Finding The Best International Student Medical Insurance Policy
December 14th, 2009 by Dan Miller, under Travel and Leisure. No Comments
International students are often shocked at the high cost of healthcare in the United States. It is easy to get lost in the jungle that is international student medical insurance; knowing basic facts about insurance will help the international student make a better choice.
Most colleges and universities require that a student be adequately insured when enrolling as a full-time student. Usually, colleges and universities have a basic student insurance plan in place that students are enrolled in by default. Students can opt out of the college-sponsored plan by providing proof that they have other comparable health insurance coverage.
U.S. students may be eligible for insurance under their parents insurance plan and may not purchase any additional insurance. International students must either enroll 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. For the international student, the most effective way is probably to go online, where comparison Web sites can provide details of plans that meet specified criteria.
You must also consider coverage for your dependents. They cannot be insured under a student insurance plan unless you are the primary plan holder. However, they can be covered under other short-term insurance plans.
If an international student decides to purchase outside international student health insurance, the college may require a waiver form to be filled. 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.
A plan holder must remain a full-time student in order to continue insurance. If a student is under the Optional Practical Training period after graduation, he/she must look for other insurance. A good option for that time is a short-term insurance plan.
Dan Miller often writes about international student insurance.
