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Health coverage and medical costs can be costly for both citizens and non-citizens of the United States, and having a sufficient international student health insurance plan is beneficial when studying abroad. International medical insurance programs make it easier and more convenient to obtain quality health care in case of a medical emergency or illness. Not only is it simpler to find the right doctor and quality medical facilities when you have foreign student health insurance coverage, but you will be in a much better position to support yourself financially. Medical bills and expenses can lead to financial ruin without appropriate insurance, and preventing potential money stresses is easy by selecting the right international student health insurance plan.

What is International Student Health Insurance?

International student health insurance is available for students who are studying away from their home country, and offers them access to health care and facilities. International medical insurance makes it much easier to receive quality health care and benefits from legitimate insurance providers, and can help save thousands of dollars in case of an emergency or illness. Medical expenses can be very costly, especially for those entering the United States on a temporary basis. In addition, many health care providers at colleges and universities can deny treatment if a student does not provide appropriate records of international student insurance coverage.

Current U.S. Laws Requiring International Student Medical Insurance Coverage

Each state has different laws and regulations regarding medical insurance coverage, but almost every college and university that accepts students on an ?F? visa requires proof of financial ability before enrolling in a college program. This means that students may be deemed ineligible for studies in the U.S. if they cannot support themselves financially; having the appropriate medical coverage is essential to this process, and all students need to carry at least the most basic international student medical insurance during their stay. While colleges and universities cannot track if a student is continuing with their selected foreign student health insurance, the risk of getting sick or requiring surgery is still a problem. If a student cannot afford to take care of their health because of increased medical expenses, they may be required to forfeit their status as a student and return to their home country.

Why Is International Student Health Insurance Important While Studying in the U.S.?

International student health insurance is important when studying in the U.S. for a variety of reasons including:

? Receiving adequate and quality health care in an emergency situation

? Having access to doctors and other health care providers to ensure optimal health throughout the year

? Reducing the chances of having to manage the high costs of health care, treatment, doctor visits, and prescription medication

? Receiving adequate health care from legitimate providers

? Reducing the burden of financial hardship in case of emergency treatment

? Compliance with university requirements and guidelines

Cost of International Student Insurance

The cost of international student medical insurance varies significantly depending on the individual, medical history, and the state that they plan to pursue studies. Rates can range from $50 to $200+ per month depending on the type of insurance and deductible requested. Choosing the right amount for the deductible is often the first step, and can help you decide which foreign student health insurance plan will be right for you. Many insurance companies review individual student medical history records, and may require a check-up or initial visit to determine your status. International student medical insurance may also be offered by independent healthcare providers in a given state, and finding out what the local area offers is easier by contacting the university or college?s student health department.

Rates also vary depending on the type of premium? ?elite? or ?gold? packages will cover more medical expenses but will cost significantly more than basic coverage. If you are regularly sick, require treatment, or need above-average health care, it is important to review the options and ensure that doctor?s visits and treatment procedures are covered under your selected plan.

Where to Buy International Student Insurance

Affordable international student health insurance plans are available online, as well as through local area networks in the state you are pursuing studies. Contacting the university admissions office first can lead you to discounted rate plans specifically designed for international students. These are often priced much lower than standard options available elsewhere, and can provide enough protection for adequate coverage.

Other companies and websites to consider include:

? HTH Travel Insurance http://www.hthtravelinsurance.com/students_plans.cfm that offers global student plans for up to $250,000 per year.

? Expat Financial http://www.expatfinancial.com/expathealth.htm that offers global financial security plans for a variety of travelers and international students. Foreign exchange students can also find a customized plan here.

? International Student Organization http://www.isoa.org/ that features a variety of health plans through the COMPASS Health Insurance group. The maximum medical benefits vary significantly depending on the type of coverage involved, but premiums can be purchased directly online

? International Health Plans http://www.internationalhealthplans.com/ that offers exclusive rates for many types of international travelers. It may be valuable to get quotes and compare rates here after reviewing various programs and packages from other companies.

What Should I Look For When Buying International Student Health Insurance?

Knowing what to research and review when choosing an international student health insurance plan is the firs step to finding the right package and plan for your needs. You will need to consider:

? Affordability: calculate the monthly rate and make sure you can keep up with payments

? Flexibility: do you have an option to upgrade, cancel, or change your policy or are you under a contractual agreement?

? Medical examinations: how often do you need to undergo these, and what are the guidelines of getting the first examination for verification of your health?

? Travel assistance services: does the insurance company extend these to its foreign student health insurance recipients?

? Maternity benefits: are these included, should you need them at any time during your stay?

? Low deductibles: what are the different deductible options available, and what is the most realistic match for your health coverage needs?

? Eligibility criteria: what specific items is the insurance company looking for (e.g. medical records, visa documentation, income verification)

Should you study in the US? Why have so many international students chosen to study in the US over another country? Does the US still welcome international student? What are your US study options? The US hosts more international students than any other country in the world, a number fast approaching 600,000. In fact, international?students comprise approximately 4% of the total undergraduate US university and US college population, and 10% for US graduate school. These international students from every continent in the world choose to study in the US because they believe that a US education would afford them the best preparation for their future. They?leave homes, families and friends in order to pursue their dreams of an education in the US. In fact, International students who study in the US contribute more than $13 billion to the US economy!
US universities, US colleges and US schools constantly rank very high in world rankings, just one of the reasons to study in the US. Schools such as Harvard University, Stanford University, MIT, Julliard, Berklee School of Music, West Point, are all world famous and welcome international students. The US offers international students the most exciting, rewarding and comprehensive array of study options in the world. International students who choose to study in the US have almost unlimited study choices. Furthermore, international students who successfully complete their US study are highly sought-after by employers worldwide. While the reasons international students choose to study in the US vary from student to student, there are 9 main advantages of US study.

Benefits
The United States is the premiere destination for international students from all over the world. The main advantages of higher education in the USA are as follows:

World class learning institutions

The United States has more institutions of higher learning than any other country in the world. More importantly than that, however, is the quality of these academic bodies. Most American colleges and universities offer top-notch education programs with highly qualified teaching staff. The research at many of these universities is cutting-edge and often published in journals worldwide. Many of the professors at these schools are leading authorities in their field. The list of world-class learning institutions in the USA is endless and include, but are not limited to: Stanford University, Harvard, Yale, Cornell, California Institute of Technology, UC Berkeley, University of Pennsylvania, MIT, John Hopkins, Northwestern University, etc.

Endless study choices

One of the best things about studying in the USA is the vast number of academic options offered to students. Since the USA is such a large country with vast resources, almost every field of study is available in the country. One can study everything from Russian history to nuclear physics. That is why so may foreigners choose to obtain their training in the USA. If you can perceive it, you can probably find some place in America to study it.

Worldwide recognition

A degree or certificate from a college or university is useless if it is not recognized by employers, other institutions or field authorities. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance to ensure than the degree from the school you choose is recognized in the place you plan to use it in. Fortunately, colleges and universities in America are given professional accreditation by different governing bodies. These schools have to earn their accreditation by meeting certain criteria, helping ensure a quality education, as well as a degree or certificate that is recognized. Most schools in the USA are accredited, though we strongly suggest that you thoroughly find out what each school’s accreditation is before deciding. There are thousands of US schools that offer credentials recognized in almost every corner of the world.

Supporting industries, training & research

Because of the vast wealth of resources in America, the opportunities for practical training related to your field of study are vast. Most college and universities have established affiliations with employers and researchers in different fields of study, thereby creating an avenue for students to obtain hands-on and invaluable experience. Many universities even require that students obtain practical training in order to graduate. In many cases, these opportunities are not available any where else in the world.

People and culture

America is a melting pot of people from all over the world. One will find most Americans to be very hospitable, friendly, kind, generous and accepting of foreigners. Of course, there are a few exceptions, as in any country, but these are not the norm. In general, the people are funny, gregarious, innovative, and eager to learn. These are traits that many international students adopt and take home with them.

Technology

Regardless of what degree a student chooses to pursue in school, he or she will have to use computers and other technologies in order to succeed. Many universities incorporate the latest technology into their curriculum, encouraging students to obtain proficiency before they go out into the workplace. Specialized technology, such as the newest medical equipment in medical schools, allows each student to maximize their true potential and gain experience that is marketable in the real world.

Flexibility

Since the USA school system utilizes credit units and often accommodates working students, most schools offer academic programs that are flexible in nature. This means that, very often, one can choose when to attend classes, how many classes to enroll in each semester or quarter, what elective?or optional classes to take, etc. An American education is very conforming to each student’s needs.

Campus experience

It has been said that the friends and experience obtained during campus life are worth as much as the education itself. Many make friends that last lifetimes. The lessons learned my co-existing and living? with others from all over the world are priceless.

Global focus

More and more often, American colleges and universities are focusing on the global aspects of each subject, better preparing students with a worldwide view of their field. No longer can students merely focus on certain geographic areas when obtaining their academic training. Most US learning institutions have recognized this and offer a more comprehensive and global curriculum to meet these new trends.