With students now under huge pressure to maximise the value of this investment, the question of student health has never been more relevant or important. Now, if a student falls ill, the emphasis must be on accessing the best medical care in order to recover as quickly as possible.
Joe Thomas, APRIL International UK’s Business Development Director observes that, “Although many universities will ensure overseas and UK students have a local GP point of contact, very often, the support is quite basic and with long GP wait times now common, today’s overseas students will often need more than this. This is why student international private health insurance policies that offer private care and fast access to first-class treatment, such as those offered by APRIL International in France and the UK are now so popular in countries where high concentrations of foreign students are located.”
A report published recently by The Mix, a UK-based charity that provides free, confidential support for young people under 25, highlights the main illnesses students can expect to face and why having access to private medical care can be a good financial insurance.
Many of the ailments that can strike an 18-year old living away from home for the first time are obvious, when you consider that students will be moving from a family living environment to living in halls in close quarters with new friends drawn from all over the world. Whilst colds and flu can be expected, meningitis can also be prevalent. There are two types of meningitis, viral and the more serious bacterial variety. The bacterial virus can develop rapidly, causing inflammation of the brain lining, and requires urgent medical attention. Young adults are most at risk, which is why students should always be on the lookout for symptoms. Glandular fever can also strike, particularly amongst those who are run down after the effects of stressful exams. A bad case of glandular fever can affect studies for over 6 months. Add to this common sporting injuries and bouts of food poising, and it is clear why student health and in particular maintaining health so studies are not interrupted, is now a core issue.
Brokers and providers agree that sales of private health insurance is growing in importance in this market and with financial pressures rising each year, sales are likely to keep expanding.
About APRIL International
APRIL International UK Limited (until recently known as MediCare International) is part of the APRIL Group which was founded in France more than 28 years ago. It is an internationally-known and respected insurance services group with operations in 33 different countries, looking after close to 6 million policyholders worldwide, consisting of some 86 different nationalities located in more than 120 countries.
APRIL International UK are specialists in designing and delivering outstanding, flexible international health insurance solutions for individuals and companies, with long term, short term and student healthcare plans available.
All APRIL International UK plans include the additional services of Best Doctors (second medical opinion), Blood Care Foundation (screened blood available worldwide) and RED24 (crisis management specialists).
Cover under group plans may also be available for local nationals. Discounted group rates start with 3 lives and full medical history disregarded underwriting is available on groups of 10 or more employees, making APRIL International one of the most competitive group cover providers.
APRIL International UK Limited is an Appointed Representative of APRIL Medibroker Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered Office: Minster House, 42 Mincing Lane, London, EC3R 7AE, United Kingdom Registered in England No7261287.
