Page 25 - StudyTravel Magazine May 2025 Issue

DIRECTION

costs. “While costs have
risen somewhat, we have
worked hard to maintain our
affordability while maintaining our Our goal is to

excellent comprehensive insurance
options,” adds Linda. ensure students
A key takeaway here is that
students should not just shop for the feel supported
lowest price, but rather evaluate the
benefits to ensure their plan covers at every step

long-term health needs rather than
just emergency care. of their journey
A significant number of interna-

tional students struggle with under-
standing their insurance policies,
which can lead to delays in seeking
medical help. A US-based study
(bit.ly/4hJuAZK) found that more Photo: DR-WALTER
than half of international students
surveyed often feel confused about us, and we are always ready to provide Mental health: a
their health insurance, and about 20 consultation and advice,” says Linda. growing priority
per cent have delayed or skipped care By making information easier to
due to unfamiliarity with how their access and simplifying the decision- The challenges of studying abroad

coverage works. making process, providers are can take a significant toll on students’
ensuring that students understand mental well-being. As awareness
“We recognise the and use their coverage effectively. grows, insurance providers are

increasing importance of As the landscape of international expanding mental health support.
mental well-being” education continues to evolve, insur- GuardMe has enhanced its
ance providers are stepping up their coverage to provide comprehensive
To combat this, providers offerings to ensure students are mental health support. “We are

are investing in education and protected, informed, and supported. seeing an increase in younger
accessibility. “We offer user-friendly From customisable plans and students and those enrolled in

websites that guide students to the mental health support to pricing flex- pathway programs, who seek
insurance solution meeting their ibility and educational initiatives, the insurance solutions with additional
needs. That makes it easier for them industry is adapting to the changing non-medical benefits, such as mental

to understand their options and make needs of globally mobile students. health support,” says Nicoletta.
an educated decision,” says Claudia. With rising enrolment numbers, Similarly, CareMed has made
GuardMe has also prioritised increasing regional diversity, and mental health services a cornerstone
education through direct engagement an emphasis on student well-being, of its offering. “Our policies also offer

with students. “We work closely with the future of international student access to mental health services,
institutions, agencies, and partners to insurance is one that prioritises which is something we feel helps our
provide clear, accessible information inclusivity, accessibility, and brand stand out,” says Linda.
about the importance of insurance innovation. As Linda puts it, “It’s Claudia highlights a similar trend:
through webinars, pre-departure important to us at CareMed that our “There is a growing recognition of the
materials, and direct engagement clients understand all of their options importance of mental health among
with students,” explains Nicoletta. and are not surprised. Our goal is to students, and they increasingly seek
At CareMed, the focus is on ensure that students feel supported coverage options that include access
direct communication and customer at every step of their journey.” to mental health professionals,
support. “The relaunch of our For students and institutions alike, counselling services, and telehealth.”
website this year will allow us to understanding these trends will be This shift reflects a broader

better communicate our client-first key to making the best insurance industry trend towards holistic
approach. Clients and prospective decisions in the future. student support ensuring that mental
clients have multiple ways of reaching delilah@studytravel.network health services are accessible.

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