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 insurance; knowing basic facts about insurance will help the international student make a better choice.
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.
Students who are U.S. citizens might already have coverage through their parents insurance policy. However, international students must enroll in an insurance plan, either through the college or purchase outside insurance. College-sponsored plans may be more convenient, but they are often inflexible, may not offer all the benefits that you want, and may also be more expensive than other plans in the market.
If you opt for a international student insurance outside the college, you can either contact an agent, or search for plans on the Internet. Several comparison sites help you to compare the prices and coverage of plans in a relaxed environment, so that you can make the best decision for you.
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.
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.
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.
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