Whether your student is moving into a dorm at SFU, sharing an off-campus apartment in Kitsilano, or flying across the world for a semester abroad, having the right insurance in place can save a lot of stress (and money) down the road.
At Poco Insurance, we’ve helped families across BC protect what matters most for over 30 years. Here’s a simple guide to what students and parents should know about insurance during this exciting chapter of life.
Dorm Life: Are Students Covered Under Your Home Policy?
Good news: if your student is living in a college or university dorm, they may already be covered under your existing home, condo, or tenant insurance policy. Many BC home insurance policies extend coverage for dependents temporarily living away from home attending school.
This usually means their laptop, phone, clothes, and other personal belongings are protected if there’s a fire, theft, or water damage in the dorm. Personal and Premises Liability. However, coverage limits vary, so it’s worth giving us a quick call to double-check how much is included.
💡 Tip: Ask your student to keep an inventory of their valuables (a quick phone photo works) in case you ever need to make a claim.
Off-Campus Apartments: Why Renters Insurance Matters
If your student decides dorm life isn’t for them and moves into an apartment or house off-campus, the situation changes. Once they’re renting independently, they’ll likely need their own renters insurance policy.
Renters insurance (also called tenants insurance) is affordable, often less than the price of a few coffees a month, and covers both their belongings (contents) and liability.
Many of our insurers can accomodate up 2-3 unrelated individuals sharing one rental unit.
That last part is key. Liability protection means if your student accidentally causes damage (say, a kitchen fire or a flooded bathroom) or someone gets injured visiting, they won’t be stuck with an expensive legal bill. Landlords usually require this coverage anyway, but even if they don’t, it’s a smart investment.
Travel Insurance: For Study Abroad and Trips Home
Many students take advantage of study-abroad programs, or at the very least, travel home over breaks. Travel insurance is often overlooked until the last minute, but it’s essential.
Medical bills outside of BC (especially in the US) can be shockingly high. A simple emergency room visit could cost thousands without coverage. Travel insurance provides peace of mind, covering medical emergencies, trip interruptions, and even lost baggage.
Parents can usually add students onto a family travel insurance plan, or the student can get their own policy—it just depends on the situation.
We offer two "Quote and Buy Now" Online Insurance options through our Travel Partners Allianze and TUGO. CLick the links below to quote and purchase your policy. If you prefer to work with one of our broker, you can also contact us directly to get a customzied quotation.
Click Here to quote from purchase Travel Insurance from TUGO
Click Here to quote from purchase Travel Insurance from ALLIANZ
4. Tech, Bikes, and Other Extras
College life today means expensive laptops, smartphones, tablets, and sometimes bikes or instruments. These can often be added to a policy for extra protection if they exceed standard coverage limits.
For example, if your student is a photography major with thousands of dollars’ worth of camera gear, it’s worth asking about specific coverage options.
5. Quick Checklist for Parents and Students
- ✅ Review your home insurance policy to see if dorm coverage applies for Student Property and/or Liability.
- ✅ If renting, set up renters insurance before move-in day.
- ✅ Arrange travel insurance for out-of-country or out-of-province trips.
- ✅ Keep an inventory of Personal items (written inventory along with any photos and receipts are best)
- ✅ Ask about special coverage for expensive gear.