It’s essential that you have travel and health insurance to cover you for the entire duration of your international travel, including travel undertaken before or after your program of study.
UniSA provides insurance coverage to eligible students under the University’s corporate policy, though it’s your responsibility to make sure you’re covered and to become familiar with exactly what is covered as there are some limitations.
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UniSA Travel Insurance
UniSA provides eligible students with free travel insurance for study related travel. You can see more information on the UniSA Travel Insurance website. Travel insurance is provided automatically if the below conditions and restrictions are met.
Conditions
- You must be receiving academic credit or meeting a program requirement for your overseas activity
- You must complete a Business Travel Request (BTR) form with UniSA
- You must not travel to a high-risk Level 3 or Level 4 country as rated by Smartraveller
Restrictions
- Your trip doesn’t exceed 270 days
- You don’t have any pre-existing medical conditions
- You’re under the age of 74 for the entire period of travel
- You do not intend to work while overseas
If any of the above restrictions are not met, coverage isn’t automatic though you may still be eligible. You’ll need to discuss this with the University’s insurance team so they can provide you with advice specific to your unique situation.
For example, if you have a pre-existing medical condition you may be required to provide a letter from your doctor stating that you’re fit to fly. If you do not declare a pre-existing condition (e.g asthma) in advance, then the insurance may become void if a related incident occurs overseas, so always make sure to declare any pre-existing conditions!
If you intend to work while overseas your workplace must cover you for any injuries sustained while engaged in employment. If your trip will be more than 270 days in total, you may be able to purchase additional coverage to account for the extra time overseas.
Frequently asked questions can be found at FAQs on Travel Insurance.
If you have any questions regarding the UniSA Travel Insurance, you can contact the Insurance Office: insurance@unisa.edu.au.
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High Risk Activities
It’s important to be aware that the University’s travel insurance policy isn’t exhaustive, and it doesn’t cover every activity. There are certain high-risk activities which are excluded, and it’s important to be aware of these so you can make an informed decision.
For example, certain activities such as hiking, snow skiing on groomed slopes, or scuba diving may be covered, but should be referred to the UniSA Insurance Office on a case by case basis for clarification on whether there’ll be any restriction of cover.
Aerial activities such as parachuting, BASE jumping, and para gliding are specifically excluded from cover.
If riding a motorised scooter, to be covered by insurance, the scooter must be used on public roads, you must have a suitable current driver’s licence (Australian or International), and you must be wearing a helmet.
If you’re unsure whether an activity may be covered, it’s always best to contact the UniSA Insurance Office.
If you’re dead set on undertaking an activity that’s not covered under the University’s policy, it’s strongly recommended that you purchase an additional policy that will cover you for your chosen activity.
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Making a Claim
If something goes wrong while you’re overseas, one of the first things you should do is to contact the Travel Risk Management (TRM) company, Healix International.
Depending on the nature of the situation, you may need to pay for some expenses up front (e.g. medical expenses or replacement equipment in case of theft), then lodge a claim with the insurance team at a later date.
Keep all documentation, even if you’re not sure it will be relevant for the claim. Better to be over-prepared than to throw away a key document you need for reimbursement!
Examples of relevant documentation could include:
- Receipts for purchase of items (originals as well as replacements)
- Receipts for bookings (accommodation, travel, tours, etc.)
- Email confirmation from vendors or companies
- Medical bills or prescriptions
When you’re ready, claim forms are obtained by contacting UniSA’s Insurance Office. They’ll help you through the process. Be aware that there may be an excess that you’ll still be required to cover yourself, depending on the nature of the claim. This information is available via the UniSA Insurance Office. A claim should be submitted to the Insurance Office at the earliest opportunity at insurance@unisa.edu.au.
If you’ve secured insurance through another provider (i.e., not with UniSA’s automatic coverage), you’ll need to contact the provider directly and follow their claims process.
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Compulsory Host University Health Insurance
Some partner universities (particularly those in the USA) may require you to purchase local health insurance. This is usually to meet visa requirements.
In some instances, the host university may accept the UniSA travel insurance in lieu of their compulsory health insurance. You’ll need to enquire with your host provider to if this will be the case. It’s likely that you’ll need to provide a statement of cover from UniSA’s Insurance Office for them to review and assess. If they don’t accept UniSA’s travel insurance in lieu, you will have to comply with their requirements even if you’re already covered by UniSA Travel Insurance.
Exchange students (full semester and short term) should check the Exchange Partner Profile page to see if they have mandatory health insurance. If you’re undertaking a Short-Term Study opportunity or a Study Tour, please enquire with the Mobility Experience Provider or the UniSA staff leading the study tour.
