Student Health Insurance Plans

Discover how student health insurance offers essential medical coverage during academic years, including hospitalisation, accidents, and mental health support.
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3 min
17-January-2026

Student health insurance is a specialised policy designed to provide medical coverage for students during their academic journey. It ensures that students have access to affordable healthcare, covering expenses related to illnesses, accidents, and emergencies. These policies often include benefits such as hospitalisation coverage, preventive care, and mental health support. With the increasing costs of medical treatments, student health insurance offers financial protection and peace of mind, allowing students to focus on their studies without worrying about unexpected medical expenses.

What is student health insurance?

Student health insurance is a type of health insurance plan tailored specifically to meet the healthcare needs of students. These policies are designed to cover medical expenses, including doctor consultations, diagnostic tests, and hospitalisation costs. Many student health insurance plans also provide coverage for mental health services, vaccinations, and treatments for chronic illnesses. This type of insurance is often mandatory for students studying abroad, ensuring they have adequate medical care while in a foreign country. It serves as a vital safety net, protecting students from financial burdens during medical emergencies.

Who should buy a student medical insurance plan?

Student medical insurance plans are ideal for both Indian and international students pursuing their education in India. Any student living away from home—whether in a hostel, PG accommodation, or a rented apartment—should consider opting for a student health insurance plan to stay financially protected against medical emergencies.

International students studying in India can also benefit from these plans. With the option to buy student health insurance online, access to coverage has become simpler and more convenient for students from all backgrounds. Additionally, comparing student healthcare insurance plans online helps students make well-informed choices and select a policy that best matches their healthcare needs and budget.

Pro Tip

Avail hospitalisation and treatment benefits with health insurance plans starting at just Rs. 15*/day.

End Uses

Benefits of Student Health Insurance

Here are some of the key advantages of opting for a student health insurance plan:

  • Comprehensive medical cover – Protects students against a wide range of unexpected medical expenses, including hospitalisation, mental health treatments, morbid obesity procedures, and injuries from adventure sports.
  • Personal Accident (PA) cover – Offers financial compensation to the student or their family in the event of accidental death or permanent disability.
  • PA cover for guardian – Extends personal accident coverage to the student’s guardian, providing compensation in case of accidental death or disability, ensuring the student’s education remains uninterrupted.
  • Worldwide coverage – Several student health insurance plans provide global coverage, helping Indian students stay financially secure while studying abroad.
  • Cashless treatment facility – Allows students to receive cashless medical treatment at any hospital in India or at network hospitals overseas.
  • Peace of mind – Eliminates the stress of managing medical expenses during emergencies, enabling students to focus fully on their academics.
  • Tax benefits – The student’s parent or guardian can claim tax deductions on the paid premium under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act.

Inclusions of health insurance for students

Student health insurance plans typically include the following coverage benefits:

  • Expenses related to in-patient hospitalisation
  • Pre-hospitalisation medical costs incurred before admission
  • Post-hospitalisation expenses for follow-up treatment and recovery
  • Coverage for modern and advanced medical treatments
  • Treatment for injuries arising from hazardous or adventure sports
  • Medical expenses related to morbid obesity
  • Coverage for refractive error correction procedures
  • Treatment expenses for HIV/AIDS
  • AYUSH treatments, including Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy
  • Coverage for mental health and psychiatric treatments
  • Personal accident cover for the student
  • Personal accident cover for the guardian
  • Transportation costs of mortal remains
  • Compassionate travel expenses for family members in critical situations

Exclusions of Health Insurance for Students

Student health insurance plans generally do not cover the following expenses:

  • OPD (outpatient) treatments
  • Dental procedures and treatments
  • Maternity-related expenses
  • Treatment for alcohol or drug dependence
  • Self-inflicted injuries or intentional harm
  • Cosmetic or plastic surgeries not required for medical reasons
  • Treatments availed at spas, wellness centres, or nature cure clinics

Who can apply for student health insurance?

Students enrolled in recognised or accredited educational institutions in India or overseas are eligible to apply for a student health insurance plan. To purchase the policy, applicants may be required to submit proof of enrolment from their institution. That said, eligibility conditions for student health insurance can differ depending on the specific plan chosen.

Coverage and premium costs

Student health insurance plans typically offer a wide range of coverage options tailored to meet students’ specific healthcare needs. Coverage often includes hospitalisation, outpatient consultations, prescription medications, preventive care, and mental health support. Some plans also extend coverage to dental care, and those looking for added protection can opt for maternity health insurance, which is especially beneficial for students planning a family during their academic years. Coverage may also include pre-existing conditions, depending on the insurer. Premium costs vary based on factors such as the scope of coverage, the student’s age, and whether the plan is domestic or international. While comprehensive plans may have higher premiums, they provide more extensive benefits, ensuring students receive adequate protection against medical expenses during their studies.

How to Claim Student Health Insurance

You can follow these simple steps to raise a claim under a student health insurance policy:

  • Step 1: Notify the insurance company about the hospitalisation or medical emergency at the earliest.
  • Step 2: Present your health card or policy document along with a valid identity proof at the hospital.
  • Step 3: Avail the required treatment, settle the hospital bills if applicable, and collect all necessary documents at the time of discharge.
  • Step 4: Submit the prescribed claim documents to the insurer within the specified timeframe.
  • Step 5: The insurance company will review and verify the documents and, upon approval, process and release the claim amount.

Things to remember before buying student health insurance

Before purchasing a student health insurance policy, keep the following points in mind:

  • Evaluate your healthcare requirements and the expected medical costs in the city where you will be studying to choose an adequate sum insured.
  • Carefully review the policy’s coverage and exclusions to clearly understand what is included and what is not during your academic tenure.
  • Check the policy duration to ensure it provides coverage for the entire length of your course.
  • Verify the insurer’s hospital network to confirm that medical facilities are available in the country or state where you will be studying.
  • Compare multiple student health insurance plans to find the one that best suits your needs and budget.
  • Understand the insurer’s claim process to assess how smoothly and quickly claims are handled.
  • Review the insurer’s credibility and claim settlement ratio to gauge the likelihood of timely and successful claim approvals.

International vs domestic student health plans

International and domestic student health insurance plans differ in terms of coverage scope and requirements. Domestic plans cater to students studying within their home country, focusing on local healthcare needs and regulations. These plans are often more affordable and offer coverage suited to the local healthcare system. International plans, on the other hand, are designed for students studying abroad. They provide broader coverage, including emergency medical evacuation, repatriation, and access to global healthcare networks. International plans are often mandatory for overseas students to ensure they have sufficient healthcare access while residing in a foreign country.

Conclusion

Student health insurance is an essential investment for safeguarding a student’s health and financial stability during their academic journey. Understanding the coverage options, premium costs, and differences between domestic and international plans helps students and their families make informed decisions. By selecting a health insurance plan that aligns with their healthcare needs and study location, students can focus on their education without the stress of unforeseen medical expenses. As healthcare needs vary, consulting with a trusted provider ensures the chosen plan offers comprehensive protection and peace of mind.

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Frequently asked questions

What does a student health insurance plan cover?
A student health insurance plan typically covers hospitalisation, outpatient consultations, prescription medications, preventive care, mental health services, and sometimes dental care. Some plans also include coverage for vaccinations, chronic conditions, and maternity care.

How much does a student health insurance plan typically cost?
The cost of a student health insurance plan varies depending on the coverage, the student’s age, and whether it is domestic or international. Premiums generally range from a few thousand to several tens of thousands of rupees annually.

What’s the difference between international and domestic student health insurance?
International student health insurance offers broader coverage, including global healthcare networks, emergency evacuation, and repatriation, making it suitable for students studying abroad. Domestic plans are tailored for local healthcare systems and are often more affordable.

Can a student apply for health insurance?

Yes — students can apply for health insurance. Most insurers allow students enrolled in recognised educational institutions (in India or abroad) to purchase a student health insurance plan, provided they show proof of enrolment.

Can a student take health insurance?

Yes — students can take health insurance either on their own or as part of a family’s policy. Student-specific plans are designed to offer tailored coverage for healthcare needs that arise during their academic years.

What is the cheapest insurance for students?

The cheapest student health insurance depends on your age, the coverage amount you choose, your location, and the insurer’s terms. Generally, basic student health plans with essential coverage and lower sum insured amounts tend to have lower premiums. It’s best to compare multiple plans online to find the most affordable one that still meets your needs.

What is the best student health insurance?

The best student health insurance plan isn’t the same for everyone — it depends on your requirements. A good plan should have:

  • Adequate coverage amount
  • Cashless treatment facility at a wide network of hospitals
  • Coverage for pre-existing conditions, mental health, and accidents
  • Affordable premium
  • Strong claim settlement ratio and simple claim process

To choose the best plan, compare features, premiums, and benefits from multiple insurers before deciding.

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*T&C Apply. Bajaj Finance Limited (‘BFL’) is a registered corporate agent of third party insurance products of Bajaj Life Insurance Limited (Formerly known as Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance Company Limited), HDFC Life Insurance Company Limited, Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), Bajaj General Insurance Limited(Formerly known as Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company Limited), SBI General Insurance Company Limited, ACKO General Insurance Company Limited, HDFC ERGO General Insurance Company, TATA AIG General Insurance Company Limited, ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company Limited, New India Assurance Limited, Chola MS General Insurance Company Limited, Zurich Kotak General Insurance Company Limited, Star Health & Allied Insurance Company Limited, Care Health Insurance Company Limited, Niva Bupa Health Insurance Company Limited, Aditya Birla Health Insurance Company Limited and Manipal Cigna Health Insurance Company Limited under the IRDAI composite registration number CA0101. Please note that, BFL does not underwrite the risk or act as an insurer. Your purchase of an insurance product is purely on a voluntary basis after your exercise of an independent due diligence on the suitability, viability of any insurance product. Any decision to purchase insurance product is solely at your own risk and responsibility and BFL shall not be liable for any loss or damage that any person may suffer, whether directly or indirectly. For more details on risk factors, terms and conditions and exclusions please read the product sales brochure & policy wordings carefully before concluding a sale. Tax benefits applicable if any, will be as per the prevailing tax laws. Tax laws are subject to change. BFL does NOT provide Tax/Investment advisory services. Please consult your advisors before proceeding to purchase an insurance product. Visitors are hereby informed that their information submitted on the website may also be shared with insurers. BFL is also distributor of other third party products from Assistance service providers such as CPP Assistance Services Private Limited, Bajaj Finserv Health Limited. etc. All product information such as premium, benefits, exclusions, value added services etc. are authentic and solely based on the information received from the respective Insurance company or the respective Assistance provider company.

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