Insurance for Students Going Abroad to Study

Students heading abroad for higher studies — a common path for families across Kerala and Tamil Nadu — face a specific insurance requirement: most universities mandate proof of health insurance meeting a minimum standard before allowing enrollment or visa issuance.

What to check before choosing a policy

• Your university's exact minimum required cover amount and any specific mandated benefits (some require mental health cover, for example).
• Whether the university's own in-house plan is mandatory, optional, or can be waived with proof of equivalent independent cover.
• Coverage for pre-existing conditions, if applicable, and the specific waiting period or exclusion terms.
• Whether cover includes medical evacuation and repatriation, which can be extremely costly without insurance.

Comparing university plans vs independent student insurance

University-provided plans are convenient and automatically satisfy enrollment requirements, but independent student travel/health insurance policies are sometimes more affordable for comparable cover, and can be bought from India before departure. Always confirm the university will accept an independent policy as a valid waiver before committing to one over the other.

Frequently asked questions