International students who hold health cover policies with Allianz Worldwide Partners (AWP) now have free access to an app designed to keep them safe in Australia.

AWP’s exclusive deal with student support service Sonder Australia gives student policyholders access to preventative advice on security, safety and welfare issues, plus round-the-clock crisis and general welfare management.

The associated app is free for all international students who buy Allianz Global Assistance Overseas Student Health Cover.

Key features include a distress button that sends for help in an emergency and a “check in/out” function monitoring the user’s location.

The “walk with me” function guides users to their destinations, while the “I’m safe” function helps customers in the event of a natural disaster or security incident.

AWP CEO Craig Dalzell says the app will help thousands of international students at a time that can be “confusing and daunting”.

“It’s natural to worry about how they may cope with cultural differences, adapting to a new environment and their safety,” he said. “The partnership with Sonder Australia will allow us to extend local support and care to students studying in Australia, providing an end-to-end health, safety and security offering that is [unique] in market.”