Study Abroad Insurance Basic Coverage Policy

Written By: Ray Sondeo on October 7, 2009 No Comment

by Ray Sondeo

For students traveling abroad for studies, the costs of medical treatment can be brutal. Students traveling to the United States, in particular, might be shocked at the cost of uninsured medical care. For these students studying outside their home country, study abroad insurance offers several plans, which offer basic medical benefits.

In the United States, several universities require that a student have insurance prior to registering for courses. With low costs and a range of deductibles, international student health insurance plans are especially tailored toward international students studying at U.S. universities and colleges students on F1 visas, and their dependents, on F2 visas. The plans, however, can also be purchased by students in study abroad programs in other countries.

Students can choose the plan best suited to their requirements, from several available plan options. Deductibles can range from $0 to $2500, and the plan duration, five days to three years. The plans can usually be extended until the plan holder remains a student, and otherwise eligible for coverage.

Dependents can also be insured along with the student. International student health insurance plans generally provide basic coverage such as doctor visits, hospital admission, prescription drugs, and emergency medical evacuation. Unlike visitor plans, most study abroad insurance plans cover previously existing conditions and pregnancy.

A Compare feature offered by agencies, the administrator of these international student health insurance plans, makes the choice easier. With this feature, applicants can view the benefits of different plans and make an informed choice.

Sometimes, universities and colleges specify some prerequisite benefits for a student health insurance plan. If a student sends across a list of these specifications, agencies can also match the requirements to available student health insurance plans. If a student is an adventurous sports enthusiast, then he/she can also purchase extra hazardous sports coverage.

You can use the Internet, fax, or mail to purchase the student health insurance plan. You can pay using your credit card or check, money orders or wire transfer. If you are a student, you probably don’t have much spare money, and the cashless settlement option of student insurance plans is a big attraction.

The underwriters for these international student health insurance plans are established companies Nationwide, AIG, and Lloyd’s, to name a few. These companies are rated highly by A.M. Best Company, which is widely regarded as the company that rates insurance companies most accurately.

About the Author:

Ray Sondeo often writes about international student insurance.