Learning To Navigate International Student Insurance
Medical care is very expensive in the United States, and consequently, insurance is a necessity, not a luxury. It is easy to get lost in the jungle that is international student insurance; knowing basic facts about insurance will help the international student make a better choice.
You will be required to have international student health insurance before commencing study at a U.S. university or college. Usually, colleges and universities have a basic student insurance plan in place that students are enrolled in by default. To opt out, you must prove that you have insurance with equal or better benefits.
U.S. students may be eligible for insurance under their parents’ insurance plan and may not purchase any additional insurance. International students must either enrol in the college-sponsored plan or look for international student health insurance elsewhere.Oftentimes, outside coverage is less expensive than the college -sponsored plan, and is much more flexible.
There are two ways to go about purchasing international student insurance outside the college: calling an agent or checking prices online. Going the online route can provide the convenience, flexibility and non-pushy atmosphere that an international student will benefit from to make the best choice.
Coverage for dependents is an important factor when shopping for international student insurance plans online. Dependents cannot be covered under student insurance plans separately—they must either be added to the student’s health insurance plan, or purchase other short-term coverage.
To release their liability, most colleges require an international student to sign a waiver in case he/she opts for outside insurance. Most colleges specify criteria for outside insurance to be considered comparable to their plan. With a simple phone call, most online insurance Web sites will be able to guide and suggest insurance products that meet the criteria.
Your international student health insurance will typically offer benefits covering hospitalization and outpatient treatment, prescription medicines, emergency medical evacuation, and accidental death and dismemberment. In case of your passing on, sending your remains back home is also covered. Most plans also cover maternity, mental health, and sports injuries.
For your international student health insurance to continue, you must be a full-time student. If a student is under the Optional Practical Training period after graduation, he/she must look for other insurance. You can consider purchasing short-term insurance plans for that period.
