(a) Within the limits of appropriations therefor, a state educational institution may purchase insurance as required under agreements with institutions of higher education located in other countries in order to permit students and faculty to participate in the study abroad program of the state educational institution. A state educational institution may purchase insurance for purposes of medical evacuation and repatriation of remains of students, faculty and staff participating in the study abroad program of the state educational institution. Contracts entered into for such insurance shall not be subject to the competitive bid requirements of Kan. Stat. Ann. §§ 75-3739 and amendments thereto and shall not be subject to the provisions of Kan. Stat. Ann. § 74-4702, 75-4101, 75-6111 or 75-6501 to 75-6513, inclusive, and amendments thereto.

(b) As used in this section, “state educational institution” has the meaning ascribed thereto by Kan. Stat. Ann. §§ 76-711 and amendments thereto.