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Educational insurance for school students launched

DUBAI — Beginning this academic year, Gems group of schools will provide its students with an optional educational insurance, to ensure their education remains uninterrupted in the event of unforeseen circumstances.

This is the first time in the UAE that an academic institution shall be providing its students with an "education protection programme". The programme will guarantee the student's education until the completion of secondary school and will cover full tuition fees. In the event of death of the "primary wage earner", as stipulated by the programme, the student will have the option of studying in the same school or in an equivalent Gems school in any other country.

"We hope to launch the programme in the next couple of weeks in all of the Gems schools in the UAE, and eventually, outside the country. It is an optional, value addition for parents, who may elect to subscribe to this educational insurance," said Sunny Varkey, Founder and Chairman of Gems.

The insurance cover is being launched after a number of Gems students were unable to continue studies following the death of the earning parent.

While the premium amount for the cover is yet to be fixed, Varkey assured it would be 'affordable'.

"The final details are being worked out. However, the programme would be nominal and affordable to parents," he added.

Parents welcomed the novel protection programme stating they may choose to take it up, if it fits their budget.

"I would definitely opt for it if it is affordable as it provides security for a child's education. The child would be used to a certain standard of living and if we have to move back to our home country in case of anything, it wouldn't be unsettling for the child," said Vasantha Bhaskar, a parent of two children studying in the Gems Wellington School.

"The option of studying in an equivalent Gems school outside the UAE is integral as some expatriates may be dependent on the spouse's visa and would not be able to stay in the country in the event of death," said Jane, another Gems parent.

However, many said they would rather wait and watch to see if the programme was really affordable and optional.