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Check Health Insurance for Students Studying Abroad

Wish

Written by Kritika Singh

Updated Oct 18, 2024

In everyone's life, there is a phase in which an individual struggles a lot to shape their future and that phase is called student life. At this phase, students deal with a lot of problems and they always look for a solution for it. Many students choose to go abroad for their studies and to study abroad with new people, a new culture and a different way of life comes with a lot of challenges. The biggest issue that students face abroad is health issues due to changes in weather conditions, so to minimise this problem health insurance is the solution.

Importance Of Health Insurance For Students Abroad

Health Insurance for the section of study-abroad students is a type of travel insurance that specifically caters to the medical needs of students studying in a foreign country. It covers various medical expenses that include doctor’s visit fee, in-hospitalisation, prescription drugs, emergency treatment, mental, oro dental, and vision health. It is necessary to scrutinise and compare the different plans carefully before choosing one based on finances and the medical benefits offered. 

Benefits of Having Student Health Insurance While Studying Abroad

health insurance for students studying abroad

Health Insurance For Students Studying Abroad

When you take health insurance it comes with a lot of benefits that will help you to deal with uncertain problems. Here are some benefits of having student health insurance:

Access to Quality Healthcare

If you are studying abroad then the most needed thing is quality healthcare in the time when you will get ill. Healthcare systems vary from country to country and also the cost for it. With the help of health insurance, you will get access to treatment at good hospitals without affecting your savings from pocket money.

Compassionate Coverage

Just imagine that you fall ill in the other country and you are admitted to hospital for a long period of time. In this type of situation, you will always need your loved ones near you so that you feel good. Health insurance for students studying abroad has the benefit that you will get travel coverage and accommodation for one member of your family so that you have the support of your family in tough times

Passport Loss Cover

Passport plays an important role for those who are out of the country and losing is the biggest nightmare anyone can experience. If there is any condition in which you lose your passport then you will get coverage for the expenses that will incurred in applying for a duplicate passport.

Peace Of Mind

While studying abroad is an exciting experience, there is a certain amount of fear involved as well. You may rest easy knowing that you're covered for unplanned medical expenses, accidents, and even regular checkups. You can fully concentrate on your studies, explore new places, and make the most of your international experience if you have no worries about what might happen if you get sick.

Baggage Loss Cover

The fear of losing your belongings while studying overseas, particularly when travelling, can be unbearable. However, a lot of student health insurance policies also provide baggage loss coverage, which helps safeguard your money in the event that your belongings are misplaced, stolen, or damaged.

Types of Health Insurance Plans for Students Abroad 

Private Insurance 

  • Many Indian and international private health insurance companies offer you health care coverage plans to choose from an array of options. Depending on which country you are visiting to study, you may choose the best curated student specific insurance policy. Payments for the same are processed as a monthly or annual fee 

Government Approved Insurance

  • Few countries offer you Government authorised students’ health insurance plans for which international students need to pay a surcharge or buy the healthcare policy. Below given are 3 ways by which this surcharge is paid as fees to insure a student against medical bills abroad:
    • One of examples is country like UK, where you pay a healthcare surcharge as part of the visa application process
    • Provincial or state-issued medical insurance, for which you can apply directly to the state body; eg. Canada
    • International students may opt for specific government-mandated medical insurance plan via registered health insurer in country like Australia

How To Choose Health Insurance For Studying Abroad

There are certain things which you should look for before purchasing health insurance for studying abroad. Go through the below-listed points before purchasing health insurance for studying abroad:

1. Coverage

Always check and compare the plans of different insurers, check the coverage they are offering and go for the plans with maximum coverage.

2. Premium Cost

Whenever you are purchasing the plan do not forget to check its premium price. It will help you in managing your budget and also make a decision on whether to buy the plan or not.

3. Pre-existing Condition

At the time of the plan purchase if you have any pre-existing disease then check that the plan is giving coverage for that disease or not. If it covers then what is the waiting period for that disease?

4. Passport Coverage 

Choose the plan that gives coverage for your passport i.e. if you lose your passport then the insurer will cover the expense of a duplicate passport.

5. Compassionate Coverage

Go for the plan that provides coverage for compassion, in which you will get the support of your loved ones during tough times in another country.

Company and Their Health Insurance Plans for Students Abroad

There are many insurance companies in India that offer health insurance plans for students who go abroad for studies. Here are some insurers who have a good plan for students:

Company Name 

Plan Name

Key Features

TATA AIG  

TATA AIG Student Travel Insurance

  • Baggage Covers
  • Lost passport
  • Compassionate Visit

Reliance Health Insurance 

Student Travel Insurance

  • Study Interruption cover
  • Baggage Covers
  • Medical expenses cover

ICICI Lombard Health Insurance 

Globetrotter – Overseas

Individual Student

Travel Insurance

  • Compassionate visit
  • Personal accident
  • Loss of passport

Care Health Insurance 

Student Explore

  • Emergency hospitalization
  • Medical Evacuation
  • Loss of passport and checked-in baggage

Niva Bupa Health Insurance 

TravelAssure

  • In-Patient Hospitalization
  • Pre-Existing Diseases
  • Trip Cancellation

Bajaj Allianz Health Insurance  

Student Elite

  • Personal accident
  • Baggage Cover
  • Bail Bond

Royal Sundaram Health Insurance 

Travel Secure

  • Loss of Passport 
  • Trip delay
  • Baggage Cover

Understanding Policy Inclusions and Exclusions

Inclusion

Student health insurance policy’s inclusion terms should ascertain if the plan provides coverage for the medical expenses that are likely to occur including in-hospitalisation, pre-hospitalisation, and post-hospitalisation treatment; prescription drugs; diagnostic tests; doctor's visits; daycare procedures; domiciliary treatment for around 30 days; cover for ambulance services; maternity and dental procedures

Exclusions 

Inclusion clauses under the student health insurance plan generally exempt pre-existing diseases/disorders which the student is suffering from; alternative treatment modalities like AYUSH, Acupuncture, etc; detox and rejuvenation services; cosmetic/plastic surgery; self-inflicted harm/suicide attempt and overseas medical expenses unless the policy has an international coverage extension

Read more: Travel Insurance: Coverage for the Unexpected

Health Insurance Facts for Students Travelling Abroad to Study!

Travel Insurance & Its Significance

Conclusion

The student can rest assured in matters related to their insurance policy as all the formalities are fulfilled, and the policy would be in effect, and the student’s life is now insured. Thus, any student who desires to go abroad for pursuing their education can easily avail an insurance policy.

FAQ’s About Overseas Student Health Insurance

Ques 1. Is health insurance mandatory for studying abroad?

Ans. For the purpose of giving them a student visa or allowing them to enrol, many countries and colleges mandate that overseas students possess health insurance. Prior to leaving, find out the precise criteria of both the home nation and your place of education.

Ques 2. Can I use my home country’s health insurance while studying abroad?

Ans. Most of the time, domestic health insurance fails to provide sufficient coverage abroad. It could be necessary for you to get a plan with specific international coverage or separate international health insurance.

Ques 3. Is insurance required for the student visa?

Ans. Most of the time it is necessary to have health insurance to get a student visa. It works as a protection shield and also for some countries it is mandatory.

Ques 4. What is the difference between travel insurance and student health insurance?

Ans. Although student health insurance offers complete medical coverage, including routine healthcare, for the duration of your studies abroad, travel insurance usually only covers short-term problems like trip cancellations, baggage loss, and emergencies.

Ques 5. What should I do if my baggage is lost or delayed?

Ans. Baggage loss or delay coverage is a feature of some student health insurance policies that offer monetary compensation in the case that your luggage is misplaced, broken, or delayed while travelling.

Wish

Written by Kritika Singh

Kritika Singh is a marketing professional with over 10 years of work experience in the field of insurtech, health, FMCG, renewables, and public policy. KrRead More

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