Living in the United States can be costly, especially for students on an F1 visa who finance their education through grants or loans. When it comes to the high cost of living in the United States, even getting sick can be unaffordable if the essential precautions are not taken on time. Things do, however, happen. You need to know the best health insurance for international students in the USA if you find yourself in poor physical condition or gravely injured, far from home and family. The last thing you need is to be concerned about how to pay the excessive medical cost.
READ MORE: Immigrate To Canada From UK: 7 Vital Requirement
Do international students need health insurance in the US?
Table of Contents
International students in the United States may require health insurance in order to enroll in university, although this is not required in order to obtain an F1 visa. As a result, obtaining proper health insurance coverage is a requirement imposed by the university rather than by US law. As a result, you should inquire with the university where you intend to enroll whether health insurance is required for overseas students.
How to get health insurance for international Students in US?
Here are the steps you need to take to get health insurance coverage for students in USA:
1. Check if your university or college in the US implements a mandatory group health insurance plan.
- If they do, you must inquire if they are included in the tuition bills or if you must pay them separately. Then you can proceed with the payments.
- Check to see if they have a mandated group health insurance plan that has an optional waiver. If it does not, request a waiver form and proceed to steps 2, 3, and 4.
- If they do not have any insurance package, complete steps 2, 3 & 4.
2. Search for organizations or brokers that provide international students with health insurance in the United States, such as Insubuy.
3. Outline the features you believe are important to you (including the waiver form), and compare them to the plans offered by the firms you’ve researched. Check to see whether your dependents can be added to the plan if you intend to bring someone with you to the United States.
4. Choose the best plan for you and proceed with the purchase.
READ MORE: Student Travel Insurance: All You Should Know
Health insurance options for international students in the US
While looking for international student health insurance choices in the United States, you should also check the regulations of the institution where you are enrolled to see if they have any unique requirements. Here are the primary types from which to choose:
1. Mandatory group plan
Some schools/colleges/universities in the United States have their mandatory plans with preset coverage that international students must purchase. The following are the primary characteristics of school-based plans:
- These are typically added to your tuition bill and cost more than individual policies.
- These give more extensive coverage, like coverage for pre-existing conditions during pregnancy without a waiting time.
- Mental health well-being
- Preventive medicine
2. Mandatory group with the option to waive
Several colleges and universities offer a mandated insurance plan with predetermined coverage for all students, however, students can still opt out. This is subject to the student purchasing an adequate plan if he or she chooses to obtain health insurance other than the one provided by the institution. The “waiver form” is used by schools to determine whether the outside plan is appropriate. This is a two-page document that offers a list of the benefits standards that your health insurance coverage must fulfill or exceed. It takes your signature as well as the insurance company’s.
3. Optional plan
There are educational institutions in the United States that do not have mandated plans with pre-determined coverage, thus students are free to choose any plan they want. If your school allows you to choose any plan you want, never choose the cheapest option. The one providing the most services, but not the least. Instead, compare various plans to find the best health insurance for international students in the United States.
READ MORE: How To Apply For Student Loans Forgiveness
Best Health Insurance For International Students In USA
- ExchangeGuard.
- Patriot Exchange Program.
- Student Secure.
- Student Health Advantage.
- Study USA.
- Navigator Student.
- Patriot America.
International Student Health Insurance Requirements in the USA
University/colleges with a “waiver form” will ask you to purchase insurance that fulfills the conditions listed below:
- Adequate Policy Maximum.
Most students are required to acquire coverage with a policy maximum of at least $50,000.
- Deductible is relatively low
As part of their waiver criteria, schools frequently mandate a deductible limit per condition or policy period, so that students’ out-of-pocket expenditures are as minimal as feasible. Further information on Health Insurance Deductibles can be found here.
- Coverage for mental health.
This criterion is included because colleges want to ensure that their students are not only physically but also mentally healthy.
- Maternity insurance
Female students will need adequate maternity coverage, with at least 80% coverage in-network for prenatal, delivery, and post-natal care.
- Coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions
If you have a pre-existing ailment, such as diabetes, you must include this package.
- Repatriation of Remains Coverage.
If you die, coverage for repatriation of remains pays for your family to return your mortal remains to your native country.
Factors that determine the cost of student health insurance?
The cost of your visa insurance depends on several factors, including the city or state you live in, your age, and coverage.
- Where you live. The cost depends on the state or county in which you live.
- Your age. The prices are higher the older a person is.
- Coverage: The length (how many months you require the plan for) as well as the level of coverage (what you want the policy to cover).
Does international student health insurance cover medications, eye checks, and glasses?
Yes, prescription medications are covered by foreign student medical insurance. If you are unsure, examine the policy description or contact the insurer. Typically, with prescription medication, you pay for the medication up front and then file a claim for reimbursement with your insurer. Also, there are a number of over-the-counter pharmaceuticals that do not require a prescription (such as cold medicine) and are reasonably priced at drugstores around the United States.
Similar to dental insurance, a basic plan may not offer coverage for eye check-ups or prescription eyeglasses or contacts. Depending on your insurance company, you can choose to have it covered, by paying a little extra on your monthly premium.
