When should I purchase overseas student insurance?

You can start your applications 90 days prior to your departure date.

Can annual travel insurance replace overseas student insurance?

No. You are only covered up to 180 days for annual travel insurance whereas you are covered up to 2 years if you take out overseas student insurance. Moreover, overseas student insurance is tailored for students’ needs - for example it provides cover for study interruption.

Do I need overseas student insurance?

If you are studying overseas for more than six months, it is recommended to purchase overseas student insurance.

What is the difference between mandatory health insurance required by some countries and other overseas student travel insurance?

In general, those mandatory covers only provide basic cover with limited coverage whereas overseas student travel insurance provides a more comprehensive cover, covering students medical expenses in private clinics/ hospitals.

Should I purchase additional cover if I have already purchased an insurance policy through my school?

Yes, it is recommended to get additional cover to extend your cover to internship, study interruption, travel during term breaks, etc.

Is it a must to purchase overseas student insurance prior to my departure?

Yes, you must purchase overseas student cover before you set off. If you are under 18 years old, only your parents/ legal guardian can purchase it on your behalf.

Who is eligible to purchase overseas students health cover?

Any legal Hong Kong resident aged between 10 to 35 is generally eligible to apply.

Compare Overseas Student Insurance in Hong Kong 2025

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Overseas Student Insurance Policy	Key Features	Premium
Starr SmarTrip Overseas Student Insurance (Credit)	Cover up to HK$1,000,000 medical expenses. No copayment or deductible required. Extend to cover leisure trips during term breaks.	HK$1,870
Starr SmarTrip Overseas Student Insurance (Distinction)	Cover up to HK$1,500,000 medical expenses. No copayment or deductible required. Extend to cover leisure trips during term breaks.	HK$2,550
Starr SmarTrip Overseas Student Insurance (High Distinction)	Cover up to HK$2,000,000 medical expenses. No copayment or deductible required. Extend to cover leisure trips during term breaks.	HK$4,250
FWD Comprehensive Medical Overseas StudyCare Plan A (Asia)	Cover up to HK$2,000,000 medical expenses.	HK$4,675
FWD Comprehensive Medical Overseas StudyCare Plan A (Worldwide)	Cover up to HK$2,000,000 medical expenses.	HK$6,800
FWD Comprehensive Medical Overseas StudyCare Plan B (Worldwide)	Provide education funds and cover for leisure and amateur sports activities.	HK$4,250
Zurich StudySmart Overseas Student Insurance Primary Plan (2-year)	Cover internship and study interruption	HK$3,850

	Overseas Student Insurance Policy	Travel Insurance
Policy Period	Up to 2 years	Single trip travel insurance: up to 180 days Annual travel insurance: up to 90 days
Age Limit	10-35 years old	18-70 years old (6 weeks old for family package)
Coverage	Provide additional cover including study interruption and education fund in additional to basic coverage for travel insurance	Cover medical expenses, trip cancellation and personal liability
Suitable For	International or exchange students	Holidaymakers

Country	Mandatory Health Insurance	Coverage
United Kingdom	National Health Service (NHS)	In-patient medical expenses and hospitalisation fees in public clinics/ hospitals (excluding medication)
Australia	Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)	Right Column 2In-patient medical expenses and hospitalisation fees public clinics/ hospitals (including medication)
Japan	Statutory Health Insurance (SHI)	Cover 70% of medical expenses
Canada	Any overseas student insurance	Medical expenses and hospitalization fees
United States	Any overseas student insurance	Medical expenses and hospitalization fees

Compare Overseas Student Insurance in Hong Kong 2025

AXA SmartStudent Overseas (Worldwide, excl. USA/Canada)

Dah Sing Insurance Overseas StudySure Protection Plan (Worldwide, excl. USA/Can) [1-year]

Starr SmarTrip Overseas Student Insurance - Distinction

MSIG - Study abroad carefree with comprehensive protection (Premier Plan)

Generali Annual Study Abroad Protector (Worldwide, except US/Canada)

AXA SmartStudent Overseas (US/Canada)

Dah Sing Insurance Overseas StudySure Protection Plan (Worldwide) [1-year]

BOCG Insurance GoStudy Student Insurance - Premier Plan [1-year]

Starr SmarTrip Overseas Student Insurance- High Distinction

BOCG Insurance GoStudy Student Insurance - Basic Plan [1-year]

Generali Annual Study Abroad Protector (US/Canada)

Dah Sing Insurance Overseas StudySure Protection Plan (Worldwide) [2-year]

Blue Cross Overseas StudySafe Insurance - Smart Plus Plan [1-year]

Dah Sing Insurance Overseas StudySure Protection Plan (Worldwide, excl. USA/Can) [2-year]

Starr SmarTrip Overseas Student Insurance - Credit

Zurich StudySmart+ Overseas Student Insurance Advanced Plan (1-year)

Zurich StudySmart+ Overseas Student Insurance Basic Plan (2-year)

BOCG Insurance GoStudy Student Insurance - Premier Plan [6 Month]

Zurich StudySmart+ Overseas Student Insurance Advanced Plan (2-years)

BOCG Insurance GoStudy Student Insurance - Basic Plan [6 Month]

What is Overseas Student Health Cover?

Best Overseas Student Health Cover

Benefits of Overseas Student Insurance Policy

Overseas Student Insurance Policy VS Travel Insurance

The Main Coverage of Overseas Student Insurance Policy

Points to Note for Overseas Student Insurance Policy

Higher insurance premiums doesn’t mean more coverage

Coverage amount depends on which country you are going

Policy bought through schools are less comprehensive

Mandatory Student Health Insurance for Popular Countries

Frequently Asked Questions about Overseas Students Health Cover