Studying Abroad can be inspiring and rewarding - meeting new friends, learning valuable knowledge, experiencing new cultures and customs, and exploring interesting and distant places. But traveling to a foreign country can also pose unexpected challenges - ranging from simple complications of a different diet, to unexpected illnesses or injuries, or even more serious accidents away from home. There are often unexpected medical expenses that can present financial challenges, and that can even interfere with your trip abroad. This is especially the case in the United States, where the cost of medical care is very high.
Most of us recognize that health insurance is a necessity today, and especially when traveling abroad for a long time. However, most people are unaware that their regular health insurance at home usually does not provide health coverage when traveling outside the home country. If you are considering studying or traveling abroad, it is highly recommended that you purchase adequate International Health Insurance – and budget the cost accordingly. Fortunately, affordable International Health Insurance is available to international students and undergraduates, guest lecturers, exchange program participants, dependents and family – and any international travelers around the world (including friends and relatives who may be visiting you!).
International Health Insurance is important for two fundamental reasons – to avoid financial challenges due to unforeseen medical expenses, and to ensure that you have access to proper and immediate medical care wherever you travel. International Health Insurance pays most of the medical expenses and is accepted by most medical providers around the world, and therefore provides peace of mind so that you can enjoy studying or traveling abroad.
The following is a brief overview of International Health Insurance – including how insurance generally works, the types of health plans available, and definitions of some coverage and general insurance terms. If you wish to obtain International Health Insurance, or if you are required to purchase health insurance by your school or for your travel visa, it is best to contact an international insurance professional for advice and assistance to ensure you obtain proper insurance coverage.
How it works
International Health Insurance pays for doctors, hospitals, and medical expenses if you are injured or sick while traveling outside your home country. The cost of health insurance (called a "premium") is an additional cost to consider, but in exchange for the premium, the insurance company will pay for all covered medical expenses when you are away from home. Most importantly, many doctors and hospitals will not respond unless you provide proof of your ability to pay for their medical services – your insurance confirms your ability to pay. In short, health insurance provides financial protection against unexpected expenses, and ensures timely access to medical care abroad – all providing peace of mind so you can study and enjoy your trip!
Basic Insurance Protection and Conditions
All International Health Insurance covers a certain amount of basic health insurance, usually with a small, deductible amount that you pay in advance, and also covers the medical evacuation and repatriation coverage that is often required. Health insurance pays for covered physician, hospital and prescription medication costs, and is usually paid directly to a medical provider. Deduction is the amount you pay the doctor out of your own pocket, and then health insurance pays the remaining covered costs up to the maximum amount of coverage you choose.
Helpful Hint: make sure you're buying enough health insurance to cover the cost of treatment that can be estimated, and choose a reduction that isn't too high to create its own financial problems.
Some health insurances may also include additional coverage, such as lost baggage, personal liability, political evacuation, reunions, and a 24-hour assistance service, which helps locate local medical providers and provides language assistance services and lost passports. This coverage helps, and doesn't add much to the cost.
Examples of the Most Common Insurance Coverage
Health insurance can be purchased for a "maximum per accident or illness" amount of $50,000 to $1,000,000 or more. The most commonly purchased medical "maximum" is $100,000 per accident or Illness – which is also the U.S. State Department's minimum insurance requirement. However, there really isn't a more cost to increase medical coverage substantially – so get a basic insurance quote, and then compare the costs to add more medical coverage.
Helpful Hint: ensure medical coverage "per accident or illness" (not "annual") to ensure adequate coverage, and also complies with the requirements of the U.S. State Department and universities.
Deductions can be $0 (you don't have to pay) up to $500 or more. Remember, the higher the deductible, the cheaper the price of health insurance - because you pay the deductible amount out of your own pocket first. The most common deductible is the "annual" $100 deductible.
Helpful Hint: an "annual" deduction means that you pay this amount only once a year; whereas a "per accident or illness" reduction means you pay this amount whenever you have a separate medical issue throughout the year. Annual cutting is usually preferred, if available.
Health Insurance May Be Required (by your School and/or Your Travel Visa)
Most schools now require proof of health insurance prior to enrollment. Health insurance may also be required by your travel visa; for example, the U.S. State Department requires at least $100,000 in health insurance coverage for all J-visa participants.
Three Types of International Health Insurance Packages
There are three types of International Health Insurance plans. The Traditional Health Plan provides the essential "accident and disease" coverage described above, and meets or exceeds the US State Department's J-visa insurance requirements (make sure you opt for at least $100,000 Medical coverage). The Traditional Plan is accepted by most US universities and colleges, although some may require more coverage. Enhanced Health Plans typically offer additional protections – such as childbirth, pre-existing conditions, mental health and/or exercise – that meet most school requirements. In the US, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Health Plan provides unlimited medical coverage and includes routine vaccinations and health care, and is ideal for schools that need ACA coverage and for students who want more protection. However, the ACA Package is usually not required for International Students and Scholars.
Health Insurance Prices
International Health Insurance is affordable, and the price is based on your age and the amount of medical coverage you want (or may need) to purchase. Insurance coverage is usually priced daily, and can be purchased daily, monthly or for the entire school or calendar year.
Helpful Hint: many schools now require proof of prepaid annual insurance prior to academic enrollment - so be sure to check your school's requirements, and purchase insurance for the right amount and for the required duration.
You can usually get a refund if you cancel your insurance early, although some restrictions may apply, so check with your insurance provider. International Health Insurance is available from a variety of companies, and health plans from independent providers are often much cheaper than insurance offered through your school.
If you are unsure about which International Health Plan is right for you and your school's requirements, contact a health insurance professional who specializes in insurance for international students - or contact the international department at your school.
The best advice is to get the right International Health Insurance and get peace of mind - so you can enjoy your studies and travel abroad!
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