Do I Need Health Insurance? And How Do I Get It?
As an international student, there are many aspects of the university enrollment process that can be overwhelming—including purchasing health insurance. Even if you rarely get sick, it’s important to ensure you are covered in the event you have an accident or are injured. Medical bills can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars and, after an emergency, the last thing you want to worry about is how you’re going to pay for it.
Things to know before picking a health insurance plan
While F and M visas do not have any federal insurance requirements, almost all students on these visas will be attending a school that does require them to have health insurance. In many cases, colleges and universities have a set list of requirements with which your insurance plan must comply. Even without strict requirements, international students should consider obtaining coverage for the entirety of their studies to protect themselves in the case of an emergency. The U.S. does not have national or universal healthcare coverage, which means that anyone seeking medical treatment in the US will be responsible for paying their own bills out of pocket if they do not have health insurance to help cover costs.
What should I consider when purchasing a plan?
When purchasing a plan, it’s important to ensure your plan includes the following benefits at a minimum:
- Emergency Medical Evacuation
- Repatriation of Remains
- Hospitalization
- Doctor Visits
Other benefits that are not always standard in international student health insurance plans, but that you might want to consider include:
- Maternity
- Pre-existing Conditions
- Mental Health
International Student Insurance (ISI) is here to help
If you need coverage, but don’t know where to begin, International Student Insurance (ISI) is a great place to turn to for help. With plans designed specifically for international students, ISI can help you navigate which plan is best for you. The best part is that all international students automatically qualify for their Student Secure Plan, which starts at just $29/month! ISI also has a school requirements section that details exactly what coverage your college or university requires, and which ISI plans will meet those requirements. For more information, visit their website to talk to a licensed agent or to purchase same-day coverage. English-, Spanish- and Mandarin-speaking agents are available.
