Erasmus: which insurance should you choose?

Planning to study abroad for several months? Going on Erasmus? Besides choosing a good place to study, have you thought of everything? Student insurance, for example?

As with any big trip, you need to think of everything. Admission to a school or university, accommodation, budget, leisure activities... But you also need to consider the less "fun" aspects of a trip abroad: health issues, medical check-ups, accidents, hospitalisation. Student insurance - or long-term travel insurance - can come in handy! This is even more true during a pandemic.

Erasmus in a European Union country

Before student insurance, the EHIC

Since the Maastricht Treaty of 1992, anyone holding the nationality of a member state is a citizen of the Union. And every citizen of the Union has the right to move and reside freely throughout the European Union.

As part of this effort to standardise procedures between EU countries, the European Health Insurance Card - EHIC was launched in late 2005. This card allows every citizen to prove their entitlement to health insurance in their home country. Recognised in all 27 EU Member States, it is also recognised in Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.

The EHIC remains an essential document to have with you before travelling abroad. This card is not issued automatically: you must apply for it through your health insurance fund (it has replaced the "E111 Form" for many years now).

Insurance cover: student or employee?

There is a significant difference between being a student - not employed - and being an employee within the European Union.

• Students - not employed - can apply for the EHIC provided they meet the required criteria. Click this link for all useful information about the EHIC.
• Employees are required to take out health insurance in the host country.

Studying abroad: special cases

In any case, check with your health insurance fund whether your medical expenses are covered abroad. There are some special cases:

• In some countries, students over the age of 28 are considered employees
• Likewise, in some countries, PhD students are considered resident workers
• On the other hand, in the case of a temporary exchange, students continue to fall under the health insurance scheme of their home country

Studying abroad: what should you think about?

But the EHIC doesn't cover everything. While this card covers basic health needs, it covers nothing else. Students who want to study abroad need to think about the various types of insurance to take out.

• How do you insure your student accommodation?
• How do you cover damage caused to third parties?
• How do you get insured in case of an accident?

To a lesser extent, it's also worth thinking about insurance against theft or loss of belongings. A student who is still registered at their parents' address depends on their insurance. But it's essential to carefully check all these points before setting off on your adventure.

Can you leave without student insurance?

We strongly advise against it. Life can indeed throw a few surprises your way. The cost of hospitalisation, medical consultations, medication or repatriation can quickly become unimaginable.

To give you an example: in the United States, an ambulance for an emergency can cost between $400 and $1,200, and admission to certain hospitals may be conditional on having insurance or holding a credit card.

Student insurance: the obligations of the educational institution

If you're going to study abroad as part of an Erasmus programme, find out in advance about the insurance requirements of the school or university you wish to attend.

Indeed, the main characteristics of the Erasmus programme state:

"The programme gives project organisers the freedom to look for the most suitable insurance policy depending on the type of project carried out and according to the types of insurance available at national level. [...]

The following aspects must be covered:

• where applicable, travel insurance (including lost or damaged luggage);
• civil liability (including, where applicable, professional liability insurance or liability insurance);
• accidents and serious illness (including permanent or temporary incapacity);
• death (including repatriation in the case of projects carried out abroad)."

Studying abroad, outside the European Union

For long stays outside the European Union, it's essential to have your documents in order, including your passport (mandatory in most foreign countries) and, depending on the case, a visa.
Since the Covid pandemic, entry into a country may also be conditional on proof of vaccination and booster shots.

The visa question is essential. Whether travelling, studying or working, foreign authorities require you to prove the reason for your visit to their territory. And some countries have far more complicated regulations than others.

For this, visit the website of the Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs and consider contacting the host country's consulate to obtain all the useful information.

Some countries also require proof of insurance or medical assistance cover. If you have taken out this type of insurance with Redion, their contact centre (Customer Service) can send you the necessary certificate.

Admission, insurance, agreements

In most cases, a study visa is granted to a student based on various documents and certificates they must provide. The main proof remains their letter of admission to the educational institution.

Besides admission, make sure to check with your future school:

• Which types of insurance are covered by the institution?
• Which types of insurance are required by the institution?
• Which types of insurance are required or included for your accommodation?
• Does it offer a student insurance package aimed at international students?

There are also facilitation agreements for Belgian students going abroad.

Also check out the list of 25 countries with which Belgium has signed a bilateral agreement. Note that some agreements don't specifically state what applies to students. Always contact the country's embassy or consulate to find out all the details.

The benefits of taking out student insurance

As you can see, studying abroad requires a good amount of preparation. While the EHIC is valid in your destination country, it doesn't cover everything. And for other countries outside Europe, you'll need additional cover.

Taking out student insurance covers a wide range of situations. Travel insurance for long stays, for example, goes far beyond basic medical insurance. Here are some of the things covered by Redion's Long Trip insurance:

• Repatriation of an injured person - along with their companions
• Medical expenses paid abroad
• Early return, in case of illness or death of a close relative, and return to the place of study abroad
• Sending essential items or money in case of lost or stolen luggage
• Assistance in case of legal proceedings or loss of identity documents

DiscoverLong Trip: our travel assistancewhich covers stays abroad of more than 3 months. For a stay of less than 3 consecutive months, Smart assistance is the right choice.

Article written in collaboration with We are the Words.