Most study abroad programs will require that you obtain health insurance coverage during your program. Depending on your host country and school of choice, the requirements for your health insurance policy may vary. It’s always recommended to check with your school for exact requirements for your host country and program. In this article, you’ll find student health insurance plans that satisfy most student visa or study abroad program requirements.
Even aside from requirements, it is highly recommended to have health insurance coverage while studying abroad. In places like the United States, medical costs are extremely high without insurance and can cost you thousands of dollars just for a hospital visit. Being covered for illness and injury will protect you financially and give you peace of mind in the event of the unexpected.
Self Purchased or School Provided Health Insurance – Which Is Better?
While some schools or programs may offer a student health insurance plan, not all do. Also, you may find that purchasing a plan outside of your school or program is more affordable as you have more options to choose from. There may also be additional benefits that you are looking for that a school or program’s insurance doesn’t offer, as health insurance plans through schools are typically limited in coverage. A comprehensive student health insurance plan will ensure that you are adequately covered for health care during your program abroad.
Buying a student health insurance plan individually rather than opting for a school provided one offers the following benefits:
- High coverage limit medical care
- Affordable deductibles
- Coverage that meets J visa requirements
- Extendable and cancelable plans
- Flexibility to choose preferred doctors or medical facilities
- Intercollegiate sports club riders
Study Abroad Program Health Insurance Requirements (U.S.)
While there are no government laws that require an F visa holder to have health insurance coverage while studying in the U.S., many colleges and universities will require students studying from abroad to have coverage during their studies. There is, however, a federal law in place that requires J visa holders to carry health insurance while in the U.S.
The J1 visa medical insurance requirements are as follows:
- Medical benefits coverage of at least $100,000 per accident or illness
- Repatriation of remains coverage of $25,000
- Emergency medical evacuation coverage of $50,000
- Deductible should not exceed $500 per accident or illness
Related Article: J Visa Health Insurance Requirements and Options
What If My Study Abroad Program Doesn’t Require Health Insurance?
In the event that your study abroad program doesn’t require health insurance coverage, it is still crucial and highly recommended to purchase a plan for the duration of your time abroad. This is especially true in the United States where medical care is extremely expensive without coverage. Not only will having insurance give you peace of mind, but there is lots of flexibility when it comes to plan costs and coverage options.
Additionally, if your program is for 1-2 years abroad, or even longer, there is a very likely chance that you’ll require some type of medical care during your program. This includes doctor visits, illnesses, and even medicine prescriptions. If you aren’t prepared to pay for expensive medical care out-of-pocket, you need student health insurance coverage.
Best Health insurance Plans for Study Abroad Programs
The following health insurance plans are highly recommended for students and study abroad program participants.
Student Secure – Elite
Comprehensive Coverage Plan
Student Secure – Elite is for students, scholars, or exchange program participants who are residing in the U.S. for the purpose of international educational activities including M, F, J, and OPT visa holders. In addition to meeting the J visa health insurance requirements, this plan offers other essential benefits such as mental health disorder coverage and coverage for sports and activities injuries.
Plan Highlights
- After the deductible, plan pays 100% of eligible medical expenses within the United Healthcare PPO network; outside the PPO network, plan pays URC of eligible medical expense up policy maximum
- Acute Onset of Pre-Existing Condition Coverage
- Pre-Existing Condition: 6-month waiting period
- Outpatient Treatments
- Maternity Care for Covered Pregnancies
- Mental Health Disorders
- Sports & Activities
- Emergency Medical Evacuation
Student Secure – Select
Comprehensive Coverage Plan
The Student Secure – Select insurance plan is available for M, J, F, and OPT visa holders who are residing in the U.S. for educational purposes. This plan meets the J visa health insurance requirements and also offers additional benefits such as maternity care coverage and outpatient treatment.
Plan Highlights
- After the deductible, plan pays 80% of the first $5,000 then 100% of eligible medical expenses within the United Healthcare PPO network; outside the PPO network, plan pays URC of eligible medical expense up policy maximum
- Acute Onset of Pre-Existing Condition Coverage
- Pre-Existing Condition: 6-month waiting period
- Outpatient Treatments
- Maternity Care for Covered Pregnancies
- Mental Health Disorders
- Sports & Activities
- Emergency Medical Evacuation
Student Secure – Budget
Comprehensive Coverage Plan
The Student Secure – Budget plan provides health insurance coverage for international students. This particular plan from the Student Secure line-up is considered a more budget-friendly option that provides basic coverage, emergency services, evacuation and repatriation, and more for students studying abroad.
Plan Highlights
- After the deductible, plan pays 80% of the first $25,000 then 100% of eligible medical expenses within the United Healthcare PPO network; outside the PPO network, plan pays URC of eligible medical expense up policy maximum
- Acute Onset of Pre-Existing Condition Coverage
- Pre-Existing Condition: 12-month waiting period
- Outpatient Treatments
- Maternity Care for Covered Pregnancies
- Mental Health Disorders
- Sports & Activities
- Emergency Medical Evacuation
Student Health Advantage – Standard
Comprehensive Coverage Plan
Student Health Advantage – Standard is a student health insurance plan designed for students, scholars, interns, teachers, or trainees (and the spouses/children of) enrolled in an educational or cultural exchange program for the purposes of teaching, study, research, or receiving on the job training for a temporary period of time.
Plan Highlights
- After the deductible, plan pays 90% of eligible medical expenses up to $1,000, then 100% thereafter within the United Healthcare PPO network; Outside the PPO network, plan pays 80% of eligible medical expense up to the policy maximum
- Long-term medical coverage up to 5 years
- Coverage for $300,000 per incident for individuals and groups, $100,000 for their dependents
- Repatriation for Medical Treatment
- Maternity Coverage
- Optional Adventure Sports Rider
Where to Buy Student Health Insurance
Purchasing student health insurance for study abroad programs can be done all online with just a few clicks. Online health insurance providers, such as VisitorsCoverage, allow you to browse plans, get quotes, and secure your health insurance plan in minutes.
