When should I purchase overseas student insurance?

You can start your applications 90 days prior to your departure date.

Can annual travel insurance replace overseas student insurance?

No. You are only covered up to 180 days for annual travel insurance whereas you are covered up to 2 years if you take out overseas student insurance. Moreover, overseas student insurance is tailored for students’ needs - for example it provides cover for study interruption.

Do I need overseas student insurance?

If you are studying overseas for more than six months, it is recommended to purchase overseas student insurance.

What is the difference between mandatory health insurance required by some countries and other overseas student travel insurance?

In general, those mandatory covers only provide basic cover with limited coverage whereas overseas student travel insurance provides a more comprehensive cover, covering students medical expenses in private clinics/ hospitals.

Should I purchase additional cover if I have already purchased an insurance policy through my school?

Yes, it is recommended to get additional cover to extend your cover to internship, study interruption, travel during term breaks, etc.

Is it a must to purchase overseas student insurance prior to my departure?

Yes, you must purchase overseas student cover before you set off. If you are under 18 years old, only your parents/ legal guardian can purchase it on your behalf.

Who is eligible to purchase overseas students health cover?

Any legal Hong Kong resident aged between 10 to 35 is generally eligible to apply.

Compare Dah Sing Insurance Overseas Student Insurance in Hong Kong 2024

What is Overseas Student Health Cover?

Overseas student health cover is a comprehensive insurance policy designed especially for international students or exchange students, covering personal belongings, study interruption, trip cancellation, medical expenses, home content, etc. Some plans even provide cover for students when they work part time or participate in internships. If you are going to study abroad for more than six months, MoneySmart recommends you purchase an overseas student insurance policy. Insurance premiums vary depending on the type of coverage and the amount of coverage. Usually, it is between HK$5,000-HK$8,000 per year.

Best Overseas Student Health Cover

Overseas Student Insurance Policy	Key Features	Premium
Starr SmarTrip Overseas Student Insurance (Credit)	Cover up to HK$1,000,000 medical expenses. No copayment or deductible required. Extend to cover leisure trips during term breaks.	HK$1,870
Starr SmarTrip Overseas Student Insurance (Distinction)	Cover up to HK$1,500,000 medical expenses. No copayment or deductible required. Extend to cover leisure trips during term breaks.	HK$2,550
Starr SmarTrip Overseas Student Insurance (High Distinction)	Cover up to HK$2,000,000 medical expenses. No copayment or deductible required. Extend to cover leisure trips during term breaks.	HK$4,250
FWD Comprehensive Medical Overseas StudyCare Plan A (Asia)	Cover up to HK$2,000,000 medical expenses.	HK$4,675
FWD Comprehensive Medical Overseas StudyCare Plan A (Worldwide)	Cover up to HK$2,000,000 medical expenses.	HK$6,800
FWD Comprehensive Medical Overseas StudyCare Plan B (Worldwide)	Provide education funds and cover for leisure and amateur sports activities.	HK$4,250
Zurich StudySmart Overseas Student Insurance Primary Plan (2-year)	Cover internship and study interruption	HK$3,850

Benefits of Overseas Student Insurance Policy

Overseas Student Insurance Policy provides comprehensive coverage for students studying overseas, covering medical expenses, hospital visits, tuition fees for study interruption. It may provide school fee cover on the death of parents. Some plans also provide protection for internship, part-time job and leisure travel during school breaks. Most of the overseas student insurance plans require applicants to apply before they set off.

Overseas Student Insurance Policy VS Travel Insurance

	Overseas Student Insurance Policy	Travel Insurance
Policy Period	Up to 2 years	Single trip travel insurance: up to 180 days Annual travel insurance: up to 90 days
Age Limit	10-35 years old	18-70 years old (6 weeks old for family package)
Coverage	Provide additional cover including study interruption and education fund in additional to basic coverage for travel insurance	Cover medical expenses, trip cancellation and personal liability
Suitable For	International or exchange students	Holidaymakers

The Main Coverage of Overseas Student Insurance Policy

The main coverage of overseas student insurance policy is outlined below:

Medical expenses and hospitalisation fees
Worldwide emergency assistance services
Personal accident and personal liability
Curtailment of trip and travel delay
Personal belongings and luggage
Education funds

Higher insurance premiums doesn’t mean more coverage

Paying higher insurance premiums doesn’t mean you are receiving more coverage than those who are paying less. It is worth spending time on comparison websites like MoneySmart when it comes to shopping around and going for a policy tailored to your needs the most.

Coverage amount depends on which country you are going

If you are studying in a country that has a higher living standard, you should consider taking out a policy with a higher coverage amount to cover you for emergencies when studying overseas for a prolonged period.

Policy bought through schools are less comprehensive

Overseas student insurance policies provided by schools are less comprehensive than those available in the market. Therefore, it is wise to get additional cover by purchasing another overseas student insurance policy.

Mandatory Student Health Insurance for Popular Countries

Students should purchase health insurance when studying abroad to protect themselves in case of an emergency. Some countries require health coverage as a mandatory condition of entry. MoneySmart has put together a summary for you below:

Country	Mandatory Health Insurance	Coverage
United Kingdom	National Health Service (NHS)	In-patient medical expenses and hospitalisation fees in public clinics/ hospitals (excluding medication)
Australia	Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)	Right Column 2In-patient medical expenses and hospitalisation fees public clinics/ hospitals (including medication)
Japan	Statutory Health Insurance (SHI)	Cover 70% of medical expenses
Canada	Any overseas student insurance	Medical expenses and hospitalization fees
United States	Any overseas student insurance	Medical expenses and hospitalization fees

Frequently Asked Questions about Overseas Students Health Cover

When should I purchase overseas student insurance?: You can start your applications 90 days prior to your departure date.
Can annual travel insurance replace overseas student insurance?: No. You are only covered up to 180 days for annual travel insurance whereas you are covered up to 2 years if you take out overseas student insurance. Moreover, overseas student insurance is tailored for students’ needs - for example it provides cover for study interruption.
Do I need overseas student insurance?: If you are studying overseas for more than six months, it is recommended to purchase overseas student insurance.
What is the difference between mandatory health insurance required by some countries and other overseas student travel insurance?: In general, those mandatory covers only provide basic cover with limited coverage whereas overseas student travel insurance provides a more comprehensive cover, covering students medical expenses in private clinics/ hospitals.
Should I purchase additional cover if I have already purchased an insurance policy through my school?: Yes, it is recommended to get additional cover to extend your cover to internship, study interruption, travel during term breaks, etc.
Is it a must to purchase overseas student insurance prior to my departure?: Yes, you must purchase overseas student cover before you set off. If you are under 18 years old, only your parents/ legal guardian can purchase it on your behalf.
Who is eligible to purchase overseas students health cover?: Any legal Hong Kong resident aged between 10 to 35 is generally eligible to apply.

Compare Dah Sing Insurance Overseas Student Insurance in Hong Kong 2024

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HK$3,500

Dah Sing Insurance Overseas StudySure Protection Plan (Worldwide, excl. USA/Can) [1-year]

HK$8,800

Dah Sing Insurance Overseas StudySure Protection Plan (Worldwide) [2-year]

HK$6,800

Dah Sing Insurance Overseas StudySure Protection Plan (Worldwide, excl. USA/Can) [2-year]

HK$4,400

Dah Sing Insurance Overseas StudySure Protection Plan (Worldwide) [1-year]