As an international student, a few things are required to move from one nation to another for study purposes. Health insurance is one of the mains while you are studying in another country. Similarly, the US also required health insurance as well as a health clearance certificate for international students for their safety. Health insurance is provided to international students so that they will not be financially responsible for any medical expenses when staying overseas.
The types of health insurance depend on the country you are studying in. In some countries, for example in the US, students will have to purchase private health insurance. In other countries, such as Canada, students can get health insurance coverage through the university health plan.
If you are interested in applying to any US university, you must have knowledge regarding health insurance for international students in the US. In this article, we will be discussing everything you need to know about health insurance for international students in the US. So keep reading.
List of Top 14 Universities Offering Health Insurance for International Students
University Names | University Type | Health Insurance Coverage Options |
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Arizona State University | Comprehensive public research university |
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Elon University | Private university | iNext international insurance:
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Illinois Institute of Technology | Private research university | Illinois Tech’s health insurance:
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California Institute of Technology | Private research university |
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San Francisco State University | Public research university | GeoBlue Blue Card PPO:
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University of Southampton | Public research university |
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University of California | Public research university |
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Metropolitan State University | Public university |
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Yale University | Private research university |
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Long Island University | Private university |
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Texas A&M University | Public research university |
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University of Hartford | Private university | Health, Counseling, and Wellness Service Coverage |
Kaplan University USA | Private university |
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Illinois State University | Public university |
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All the above-mentioned Medicaid plans are subject to update, modification, or change at any time based on the universities’ authorities and the plan may also be denied depending on the student category, status, age, and other valid reasons.
What are the health insurance requirements for international students in the US
The health insurance requirements for international students differ from one university to another depending on the student’s visa status and type. However, most international students can have health insurance in order to study in the US. Though the requirements vary but below we are presenting the general ones below:
Deductible
The amount you must pay out-of-pocket before your insurance starts to cover your medical expenses is referred to as the deductible. The majority of insurance organizations demand a $500 maximum deductible.
Adequate
Students are generally asked to buy insurance plans with a policy maximum of at least $50,000.
Coverage for Remains Repatriation
The coverage for repatriation of remains gives your family financial support in the case of your death so they can send your mortal remains back to your family.
Insurance for Existing Conditions
You must include any pre-existing conditions, such as diabetes, heart condition, and so on in your insurance plan. In the newly added rules, you must show your pre-history of connecting Covid-19.
Types of Health Insurance for International Students
There are three main types of health insurance that are available to international students in the US:
Health Insurance Supported By The University
Many US universities provide overseas students with general health insurance policies
Individual health insurance
International students studying in the US have access to a variety of individual health insurance options. There are a number of insurance companies that provide international students with health insurance. However, the individual insurance plan that you have to proceed on your own may be more expensive than those provided by the universities.
Pregnancy Insurance
Even though not all institutions provide it if you have a kid while studying in the US then health insurance is provided for you and the US government will arrange another US health insurance for your child.
Medical travel insurance
A sort of insurance called travel medical insurance is made to pay for medical costs incurred when traveling overseas. For international students who only intend to visit the US temporarily, this kind of insurance may be a reasonable choice
Coverage For Mental Health
Being foreign students, leaving family and close ones in their home country, all students should have access to mental health care. Which not only covers all mental health-related issues but also assists students who are struggling with culture shock or homesickness
Options for Health Insurance in the US for International Students
There are three types of options for Health Insurance in the US for International Students. They are-
- Mandatory Group Plan
- Mandatory Group, with the option to Waive
- Optional Plan
Below we are giving details of the mentioned plans for Health Insurance in the US for International Students:
Mandatory group plan
The Mandatory group plan is the plan that is offered and covered by your selected and desired university or college which is the most affordable option. This plan covers almost most of the medical needs and expenses that an international student may require in a foreign land.
Mandatory group plan with the option to waive
There are three main types of health insurance that are available to international students in the US:
Optional plan
Optional plan is a plan where you have to plan and purchase health insurance plans and select insurance companies all on your own. There are many different optional plans available in the US. You have to find the right fit based on needs and budget but it is a matter of concern that these plans will be more expensive than the mandatory group plans set by the universities.
Process of Getting Health Insurance in The US
Below we are proving the general steps to ensure health insurance as an international student in the US:
- First, you have to check with your university whether they provide any health insurance plan because if you do the process individually then it may cost you a big amount.
- You must ask the university authority whether their health insurance plan is covered in your tuition fees or if there are any extra charges.
- If you need to apply for health insurance all by yourself then you first need to search for companies that offer health insurance for international students in the US. We will list some US health insurance for international students below:
- You should try to get the best deal for students that health insurance companies are offering.
- You should list your needs down and compare them to the plans the companies are offering to you.
How to Choose the Right Health Insurance Plan
To choose the right health insurance plan for you you have to follow some steps. Before choosing the Right Health Insurance Plan you have to determine the following points:
- Needs and expenditures of the student
- Coverage offered by the plan
- Cost of the plan
- Offered plan’s terms and conditions
- Offered plan’s duration and coverage
Length of Health Insurance Coverage for international students in the US
The length and coverage of the health insurance for international students in the US varies time to time and based on different institute it also varies. However, most US universities cover health insurance for international students throughout their entire student life until finishing their degree.
In addition, if any institute does not cover health insurance for the entire student life, then in this case students can purchase the health insurance for the rest of the time or they can go for optional plans too.
Cost of Health Insurance for International Students in the US
Likewise the length and coverage of the health insurance for international students in the US, the cost also varies. In some cases the university has some hidden charges that are included in your tuition fees, however the change is very minimal if you go with the university plan. Some institutes provide health insurance completely free of cost for international students but on average, such a university-planned health insurance may cost approximately $500 to $1,000 per year.
Benefits of having health insurance
Being a foreign student with health insurance is a plus point in many ways. In foreign, the healthcare system is very expensive because of the quality as a result a minor illness or injury can lead to big medical invoices.
The importance of health insurance is vital. Below we are pointing out the main ones:
- Health insurance will cover all your health-related expenses partially and in some countries, the full cost is bared.
- You can save money on health-related issues.
- International health insurance may give you access to get into the diversity of international health care with quality.
Being an international health insurance holder you will be able to live a healthy life which is the biggest plus point of having health insurance.
FAQs
- Being an international student can I get health insurance in the US?
Answer: There are numerous health insurance plans arranged by the US government and universities which covers almost all the needs of international students. You can easily avail the opportunity after arriving in the US for your higher studies. - Is it tough to get health insurance in the US?
Answer: If you have a proper student visa and provide all the required documents properly to the university or the insurance company, then there will be no obstacles. - Do US universities have health insurance plans for international students?
Answer: Almost all US universities have special health insurance plans for international students which cover almost every need of international students and they are budget-friendly too.
Conclusion
Health insurance plays an important part in every student living and studying in the US. International students should carefully consider their needs and budget when choosing a health insurance plan. By doing so, they can ensure that they have the coverage they need in case of an illness or injury.
I hope now you have a clear vision regarding the health insurance plans for the US. As an international student getting health insurance is vital.