Insurance and Finance Blog

Finding The Best Study Abroad Insurance Plan {By: Dan Miller}

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.

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 study abroad 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.

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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