A recent article posted on the website of popular Indian newspaper the Times of India sought to advise students going abroad on how to go about getting health insurance in their host country. 

The piece in question devised a list of five tips destined to make the search for adequate health coverage on the part of Indian students going abroad somewhat easier, as well as steer those less familiar with such things in the correct direction. 

Among the advice compiled by the staff writer in charge of the piece in question is the necessity for students going abroad to know their options with regards to health insurance. Most countries offer their own schemes, which are sometimes accessible to foreign residents as well, although this is never a sure thing. Students are advised to consult with both their own university and the one they are transferring to, to see if health insurance can be included in the tuition fees, as well as research the domestic plans offered in their host country. 

The article also advises students going abroad to compare the cost of all the different health insurance plans. Although some universities include this option in their tuition fees, it is likely to turn out significantly more expensive than the same type of plan from a local private insurer. Students are, however, advised to look into exactly what each of the plans offers, as a policy that is, on the surface, less expensive may cover significantly less. Students are further advised to consider factors such as availability of partnered hospitals in their area of residence, cashless facility, or the track record of the insurer themselves before contracting a policy. 

Finally, students are reminded that purchasing health insurance when settling in a country for any length of time is only mandatory in certain cases. Countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, China and most nations in South East Asia do away with this obligation, eliminating the need for students travelling there to worry about it. 

India is one of the main ‘exporters’ of students in exchange programmes in the world, alongside China. The advice offered in this piece, however, is that much more invaluable for its universal character, being applicable to nearly any student preparing to embark in an exchange in the world. 

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