Last Updated on 2023-06-24
International Student Insurance (referred to as “student health insurance for international students”) refers to health insurance specifically tailored for international students, provided by insurance companies or brokers rather than organized by the educational institution.
Eligibility
Unlike school group insurance, international student insurance is only available to holders of F visas and J visas, including students, visiting scholars, and their dependent visa holders. Green card holders or U.S. citizens are not eligible for coverage.
Features
- Affordable Pricing: International student insurance premiums are often more affordable compared to school group insurance, especially for students under 25 years old. However, the premium prices can increase significantly for older visiting scholars. While school group insurance may be expensive, it offers comprehensive coverage without age discrimination.
- Flexible Enrollment: International student insurance allows for enrollment at any time and the option to suspend coverage for a specified period, whereas school group insurance typically has specific enrollment periods (often during the summer break). International student insurance is suitable for bridging the gap during the insurance coverage transition between school and employer group insurance.
- Dental and vision coverage may not have special discounts: Since dental and vision care are not protected by the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the additional dental and vision coverage offered by international student insurance brokers may not necessarily be more cost-effective. It is important to differentiate between “dental insurance” and “dental discount plans” when considering coverage options.
Risks
Most off-campus international student insurance plans fall under the category of short-term health plans and are not required to comply with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) regulations.
- Typically, pre-existing conditions may have a waiting period of 6-12 months before coverage is provided.
- Preventive medicine and vaccinations are usually not covered. Psychological counseling and physical therapy are typically not covered.
- Routine prenatal care, pregnancy, childbirth, postnatal care, and newborn routine care are usually not covered. Medical services that can be obtained on-campus but sought outside of the school are usually not covered.
- Accidents related to extreme sports (such as skiing, diving), on-campus courses, and club activities may not be covered.
- Medical services sought as a result of alcohol consumption or illegal activities are usually not covered.
- There is usually an annual maximum benefit set, and once that limit is exceeded, the insured individual is responsible for all medical expenses.
- Insurance companies may request to review the patient’s medical history or investigate the circumstances of the incident when assessing a claim to determine eligibility for coverage.
Read the insurance benefits summary
Due to the highly specific nature of international student insurance and the various exclusions it may have, it is crucial to read and fully understand the details of the insurance plan before purchasing it.
Who Is Suitable?
The following situations may warrant considering the purchase of international student insurance:
- Individuals who are unable to enroll in school group insurance or other group insurance plans (e.g., self-employed OPT participants, certain J1 students or scholars).
- Individuals with insurance coverage gaps (e.g., newly arrived in the US without insurance or temporarily unemployed after graduation).
- Economically challenged individuals who fully understand the benefits of international student insurance.
The following situations may not be suitable for purchasing international student insurance:
- US citizens or green card holders.
- Individuals with pre-existing conditions. Individuals over the age of 25.
- Participants in sports clubs or extreme sports. Individuals with poor alcohol consumption habits.
- Individuals planning to become pregnant.
- F-1 students who are unable to access the school health center (typically long-distance learning students).
Common International Student Insurance Providers
Websites that sell international student insurance plans are usually insurance brokers who offer packages from different health insurance companies. They often provide Chinese language services. Common international student insurance providers include: