Author Bowtie Team
Updated on 2025-06-10
Disclaimer: This article is translated with the assistance of AI.
Dreaming of studying overseas? Many parents opt for study abroad insurance to protect their kids’ health and adventures. What coverage does it offer? How do requirements vary by country? When to buy, and top picks for enhanced protection—discover it all now!
What is Overseas Study Insurance?
Overseas study insurance is a plan specifically designed to provide coverage for students studying abroad, mainly covering medical expenses, hospitalization allowances, personal belongings, and overseas home contents. The most commonly used coverage is related to medical issues, as overseas medical costs are generally more expensive than in Hong Kong, so without medical insurance, an unexpected incident could lead to a heavy financial burden.
Additionally, schools have a responsibility to ensure student safety, and many local governments want to avoid situations where students studying abroad can’t afford medical care when needed. As a result, they often require proof of valid insurance during enrollment registration; otherwise, you might not be able to successfully enroll.
Depending on the coverage amount and items, the annual premium for overseas study insurance can range from a few thousand to nearly ten thousand dollars.
What Coverage Do Overseas Study Insurance Typically Include?
Beyond the usual protections like medical , personal accidents , and property loss , some coverages are unique to study insurance, such as education funds , academic interruption , and emergency visits . These aren’t typically found in standard travel insurance.
- Education Fund: If a parent or guardian becomes permanently and totally disabled due to illness or accident, or even passes away, the education fund can help cover the student’s tuition fees.
- Academic Interruption: If the student has to stop studying due to war, injury, or the death of an immediate family member, you can get compensation for unused tuition and deposits that aren’t refundable.
- Emergency Visit: If the student is hospitalized due to illness or an accident, parents can receive a specified amount for travel expenses like plane tickets to visit, and some plans even include allowances for accommodation or leave.
Are Exchange Students Covered by Overseas Study Insurance?
In addition to students going abroad for full studies, most overseas study insurance plans also cover exchange students. That means if a student is heading overseas for a short-term exchange, they’re generally protected under the same insurance.
Medical Insurance Regulations in Different Countries
| Region | Insurance Plan | Coverage |
| United Kingdom | National Health Service (NHS) | Community-based family doctor visits, emergency medical care |
| Australia | Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) | Outpatient visits, medication costs, hospitalization fees |
| Japan | National Health Insurance | General medical expenses |
| South Korea | National Health Insurance | Outpatient visits, hospitalization fees |
| United States | International students can opt for group medical insurance provided by the school or purchase insurance independently | Not applicable |
| Canada | No specific requirements; schools provide relevant information and assist international students in purchasing insurance | Not applicable |
When to Buy Study Abroad Insurance?
You should purchase it before departure! As for how early, it depends on your needs, such as whether proof of insurance is required for school registration or entry application. Also, pay attention to whether the policy takes effect immediately after purchase or if there’s a waiting period. Since the details of each insurance plan can vary greatly, make sure to read carefully and choose a plan that suits you.
Things to Note When Buying Overseas Study Insurance
When buying overseas study insurance, the most important thing is to choose the right coverage, especially if internships are involved—make sure the study insurance covers it.
Plus, students studying abroad will likely explore different places with friends at some point—it’s a great way to experience and learn about local cultures on your life journey. So, keep an eye out for any exclusions in the study insurance, like high-risk activities. If you plan to do certain activities and find that your chosen insurance doesn’t cover them, you’ll need to get additional coverage.
Want to Enhance Medical Coverage for Your Children Studying Abroad? Bowtie Pink Can Help!
As mentioned above, overseas study insurance certainly has its uses, especially for handling unexpected situations like property loss or academic interruptions.
Most overseas study insurance plans on the market today include an annual medical coverage limit of about HK$1 million to HK$2 million. While that’s a decent amount, keep in mind that medical costs in many advanced countries are higher than in Hong Kong, and in case of an accident, expenses can be massive and ongoing. So, worrying that the medical coverage might not be enough is totally valid.
If you’re concerned about the coverage from overseas study insurance and want to boost it, then Bowtie Pink could be one of your options.
Bowtie Pink, as Bowtie’s premium VHIS product, is ideal for those with higher expectations for medical services and who already have basic medical insurance, making it a top choice for topping up. Premiums start as low as HK$146* per month for Bowtie Pink, with no per-item reimbursement limits—it covers 100% of costs# for any hospital, any doctor, and any surgery, so you won’t have to worry about falling short. Bowtie Pink provides worldwide coverage^ (excluding the US and non-designated hospitals in China ), whether you’re studying abroad, traveling, or deciding to stay long-term for further studies or work.
Planning to Emigrate or Live Abroad Long-Term? Here’s How to Handle Your Bowtie Policy!
- If the policyholder plans to emigrate or live abroad for an extended period (more than 180 days), be sure to contact Bowtie as soon as possible.
- After emigration, no need for re-underwriting, but Bowtie will assess premiums based on your destination, which might include additional fees.
- If you need to make a claim after emigrating, you don’t have to return to Hong Kong—just submit documents via our online platform.
If your child studying abroad already has basic medical coverage from overseas study insurance, you might consider the highest deductible option for Bowtie Pink— deductible of HK$80,000. This helps avoid overlapping coverage with your overseas study insurance. By adding a deductible, you can save on premiums, and any out-of-pocket costs can be fully or partially covered by your overseas study insurance reimbursement.
- * Based on an 18-year-old non-smoker subscribing to Bowtie Pink VHIS (Ward) with a HK$80,000 deductible
- # Full reimbursement means no per-item limits and applies only to specified coverage items. Reimbursements are subject to remaining deductible (if applicable), annual limits, lifetime limits, and other conditions including reasonable and customary charges, pre-existing conditions, designated hospitals in Mainland China, and related US treatment rules. For full product terms, conditions, risks, and exclusions, please refer to the relevant product website and policy.
- ^ Psychiatric treatment under the Bowtie Pink VHIS plan applies only in Hong Kong. Full reimbursement for Bowtie Pink does not apply in the US or non-designated hospitals in China. If you plan to emigrate, premiums may be adjusted based on the risks of your new location. For details, please call 3008 8123 to contact Bowtie customer service.
FAQs
What is the difference between overseas study insurance and travel insurance?
Overseas study insurance and travel insurance are two different types of coverage, so using travel insurance as a substitute for study insurance isn’t ideal—especially for long-term students abroad. That’s because many annual travel policies cap each trip away from Hong Kong at just 90 days.
Plus, studying overseas often includes internships or part-time jobs to cover living costs, and these can typically be included in study insurance coverage. On the flip side, travel insurance might not protect you from work-related medical expenses.
What’s more, overseas study insurance premiums could actually be more affordable than those for long-term travel insurance.
Does overseas study insurance cover diving or other high-risk activities?
Some extreme sports, like hiking above 5,000 meters or diving deeper than 30 meters, are commonly excluded from overseas study insurance. To stay protected, always check with your insurance provider if you’re unsure about what’s covered—otherwise, you might find yourself in a real bind when you need it most!
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