Medical care is very expensive in the United States, and consequently, insurance is a necessity, not a luxury. Especially for students from another country, study abroad insurance is a confusing yet essential part of American life. Knowledge is power, and a student must know the basics of how student insurance works.
Every international student must have health insurance. Most schools offer a sponsored insurance plan that is applied to each international student automatically. They require that students provide proof of insurance before they register for courses. If a student has similar insurance from elsewhere, the college-sponsored plan can be waived.
Remember that students who are U.S. citizens might already have existing insurance plans through their parents plans. You can choose either the college-sponsored international student insurance plan or an ‘outside’ plan with equal or better coverage. Remember to check the details of your college-sponsored plan; it is sometimes more expensive and offers little flexibility in terms of options.
Purchasing international student medical insurance can be done either online, or through an agent. 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. To sign this, the student must have insurance that satisfies the college’s specified criteria. Insurance comparison sites that provide a range of insurance products are usually able to clarify questions about this aspect.
Typical coverage that an international student health insurance plan provides include inpatient and outpatient treatment, prescription medicines, maternity, mental health, sports injuries, emergency medical evacuation, accidental death and dismemberment, and repatriation of remains.
International student health insurance is only valid until the plan holder remains a full-time student. Coverage may not extend to the Optional Practical Training period after graduation. Short-term insurance plans provide good coverage for such stop-gap insurance needs.
Dan Miller often writes about international student insurance.
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