Staying healthy is one of the best ways to deal with the pressures of a college education, because illness or injury can seriously hamper efforts to juggle responsibilities and manage stress. The U.S. health care system is excellent, but it's also often complicated and expensive. That's why most colleges and universities require that all international students and their families have health insurance and maintain that coverage as long as they are enrolled while in the United States.
Plans Offered by Your Institution
The United States does not have socialized medicine; it is generally the responsibility of each individual to obtain health care coverage. Because there are so many different types of health insurance policies available, most schools have their own plans and require international students to purchase them before they can enroll in classes. The cost of these plans is often added directly to their tuition bill. Students who are also employed as teaching assistants or work a certain number of hours may have their insurance paid for by the insitution.
Selecting a Plan Separate from the Institution
Some students may be able to forgo the school plan if they already have an insurance policy—either from home or elsewhere outside the institution—that meets the same requirements as the school plan and will cover them in the event of a medical condition. International students will need to present proof of insurance and make sure it meets school standards before they are excused from purchasing the university plan. Most schools require insurance coverage for a student's spouse and/or children as well.
While the school plan is probably the easiest way to obtain coverage while studying in the United States, students who don't want to take part in their school's plan can purchase outside insurance elsewhere, through an individual agent or Web sites designed for international students. Remember that the plans must meet U.S. visa requirements as well as those of the state and the school. Because international students, in particular, may have unique preferences and budget concerns, many companies offer specialized plans to match their needs, including benefits with maternity, mental health, and sports coverage.
Coverage
Keep in mind that in the United States, insurance does not typically cover all medical expenses for either injury or illness. Most plans have some costs that the patient must pay before the insurance company pays any benefits, whether it's for treatment or prescription drug costs. For example, a deductible is a predetermined amount that the patient must pay toward his or her treatment before the insurance coverage is applied. And a co-pay is a payment that is made at the time of service, that goes toward to the total treatment bill.
In addition, most health insurance plans have a list of conditions and circumstances under which coverage will be denied. In general, most insurance plans for international students do not cover pre-existing conditions, medical treatment received in their home country, self-inflicted injuries, or treatment which is not medically necessary—also called elective treatment.
Once a plan is in place, students should be sure to read it thoroughly so they understand it before they need it. Any questions can be answered by the school's international student office or by contacting the plan directly.