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Buy Health Insurance for Students Online

The college experience can be full of new opportunities, and experiences. While this can be an exciting time in one's life, it also carries health risks that cannot be anticipated. Feeling ill or experiencing medical emergency away from home can lead to unexpected financial costs. Read more... This is when student health insurance is truly beneficial. It provides financial protection by covering hospital bills and consultations with doctors. Whether studying in India or abroad, student health insurance takes away worry and helps you focus on your studies. Read less

Health Insurance for Students

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9000+

Cashless Hospitals

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99% Claim

Settlement Ratio

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4.5 Lacs+

Claims Settled

0% GST on Health Premiums

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9000+

Cashless Hospitals

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99% Claim

Settlement Ratio

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4.5 Lacs+

Claims Settled

What is Student Health Insurance?

What is Student Health Insurance?

Student health insurance is a medical insurance plan that provides coverage to students. It includes coverage for hospital stays, doctor visits, medications, tests, and treatments for illnesses and/or injuries. Most plans cover preventive services for regular health check-ups and emergency assistance.

The main purpose of student health insurance is to protect you against overwhelming medical costs while you study. Student health insurance is available from many institutions and private companies. Thus, having reliable and affordable health insurance coverage while at school is possible.

How Does Health Insurance for Students Work?

Student health insurance operates similarly to other health policies, but is specifically designed for students. Here is how it works in simple steps:

Select a Plan

Students can choose a health insurance policy from their college, a private company, or a group student policy.

Pay the Premium

You will pay a specified rate, either monthly, yearly or a one-time fee, depending on the policy and coverage you choose.

Get Covered

The policy will cover hospital stays, doctor appointments, medications, surgeries, lab tests, and emergency care in the case of illness or accident.

Cashless or Reimbursement Claim

Be treated at a network hospital without having to pay initially or pay first and then claim back the bill amount.

Add-On Benefits

Some plans will also provide dental care, mental health counselling, vaccinations, and preventive health checks for students at no cost.

Why Health Insurance Matters for Students?

A good health insurance plan covers sudden medical costs, routine checkups, and emergency care. Let’s look at why it makes sense for students to have health insurance:

Protection from Outrageous Medical Costs

Protection from Outrageous Medical Costs

If a student experiences an unexpected illness or injury that necessitates hospitalisation, medical bills can escalate rapidly. Health insurance can become a lifesaver for students to cover their medical expenses.

Aid While Studying Overseas

Aid While Studying Overseas

For students studying abroad, medical costs can be higher. Many international universities require proof of health insurance. A suitable policy can help students minimise treatment costs while abroad.

Mental Health Coverage

Mental Health Coverage

Many health policies include mental health supports such as counselling, therapy, psychiatric care, etc. This helps students handle stress, anxiety, and exam pressures.

Cashless Access to Treatment

Cashless Access to Treatment

Most health insurance plans offer patients a cashless option when treated at a network hospital. This means that a student can be admitted or treated without needing to raise money to pay for the treatment immediately.

Annual Health Check-Ups

Annual Health Check-Ups

Some plans offer a free check-up annually. These help students assess their health, notice issues early, and mention them during their next checkups.

Address Medical Emergencies

Address Medical Emergencies

Accidents and unforeseen illnesses can happen anytime. Health insurance helps students get prompt medical attention without delays. So they can get on-time treatment in a critical situation.

Benefits of Buying Health Insurance for Students

Why Choose Digit Health Insurance for Students?

  • Simple Online Processes - From the process of buying a health insurance policy to making claims is paperless, easy, quick and hassle-free! No hard copies, even for claims! 
  • No Age-based or Zone-Based Co-payment - Our health insurance comes with no age-based or zone-based copayment. This means, during health insurance claims, you need not pay anything from your pocket. 
  • No Room Rent Restriction - We understand that everyone has different preferences. That’s why we have no room rent restrictions in health insurance. Choose any hospital room you prefer. 
  • SI Wallet Benefit - If you exhaust your sum insured in health insurance during the policy period, we will refill it for you.
  • Get Treated at Any Hospital - Choose from 9000+ of our network hospitals in India for cashless treatment or opt for reimbursement.
  • Wellness Benefits - Get exclusive wellness benefits on the Digit App in collaboration with top-rated health and wellness partners.

Disclaimer: The numbers for total policies sold, lives insured, claims settled and amount of claims paid is for the Group and Retail Health Insurance policies since inception up to 31st March-2025. The total count of cashless network hospitals is as of 31st March-2025. The claim settlement ratio is for the group and retail health insurance policies for the FY 2024-25.

Key Benefits of Health Insurance Plans by Digit

Your health insurance plan with Digit extends several exclusive benefits that enhance your coverage. Here are the key benefits:

Key Features Digit Benefit
Cashless Hospitals 9000+ Network Hospitals across India
Premium Discount Up to 20% Discount Available
Wellness Benefits Available from 12+ Wellness Partners
Cumulative Bonus Up to 50% for every claim-free year (with a maximum benefit of 100%)
Customisable Add-Ons 3 Add-ons available (Consumable Cover, Infinite Cumulative Bonus and Smart Save)*
Co-payment No Age-based or Zone-Based Co-payment
No Room Rent Restriction Choose any room of your choice without any extra charges

* These add-ons are subject to underwriting approval and your eligibility at the time of purchase or renewal

Factors to Consider While Getting Health Insurance for Students

Health insurance will protect students in case of an emergency when they become suddenly ill or injured. Before purchasing a policy, take note of the following important factors:

Factors

Description

Coverage Benefits

Review what the plan covers. It should provide benefits for hospitalisations, doctor visits, prescriptions, laboratory tests, surgery, and transportation costs (ambulance).

Network Hospitals

It's advisable for a good health plan to have tie-ups with hospitals close to where students live. This provides the students with the option for cashless treatment.

Waiting Period

Many plans have a waiting period for certain treatments related to pre-existing illnesses. Choose a plan with a short waiting period so students can access services promptly without delay.

Pre-Existing Condition Cover

If the student has a pre-existing condition, ensure that you verify whether the plan covers it. Some plans don't cover pre-existing conditions.

Premium Cost

Students are usually on a tight budget, so budget the cost of your premium (monthly or annually) accordingly. Do not rate a plan solely based on its cheaper premium; ensure it provides sufficient coverage.

Coverage Period

Ensure that the policy covers the full academic year or study period. For international students, check if the plan covers claims made in the host country and if their university accepts it.

Co-Payment Clause

Some insurers include a clause that requires the policyholder to pay a fixed percentage of the claim amount. Students should choose a policy that does not have a co-payment clause or has a low percentage.

Exclusions

Always read the list of what the policy does not cover. Most health plans don't cover cosmetic surgery, self-harm, and injuries from activities not prescribed by a physician.

How Much Health Insurance Coverage is Enough for Students?

Things to Remember Before Buying Student Health Insurance

Things to Remember Before Buying Student Health Insurance

You must verify a few important things before purchasing Student Health Insurance. These tips will help you select the right plan without missing any valuable benefits:

  • Network Hospitals: Find out how many cashless network hospitals are located near your college and home city. 
  • Claims Process: Ensure the plan you've selected includes a straightforward, efficient, and paperless claims process. 
  • Look for Pre-Existing Disease Cover: Ensure that the plan covers any pre-existing health issues you may have and determine when the waiting period begins.
  • Check Sum Insured Amount: You want a plan that covers a high sum insured to cover hospitalisation costs, especially in metro cities with high costs.
  • Check Daycare Procedure Coverage: Verify if the policy covers procedures that don't require a 24-hour hospital stay, such as minor surgery or a scan.
  • Check OPD and Consultation Cover: Some plans will also cover your doctor consultation, medicines, and tests if you were not admitted.
  • Review Premium and Renewal Conditions: Choose a policy with affordable premiums and the option to renew your insurance when you continue your studies easily.
  • Determine if there is Global Coverage: If you plan to study abroad, check if the policy covers global medical emergencies.
  • Read Policy Exclusions: Check closely to see what is not covered so you are not surprised while making claims.

Read More

Read Less

How to Buy Student Health Insurance Online?

Buying health insurance online is simple and hassle-free. If you're planning to purchase a policy from Digit, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

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Enter Basic Details

Visit the Digit app or website. Enter your PIN code and mobile number, select your preferred health insurance plan and provide age details, family members covered, etc.

Choose Plan & Add Member Details

Compare & select the plan, sum insured, add-on covers and apply any available discounts to get the final premium amount. Further provide the member details for everyone you’re covering.

Make Payment & Submit KYC

Once done, proceed to make the premium payment and submit your KYC documents to complete the purchase process.

Final Review & Processing

Now, your application undergoes a brief review process. Digit may request a health declaration, lifestyle information, or medical details & reports if required. Now, based on your medical underwriting, your policy will be issued and sent to your email. You can also access it anytime through the Digit app.

Documents Required to Buy a Health Insurance for Students Online

When purchasing a student health insurance policy, insurers typically require some basic documents for verification. Below is a list of optional documents that may be needed at the time of purchasing a policy:

Identity/Age Proof

Address Proof

Income Proof

Previous Medical Reports (If any)

KYC Documents

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Choosing Health Insurance for Students

Often, students and parents only look at the cost when purchasing health insurance. However, overlooking or failing to understand important provisions can lead to trouble. Here's a quick list of common mistakes and why you don't want to make these mistakes:

Common Mistake

Description

Picking a plan solely for a low premium

Low premium costs typically result in lower coverage. This can leave you paying more out of pocket during hospital stays.

Ignoring the waiting period 

When you choose a health plan, certain illnesses or treatments may not be immediately covered. When that happens, you may get rejected claims.

Not checking the hospital network 

If the cashless hospital network you get with the plan is small or limited, it can be a headache in an emergency.

Bypassing the fine print 

Many rules, such as limits on room rent, exclusions, and caps on claims, are overlooked in an individual's haste to purchase the insurance policy.

Not comparing options 

Choosing just to take the first plan offered may mean that an insured misses out on better benefits under another policy.

Disregarding add-ons

Add-ons, such as personal accident cover, are available at a very low incremental cost for a good place coverage amount.

Tax Benefits on Health Insurance for Students

Tax Benefits on Health Insurance for Students

If students have taxable income in India, then they can avail benefits on the premiums paid for health insurance under Section 80D. It is also possible to claim the premiums paid on behalf of students if their parents pay the premiums. Here is how it works:

  • Students with taxable income are entitled to a deduction of up to ₹25,000 per year for their own health insurance.
  • If parents pay the health insurance premium of their student child (under 60), they can claim the full ₹25,000 deduction under their family limit.
  • If an individual's parents are senior citizens (60 years or older), they can qualify for a ₹50,000 deduction for themselves and ₹25,000 for their student child. 
  • A maximum additional deduction of up to ₹5,000 for preventive health check-ups on an annual basis is also allowed under this limit.

Students' health insurance is more than just providing financial protection for healthcare expenses. It protects your health while you focus on your future. A good health insurance plan helps you cover unforeseen illnesses and medical visits, thereby preventing unexpected, steep expenses. Solid health insurance provides peace of mind, whether you study near or far from home.

FAQs about Health Insurance for Students

Srishti Singh

Written By

Srishti Singh

Vivek Chaturvedi

Reviewed by

Vivek Chaturvedi