurance that covers a student’s residence during their study abroad period.
11. Does overseas student insurance cover extreme sports?
No, overseas student insurance doesn’t cover extreme sports.
One of the common exclusions for overseas student insurance includes intentional behaviour and extreme sports, such as high-altitude trekking above 5,000 metres or diving below 30 metres deep. It also excludes participation or involvement in sports or activities that involve earning income or rewards, such as professional sports, as well as land, water, or air competitions using machines, such as gliding, mountaineering, rock climbing, parachuting, and piloting aircraft. It is necessary to carefully review the terms and conditions before purchasing insurance.
12. Does overseas student insurance provide 24-hour global emergency assistance services?
While family members may be far away, some insurance plans offer 24-hour global emergency assistance services, including emergency medical transportation, 24-hour hotlines for translation and referral services, medical consultation, and support for lost luggage and travel documents. These services can help insured students deal with emergencies quickly and efficiently.
13. Do some countries require the local purchase of overseas student insurance?
Some countries, like the UK, Australia, and Japan, require international students to purchase designated insurance plans locally. Meanwhile, the United States and Canada only mandate medical insurance for overseas students without specifying a particular plan.
14. What is overseas student insurance?
Overseas student insurance is a type of insurance plan that provides coverage for international students studying abroad. It includes medical expenses, emergency medical transportation, accidental death and permanent disability, luggage and personal items, personal liability, and additional coverage like protection against academic interruptions, education fund protection, and emergency departure.
15. Do I need overseas student insurance if I am studying abroad?
Yes, you need overseas student insurance if you are studying abroad. It is necessary to have adequate insurance coverage to ensure that you are protected against unforeseen circumstances such as accidents, illnesses, or injuries to get the visa permit.
16. What are the benefits of having overseas student insurance?
With overseas student insurance, you can have peace of mind knowing that you’re protected against accidents, illnesses, and injuries. This comprehensive insurance coverage includes medical expenses, emergency medical transportation, personal liability, and even protection against academic interruptions. Plus, some policies even offer additional coverage like education fund protection, trauma counselling, and home insurance for your overseas residence.
17. What is the coverage period for overseas student insurance?
The coverage period for overseas student insurance varies depending on the policy. It typically covers the duration of your study abroad programme, from the date of departure to the date of return.
18. What is the difference between travel insurance and overseas student insurance?
While travel insurance may seem like a cheaper alternative, it has much stricter limitations and does not provide the comprehensive coverage of overseas student insurance. Overseas student insurance not only covers medical expenses due to accidents but also provides additional coverage such as protection against academic interruptions and emergency travel coverage.
19. What kinds of medical expenses are covered by overseas student insurance?
Overseas student insurance usually covers medical expenses due to accidents, illnesses, or injuries. However, it does not cover pre-existing diseases before purchasing insurance, such as congenital or genetic diseases, suicide, self-harm, pregnancy, childbirth, miscarriage, cosmetic surgery, dental care (except for accidents), mental or nervous disorders, AIDS, and related syndromes.
20. How do I file a claim for overseas student insurance?
To file a claim for overseas student insurance, you need to submit the claim form and supporting documents to your insurance provider. The process may vary depending on the policy and the insurance provider.
21. Can I renew my overseas student insurance policy?
Yes, you can renew your overseas student insurance policy. However, it is necessary to carefully review the terms and conditions before renewing to ensure that you have adequate coverage.
22. What should I do if I lose my insurance card?
If you lose your insurance card, you should contact your insurance provider immediately to request a replacement card.
23. Can I cancel my overseas student insurance policy?
Yes, you can cancel your overseas student insurance policy. However, it is necessary to carefully review the terms and conditions before cancelling to understand the cancellation policy and any associated fees.
24. What is academic interruption coverage?
Academic interruption coverage compensates insured students for tuition fees that are confiscated or repeated as a result of interruptions in their studies due to accidents such as injury, illness, the death of immediate family members, or war.
25. Is mental health covered under overseas student insurance?
Overseas student insurance may cover mental health, but it depends on the policy and the insurance provider. It is necessary to carefully review the terms and conditions before purchasing insurance to understand the coverage for mental health.
26. What kind of assistance is provided in case of an emergency?
Some overseas student insurance plans offer 24-hour global emergency assistance services, including emergency medical transportation and 24-hour hotlines for translation and referral services, medical consultation, and support for lost luggage and travel documents.
27. What is the difference between personal liability insurance and medical insurance?
Personal liability insurance protects insured students against legal liability for negligence resulting in bodily injury or property damage to others. Medical insurance covers medical expenses due to accidents, illnesses, or injuries.
28. Will I be covered for pre-existing conditions with overseas student insurance?
No, overseas student insurance does not cover pre-existing diseases before purchasing insurance, such as congenital or genetic diseases, suicide, self-harm, pregnancy, childbirth, miscarriage, cosmetic surgery, dental care (except for accidents), mental or nervous disorders, AIDS, and related syndromes.
29. What is the waiting period for overseas student insurance?
Insurance coverage doesn’t come into effect immediately. Instead, there’s a waiting period – a little gap of time that must be bridged before some or all of your coverage begins.
30. How much does overseas student insurance cost?
The cost of overseas student insurance varies depending on the policy and the coverage you choose. The insurance premiums vary depending on the type of coverage and the amount of coverage. Usually, it is between HK$5,000-HK$10,000 per year.
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