International student plans are specialized health insurance policies designed to meet the unique needs of students studying abroad. These plans typically offer comprehensive coverage for medical expenses, including doctor visits, hospitalization, mental health, prescription medications, emergency medical evacuation, and repatriation of remains.
Table of Contents:
- What are International Student Insurance Plans?
- Why International Students Need Insurance?
- Comparing Popular International Student Insurance Plans
- FAQs
- Conclusion
What are International Student Insurance Plans?
International Student Insurance Plans provide peace of mind and financial protection for students studying abroad, ensuring they have access to quality healthcare and support during their educational journey away from home. These plans are made for J1, J2, F1, F2, and other study abroad programs, focusing on their physical and mental well-being in the US.
Why International Students Need Insurance?
- Healthcare Access: International students may face unexpected illnesses or injuries while studying abroad and may not have access to affordable healthcare services without insurance. Having insurance ensures they can receive necessary medical treatment without incurring substantial out-of-pocket expenses.
- Compliance Requirements: Many universities and countries require international students to have health insurance coverage as a condition of enrollment or visa issuance. Insurance helps students meet these compliance requirements, ensuring they can pursue their academic goals without interruption.
- Financial Protection: Medical expenses can be high in the US. International student insurance provides financial protection by covering the costs of medical care, hospitalization, and other related expenses, reducing the financial burden on students and their families.
Comparing Popular International Student Insurance Plans
Some popular plans are Atlas America, Patriot America, Student Secure, Study USA, Student Health Advantage, and more. Let us compare some plans.
| Category | Study USA | Student Health Advantage |
| Plans | Comprehensive | Comprehensive |
| Coverage Days | Up to 364 consecutive days of coverage, renewable for up to 4 years. | Up to 364 consecutive days of coverage, renewable for up to 60 continuous months (about 5 years). |
| Policy Maximum | $100,000 to $500,000 per injury/illness (Basic-Platinum) | Student: $300,000 Dependent: $100,000 per injury/illness coverage |
| Deductible | Deductibles below are per Injury or Illness Basic: $250 in network/ $500 out of network/. Standard: $100 in network/ or $250 out of network/. Preferred: $50 in network or $150 out of network. Platinum: $50 in network or $100 out of network | $250 per injury/illness |
| Coinsurance | Basic & Standard: 80% after the deductible, up to overall maximum limit. Preferred: 80% after the deductible, up to the overall $25,000, and then 100% to the overall maximum limit. Platinum: 85% after the deductible, up to $10,000, and then 100% up to the overall maximum limit. | Plan pays 90% in-network and 80% out-of-network. |
| COVID-19 | Covered, except on the Basic plan | Covered |
| Pre-existing conditions | Basic Plan: Not Covered Standard Plan: Covered after 12 months of coverage Preferred and Platinum Plan: Covered after 6 months of coverage | Covered after 12 months of continuous coverage |
| Local Ambulance | Basic: $300 per injury or illness, when covered illness or injury results in hospitalization as inpatient Standard, Preferred, Platinum: $350 per injury or illness | Covered |
| Prescription Drugs | Covered for all categories with certain predefined limits. | Coverage for inpatient and outpatient |
| Wellness | one routine physical exam covered, except on the Basic plan. | Not Covered |
| Intercollegiate, Interscholastic, Optional Intramural or Club Sports | Optional Buy-Up: $10,000 (only for Platinum category) | Coverage included for in-network and out-of-network |
| Emergency Medical Evacuation | Basic:$50,000 Standard: $250,000 Preferred: $500,000 Platinum: $500,000 | Covers 100% up to $500,000. |
| Dental Treatment | Covered up to 1,000 maximum, for dental injury and $100 to alleviate the pain(Only Preferred and Platinum) | Coverage for dental injury and $350 for treatment due to unexpected pain to sound natural teeth. |
| Accidental Death & Dismemberment | Basic: Not covered Standard: $5,000 Preferred: $25,000 Platinum: $25,000 | 100% of the principal sum. Student: $25,000, Spouse: $10,000, Child: $5,000 |
| Emergency Reunion | Basic: $1,500, subject to a maximum of 15 days. Standard: $2,500, subject to a maximum of 15 days Preferred: $2,500, subject to a maximum of 15 days Platinum: $5000, subject to a maximum of 15 days | Covers 100% up to $50,000. |
| Mental and Nervous Disorder | Covered; Refer to Certificate for details. | Covered; Refer to brochure for details |
| Pregnancy | Basic: Not Covered Standard: 80% up to $5,000 Preferred: 80% up to $10,000. Platinum: 80% up to $20,000 | Covered up to $5,000 for pre-natal, delivery of a newborn, and post-natal care. |
| Newborn care | Not Covered | Covered with maximum limit up to $5,000 for newborn routine care during the first 31 days of life |
Brochure link :
- Study USA: https://www.visitorguard.com/docs/study-usa-plan/
- Student Health Advantage: https://storage.pardot.com/136531/16782251022zyQHFTU/SHA_Brochure.pdf
- Student Secure: https://www.visitorguard.com/docs/student-secure-plan/
FAQs
1. How do coverage limits differ between plans?
Coverage limits vary significantly. Pay close attention to:
- Maximum Coverage Amount: The total amount the plan will pay for all covered medical expenses throughout your policy period.
- Per-Incident Limits: Specific limits for costs associated with individual incidents (e.g., hospitalization, doctor visits).
- Deductible: The amount you must pay upfront before the insurance kicks in. Higher deductibles typically result in lower premiums.
2. What happens if I need to extend my studies abroad?
Many plans offer the option to extend your coverage for an additional period. Inquire with your provider about the process and any associated costs for extending your policy.
3. Is there a grace period for enrolling in international student insurance?
Some universities might have deadlines for students to enroll in a compliant international student insurance plan. Explore these deadlines and choose a plan that allows sufficient time for processing before your departure.
4. How does international student insurance differ from travel insurance?
International student insurance provides broader coverage for the duration of your studies abroad, often including medical evacuation, mental health services, and potential repatriation. Travel insurance, on the other hand, focuses on a shorter travel period and might not offer comprehensive coverage for extended stays.
5. What happens if I lose my passport while studying abroad?
Losing your passport abroad can be stressful. While international student insurance typically does not cover replacing a lost passport itself, some plans might offer emergency assistance services to help you contact your embassy and expedite the replacement process.
Conclusion
Embarking on international studies offers an enriching cultural exchange, but unexpected situations can arise. International student insurance acts as a safeguard, offering financial protection for medical emergencies, trip disruptions, and even accidental damage. To know more about plans, contact NRIOL (www.nriol.net).
