Medical Care and Insurance

All colleges and universities in the United States require that all students, including international students, have health insurance. You must have insurance in order to qualify for your student visa. Your I-20 will not if you will have the required insurance through your institution. Many campuses give you the option of purchasing health insurance through a college or university policy, or purchasing your own policy as long as it meets the college or university's requirements. In most cases, colleges and universities require that each student carry a minimum amount of insurance to cover accidents, illness, medical evacuation, or return of remains in case of death. In this section, you will find information on how to obtain medical assistance while in the United States. As insurance is critical in obtaining medical assistance while in the United States, we will then review different types of insurance that are available.

• Reviewing Your Medical History and Needs Before Coming to the U.S.: It is a good idea to have a checkup to know your current medical condition. Your doctor or nurse can also advise you on what special precautions to take based on your medical history and what region of the United States in which you will be studying. .
• Special Needs: If you have any special needs, check with your university’s administrators to determine how they can best help you. Most regulations for accessibility in the United States are better than in other countries. However, they vary by regions and by institutions. Check to determine if accommodations like wheelchair ramps are provided in all modes of transportation, and to determine if the housing facilities are equipped to serve people with special needs.
• Availability of Medical Care: You should ask your college/university administrator whether they might help provide advice on available medical care and support while in the United States. Most medical facilities are very well equipped. But, again, facilities will vary depending on where in the United States you are studying.

Insurance

• What Insurance Covers: Know exactly what is and is not covered by your insurance plan. For example, high-risk sports injuries, dental care, and optical care are sometimes not covered by basic medical insurance. Also, if certain pre-existing conditions are excluded, check on the exact definition of "pre-existing."
• Insurance Provided By Program Sponsor: Most institutions include insurance as part of their fee and have pre-planned insurance arrangements for their international students. Purchasing their insurance may make it easier for staff to assist you. However, you should still look closely at the limitations in its coverage. If a university does not offer insurance, and/or you think a university’s insurance is not sufficient, you should consider purchasing additional travel/international insurance.
• Other Aspects to Consider: Other aspects to consider include the financial limits of coverage, whether your insurance applies during independent travel or vacation, what countries it includes, whether evacuation and repatriation is included, the policy's start and end dates, and whether you will have to pay first for treatment and be reimbursed later by your insurance company. Another thing to look out for is "deductibles." A deductible is the amount you pay with your own money to the doctor or hospital. It is the part that is not covered by the insurance, and your insurance company pays the remainder of the bill.

• Major Medical: This type of insurance assures that all or part of your medical expenses for illness and injury will be paid. As medical costs are expensive in the United States, it is important to have sufficient coverage for any healthcare needs you may have.
• Emergency Evacuation: This type of insurance provides support for transportation from the scene of an accident to the closest appropriate medical care facility. This could be by ambulance, helicopter, air rescue, or other form of special transportation. The insurance provider, in conjunction with an emergency assistance company should work with a local doctor in deciding where the appropriate medical care can be provided.
• Legal Assistance/Liability Insurance: If you encounter legal difficulties while in the United States, you may need the assistance of a local attorney. If you are found responsible for damages, liability insurance may cover those costs. The U.S. Department of State may assist you in finding an attorney, but they can neither pay attorney costs nor damages.
• Lost Baggage/Property Insurance: Insurance can be purchased to cover lost baggage and loss or theft of your baggage.
• Motor Vehicle Coverage: Whether you rent a car, motorcycle, moped, or accompany someone in a personal vehicle, you should insure that you, the vehicle, and any passengers are covered in case of accident or injury. You may need to pay for damage to someone else's vehicle or pay for injuring others if you are found responsible in the case of an accident.

  Some of the options listed may not be available to international students. Make sure you check with the insurance provider to see what is available to you.

  
  

  In case you plan on purchasing a car while completing your study in the United States you will have to purchase insurance. You may choose to purchase liability insurance, which in case of an accident that was caused by you will cover the other person’s damages but not yours. A full insurance, which is more expensive than liability insurance, will cover both your damages and the ones you’ve caused!

  
  
• Kidnapping and Terrorism Insurance: Insurance is available to provide for response to kidnapping or terrorism. Ask your insurance provider if your plan would cover such events.
• Repatriation of Remains: In the event of your death, this type of insurance will provide means for the return of your remains to your home country.
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment/Life Insurance: In the case of loss of limbs or death, this coverage provides funding to compensate you or your beneficiary. Students with a spouse or dependents may want to consider purchasing a comprehensive life insurance policy.

• Pre-Existing Conditions: Some insurance will specifically limit coverage for medical conditions existing prior to the beginning of coverage.
• High Risk Activities: Some insurance will specifically exclude coverage for high-risk activities like contact sports, skiing, mountain climbing, etc.
• Special Areas: Some insurance will limit coverage for accidents involving alcohol and drug related activities.
• Advance Payment vs. Reimbursement: It is important to know whether your insurance company will pay when services are provided. Many travel insurance policies require you to obtain approval before treatment, pay in advance of treatment, and then submit a claim for later reimbursement of medical expenses.
• 24-hour Emergency Assistance/Help Line: This type of service can be limited to a simple phone response system, or provide you with comprehensive emergency assistance for evacuation, legal aid, translation services, and other support around the world.
• Family Emergencies: Some policies may offer coverage for family emergencies, illness or death. The costs of emergency bereavement flights back home may be covered, as well as a refund in the event you cannot complete your program.
• Airline Bankruptcy: Find out if your policy covers the possibility of airline bankruptcy, and if you are entitled to a refund if such an event occurs.