The US is a popular destination for international students, with over 1.2 million international students traveling to the US to study every year. However, post pandemic, the number of arrivals into the United States are uncertain. Given that the Covid-19 pandemic is still prevalent today, foreign students may hesitate to make the international trip to their study destination. On one hand, many international students are gearing up to board their flights to the US for the new academic semester in the Fall of 2023, on the other hand many are apprehensive of the impact of the Covid-19 virus on their future in the US.
Low-cost Insurance Plans for Foreign Students
Among important decisions that have to be made when traveling abroad as an international student, are the required finances to meet tuition and living expenses, choices between online and in-person classes and adherence to the rules regarding the travel bans. However, a straight-forward decision to make is that of protecting yourself with low cost student health insurance.
Student health insurance in the US will ensure that you are covered when you arrive in the US in the event that you require medical attention or care during your stay. Medical costs are very high in the United States, and investing in a travel medical insurance plan will offer protection as well as peace of mind. Additionally, if Covid-19 is still a concern of yours while studying abroad, there are excellent insurance options available that cover Covid-19 related care as well as other medical treatment and illnesses.
Should You Buy Health Insurance From University or Private Providers?
International students have the choice of either buying medical insurance from their universities or from the health insurance marketplace. International students have certain advantages in buying Covid student insurance plans from private providers:
ACA vs. Insurance Available From the Marketplace
- The coverage provided by private providers like VisitorsCoverage offer a whole gamut of coverage options that give students a 360* protection, not only from Covid-19 virus but also other unforeseen health risks.
- The Covid insurance for international students might end up being more affordable than those provided by the universities in the U.S.
- The health insurance plans for students provided by the private market place usually provides better coverage, flexible premium options and affordable deductibles.
- If you purchase a plan from a private provider, your college or university may even ask you to show proof of medical travel insurance at the time of your enrollment to deduct the health insurance premium from the cost of tuition. This is more savings in your pocket.
- These plans can be cancelable or extendable.
- With certain options, students may have the flexibility of choosing preferred doctors or medical facilities.
Further reading: Do OPT Students Require Medical Insurance?
Best Insurance Plans For International Students
Here are some of the top insurance plans for international students that are great options for those who need medical coverage while studying in the United States.
Best Features
- Eligibility: Full-time students or scholars, including those on OPT, at an educational institution outside of their home country
- Covers COVID-19 like any other eligible new illness
- Up to $5,000,000 medical maximum
- Vaccinations up to $150
- Covers for an acute onset of a pre-existing condition
- Comprehensive coverage with high benefit limits
- 6 month waiting period for pre-existing condition coverage
Student Health Advantage – Platinum
Best Features
- Eligibility: International students, teachers and their families involved in a long-term educational program in the U.S. or internationally
- Covers COVID-19 like any other eligible new illness
- In-network medical maximum: Up to $1,000,000 for student and $100,000 for dependents
- Comprehensive coverage with high benefit limits
- 6 month waiting period for pre-existing condition coverage
Student Health Advantage – Standard
Best Features
- Eligibility: International students, teachers and their families involved in a long-term educational program in the U.S. or internationally
- Meets J-1 Visa Requirements
- Covers COVID-19 like any other eligible new illness
- In-network medical maximum: Up to $500,000
- Comprehensive coverage with standard benefit coverage
- 12 month waiting period for pre-existing condition coverage
Best Features
- Eligibility: Full-time students or scholars at an educational institution outside of their home country
- Covers COVID-19 like any other eligible new illness
- $500,000 medical maximum
- Comprehensive coverage with lower lower limits
- 12 month waiting period for pre-existing condition coverage
Best Features
- Eligibility: Full-time students or scholars including those on OPT at an educational institution outside of their home country
- Covers COVID-19 like any other eligible new illness
- $600,000 medical maximum
- Covers for an acute onset of a pre-existing condition
- Comprehensive coverage with standard benefits
- 6 month waiting period for pre-existing condition coverage
Best Features
- Eligibility: Full-time students or scholars including those on OPT at an educational institution outside of their home country
- Covers COVID-19 like any other eligible new illness
- $200,000 medical maximum
- Covers for an acute onset of a pre-existing condition
- Comprehensive cost efficient coverage for students with lower benefits
During such unprecedented times, it is important to check all the boxes and cross all the Ts. Covid-19 insurance for an international student is as important today as ensuring that they have the finances to cover their tuition. Make it a priority when planning to study in the US and protect yourself from both the virus as well as the exorbitant medical costs.
