Do You Need Insurance for Your Internship Abroad?

You’ve booked your flights, chosen your scrubs, and secured your spot on a medical internship abroad. But there’s one important detail you might be overlooking: insurance.

Whether you’re a pre-med, nursing, PA, or medical student heading abroad, insurance is an essential part of protecting yourself during your placement. It’s not just about covering lost luggage or missed flights. It’s about making sure you’re supported in the unlikely event of illness, injury, or liability during clinical activities.

In this guide, we’ll break down what types of insurance you need, why it matters, and how to get covered before starting your global health internship. 

> Explore Go-Elective’s PreMed, PA and Medical Internships Abroad

Why Insurance Is Highly Recommended 

Internships abroad involve navigating new environments, healthcare systems, and cultural expectations. While most placements are safe, supervised, and well-structured, unexpected things can happen—from minor illnesses to travel disruptions or rare clinical incidents.

Having the right insurance ensures:

• Access to medical care if you fall ill or get injured
• Protection in the event of medical evacuation
• Coverage for stolen items or trip delays
• Peace of mind for both you and your family
• Compliance with hospital or government requirements

In fact, some hospitals in East Africa require proof of insurance before allowing students to shadow or participate in clinical environments.

Types of Insurance You May Need

1. Travel Insurance

This covers the non-clinical side of your trip:

• Emergency medical care while abroad
• Trip cancellation or interruption
• Lost or delayed baggage
• Emergency evacuation or repatriation
• Personal liability and accidental injury

Many travel insurance providers offer specific plans for students or volunteers abroad. Always check:

• Coverage limits
• Whether it includes COVID-19 protection
• Support for remote regions (especially in rural Kenya or Tanzania)
  
  

2. Medical Malpractice or Indemnity Insurance

Some programs or host hospitals may require students—especially those in clinical or shadowing roles—to hold indemnity insurance. This protects you legally in the rare event of a misunderstanding or allegation during your hospital placement.

While most Go Elective students are observational and supervised at all times, some university programs or licensing councils may still request this coverage.

If your school already provides this, bring a letter confirming your coverage. If not, you can purchase a short-term student indemnity plan through providers like:

• Medicus Insurance
• World Nomads (for broader travel coverage)
• HPSO (for nursing and allied health students)

Does Go Elective Provide Insurance?

Go Elective does not include insurance in your program fee, but we do guide you on selecting the right policy based on your role, destination, and school requirements.

We recommend all participants:

• Purchase a comprehensive travel insurance policy
• Check if your university covers you during international placements
• Consider optional indemnity insurance, especially for credit-based electives

Can You Use University or Family Coverage?

Yes, in some cases. Here’s what to check:

• University Coverage: 

Some schools provide group insurance for students on registered electives. You may need to confirm coverage limits or geographic restrictions.

• Family Insurance: 

If you're on your parents' plan, check if international travel and emergency evacuation are included. Often, they are not.

Always request a written certificate of coverage to share with your internship provider or licensing body if needed.

Insurance Tips Before You Go

• Buy your insurance at least 2–4 weeks before departure
• Bring printed and digital copies of your policy and ID card
• Save the 24-hour emergency hotline number
• Know where the nearest recommended clinic or hospital is in your placement city (your Go Elective team will brief you)
• Add extra coverage for high-risk travel activities (like safaris or hiking Mount Kilimanjaro, if you plan to go)

Final Thoughts

Insurance may not be the most exciting part of your internship abroad—but it’s one of the most important. With the right coverage, you can explore, observe, and engage confidently, knowing you’re protected in case the unexpected happens.

At Go Elective, we’ll help you understand exactly what’s needed and guide you every step of the way. From clinical placement and housing to licensing and local transport, we’ve got you covered—just not literally. That part’s up to you.

> Apply today or get in touch via hello@goelective.com to start planning your internship abroad.

Article Details

Categories

Recent Articles , Pre-health, Medical Electives, Travel Tips, Dental Internships, Nursing Internships,

Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: Jun 29, 2025