Health Insurance Options for New Students
August 24, 2010 by app2usadvisor
Filed under Insurance
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Health insurance coverage is a very important issue for anyone living in USA. The healthcare system of USA is excellent but very complicated in terms of billings and payment options and is extremely expensive. For those without health insurance, life can be very difficult and they are one illness away from bankruptcy. International students should not ignore the importance of having proper coverage, as any health emergency can become a nightmare, specially for a newcomer. Almost all universities in US require the students to carry a certain coverage. The proof of purchase is required to register for classes and the failure to furnish the proof could lead to cancellation of registration and thus practically expulsion from the university. Different options can be categorized into three categories.
A. University provided coverage: Funding like TA or RA usually includes the health insurance coverage. Those without funding can buy a similar plan via unibversity affiliated or approved healthcare plan. The information is typically available via the student health center website of the university. In such plans you can get the treatment done by paying a small co-pay, and the insurance company is billed directly by the doctor or hospital.
B. Coverage purchased in USA: There are many insurance companies which provide plans tailored to students. It is important to check whether the coverage provided meets or exceeds the minimum plan prescribed by the university. Usually in such plans you can get the treatment done by paying a small co-pay, and the insurance company is billed directly by the doctor or hospital. These plans are often cheaper than university affiliated coverage. Some examples:
1. Seven Corners Liaison Student Medical Insurance
2. ISO insurance for international students
C. Coverage purchased in home country: Companies world wide sell travel insurance for coverage in USA. These plans are usually cheap but provide poor coverage and service. In this option the user needs to spend the money out of pocket and claim later. But the health care cost is so high that it could be impossible for an student to pay for healthcare, even if temporarily.
Health insurance should not be confused with life insurance. The sole purpose of health insurance is to help pay for part of medical treatment, doctor visit, operation even mental illness. Even with decent health insurance, the patient is responsible for a part of treatment. So the cheapest insurance options can later prove to be costly due to poor coverage those may provide. This should be clearly understood before buying any insurance. Emergency medical evacuation is a crucial component that should be covered under any insurance plan you buy. You should be covered for the entire duration of your stay with health insurance that conforms to your University guidelines. Contact the University health center or international students office to find out what is the recommended coverage.
