Studying in the United States will be a defining time in your life, full of new people, exciting opportunities, and unforgettable experiences. Hopefully, you will stay healthy and have no need for medical care while you are there. But here’s a short guide to health care and health insurance in the United States, just in case.
The health care system in the United States is excellent, but it can be complicated and expensive to access. There is no national or socialized health system except Medicare (for retired people) and Medicaid (for low-income people), neither of which are available to international students. Therefore, private health insurance is a necessity for international students, just as it is for most Americans.
Here are some tips and factors to consider for accessing the U.S. health care system.
1. Choose your plan: university insurance vs. private insurance.
All U.S. colleges and universities require international students to have health insurance, and many provide a health insurance plan available for purchase. Although a few schools require that you purchase the university health insurance plan, most schools will allow you to waive the school plan if you show proof of comparable coverage. Many students want to waive the university insurance plan because it is often overly comprehensive and expensive in relation to an international student’s needs and budget. Some schools offer no plan at all, and simply leave it up to you to find one. Check the ISI insurance requirements database to see if you can waive your school plan.
2. Understand your policy.
Whether you are required to purchase your university plan, or you find an alternative private insurance plan, you should invest a little effort to read and understand the plan. This will also help you compare plans as you shop. Does your plan have a network, or can you go to any provider with no financial penalty? Does your plan provide maternity, mental health, and sports coverage? Does it cost more in co-pay or co-insurance to go to the emergency room at a hospital?
3. Use your university health system.
Even if you do not purchase your school’s health care plan, you will save money and time if you visit your school’s student health center. Often services are available for free or at greatly reduced rates. When you do have to pay, many private student insurance plans will discount the deductible if you use the student health center instead of an off-campus provider.
4. Plan on some health care expenses.
Even with your insurance plan, you should plan on having to spend additional money out of pocket for your health care. American health care is extremely expensive, and most Americans pay a whole lot more than you—up to two or three times as much—and they still may have significant out-of-pocket expenses. You are purchasing protection against traumatic expenses, and you are buying access to an expensive system. Unfortunately, you are not buying the right to all necessary health care at no additional cost.
Doing a little research before you leave can pay big dividends in health, financial security, and peace of mind while you are away, which will allow you to concentrate on the exciting adventure of your international education.