As an international student in the US, securing a health insurance scholarship can be very important to help you with medical costs when the need arises.
Getting ill or involved in an accident can be very expensive for an international student. The fascinating fact about this is that it can happen to anyone at any time, from getting ill, to poor physical health and having a bad injury. This is why it is important for an international student schooling in the US to secure health insurance.
It will definitely come in handy in the long run.
Requirements For Health Insurance in the US
Most schools that come with a wavier form will require you to purchase health insurance that fulfills the condition below;
- Adequate Policy Maximum; Usually, students are asked to purchase a plan with a policy maximum of at least $50,000.
- Relatively Low Deductible; Schools often require a deductible limit per condition, or per policy period, as part of their waiver requirements, so that students can have pocket costs as low as possible. Here you can read more about what Health Insurance Deductible is.
- Mental Health Coverage; This requirement is included since universities want to make sure their students are not only physically healthy but also mentally.
- Maternity Coverage; Adequate maternity coverage will be required for female students, with at least an 80%coverage in-network for prenatal, delivery, and post-natal care.
- Pre-existing Condition Coverage; If you have an existing condition i.e. diabetic, you will have to include it in your insurance plan.
- Repatriation of Remains Coverage; In the event that you pass away, coverage for repatriation of remains provides financial assistance to your family to return your mortal remains to your home count
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Types of Health Insurance For Foreign Students in the US
Below are the main types of health insurance you can choose from as an international student in the US.
1. Mandatory Group Plan
Most time, some educational institutions in the US have their own mandatory plans with predetermined coverage, in which foreign students will have to choose from.
- These types of plans have the following features;
- They are automatically added to the tuition bill
- they usually cost more than individual plans
- they provide comprehensive coverage which includes; coverage for maternity, pre-existing conditions without a waiting period, mental health, wellness, preventative care
2. Mandatory Group, with the option to Waive
Some other educational institutions in the US have a mandatory health insurance plan but still allow students to opt-out.
If you decide to purchase an outside insurance plan, the school will determine whether it is adequate or not. This is done through a waiver form; a document no longer than two pages that contains a list of the benefits requirements that your health insurance policy needs to either meet or exceed.
3. Optional Plan
Some educational institutions in the US do not provide a mandatory plan with pre-determined coverage, therefore allowing students to select whatever plan they want.
Good Health Insurance Plans for International Students in the USA
Below are some good health insurance plans for international students in the USA
- ExchangeGuard.
- Patriot Exchange Program.
- Student Secure.
- Student Health Advantage.
- Study USA.
- Navigator Student.
- Patriot America.