Student travelling policies are of different types, all very flexible:

- Policy for backpackers (which means a not too expensive form of international travelling, globetrotting with the essentials in your pack) and for gap year students. This is usually the cheapest policy.

- Single trip contract (this is a good option when you travel and stay abroad for a longer time, for study and/or work)

- Annual multi-trip policy for regular travellers, if you have more than one trip in a year (this if you have to travel to certain trainings or courses in different locations, or just enjoying a little holiday between exams and studying periods).

To avoid any surprise it is worth enquiring before placing an order whether the price includes taxes. Student travel insurance prices are generally very suitable for your pocket, and they offer you coverage for a lot of situations, like:

- Expenses which occur in case of hospitalization, medical care (dental treatment), etc.
- Cancellation policy (delay, interruption, or repetition of your course due to many reasons). The fees of such a course are usually refunded to you.
- Loss, theft, or damage of goods (luggage, money, and important documents, like passports, identity cards, tickets, Student card etc). As a precaution: always keep a copy of the most important documents with you.
- Non stop emergency service, which means a 24 h contact with your insurer (very important for backpackers!)
- Adventure sports and hazardous activities (usually included in backpackers' options, too). This, of course, depends on the insurance company; some policies have it as part of the standard contract, while others include it in the so called premium package.
- Single item limit. This means that the policy offers coverage for one single lost article, and a limited amount of money is provided for this.
- Personal liability: this covers all the damages or problems you cause to other people.
- Possibility for extension. Most agencies will extend the insurance contract if you change the length of your stay in a foreign country (for example you can decide to stay a few months longer to learn a language, complete a course, finish a work, thus earn more money)

It is always better and more secure to travel in groups, most agencies have special insurance packages and great discount for student groups. Before choosing one or another company shop around for more information. Try to compare policies and prices on the Internet, to see which policy is the most suitable for you. You can download, read and compare policies simultaneously. To buy insurance from the internet has other reasons, too: almost each company provides a certain discount (usually minimum 10%) if you buy the contract online. Most agencies give you an insurance card free of charge, which contains all the details of the policy. This should be taken away with you, so when being in trouble you can have all the important details and emergency numbers at hand.

It is worth mentioning that you must be a full time, or at least a part time student to benefit from this type of insurance. Also be careful with age limits: some companies provide student travel insurance only under certain age.

While choosing the policy consider if this covers the sports and activities you would like to practice while being on your holiday/gap year. Standard contracts offer a good coverage for working in a foreign country, although not all the job types are included. The majority of students studying abroad, as well as backpackers on the road will choose the working alternative to finance themselves, to pay for the goods they will need while being on the road. Therefore it is essential to check out if your insurance covers you in this situation, too.

Finally, find out if the contract provides you the possibility of going back home during the time you spend abroad. Many backpackers spend long time away from home at once, but it may happen that you have to go home instantly, as for certain seasons, or family events.

If some of these issues are not included in the policy you have chosen, try to get an extra coverage just in case. Do not choose the cheapest solution to save money, as it may not give you the best coverage. Consider your needs first, and make your decision accordingly!