Your essential guide to elective insurance

Introduction

Embarking on a medical elective is one of the most rewarding and adventurous parts of your university journey. Whether you're heading to a bustling hospital in a major city or a rural clinic in a developing country, planning is key - and that includes protecting yourself with the right insurance.

Why elective insurance matters

While you might think taking out basic travel insurance is okay, it can often fall short when it comes to the unique risks medical students face. Standard travel policies typically don’t cover incidents like needle-stick injuries or exposure to infectious diseases - risks that are very real during clinical placements.

That’s where elective-specific insurance comes in. It’s designed with your needs in mind, offering comprehensive protection for both travel-related mishaps and medical-specific scenarios.

Research cover before you book

One of the biggest mistakes students can make is booking their placement, flights and accommodation before securing insurance. Make sure researching the type of insurance you need is part of this process. Not only will this give you peace of mind, but also better understand the full costs of travelling.

If you’re staying within the EU, make sure to apply for a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). It gives you access to state healthcare but isn’t always a substitute for full insurance. So, make sure you do your research.

What can elective insurance cover?

A good policy should include:

• Medical emergencies (including those specific to clinical work)
• Trip cancellations or delays
• Lost or stolen belongings
• Reimbursement for rescheduled flights or accommodation if you need to return for resits
• Personal liability and legal expenses

The cost will vary depending on your destination and the length of your elective, so it’s worth shopping around. Make sure you look at all the options thoroughly and don’t just go for the cheapest option.

Indemnity insurance: A must-have

If you're a medical student, you likely have free indemnity cover through the Medical Defence Union (MDU) or Medical Protection Society (MPS). This is essential for your elective, as it protects you in case of clinical errors or negligence.

Important note: If you're with the MDU and planning to go to Australia, you’ll need to arrange separate indemnity cover with an Australian provider.

Elective insurance checklist

Here’s a handy list to keep you on track:

• Read the fine print: Make sure your policy covers everything you need.
• Don’t skimp: A cheaper policy might leave you exposed.
• Budget for insurance: Include it in your elective planning from the start.
• Make copies: Keep digital and physical copies of your passport, visa, insurance and other key documents.
• Pack a medical kit: Especially important if you’re heading to a low-resource setting.
• Bring a PEP kit: Post-Exposure Prophylaxis is vital in case of needle-stick injuries.
• Talk to your doctor: If you have a medical condition, get advice and documentation for any medications.
• Check country-specific requirements: For example, New Zealand may require a chest X-ray to prove you’re TB-free.

Final thoughts

Your elective is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn, grow and make a difference. With the right insurance in place, you can focus on what really matters - gaining experience, helping others and making memories that will last a lifetime.