Traveling to another country to study is a big decision and incredible opportunity. It’s an experience you’ll never forget for the rest of your life. This study abroad checklist is designed to get Canadian students started off on the right foot.
- Choose a program: There are lots of study abroad programs. Think about your interests and career aspirations and find a program that fits your budget and travel needs.
- Apply for a study permit. You’ll need this from your destination country; ask your program’s host institution for help.
- Ensure you have a valid passport. Be sure it doesn’t expire before the end of your trip (and longer in some countries).
- Learn about your destination. Find out more about the food, culture, language, and top sights of the country where you’ll be studying.
- Book your travel to get safely to your destination.
- Arrange for necessary documentation like visas or student IDs, transcripts, and accommodations contracts.
- Open a bank account in your destination; this can make financial transactions a lot easier.
- Pack your bags! Don’t forget things like extra contact lenses, prescriptions, and plug adapters if you’re headed to Europe.
- Purchase travel insurance. Protect yourself in the event of a medical emergency with travel health insurance.
Student travel health insurance
If you’re a Canadian going abroad to study, travel insurance is a must. Accidents happen, and an unexpected health emergency can be devastating for your finances as well as your studies. Student travel insurance can cover the cost a range of health care needs:
- Local medical care
- Hospital fees
- Ambulance services
- Prescription drugs required for emergencies
- Any changes to your travel as a result of a medical emergency, like trip cancellation, flight rebooking, and emergency evacuation
- and much more
Canadian student eligibility for health care coverage
Unfortunately provincial health coverage doesn’t extend beyond the Canadian border. This is why we strongly recommend student travel insurance. To be eligible for health care coverage, you must have coverage under your province’s health plan. The type of coverage varies between provinces / territories. As well, some province’s have limits on how long a student can be out of the country.
As a Canadian student, you might also be eligible for health insurance coverage through the school where you’re going to study. It’s best to check with them to see if you can take advantage of this benefit.
Student travel insurance purchase considerations
There are many private health insurance companies and they offer a variety of travel insurance plans specifically for Canadian students going abroad. It’s best to comparison shop to find one that meets your needs. Here are some purchase questions to consider:
- How much does the plan cost?
- What level of coverage is offered?
- How much are the deductible and co-pays?
- What are the policy’s exclusions and limitations?
- Is the plan acceptable by the healthcare services and facilities in your host country?
Deciding to travel outside of Canada for your studies is a big deal! Protect yourself against an unexpected injury or sickness during your travel adventure. Since there are many different travel insurance options, it’s important to compare plans before you buy. We’re here to help. You can learn more about our student travel insurance. This is one travel checklist item, you don’t want to skip.