Are you planning to travel abroad for higher studies? Then, you probably would know the about the multiple things you need to take care of - like education, travel itinerary, accommodation, food, etc. It’s a new place altogether and if something goes wrong, you need to be fully prepared for it.
That’s where the need for a student travel insurance plan arises. While choosing a student travel insurance plan, knowing about both the inclusion and exclusions plays a vital role. While inclusions are very important, what aspects are not covered in the policy are also equally important.
Let’s try and understand the other exclusions apart from the standard one’s like self-inflicting injuries, pre-existing conditions and existing physical disabilities, that we need to consider while selecting student travel insurance.
Terrorist activities/war/radioactive exposure: Violent/destructive acts like terrorist activities, revolution, insurrection, invasion, act of foreign enemy, rebellion, mutiny or even an unfortunate event of nuclear warfare loss or injury suffered due to contact with any explosive, toxic, radioactive, nuclear equipment is also not included in student travel insurance. So, one’s claim for any loss, injury, damage or legal expenses incurred directly or indirectly in these cases might have to be borne out of their own pocket. It is advisable to check the policy coverage and enquire if a high-risk add-on cover is provided by the insurers.
Mental and nervous disorders: Stress today is a part and parcel of the fast-paced lifestyles we are living. But not all are prone handling high stress levels. In such a situation, there is a possibility that one might not be able to cope with this stress and develop nervous disorders. Most insurers do not cover mental disorders, stress, anxiety, depression or any form of mental unrest in their policies.
Damages caused under the influence of alcohol/drugs: Most insurers would exclude a person if he/she is intoxicated by alcohol or drugs. No form of drugs hallucinogens, narcotics, intoxicants is covered unless it’s prescribed by a registered Physician and consumed as instructed by a certified doctor.
Specific medical conditions: Most Student travel insurance policies do not cover pregnancy medical expenses and sexually transmitted conditions, such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
Consequences of participating in sports and adventure sports: Risky sports such as gliding, mountain climbing, scuba diving, bungee jumping, driving a motor vehicle as a part of rally or race, hunting, rafting, underwater activities, skydiving/parachuting, and winter sports aren’t covered in some policies. A student won’t be covered if he/she participates in professional sports for which they haven’t received training. Before buying a policy, always enquire from your college regarding the mandatory student coverages. Do consider the above-mentioned exclusions before finalising the policy.
FINE DETAILS
- Most insurers do not cover mental disorders, in their policy
- Some policies do not cover expenses for pregnancy, STDs
The writer is chief underwriting officer, Bharti AXA General Insurance
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