Comparative study and evaluation of health insurance for students at select higher educational institutes

Abstract

The insurance sector in India has experienced a phenomenal growth in the recent past, particularly after the adoption of the policy of Liberalization, Privatization, and Globalization (LPG) in the year 1991.9 Despite this and#145;opening upand#146; of the economy which led to a flood of insurance products and services, the impact by way of the number of individuals availing insurance is far from satisfactory. Further, unlike in the West, where medical insurance for students is mandatory at most universities; in India, it is not so at all Higher Educational Institutes (HEIs). It is erroneously believed that students represent a healthy population and therefore do not require availing healthcare services. Further, it is also assumed (again erroneously) that students do not incur high medical expenditures. With rising healthcare costs, this is only a myth! newline1.7.In light of this scenario, the management of the focal institution of the researcher has rightly introduced a Student Health Insurance Program (SHIP) since 2000. Resources have been allocated by way of infrastructure, manpower (medical, paramedical and administrative) and information and communication technology (ICT) support. Active engagement of all stakeholders is ensured. Each student therefore is covered under a dual policy viz. Mediclaim policy to cover non-accidental medical emergencies. The present research study is designed to evaluate this SHIP at the focal HEI and compare the knowledge of health insurance among students across HEIs in India. Evaluation of the preparedness of all stakeholders involved in the operations of SHIP (by way of personal training and a questionnaire), its implementation at the level of the beneficiary (by way of personal training and a feedback questionnaire) and finally evaluation of the impact of the above on the beneficiary which ultimately constitute the SHIP experiences of the student has been the broad outline of this exploratory and descriptive study.