Overseas Travel Insurance for Students by Laxmi Wadhwa

Today foreign education is no longer the privilege of just elite people. With low interest rates on student loans, going abroad for higher studies has become quite manageable. Lacks of Indian students are now opting to study in US, UK, Australia and Germany to pursue higher education since a degree obtained from universities of these countries holds greater value and assures a promising career ahead. However, if you are a starter you have to make sure that you are well prepared for your new temporary home. Buying a proper student mediclaim insurance is a priority that demands proper attention.

Student medical insurance is a mandatory requirement at most foreign universities. Some universities do provide students with an insurance plan. However, it is recommended that you get a mediclaim health insurance from your home country and apply for an insurance waiver simply because insurance from the home country is relatively cheaper and provides the same coverage (and sometimes more) at a lower cost. The availability of dozens of insurance providers may baffle you. Nonetheless, you have to be vigilant when it comes to choosing the right student mediclaim health insurance policy.

ICICI Lombard General Insurance offers Student Medical Insurance that covers medical and non-medical benefits at a comparatively low cost. Buying in India means that you pay premiums in rupees and get benefits in dollars! Our plan offers flexibility in extending the policy term to two years. Besides covering hospitalization expenses, we also cover medical evacuation, repatriation, bail bond, trip cancellation, interruption and delay, emergency medical treatment or evacuation, etc.

To ensure quality health care, ICICI Lombard has now tied-up with United Health Group, the best, and the most diverse health care company in the US which serves more than 70 millions Americans. This tie-up will benefit the students going to U.S. because of the hospital network and give all the students access to United Healthcare's network of hospitals and physicians.

All our students traveling to the US will now receive a co-branded ICICI Lombard and UHI card printed along with the policy and get access to 86% of acute care hospitals, more than 554,000 physicians, 4,800 medical facilities, OPD centers and 60,000 pharmacies throughout the U.S.

Our student medical insurance is one of the most preferred plan because we cover pre-existing disease in life-threatening emergencies. The plans are tailor made according to the requirement of universities. Available in four plans (Gold, Bronze and Plus), the student can purchase the policy online and settle claims by applying to the Third Party Administration who reimburses the amount in Indian rupees.

Indian students enrolled at a U.S. university can purchase insurance in India and activate the policies prior to their departure and the commencement of their academic session.

Student Medical Insurance from ICICI Lombard can also be availed online from where you can get instant digitally signed policy whenever you want. All you need is an access to the Internet and within ten minutes you can have the policy documents in your hand. Its instant and hassle-free.

Studying abroad is an important phase of one's life. Begin this exciting chapter of your life by building a relationship with us. For further queries, call 1800-209-888 (toll-free) or visit www.icicilombard.com for more information and to buy online. You can also visit our University Search section to get insurance information for more than 500 Universities worldwide.