International Students Health Insurance Requirements

What You Need to Know About International Students Health Insurance Requirements

International students enrolling in a college or university in the United States are required by federal law to maintain appropriate health insurance. In addition, the state where your college or university is located and the school itself will have additional requirements. It is mandatory get health insurance which meets all requirements to attend the school of your choice. Most colleges and universities have policies regarding international students health insurance requirements that are posted on their websites or information can be obtained through the student health center or admissions office.

Meeting International Students Health Insurance Requirements

Even though your home country may have a national health plan, this plan may not cover you in the U.S. In rare situations, your own national plan might meet international students health insurance requirements and you may get a waiver. It is much more likely that you will need to purchase an international students health insurance plan to meet the requirements set by law and your school. Many schools have arrangements with insurance companies to provide automatic enrollment in their plans. Cost of insurance averages from $500 - $700 per semester depending on the extent of coverage offered.

Meeting International Students Health Insurance Requirements Helps You

International student health plans cover catastrophic illness or i nj ury and the need for medical evacuation to your home country. With an international student health plan, you will have access to health care and reduce risks for high costs. Most health care providers in the U.S. do not recognize national health plans so you may find yourself with financial obligation for payments if you don't have adequate health insurance. One day in a hospital can cost from $800 - $1000 and this does not include fees for physicians or diagnostic tests.

What Else Do I Need to Know About Meeting International Students Health Insurance Requirements

First, your spouse or dependents coming to the U.S. need health coverage. Second, buy health care insurance through a private company only if their policy meets all the international students health insurance requirements. Third, services and fees of the student health center do not replace the need for health insurance coverage. Last of all , be sure to talk with the staff at the college or university to ensure you will have adequate coverage.

Health Insurance Nexus | US : The US Health Insurance Resource, conceptualized in Dec, 2004, is an online portal which provides up-to-date, pertinent information about health insurance in US.