Health insurance students
If you are into your college as a graduate student, having a proper health insurance is imperative irrespective of the fact that whether you are a US citizen or an international student. This is not only because most of the recognized educational institutions require their students to have a minimum health insurance cover, but also due to the fact that given the high expenses related with healthcare in the country, it would be a risk not worth taking to not have a health insurance policy.
This is particularly true for those who pursue their studies taking heavy student loans, as having to find additional money for an unexpected illness could easily spoil your financial stability. Though this is the reality, there are a high percentage of the students don't have a reasonable health care policy, and they depend entirely upon the health care clinics provided by the respective universities which hardly cover their medical needs when it comes to facing a real health problem, particularly if you are a medical student where you will be constantly exposed to infectious diseases like TB.
USIA, the United States Information Agency has set minimum requirements to be met by the health insurance program of the international students according to which, the maximum deductible for an accident or illness is $500, the medical benefits for which should be at least $50,000. The policy should provide at least $7,500 as repatriation benefits and $1,000 as medical evacuation benefits
Expenses covered by student health insurance plans:
There are a wide range of choices available for student's health insurance plans, from which you could purchase the one that best suits your needs as well as your pocket. Though student health insurance plans may vary in design and the coverage provided, the below mentioned coverages are provided by most health insurance plans.
1. Expenses for hospital stay, ICU care, lab tests, IP and OP charges for treatment of injuries caused during the trip.
2. Though only a few of them provide emergency dental coverage, most of the providers offer cover for accidental dental coverage ( related to damage of teeth in an accident)
3. Coverage for organ transplant.
4. Coverage for mental health.
5. Prescription drugs are included in the list of emergency medical expenses by most providers and is therefore provided coverage for.
6. Expenses related to pregnancy and child birth are provided cover by some providers, though this benefit will be available to those who are covered by the plan for a certain period.
7. In the event that the examining doctor decides that the patient should be taken to another place to provide the needed treatment which is not available in the current hospital, the charges for transfer to the nearest place where such treatment is available will be borne by the provider.
8. If it is necessary that a family member should accompany the patient, the expenses thus caused will be covered.
9. In the event of an injury resulting in losing limbs, eyes etc. or death of the insurer, the company will pay the pre-determined amount. (AD&D, or accidental death & dismemberment). If the insurer faces a flight accident and gets injured and lose his/her limbs, eyes etc. or dies, he will be compensated for a prefixed amount. ( common carrier accidental death & dismemberment)
To get the student health insurance plan that suits you best
It can be quite a task going through the offers and the service provided by the different student health insurance providers. But as a student, you should give your health the paramount importance as it could well be a deciding factor in your progress in the later life. Considering the following factors while choosing your student health insurance plan will go a long way in helping you find the right choice.
Affordability: Going for expensive plans may give you more cover but can affect your monthly budget if the premium is too high for you to afford.
Flexibility: You should have the provision to upgrade, cancel or go for another policy according to the agreement with your provider.
Medical examinations: You should be certain of the frequency of medical examinations that you need to undergo and the minimum health requirements before the policy comes into existence.
Travel assistance services
Maternity benefits
Low deductibles: You should look for the right one for you among the various deductible options available.