How to Get Health Insurance as a Student?

Securing Health Insurance as a Student: A Comprehensive Guide

There can be a plethora of reasons why students may need health insurance. They may range from dealing with medical emergencies to handling routine medical expenses, institutional requirements, and more. 

However, the question arises: how to get the best health insurance for students that aligns with their unique requirements?
Keep scrolling for a detailed discussion.  

Available Health Insurance Options for Students

Various types of health insurance can be opted for by students based on their needs and situations. The most popular options include:

1.Sponsored Health Plans from the University
●Most colleges generally provide a health insurance policy to their students.
●They generally include coverage for regular check-up visits and other emergency treatments outside and inside a campus.
●These plans are easy to use but costlier than other options.
2. Family Health Insurance Plans
●You can continue using your parents' health coverage if you have not exceeded your country's legal age cut-off, which is 25 in India.
●This is economical and ensures the continuation of cover.
3.Individual Health Insurance Policies
●It is advisable to go for individual health insurance in case your university plans are not enough or if your family policy does not cover you.
●Compare various policies offered by different companies, and then opt for one based on your needs and budget.
4.Government-Sponsored Schemes
●Many countries have government-sponsored health insurance schemes, especially for students in low-income families.
●They are very cheap and provide excellent coverage.
5.International Student Health Insurance
●If studying abroad, look into special health insurance options that may be available to international students.
●Some of the policies include emergency repatriation, travel insurance, and medical treatment in the host country.

Evaluating Health Insurance Coverage Needs

Evaluate your medical needs before choosing a health insurance policy:

●Pre-existing Conditions: In case the individual has any pre-existing diseases, they need to choose a plan that offers coverage for such conditions.
●Hospital Network: Determine how many network hospitals the insurer has within your vicinity.
●Mental Health Services: For people who have a history of mental health issues, they should check whether the policy includes such benefits. 
●Prescription Drugs: Check whether the policy offers coverage for prescription medicines.

Comparing Costs and Benefits of Health Policies

Being a student, the affordability factor plays a very significant role. Compare the plans with these factors:

●Premiums: Try to find a scheme that will suit your pocket.
●Deductibles and Co-Payments: Check how much you’ll need to pay by yourself before the insurance starts providing coverage.
●Coverage Limits: They should be high enough to cater for significant medical expenses.

Check for Discounts and Financial Aid

Insurance companies or educational institutions offer a discount on health insurance for the student. Additionally, health insurance coverage or reimbursement of health insurance premiums can be a part of a scholarship or an aid package.

Complete the Health Insurance Enrollment Process

Once you’ve chosen a suitable plan:
●Collect all the necessary documents, including ID proof, enrollment letters, or proof of income.
●Fill out the application form correctly.
●Pay the premium and keep a copy of the policy document for further reference.

Stay Informed About Policy Renewals and Updates

Most health insurance policies renew every year. It would then be advisable to note renewal dates to avoid falling out of cover. Every year, you should review the policy and evaluate if it still suits your needs. To do so, you can assess whether you still need that kind of insurance coverage or if something else would work better for you at that time. 

Medical Insurance Suggestions for International Students

If you are studying abroad, then consider these factors as well:

●Host Country Regulations: In some countries, medical insurance coverage must be added for international students.
●Language Barriers: Consider selecting a policy that provides customer support in your native language.
●Travel Insurance: Opt for a plan that offers travel insurance in case of emergencies.

Keeping in mind the budget of students, Star Health offers comprehensive coverage starting at just ₹13 per day. Check out our policies now!