Study Abroad Health Insurance: How to Choose the Best Plan?

However, a group plan may not always suffice in case a medical issue arises. To alleviate your stress, we have rounded up all the details you should know about buying an affordable study abroad health insurance plan in India. So, read on! 

Understand Your Study Abroad Health Insurance Requirements 

To buy the best health insurance plan, you should first understand your requirements so that it can fit your needs. So, consider the following questions and make an informed decision: 

1. Do I need medical treatment for a pre-existing disease? 
2. How much premium payment can I afford? 
3. Do I have any critical illnesses that should be covered under student health insurance? 
4. Do I play adventurous sports for which I need medical coverage? 
5. How much can I afford to pay for my healthcare needs from my pocket? 

Key Features to Look For When Buying Student Health Insurance 

Although the benefits and features offered by health insurance companies may vary, here are some must-have features that your policy should have. Hence, check out the following details:  

1. Cashless Hospitalisation and In-Patient/Out-Patient Expenses 

It covers medical expenses incurred on illness, accidental injury, and dental treatment. In case of hospitalisation, you can avail of cashless treatment in a network hospital abroad. Otherwise, the medical expenditures will be reimbursed in a hassle-free manner. 

2. Mental Health Issues 

Ensure the plan covers expenses incurred on the treatment of mental health issues. This is because many foreign universities may need it mandatorily.  

3. Pre-Existing Condition 

In case you have a chronic illness, ensure it is covered under the chosen health insurance policy. Also, understand the waiting period. It is a specific timeframe after which you start to get coverage benefits for the pre-existing disease.  

4. Other Expenses 

Check whether or not your health insurance plan covers expenses related to pregnancy, adventurous sports injuries, cancer screenings, mammography, and more.  

5. Diagnostic Tests 

A study abroad health insurance plan should preferably provide coverage for X-rays, MRIs, lab tests, etc.  

Know Which Factors May Affect the Study Abroad Health Insurance Premiums 

Before you compare premium amounts, you should know which factors can influence the student health insurance premium. Knowing about these factors will help you balance your unique health needs and budget range. Hence, take a look at the following pointers to gain a valuable insight into it: 

1. Age : The younger you buy a study abroad health insurance, the lower the premium you will need to pay.  
2. Health Conditions : In case you have a pre-existing condition, you may need to pay a higher premium amount.  
3. Copayments : A co-payment is a share of medical expenses you need to pay from your pocket in case a claim is raised. The higher the co-payment, the lower the premium you will need to pay.   
4. Policy Benefits : Premium rates can vary depending on unique benefits and features offered by study abroad health insurance plans.  

Some Tips From the Experts 

• Buy insurance before you leave: Do your research in advance and ensure you get travel insurance before leaving for college. 
• Understand the Inclusions & Exclusions: Do not get caught off guard in case of an emergency. Understand the policy coverage. 
• Keep digital and printed copies: Always be able to find your insurance card and policy papers when you need them. 
• Learn the proper way to file a claim: Learn about the steps ahead of time so any unforeseen issue can be easily addressed.