What an amazing adventure of travel and learning you’re in for! Studying outside of Canada brings all kinds of opportunities and experiences that will last a lifetime. It’s a big decision and a lot of planning is needed. This 10 items in this study abroad preparation checklist will start you off on the right path.
- Decide what to study: There are many study abroad and exchange programs to choose from. What do you want to do for a career? What are your interest? Let these guide your program search.
- Shortlist where do you want to travel. It’s a big world! Is there a particular region or culture you want to explore? Maybe you have relatives living abroad? Use this as a starting point, but don’t limit yourself too much!
- Determine your budget. Travel itself is expensive, and some countries are more expensive than others. Figure out what you can afford per month. And don’t forget to look into financial assistance. There are scholarships and loans specifically for Canadians studying outside of Canada.
- Check your passport expiry. Be sure your Canadian passport will stay valid to the end of your trip. Some countries require it to be valid for longer.
- Apply for a study permit. The country you’re traveling to will require this. The host institution that you’re studying with will likely be able to help.
- Learn about the country you’re visiting. Food, transportation, music, culture, language, and must-see attractions… get excited about where you’ll be studying.
- Book your travel. Whether it’s a flight or just driving south to the US, you want to get there safely. Don’t forget to look into shuttles and other ground transportation to get to where you’re staying.
- Apply for necessary documents. This could be things like visas, transcripts, student IDs, and housing contracts.
- Open a bank account. Having an account in your destination can make financial transactions much easier.
- Purchase travel insurance. When you’re packing your suitcase, don’t forget to include travel insurance. Healthcare emergencies can happen anywhere, so protect yourself.
Travel Health Insurance for Students
Travel insurance is a must for Canadian students going abroad for their education. An unexpected medical emergency can be very expensive – not to mention the interruption to your studies. Student travel insurance can provide coverage for a number of medical expenses:
- Local medical care
- Hospital fees
- Prescription medication related to the emergencies
- Ambulance services
- Changes to your travel plans that are caused by a medical emergency. This could be things like trip cancellation, flight rebooking, and emergency evacuation.
- … and much more
Health Care Coverage Eligibility for Canadian Students
Provincial health plans don’t extend beyond the Canadian border, unfortunately. This is another reason why student travel insurance is so important. To be eligible for health care coverage, you have to be covered under your province’s health plan. The type of coverage varies between provinces and territories. Some province’s have limits on how long a student can be out of Canada, so be sure to check with your province.
As a Canadian student, there is a chance you’re eligible for health insurance coverage through the institution where you’re going to study. Contact them directly to see if this benefit is available to you.
Student Travel Insurance purchase considerations
There are a number of private insurance companies that offer travel insurance plans specifically for students getting their education outside of Canada. Shop around to find one that meets your needs. Here are some questions to ask, to help you decide:
- What is the cost of the plan?
- How much coverage is offered?
- What is the cost of the deductible and co-pays?
- Does the travel insurance policy have exclusions and limitations?
- Will the healthcare services and facilities in your host country accept the plan?
Traveling outside of Canada for your education is a big decision and commitment! An unexpected injury or illness during your time away can ruin the adventure. There are lots of different travel insurance options, and it’s sometimes difficult to compare plans. We’re here to help. Learn more about our student travel insurance. This is one travel checklist item, you don’t want to leave unchecked.