It is exciting to embark on a journey as an international student in the United States, but protecting your health is critical. Healthcare expenditures in the United States may be high, emphasizing the importance of insurance coverage.
International students must get enough health insurance to enable access to quality treatment and to protect themselves from unforeseen medical costs.
This thorough guide seeks to assist students in locating the most affordable health insurance, taking into account a variety of alternatives such as university-sponsored plans, marketplace plans, and insurance brokers.
What exactly is international student medical insurance?
Accidents and diseases can occur when studying abroad, just as they do at home.
And, because the insurance you have at home is unlikely to protect you in your new place of residence, international student health insurance will ensure you are covered no matter what occurs.
Furthermore, obtaining international student insurance is required in many countries to study abroad.
Quick Summary of International Health Insurance for Students
- Used by students, scholars, and educators who are traveling overseas for an extended length of time (and is frequently less expensive than ordinary expat health insurance)
- Covers your medical requirements in the same way as your house insurance would.
- Is it required to study in some nations (for example, in the USA or Europe)?
Best and Cheapest Health Insurance for International Students In USA
Cigna Global – International Health Insurance for Students
Cigna Global, one of the world’s top health insurance firms, has a stellar reputation in the health care business. It has plans for travelers, expats, and foreign students.
What I enjoy about Cigna Global International Student Health Insurance:
- It offers a quick claim procedure, with 95% of refund requests being processed within 10 days, according to company data.
- Cigna’s highly comprehensive service and online assistance center, with access to a list of over 3,000 hospitals, online access for travelers, and information guides, is one of its distinguishing features.
- Altogether Cigna is a global partner with over 1.65 million hospitals, physicians, clinics, and specialists, providing its beneficiaries with a diverse selection of alternatives.
- They are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to answer any queries you may have.
What I dislike about Cigna Global International Student Health Insurance:
- Your most basic plan excludes prenatal and postnatal care.
- Outpatient visits with experts and doctors are not covered.
Now Health International
Now, Health worldwide is a global leader in the worldwide insurance business, with the goal of providing efficient and economical plans to its consumers.
Thus, one of the company’s major benefits is its cutting-edge customer service, which offers information in a timely and practical manner.
All Now Health plans are developed to meet, guide, and solve the issues that foreigners living in another country face, including international students and exchange students all around the world.
Now Health International Student Plans that I like:
- Customer assistance is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- Over 190 nations and territories are covered.
- Various worldwide insurance alternatives and policies that can be customized
- Some policies cover maternity procedures.
Why I dislike Now Health International Student Plans:
- Now Health collaborates with a payment system in several treatments.
- For plans that include normal maternity coverage, there is a 12-month waiting period before you may use this benefit.
Foyer Global Health
Depending on your requirements, Foyer Global Health provides worldwide health insurance. Basic or superior? Is your stay going to be short or long? Do you like to be alone or with your family? Whatever your requirements are, there is a strategy to meet them.
The firm offers three distinct plans, with the key differences listed below:
EXCLUSIVE
- Consultations, surgery, and anesthetics are all available.
- Countless medicinal devices and gadgets
- Congenital disorders are covered up to a limit of €200,000 per life.
- Maternity and newborn care,Up to € 20,000 in hospital midwife or nursing services, with a 10-month waiting period
ESSENCIAL
- Consultations, surgery, and anesthetics are all available.
- Therapeutic devices and equipment used solely as a last resort, such as cardiac pacemakers
- Only up to a maximum of € 100,000 per life for congenital disorders.
- Maternity and delivery care are not covered.
ESPECIAL
- Consultations, surgery, and anesthetics are all available.
- Therapeutic aids and equipment, such as prosthetic limbs and prostheses, are eligible for reimbursement of up to € 2,000.
- Congenital disorders are covered up to a limit of € 150,000 per person.
- Covers up to € 5,000 in maternity and delivery treatment with a 10-month waiting period.
Geoblue
Geoblue is another excellent alternative for foreign health insurance, particularly if your destination is the United States. Geoblue maintains high quality standards and is one of the best firms in the area.
What I appreciate about Geoblue’s worldwide health insurance is:
- High service and quality standards
- Plans that are adaptable to your specific requirements
- Every day of the week, 24-hour service is provided.
- Some policies cover evacuation, doctor appointments, and required maternity care.
- They provide ophthalmology and dental services.
- The Xplorer plan has no medical cap, includes extreme activities, and has no deductibles or cancellation fees for regular services.
What I dislike about Geoblue’s worldwide health insurance is as follows:
- Does not service New York or Washington citizens.
- To find out, you must contact a broker.
Diplomat Long Term and Diplomat International from Global Underwriters
Global Underwriters provides foreign health insurance coverage for a variety of visitors, including students and exchange students.
For foreign students, I propose Diplomat Long Term and Diplomat foreign from GU’s programs.
If you wish to study in the United States, look into the Diplomat America program, which is designed specifically for international students.
I enjoy the following aspects of Global Underwriters’ plans:
- Major student plans cover medical evacuations, emergency dentistry, and remains repatriation.
- Diplomat Long Term and Diplomat International policies provide up to $1,000,000 in medical coverage.
- Coverage and help in the event of lost luggage or travel disruptions
- In the event of accidental death or dismemberment, coverage of up to $1,000,000 is provided.
- They provide client service 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
What I dislike about Global Underwriters’ ideas is:
- Diplomat International does not include Covid-19
- Diplomat longer term does not accommodate students from Australia, Iran, New York, Maryland, or South Dakota.
- The Diplomat’s plan excludes trips to Cuba, Iran, and Afghanistan.
How much is health insurance for international students in USA?
Deciding how long you’ll be studying and the coverage you want can affect how much you pay for insurance each year. Generally, this type of plan might cost between $500 and $1,000 per year on average.
Which health insurance is best for international student?
Choosing public health insurance is usually good for many international students. You can sign up for the student plans offered by government health insurance providers at a German university.
This is possible if your university is recognized by the state, and as long as you are under 30 years old.
Which health insurance is best for students in USA?
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) is great for students. The monthly cost is around $419, and the average maximum out-of-pocket cost is $8,718.
Our research also shows that BCBS rarely denies claims, making it a company that offers a good balance of cost, quality, and service.
Final Post Wrap
Securing affordable health insurance as an international student is pivotal for a seamless academic experience in the USA.
By considering various options, understanding specific needs, and seeking guidance from reputable companies, students can access quality healthcare without compromising their budget.