Indian students studying abroad should opt for a comprehensive student travel insurance plan from India that covers health, travel, and non-medical services. While university-specific health insurance covers medical expenses only within the region of the university, Indian student travel insurance plans usually offer nationwide coverage in the destination country.
In addition to medical expenses, these plans often include protection against risks such as baggage loss, passport loss, study interruptions, and damage or loss of electronic devices like laptops and tablets. A comprehensive plan provides all-round protection, reducing both financial and emotional stress in unfamiliar environments.
While the university-mandated health cover will take care of basic medical needs as per local laws, it may not include important non-medical benefits such as study interruption, sponsor protection, personal liability, bail bond, or coverage during travel to other countries.
Bhaskar Nerurkar, head, Health Administration Team, Bajaj Allianz General Insurance, says an Indian policy can serve as a financial cushion in these areas, offering a broader safety net without significantly increasing overall insurance costs. “It also ensures students are covered beyond the geographical scope of the university’s plan, especially if they plan to travel for leisure or internships outside their host country,” he adds.
Affordable cover
When compared to university-provided covers or plans from local insurers, Indian student travel insurance premiums are usually more affordable. They provide a variety of coverage at an affordable cost. Indian policies may allow you to extend coverage if your study period is extended. This option may not be provided by other insurers. Indian insurers often have a wide network of medical service providers globally, making it easier to access quality healthcare during emergencies.
Vivek Chaturvedi, CMO and Head of Direct Sales, Digit Insurance, says the premiums charged by Indian insurers are lower by around 1.5 times as compared with student policies sold abroad. “Indian insurers often have efficient claim settlement processes. They provide clear guidelines for claim submission and quicker turnaround times, making it easier for you to get reimbursed for covered expenses,” he says.
Insurance cover from abroad
Health insurance from abroad can cost $800-2,000 per year (Rs 65,000 to Rs 1.65 lakh), making it significantly more expensive than Indian student travel insurance. Meet Kapadia, head, travel insurance at Policybazaar.com, says despite the high cost, these plans often exclude important coverage such as loss of baggage, passport, laptops, study interruptions, sponsor protection, and may not fully cover pre-existing conditions, dental care, or treatment outside the university network. “This is why many students opt for a supplementary Indian plan for more complete and cost-effective protection,” he says.
Another limitation is that these policies may not provide coverage if students travel to other countries for leisure or personal trips. This is because universities usually offer coverage only for the specific country in which they are located. Students and their families should review policy wordings carefully and assess whether combining a local plan with a mandatory university cover offers better financial and risk protection.
Coverage amount
The minimum insurance coverage amount for students studying abroad should align with the healthcare costs and medical infrastructure of the destination country. For countries like the United States and Canada, where medical treatment can be prohibitively expensive, a minimum coverage of $100,000-250,000 is advisable. This ensures adequate financial protection in case of hospitalisations, surgeries, or emergencies.
In the United Kingdom and Australia, where some form of public healthcare (like the NHS in the UK) may be accessible for international students, a coverage amount of $50,000-100,000 may suffice as supplementary protection, especially if the university allows a waiver or partial opt-out from the local health system. “Students should always check if their university has specific minimum coverage requirements before purchasing any policy,” says Nerurkar.
In terms of duration, the insurance should cover the entire academic period abroad, including semester breaks and optional practical training or internships if applicable. Ideally, the policy should match the full duration of the course, whether it is one year or several years, to avoid gaps in coverage. Some insurers offer flexible terms ranging from 30 days up to three years, which can be renewed annually.