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Student Travel Safety / Statistics / Travel Tips / Helpful Resources
Student Travel Safety
Domestic or international travel opportunities for students of all ages has become a popular educational benefit provided by schools and universities across the globe; whether it is for athletic or extracurricular tournaments, language programs, volunteer missions or study abroad programs. Young travelers may even venture abroad on their own, taking a gap year, backpacking trip or simply vacationing with friends. While travel offers a multitude of opportunities, there are still numerous factors that may put the health and safety of this vulnerable population at risk.
AIG Travel recognizes the need for greater understanding and awareness regarding safety for student travelers. A strong safety and preparation plan can help ensure students of all ages enjoy travel and the valuable experiences it can bring while also mitigating risk. Students, parents and faculty alike can benefit from the following travel tips and advice.
Student Travel Statistics
16%
of those earning bachelor’s degrees study abroad at some point during their undergraduate careers.1
10%
of all students studying abroad filed an insurance claim.2
33%
of the total risks to students traveling occur while on the highway
Research the destination before departing for your trip
- Look online for any health and safety, cultural or security related information on the country or countries you will be visiting. Government travel advisories are available by country and are a great resource for this information.
- Keep in mind that certain travelers such as women and the LGBTQ community, may face different risks in some countries - make sure you read up on the local laws and customs.
- Learn some useful phrases in the local language, such as asking for help or directions, or being able to say, "it’s an emergency."
Plan ahead and be prepared
- If you have a trip coordinator ask that person to explain their emergency plan before you leave. Check your understanding of the plan, so you know what to do if something goes wrong on your trip.
- Double check your travel insurance. Be sure it has the correct travel dates and covers the activities you will be participating in, for example scuba diving, hiking or rock climbing.
- Choose your contacts for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). These individuals – perhaps a parent or friend, should have valid travel documents and all the necessary information for your trip in case there is an emergency.
- Pack any prescription medications in their original bottles. If you need to take a large amount, pack a note from your doctor confirming that the quantity is correct for the duration of your trip.
Helpful Resources
Sources:
- https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2018/11/13/study-abroad-numbers-continue-grow-driven-continued-growth-short-term-programs
- https://forumea.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/ForumEA_InsuranceClaims_MortalityRateStudentsAbroad.pdf
- https://www.nais.org/magazine/independent-school/summer-2017/reality-check/
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Coverage available to U.S. residents of the U.S. states and District of Columbia only. This plan provides insurance coverage that only applies during the covered trip. You may have coverage from other sources that provides you with similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon your other coverages. You may wish to compare the terms of this policy with your existing life, health, home, and automobile insurance policies. If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer or insurance agent or broker. Coverage is offered by Travel Guard Group, Inc. (Travel Guard). California lic. no.0B93606, 3300 Business Park Drive, Stevens Point, WI 54482, travelguard.com. CA DOI toll free number: 800-927-HELP. This is only a brief description of the coverage(s) available. The Policy will contain reductions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions. Insurance underwritten by National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, Pa., a Pennsylvania insurance company, with its principal place of business at 1271 Avenue of the Americas, 37th FL, New York, NY 10020-1304. It is currently authorized to transact business in all states and the District of Columbia. NAIC No. 19445. Coverage may not be available in all states. Your travel retailer may not be licensed to sell insurance, and cannot answer technical questions about the benefits, exclusions, and conditions of this insurance and cannot evaluate the adequacy of your existing insurance. The purchase of travel insurance is not required in order to purchase any other product or service from the Travel Retailer.