Going abroad for a semester, an exchange program, or an internship? Study abroad health insurance is not just a formality, it is often required by your university, your host country, or your visa authority. And when medical costs abroad can reach tens of thousands of euros, the right coverage makes all the difference.
AVI International's Planet Studies insurance is a comprehensive health insurance for students studying abroad, covering medical expenses, repatriation, personal liability, and luggage, from €31/month in Europe and €53/month worldwide. No deductible. Certificate issued immediately by email.
What Does Planet Studies Insurance Cover?
Planet Studies is a complete studying abroad insurance package recommended for all student exchange programs including Erasmus Mundus, J1 visas, university exchanges, and international internships. Here is what is included:
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Medical expenses up to €300,000 – with no deductible and no advance payment required |
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Medical evacuation and repatriation – unlimited coverage for emergency medical transport |
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Emergency dental care up to €150, and dental orthodontics from accident up to €500 per tooth |
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Personal liability insurance – up to €750,000 for personal injury, €450,000 for property damage |
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Luggage insurance – up to €1,000 for theft, loss or damage (€300 per valuable item) |
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30-day coverage in your home country during academic vacations |
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Travel and holidays in neighboring countries covered during your stay |
Insurance Certificate for Your Student Visa – Issued Immediately
When applying for a student visa or enrolling at a university abroad, you will need to provide proof of valid health insurance for students studying abroad. AVI International sends your official insurance certificate by email immediately after subscription, valid for your student visa application or university enrollment.
Your certificate and insurance card are also accessible at any time from your personal AVI International account and via the AVI mobile app.
How Much Does Study Abroad Health Insurance Cost?
Planet Studies is one of the best health insurance options for students studying abroad, combining comprehensive coverage with competitive pricing:
| Destination |
Price |
Duration |
| Europe |
From €31/month |
1 to 12 months, renewable up to 24 months |
| Worldwide (USA, Australia, Canada, Asia...) |
From €53/month |
1 to 12 months, renewable up to 24 months |
No deductible applies on medical expenses. Direct coverage – no advance payment required.
Sports and Activities Covered During Your Studies Abroad
Leisure and holiday sports are included in your study abroad travel insurance when practiced as an amateur. The following activities are covered without any additional premium:
- Winter sports including skiing and sledding
- Trekking, hiking, and climbing
- Soccer, team sports, and recreational activities
- Scooter use
- Sea cruises and any aircraft travel as a passenger
- Ice hockey (in regions where it is a common youth sport)
Need coverage for high-risk sports or manual work? Sports and Leisure Plus extension
The optional Sports and Leisure Plus extension covers accidents related to high-risk sports (surfing, windsurfing, rafting, scuba diving to 45m, kitesurfing, hang-gliding, paragliding, jet skiing, snowboarding, quad), two-wheeled motor vehicle use, manual labor, work experience, and laboratory internships (labor accidents).
Studying Abroad Insurance by Destination – Practical Information
Requirements for health insurance for students studying abroad vary by country. Here is what you need to know for the most common destinations:
| Australia |
Once you have your student visa, you can apply for an OSHC student social security card. This card is useful but does not replace a comprehensive travel insurance policy. Planet Studies covers what the OSHC does not. |
| Canada |
Canada has tightened student visa issuance procedures in recent years. Check the official requirements at www.cic.gc.ca before applying. Your Planet Studies certificate will be required as part of your application. |
| China |
The Chinese Embassy in France provides a full list of documents required for your student visa application, including insurance proof. Check www.amb-chine.fr for the latest requirements. |
| USA |
US immigration distinguishes between general or language studies and specialized or business studies, each requiring a different visa category. Read our guides: studying in a US high school and choosing your travel insurance for North America. |
Important Coverage Limitations to Know
The main exclusions of Planet Studies insurance are: any illness or injury diagnosed or treated by hospitalization during the 6 months prior to departure; services related to pregnancy and maternity; consequences of unprescribed medication, drugs, narcotics, or alcohol abuse; and any deliberate act by the insured. Coverage is also not applicable in countries in a state of civil or foreign war.
Frequently Asked Questions – Study Abroad Health Insurance
What is the best health insurance for students studying abroad?
The best study abroad health insurance is one that covers medical expenses without a deductible, issues a recognized certificate for visa applications, and includes repatriation and personal liability. Planet Studies by AVI International meets all of these criteria, starting from €31/month for Europe and €53/month worldwide.
Is study abroad insurance different from regular travel insurance?
Yes. Studying abroad insurance is designed for long-term stays (1 to 24 months) and includes specific guarantees for students: a university-recognized insurance certificate, 30 days of home country coverage during vacations, and coverage for sports and internship activities. Standard travel insurance is built for short tourist trips and does not cover these situations.
Will I have to pay upfront if I am hospitalized abroad?
No. Planet Studies provides direct coverage – AVI International contacts the hospital directly to arrange payment, so you will not have to pay out of pocket for hospitalization. No deductible applies on medical expenses.
Does Planet Studies cover Erasmus and J1 visa programs?
Yes. Planet Studies is recommended for all student and exchange programs including Erasmus Mundus, J1 visas, and university exchanges worldwide. The insurance certificate mentions all required coverage guarantees for enrollment and visa purposes.
Is my situation covered if I am not a student but going abroad for an internship?
Yes. Planet Studies covers both study programs and internships abroad. If your internship involves manual labor or high-risk activities, add the Sports and Leisure Plus extension to ensure full coverage for work-related accidents.
Before You Leave – Useful Resources
European Health Insurance Card: what does it cover when studying abroad?
Finding an internship abroad and choosing the right internship travel insurance
Long-term travel and social security: what you need to know before leaving
Coming to study in France or Europe? Discover our Europe student insurance offer