According to a new Chubb Accident & Health and International SOS  whitepaper, "Student Travel and Study Abroad: Mental Health Issues and Awareness," research indicates there is a rising tide in mental health issues for students and such symptoms and conditions may worsen when studying abroad. To help educational institutions understand and address these issues, the paper discusses relevant case studies, key considerations in effectively managing mental health risks for students traveling and studying abroad, and what academic institutions should look for when selecting the right insurance coverage and assistance programs.

"Colleges and universities have a 'Duty of Care' obligation to assume responsibility in protecting their students from foreseeable health and security risks when students study abroad on school-sponsored or contracted programs," says Dean Hoski, Assistant Vice President, Chubb North America Accident & Health Division. "To address health risks while students are overseas and to reduce its legal and financial exposure, many schools purchase emergency travel assistance services and accident & health insurance. Such purchases are important as many domestic health insurance policies do not respond to risks associated with foreign travel, which may result in coverage gaps."