Basics

Do students need life insurance?

Most students do not need life insurance. Life insurance pays money to someone else when you die, and it matters most when another person relies on your income or would be left with your debts.

When it is usually not needed

If nobody depends on you financially and your debts would not pass to anyone else, life insurance does little for you. Health, travel and belongings cover are more useful.

When it may be worth thinking about

• If you have children or a partner who depends on your income.
• If a parent or another person has guaranteed or co-signed a private loan for your studies, and would have to repay it.
• If a scholarship or sponsor requires it, which is rare.

Student loans

What happens to a student loan when the borrower dies depends on the lender and the country. Some public student loans are cancelled. Private loans may not be. Read the loan terms, or ask the lender, before deciding.

Personal accident cover

Some student and travel policies include a small personal accident benefit. It is not the same as life insurance, but it may be enough for many students.

Comparing places to study

If you are still choosing where to study, the Universities DB comparison tool helps you compare universities across countries.

This page is general information, last reviewed in October 2026. It is not advice, and rules change. Check the official source for your visa and your university's own guidance before you buy anything.