Student Travel Insurance and Safety

Student Travel Insurance

If you plan to travel outside the UK during your studies, it is highly advisable to buy a comprehensive travel insurance policy. The good news is that there are a number of options for special student travel insurance. This protects you if you have an accident or become ill and need medical treatment. You should make sure that it is effective from the morning of your departure day to the time you return home and that it covers you for everything from lost luggage to medical care and repatriation.

The price you will pay for the insurance premium will be very small in comparison to what you would have to pay in the event of an unfortunate incident. You may have to pay for the treatment at the time, and later be reimbursed by your insurance company. Remember to keep all prescriptions and doctor's bills as proof.

If you already have medical or personal property insurance, you may already be covered, so call the company to check how the policies work abroad. If you are not covered, ask your travel agent or flight operator if they can offer a policy.

Endsleigh are generally the best company to go with whilst you are a student. They are a specialist company that offer great insurance tailored specifically for British students.

Staying Safe Whilst Travelling

• When travelling abroad, always bring any prescription medication with you. If you are highly allergic to anything, have something on hand to counteract an allergy attack.
• Never, never do anything that you perceive to be dangerous in a foreign country. Taking chances is just not worth it! 
• Whenever taking public transportation, keep an eye on your belongings. Thieves like to operate in crowded areas like train stations and the underground. 
• Whenever you are boarding or exiting a train, be careful and mind the gap. It sounds silly, but loads of people get injured every year.
• Never get into the car of someone you do not know, unless it is a registered Black Cab or Mini-Cab driver that has confirmed your booking by addressing you by name. 
• If you see someone drunk or disorderly on public transportation, try to avoid them as much as possible. 
• Report any suspicious activity to a member of transport staff. 
• If you are travelling with luggage, make sure your most valuable possessions are not left unattended. On most trains, you will not be allowed to bring luggage to your seat; instead you will have to put them on racks near the door. Make sure anything of value is in your carry-on. 
• Do not accept to deliver or travel with any package that is not yours and that you have not packed yourself. If you are found with something you should not be carrying, it will be your responsibility and you will be liable for any punishment according to the law. 
• Always know where you are going. When you are lost, your mind is not free to focus on your surroundings and you may become an easy target.