International Student health insurance

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Frequently Asked Questions about Student medical Insurance

1. How will I get insurance policy document?

Yes. After your enrollment is processed, your Certificate of Insurance will be mailed to the mailing address you specified while enrolling.

2. Can I renew my policy if I extend the duration of my studies?

Yes, as long as you remain eligible (see FAQ 1). To renew your policy online you may do so 24 hours before your policy lapses. If you wish to renew via fax or mail then please allow at least 10 business days for renewal.

3. How soon can the insurance coverage start?

The coverage will come into effect as early as the following day after you complete your enrollment online, provided you correctly complete your Online Enrollment and correct payment is received.

4. What should I do if I want to change the policy start date after I have completed my online application?

Please send any corrections to us in writing by email, fax or mail and we will confirm the changes. When sending correspondence, please include a daytime phone number and reference your Online Order Transaction number.

5. I want to know more about special pre certification for maternity in the Student Health Advantage plan and how does it work?

Insurance Company(IMG) will need to know ahead of time about the hospital, etc where the delivery is to take place to arrange payment and pre-authorize benefit payment. As soon as you find out you are pregnant, then call IMG customer service (M-F 9-4 EST) to find out what you should do.
Student Health Advantage Details

6. If I need to continue coverage in the second year, will pregnancy and maternity be covered by Student Health Advantage? How does it work?

As long as you do NOT let the coverage lapse (forget to renew your policy when it expires) there will not be a break in coverage and a pregnancy started in the first year will continue to be covered in the next year of the policy. Should the policy lapse, then you may have issues getting coverage for an existing pregnancy. Conception must occur AFTER the start date of the policy. There is no waiting period or other condition.
Student Health Advantage Details

7. I see that the Patriot Exchange plan is per sickness/injury plan. So what exactly constitute the steps for sickness and injury? For example: checkup, then referral, then curing, then treatment?

Yes, your example is accurate. You would pay only one $100 deductible for one sickness regardless of how many times you had to go to the doctor for the follow up etc.

8. The plan requires only $5 copay per visit to the student health center. Does this mean the insured is entitled to visit the student health center or does this has to be allowed by University policy?

This would have to be allowed by the university. Also, a co-pay is a payment made every visit (unlike the deductible), so in your above example, the $5 would be paid for first visit, another $5 for follow up.

9. Do F1 student health insurance plans cover pre-existing conditions?

Several international student insurance plans offer coverage for the acute onset of pre-existing conditions. A pre-existing condition is defined as by the policy as "an injury, illness or condition which was contracted or which first manifested itself, or for which a licensed physician was consulted, or for which treatment or medication was prescribed, prior to the effective date of the insurance plan. Coverage typically begins after a waiting period of 6 to 12 months, depending on the plan, and requires continuous enrollment with no gaps.

Some of the popular student insurance plans with pre-existing condition coverage are Student Secure Smart, StudentSecure Budget,Patriot Exchange, Student Health Advantage Platinum and GeoBlue Navigator for Students .For detailed coverage limits, waiting periods, and plan benefits, explore our comprehensive guide on pre-existing condition coverage for international students .

10. Does international student health insurance plans cover pregnancy?

Yes, many of our international student insurance cover pregnancy and childbirth benefits for the insured student or their enrolled spouse, as long as the pregnancy starts after the policy start date. However, they do not cover pregnancy for a dependent child.

11. I am F1 student. My wife is now 5 months pregnant. Her due date is in the early November. Is my newborn eligible for the Atlas America coverage? If so, when should I file an application or enroll for him?

Atlas America will not cover pregnancy. However once the child is born you may cover the baby by filling in an additional form, we can help you with this when the time comes.

12. How much does health insurance cost for a college student?

The health insurance cost for the college student will depend on the student insurance coverage benefits, the age of the student, the medical maximum coverage required and the deductible for the plan. Coverage within the US is more expensive when compared to coverage outside the US. For example, the cost of student health insurance start as low as $30 per month for a 20-year-old student.

13. Which are some of best student insurance plans for maternity for dependents?

Students and scholars on F or J visas have the best student insurance coverage for maternity coverage. However, the benefits have been reduced a few years ago such that the best coverage is 80% coverage of costs, so the students will have to be aware that they will be responsible for a portion of all costs. Also note that unless their wife is the J1 visa holder they will have to be the primary on the policy and the wife (with J2) will be secondary. Also note that prices are DIFFERENT for the primary and the spouse, so when students quote the prices, quote them for two people at the same time since the cost will be MUCH HIGHER for the wife's coverage. There are two policies that cover maternity at an 80% coverage without a set limit on benefits, provided conception occur after the plan start date. Most require students to notify the insurer at least three months before the delivery date.

  • Study USA Pref 300 and Pref 500 both cover maternity at a 80/70% (in network/out of network). Conception has to occur after the start of this plan.
  • Liaison Student plans Choice and Plus have a $10k limit on maternity benefits at 80/60 coverage respectively.
  • Student Secure Secure Elite, Select and Smart plans also cover at 80/70% to the maximum of the plan. The Select plan can be purchased with a $300k maximum, Smart plan can be purchased with a $250k maximum and the Elite can be purchased with $500k.
  • Student Health Advantage Platinum has a $5000 maximum limit to maternity and newborn care coverage. It has a $1 million maximum and a $35 deductible and covers at 80/60%. The plan also covers pre-existing conditions with a 6 month waiting period.

14. I'm an international graduate student who will be studying full time at Boston College. Would you be able to suggest any other medical insurance plan that provides preventive care services than the one offered at the university (UHC) so that I can waive the enrolled medical insurance plan at Boston COLLEGE?

GeoBlue student insurance is a student health insurance plan that provides preventive care services along with the other benefits that are usually available with all student health insurance plans.

Student medical insurance coverage

International student health insurance is a specially designed insurance medical coverage and financial protection to students studying abroad. It ensures that international students have access to necessary healthcare services and financial assistance in the event of illnesses, accidents, or emergencies while studying in a foreign country.

The FAQs related to international student medical insurance covers important aspects, such as the importance of having health insurance while studying abroad, its mandatory nature in many countries and educational institutions, what the insurance typically covers (including hospitalization, doctor visits, prescription medications, and emergency medical care), how to buy the best student medical insurance, its cost considerations, and coverage for pre-existing medical conditions.

Students might ask about using their home country's health insurance abroad, the length of coverage, the option of extending coverage if their studies are prolonged, and what steps to take in case of needing medical assistance while abroad.

These FAQs aim to provide international students with crucial information about the necessity and benefits of health insurance coverage while studying abroad, helping them make an informed decision and to ensure their well-being during their education in a foreign country.

What are the advantages of buying health insurance within a PPO for international students?

A PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) for student health insurance can be extremely beneficial for international students seeking coverage in the USA under emergency.

  • PPOs offer a large network of doctors, specialists, hospitals, and clinics across the USA. This gives international students a much wider choice of healthcare providers compared to other plan types (like HMOs, which often restrict you to a specific network or require referrals).
  • When students are in a new country, navigating the healthcare system can be overwhelming. A vast PPO network means it's usually easier to find an in-network provider near your university or temporary residence, making it convenient to seek care when needed.
  • PPOs negotiate discounted rates with their in-network providers. When international students consult an in-network doctor or visit an in-network hospital, they benefit from these lower, pre-negotiated prices.
  • Student health insurance in USA are typically structured so that the out-of-pocket costs (deductibles, copayments, coinsurance) are significantly lower when you use in-network providers. For example, a common PPO structure might pay 100% of costs after deductible when in-network, but only 60% when out-of-network.
  • Many in-network providers will bill the insurance company directly, reducing the amount students have to pay upfront and then seek reimbursement for. This simplifies the financial process considerably.
  • With a PPO, students typically do not need a referral from a primary care physician (PCP) to see a specialist (like a dermatologist, orthopedist, or cardiologist). This means they can directly schedule an appointment with the specialist they need, saving time and simplifying the process, especially when dealing with specific health issues.
  • International Student Health Insurance PPO plans provide online directories or apps where students can search for in-network doctors, hospitals, and clinics by specialty, location, and even language spoken.
  • When students receive health care services, they have to present their insurance ID card. The provider will verify the coverage and bill the insurance company directly for the in-network portion.
  • Lastly the students will be responsible for the deductible amount which they need to pay before the insurance starts covering costs and any copayments or coinsurance which is the student’s share of the costs after the deductible as per the chosen plan's benefits.

A buying student health insurance with good PPO network provides international students with a balance of broad access to quality healthcare providers and significant cost savings when using in-network services. This makes navigating the complex US healthcare system much more manageable and affordable.

Do I need health insurance for an F1 visa?

Yes, F1 students can and should get good health insurance while studying in the United States. Many universities require F1 students to buy the school sponsored health insurance plans. These plans provide comprehensive coverage for medical emergencies, routine healthcare, and other health related needs. It is important for F1 students to have health insurance to cover the high costs of healthcare in the U.S. and to meet university requirements.

Which is the cheapest health insurance for international students in USA?

The cheapest f1 student health insurance is the IMG Student Journey Lite insurance plan, starting at just $30 per month. This student insurance plan provides comprehensive coverage, including medical expenses, emergency medical evacuation, repatriation of remains, and accidental death and dismemberment.

What factors influence the cost of F1 visa health insurance?

  • Student's age: Younger students usually pay lower premiums, while the prices for best health insurance for f1 students in USA increases with the age due to higher medical risk.
  • Coverage duration: The cheapest student health insurance in the US can be purchased on a monthly or daily basis, with longer coverage periods resulting in higher overall costs.
  • Maximum coverage limit: The higher the medical maximum coverage is chosen, the more expensive the international student insurance plan. Selecting a lower level of coverage will reduce the premium.
  • Deductible amount: The plans with the higher deductible lower the premium, while lower deductibles increases the cost.
  • Co-insurance: The percentage the student pays for most medical costs after the deductible.
  • Sports coverage: Adding optional riders for organized sports, adventure sports or hazardous activities increases the overall cost.

What are the steps to buy international student insurance for an F1 visa in the USA?

The steps for buying the best student health insurance for international students in the US are:

  • Find out from your University / School / College if they a health insurance policy for international students.
  • If they offer a plan, is it mandatory to buy that University plan, or do they allow other student insurance plans.
  • If you are allowed to buy outside student insurance, then compare student insurance plans offered on American Visitor Insurance.
  • Compare the international student insurance here with the University plan based on price as well as coverage benefits.
  • You can also buy health insurance for F2 visa holders and medical insurance for J2 visa holders if required.
  • Select the international student health insurance plan that best fits your budget and needs.
  • On buying the US student insurance plan online, you will receive all the relevant documents by email.

What are the most popular international student health insurance plans?

Choosing the right health insurance plan is essential for international students studying in the United States. With so many options available, it can be challenging to compare coverage limits, monthly costs, deductibles, and how pre-existing conditions are handled. The table below provides a clear side-by-side comparison of some of the most popular student health insurance plans tailored for international students. Whether you’re looking for the most affordable monthly premium, the highest coverage amount, or flexible payment options, this chart will help you decide which plan best fits your health needs and budget while studying in the U.S.

Costs are based on quotes for 20-year-old students traveling to the USA

Plan name Max coverage Deductible Pre-existing coverage Monthly cost Yearly cost Payment option
Student Journey Lite IMG $150,000 per injury/illness $100 Covered after 6 months $30 $360 Annual payment
StudentSecure Smart WorldTrips $200,000 overall maximum $0 Not covered $32 $372 Monthly/ Annual
Student Journey Plus IMG $300,000 per injury/illness $500 Covered after 6 months $48 $576 Annual payment
StudentSecure Budget WorldTrips $500,000 overall maximum $0 Covered after 12 months $53 $624 Monthly/ Annual
Patriot Exchange IMG $500,000 overall maximum $500 Covered after 12 months $66 $794 Annual payment
Student Joureny Platinum WorldTrips $500,000 per injury/illness $250 Covered after 6 months $74 $888 Annual payment
Student health advantage standard IMG $500,000 overall maximum $250 Covered after 12 months $95 $1,146 Monthly/ Annual
StudentSecure Select WorldTrips $1,000,000 overall maximum $0 Covered after 6 months $106 $1,248 Monthly/ Annual
StudentSecure Elite WorldTrips $5,000,000 overall maximum $0 Covered after 6 months $181 $2,135 Monthly/ Annual
Student Health Advantage Platinum IMG $1,000,000 overall maximum $100 Covered after 6 months $282 $3,389 Monthly/ Annual

Source: American Visitor Insurance®

What are F1 Visa Insurance Requirements?

F1 Visa holders must have health insurance to cover expensive healthcare costs in the United States. While there are no specific government related insurance requirements, almost all U.S. universities have their own health insurance requirements. Many universities mandate enrollment in their own health insurance plans, which tend to be more expensive but provide comprehensive coverage. The insurance should cover medical benefits, repatriation of remains, and medical evacuation to meet university requirements. Ensuring you have suitable health insurance for your well-being and to protect against unforeseen medical bills. To make sure you meet both university and visa requirements, explore our comprehensive guide on best F1 visa health insurance requirements in USA.

What does international student health insurance cover?

  • Health care expenses: Hospital medical expenses for sickness or accidents during coverage.
  • Sports Activities: Some plans cover high school sports activities.
  • Doctor visit: Covers doctor visits in case of sudden injury or sickness.
  • Dental Coverage: Expenses from sudden dental pain and accidental dental injuries.
  • Maternity Coverage: ome plans offer coverage for pregnancy, maternity and new born.
  • Repat of remains: Repatriation of remains expenses to home country in case of death.
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