• 19
  Jan
  2010

• The Insurance We’re Born Into

  
  Filed Under: Health Insurance
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For many international student health insurance holders, the fine print on their insurance plan is never read carefully. Many a time, international students who arrive in the United States for studies are already married, and have plans to start a family. They have no clear idea of what their insurance will and will not cover.

If you are an international student, and you ask someone whether your plan (or that of your dependent’s, as the case may be) covers maternity and pregnancy, chances are, the answer is a resounding “yes.” But many a time, there is more than meets the eye.

College-sponsored plans are offered to students for a reason, and it makes sense to look around for comparable coverage before accepting the college-sponsored health insurance plan blindly. Consider the case of Beth O’Malley, an Irish student studying in the United States. She was told her pregnancy was covered, and so, went ahead without any worries.

When she was admitted to the hospital for delivery, she underwent a Caesarian section. When she submitted her bills for payment, she had a nasty shock waiting for her: Her policy did not cover C-sections, and only covered “natural births”! Imagine her surprise! The best policy, is therefore to always check the fine print of a plan before signing on the dotted line.

• 15
  Jan
  2010

• Exchange Programs

  
  Filed Under: Health Insurance
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Lately, exchange programs have gained popularity throughout the college and high school communities. Many of the Universities in the United States sponsor and host at least one international exchange program. Exchange Student Insurance provides health insurance coverage for US citizens participating in an international exchange program.

A number of US universities have branches or close ties to academic institutions in countries such as Germany, France, Italy, or the United Kingdom. Purchasing Insurance directly from the university or exchange program can often be expensive and an annoyance to deal with. The Exchange Student Insurance plan offers coverage for any sudden or unexpected medical expenses.

To be eligible for an exchange program insurance you need to have a J-1 visa or be a J-2 dependent. As J-1 visa health insurance requirements states, the insurance plan must provide at least $50,000 worth of Medical coverage per accident and deductibles can’t exceed $500.

While buying health insurance plans always check their A.M. Best rating and Insurance Solvency International, Ltd. (ISI) rating. Also check if they have an online purchase/renewal option.

• 14
  Jan
  2010

• Working as an Intern in a Foreign Country

  
  Filed Under: Health Insurance
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Since technically after you complete your masters or doctorate program you no longer remain a student, schools or colleges generally will not provide heath insurance to you. Until you land your dream job you can work as an intern, researcher, or lab assistant in a college or university overseas. Optional Practical Training Insurance provides health insurance coverage for recently graduated students who are working for the first time.

Optional Practical Training Insurance. offers health coverage for both students participating in research internships in US accredited colleges and US citizens working overseas. Recently many universities throughout Europe have established their own internship and co-op work programs. Insurance offered through the university or program employer is often expensive and a hassle to deal with.

Optional Practical Training (OPT) Insurance provides well rounded coverage at a reasonable price. To be eligible for OPT insurance one must have an F-1 visa. The prospective insured must not be enrolled in full-time classes.

Purchase of OPT insurance will not only provide the insured with great health insurance, it will also get rid of the hassle involved with dealing with insurance offered by the employer. OPT insurance can be easily purchased online by filling out a simple quote form.

• 12
  Jan
  2010

• Insurance for the globe trotter

  
  Filed Under: Health Insurance
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A lot of students these days choose to study in foreign countries to get specialized education or experience. Most of the colleges and universities require you to have adequate medical insurance. Global Medical Insurance may just be the solution for you.

Based on your budget you can choose any one of the three plan options that Global Medical Insurance has to offer– Silver, Gold and Platinum. It also provides different coverage area options – worldwide or worldwide excluding USA & Canada. The latter option may save you some dollars if you are an American student who has coverage through their parents insurance.

To cater to the global audience they have international service centers with multilingual claims specialists. The policy can be maintained through their online portal which can be accessed from wherever you may be in the world. They also have the traditional email, phone, fax and chat options to reach them. The eDocAmerica program for Platinum members gives you access to board-certified doctors who can address your routine health related queries. You also have the option of applying as a family which may include your spouse and children.

Put your worries to rest with Global Medical Insurance and travel where your heart desires.