What type of travel insurance should I take out abroad depending on my destination?
Are you about to embark on a language immersion program or a Working Holiday Visa? Whether you're going to Europe, the United States, Australia, Canada, or New Zealand, the question always comes up: what travel insurance should you get abroad? Languages and Travel, your language immersion agency, explains the whys and wherefores to help you avoid the worst-case scenarios!
Workplace accidents, car accidents, poolside accidents, accidents involving a gas stove, extreme sports… Do you really think these things only happen to other people? Think again. From baggage insurance to emergency repatriation, every year the same situations create the same problems for travelers . It's best to be well-insured before the unexpected happens… and has to pay a hefty price!
Getting insurance during a stay in Europe: a closer look at the European Health Insurance Card
Language courses, internships, or homestays in the UK, Spain, Portugal, or the Netherlands… Whatever type of language immersion program you choose, if you travel to another EU Member State, you must always contact your health insurance provider before departure to obtain your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) . This card can be valid for a considerable period, up to two years, and must always be presented to healthcare providers abroad. The EHIC allows you to receive medically necessary healthcare services to ensure your safety and well-being during your stay. Please note that all reimbursements are processed according to the legislation of the country you are visiting.
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) allows you to be treated as a patient in the country you are visiting. The amount of reimbursement will continue to depend on the country visited, the type of hospital, or the healthcare provider you received. As before, you are responsible for completing the necessary paperwork locally to obtain reimbursement for your expenses. Upon your return, you can also submit your original invoices to your health insurance provider, who will assess your eligibility for coverage. If you did not apply for your European Health Insurance Card, if your health insurance provider did not have time to issue it, or if you lost it, you can obtain a replacement certificate if you require healthcare services during your stay. This certificate serves the same purpose as the EHIC, with one exception: it is only valid for the duration of your stay.
What travel insurance is needed for a working holiday or any stay outside of Europe?
Travel insurance is especially important when leaving Europe, particularly if you're going on a Working Holiday Visa. For Working Holiday Visa stays in Canada, medical insurance is mandatory and must cover the entire duration of your stay. For other destinations, while not mandatory, it is strongly recommended ( Languages & Travel never lets anyone travel without insurance ).
Why? Because this type of formula will get you:
- to rent or even buy a car
- trying extreme adventures like scuba diving, surfing
- skiing in Canada or New Zealand
- to explore more remote areas
Another scenario is a workplace accident. If you're not covered by your employer, your travel insurance may cover you. This is especially important if you work in a kitchen, a paid job often sought after by Working Holiday Visa holders.
Travel with peace of mind with L&T
As a language travel agency, for all stays outside Europe, we have partnered with and work exclusively with ACS Etudiants, an insurance broker. Covering medical expenses (surgery, hospitalization, dental care, etc.), assistance, and civil liability in case of accidents (including bodily injury or property damage caused to others), they offer short- or long-term insurance policies from one week to one year, renewable. We offer insurance for the first six months. You can extend your policy if you are still abroad. Please note that we will send a reminder!
Student visa insurance for Australia
Finally, in the last scenario, for a student visa to Australia, Australian OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) insurance is mandatory and must be purchased at the time of registration with the educational institution. Its price varies depending on the duration of the course and the number of people (single/family).