Student Health Insurance Online: Affordable Medical Plans for Students in India

Many universities and colleges provide institutional insurance when registering students. Most of these are planned by financial institutions to be cheap with full-blown medical care, consisting of medical check-ups, general consultations, and healthcare services to institutional health centres.

• Pros: Low cost of premiums, availabilities to healthcare facilities located on campus, and, in most cases, the process and formalities of laying claims.
• Cons: Some care might only be offered on or within a few miles of the campus, and the health plan may not pay for care outside the local vicinity.

Students in India can remain dependent on their parents’ health insurance plans if they are under 25 (or 26). This is often the least expensive because the drugs can be paid out of pocket or using a family’s insurance policy that could offer full coverage. However, it is essential to check whether the proposed insurance plan coverage is enough to cater to services a student might require, for example, when s/he is out of campus.

• Pros: Normally offers extensive coverage, usually included within the agreed premium.
• Cons: It can exclude services outside other districts or countries and does not necessarily fund benefits such as therapy or childbirth.

Students may purchase a private individual health cover from an insurance company. These plans are generally more flexible than others and can also be developed to meet the specific needs of the particular student. They usually consist of outpatient consultation services, hospitalisation, and emergency services.

• Pros: The option offers to choose preferred coverage, a vast list of healthcare facilities, and the possibility to get needed types of medical assistance.
• Cons: They attract higher premiums than institutional plans, and some plans might have limitations on coverage for pre-existing conditions.

There are government-sponsored health insurance programs like Ayushman Bharat, where low-income earners or non-workers secure almost free or subsidised medical facilities. The said schemes may be accessed by students qualified as low-income earners, and the services provided are mainly health.

• Pros: The costs of some of the services should be within reach of the targeted students or else covered fully by some institutions with services that are basic to human health needs being provided.
• Cons: Continuation of only a few services when more extensive requirements are encountered, and enrollment may be subject to certain corequisites, such as income level.

These plans cater to medical expenses incurred while studying outside India; this ranges from emergency treatment consultations with a doctor if one falls severely sick or gets injured and needs to be repatriated back to India.

• Pros: It offers basic insurance for students studying in another country, with vital services being emergency services.
• Cons: Pricing with global plans tends to be higher than domestic ones, while the coverage details may differ significantly from one insurer to the next.

Before making a claim, it's crucial to thoroughly understand the terms and conditions of your student health insurance policy. Familiarise yourself with the coverage details, including the types of medical expenses covered, the claim settlement process, and any limitations or exclusions mentioned in the policy. This will help you navigate the claiming process more effectively.

In a medical emergency or hospitalisation, informing your insurance provider as soon as possible is essential. Most insurance companies have dedicated helpline numbers or customer service channels that you can contact to initiate the claim process. Provide accurate and detailed information about the medical situation and follow their instructions regarding the next steps.

To support your claim, you will need to gather the necessary documents per your insurance provider's requirements. Typically, the following documents are required.

• Duly filled claim form: Download the claim form from the insurance company's website or obtain it from their branch office. Fill in the required details accurately and sign the form.
• Medical reports: Collect all relevant medical reports, including diagnostic test results, prescriptions, and any other supporting documents that validate the medical treatment received.
• Hospital bills: Obtain itemised bills from the hospital,including details of the medical procedures, room charges, medication costs, and other expenses incurred during the hospital stay.
• Discharge summary: Request a copy of the discharge summary from the hospital, which provides an overview of the medical treatment received and the patient's condition at the time of discharge.
• Original receipts and invoices: Keep all original receipts and invoices related to medical expenses, including pharmacy bills, laboratory bills, and bills for any medical equipment or devices.
• Identity proof: Carry a valid identity proof document, such as an Aadhaar card or passport, as it may be required for verification purposes.

It's important to note that the specific documentation requirements may vary between insurance providers, so it's advisable to check with your insurer regarding the exact documents needed for your claim.

Once you have collected all the necessary documents, submit them to your insurance provider within the specified timeframe mentioned in your policy. Ensure that you make copies of all the documents for your records before submission.

After submitting the claim documents, keeping track of the claim's progress is essential. Follow up with your insurance provider regularly to ensure that the claim is being processed. You can inquire about your claim's status, the estimated settlement timeline and any additional documents or information required.

Upon successfully processing your claim, the insurance company will determine the amount payable based on the policy coverage and terms. The settlement can be in the form of cashless treatment (where the insurance provider directly settles the bills with the hospital) or reimbursement (where you pay the bills upfront and then submit the receipts for reimbursement).

If it's a cashless claim, ensure that you receive the necessary approvals and follow any additional instructions provided by the insurance provider or the hospital.

In the case of reimbursement, submit the original bills, receipts, and any other required documents to the insurance company. Once the claim is approved, the reimbursement amount will be credited to your bank account.

After receiving the claim settlement, carefully review the amount paid by the insurance company. Cross-check the settlement statement and ensure it aligns with the policy coverage and the expenses incurred. Contact your insurance provider for clarification or resolution if you have any discrepancies or concerns 

The minimum age requirement varies across insurance providers, but it is generally around 18 years.

Yes, many insurance providers offer plans specifically designed for international students studying in India.

Pre-existing conditions are generally not covered under student health insurance. However, reviewing the policy terms and conditions for specific details is essential.

Many insurance providers have tie-ups with network hospitals where students can receive cashless treatment. However, reimbursement options are also available for treatment at non-network hospitals.

Dependents are typically not covered under student health insurance plans. However, some insurance providers offer family floater plans that can include dependents.

Students can claim tax benefits under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act for the premiums paid toward student health insurance.