• 09
  Feb
  2010

• Exchange Student Insurance Fights the High Cost of Medical Coverage

  
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For exchange students, the prospect of studying in a new country for a semester or even a full year is a dream come true. The chance to learn about a new culture firsthand while continuing to advance your education and challenge yourself personally is a rare and valuable opportunity that few people have the chance to experience in their lifetime. But without international exchange student insurance, that dream could very quickly become a nightmare if health problems arise during your stay.

Even if you are, as most exchange students are, housed with a host family during your stay, that family's medical insurance coverage cannot be extended to you. So if you become ill or injured, which is a very real possibility given the active lifestyles lead by students, you could be faced with some extremely expensive medical bills.

For instance, with medical insurance, generic prescriptions will typically cost around $8-10. That's certainly a reasonable price to pay to get rid of the flu or a cold. But without health insurance to cover some of the true costs of that prescription, you're looking at anywhere from $50-$200 and possibly more, depending on the medicine.

As an exchange student, you probably won't have much (if any) extra money to cover unforeseen needs like this. But with exchange student insurance, you will not have to worry about it, as the majority of your medical bills would be covered. You'll pay only a portion of the total medical fees, and the insurer will pay the rest. This will give you and your host family (who would likely have to cover any bills you couldn't during your stay) peace of mind so that you can focus on your education and cultural experience rather than worrying about other medical bills.

• 08
  Feb
  2010

• Studying In the United States as an International

  
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Are you a non-US citizen studying at a US university? Are you pursuing an undergraduate, masters, or PhD degree in a country other than your home country? Are you in need of a health insurance plan that molds to your needs? If so, consider Foreign Student Insurance.

Most universities and colleges in the United States require their students to have some proof of health insurance. Foreign Student Insurance provides health insurance coverage to students conducting their studies outside of their country of origin. Health insurance coverage is also provided for dependents (spouse or children) of the insured.

Rather than purchasing medical insurance directly through the university, consider purchasing health insurance through another organization. International health insurance provided by your current university may be unaffordable or simply too big of a hassle to deal with.

Foreign Student Insurance provides medical coverage for unforeseen and sudden medical expenses that arise due to hospitalization, doctor’s bills, medical procedures, or emergency services. Foreign Student Insurance also provides coverage for study abroad programs and exchange programs. Purchase health insurance for a period of time anywhere between a few days to up to a year.

• 04
  Feb
  2010

• International Student Volunteers Still Need Health Insurance

  
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Amongst distressing and unnerving images of people in dire need of support, one of the few enlightening images of the effort to help Haiti through its current disaster is the presence of young people who have taken time away from their lives to help out people who truly need it. To ensure their own safety, it's a good idea for these students to purchase international student travel insurance before departing.

In many cases, these are international students who have been given permission to aid in the relief effort, or who began doing so prior to the resumption of classes. One thing that is important to keep in mind though, is that while this is an extremely noble gesture, it’s still vital that these students protect their own safety with international student insurance.

There are a number of potential harmful scenarios that can unfold anytime you’re assisting in a rebuild effort in a country that has been damaged by an earthquake or other catastrophe. From airborne viruses being passed from sick victims and even rotting corpses to the imminent danger of crumbling buildings and damaged roadways, there are many ways an aid worker can get ill or injured.

International student travel insurance will assure students of quality affordable medical care should they run into some sort of difficulty. While your intention may be to help others, it could very well be you needing medical assistance. Make sure you’re covered if that scenario does unfold.

• 02
  Feb
  2010

• Don’t Head Back to School Without International Student Insurance

  
  Filed Under: Health Insurance
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University classes have reconvened after the winter break, and most schools have instituted a similar policy regarding student health insurance. Specifically, you won’t be able to register for classes unless you have health insurance.

If you do not already have health insurance, schools have their own policies that you’ll be automatically billed for as a term of enrollment. However, these policies can be restrictive in where you can obtain health care services and what types of services are covered. And they’re often much more expensive than a plan you might secure through other means.

Many international students assume that their existing insurance policy will cover their healthcare needs in the country they’re studying in, but unfortunately that is usually not true. Insurance policies are often only good in the country in which they were issued, leaving many international students unexpectedly without health insurance coverage.

One popular alternative for many international students seeking health insurance flexibility while they’re studying abroad is international student health insurance. International student health insurance provides an affordable alternative to university-run plans, and they often afford the student more choices in selecting healthcare providers. Plans can be purchased for the duration of the student’s visit, meaning you won’t waste money on coverage during a time you don’t need it.