Where To Buy The Best Study Abroad Insurance
Medical care is very expensive in the United States, and consequently, insurance is a necessity, not a luxury. Especially for students from another country, international student medical 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.
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.
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.
There are two ways to go about purchasing international student health 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.
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.
For your international student health insurance to continue, you must be a full-time student. Once you graduate and your Optional Practical Training starts, your student health insurance will not be valid. You can consider purchasing short-term insurance plans for that period.
Dan Miller often writes about international student insurance.