Friday, November 24, 2006 

A question might crop up your mind while you hear about Student Health Insurance, why do I need a student health insurance? But you should keep in mind that that no one is invincible. You cannot foresee illness or any other mishaps that might happen to you.

Student health insurance is a must for students especially if you are planning to go abroad for studies or if anyone from outside UK is coming to UK for his/her further studies. Even students who are not covered under their parents' or guardians' health insurance plan or have no coverage of their own are encouraged to purchase student health insurance.

Teenagers are vulnerable to various diseases because of their unorganized lifestyles. Late-night parties, fast foods, irregular diets etc are the common problems that surround today's young generation. These hectic, impulsive lifestyles invite many diseases, which need regular and constant treatment. Here comes the benefit of Student Health Insurance.

Apart from that, students come from all the nook and corners of the world to UK. They come from different climatic conditions. They are therefore susceptible and vulnerable to diseases while residing in UK. This may also happen to students who have gone outside UK for their studies. Without a proper international student health insurance they will be like ships out of water.

No doubt every college has its own health insurance plans, but that may not be sufficient to cater to some serious ailments. Apart from that the NHS (National Health Services) offer free and compulsory treatment to students. But the hassles of waiting in long queues and the unavailability of medical facilities all over UK has made it important for every student to buy a private health care insurance policy.

It is imperative for the students to choose an affordable student health insurance policy for them. Some queries that need to be addressed before buying any policy are:

* What is the maximum I would be covered for? * How much will this cost? * What am I not covered for (for example, sports injuries)? * Are there restrictions on which physicians I can use? * Do I need a referral to see a specialist? * What if I get sick or hurt while I'm traveling?

It is also important to do a detailed study of all the quotes available in the insurance market. Almost all the companies now offer on-line facilities. This has made shopping around much easier and cheaper. In the comfort of your home you can access this insurance at a cheaper and an affordable rate.

Health Insurance: November 2006