international student insurance

Archive for the ‘International Student in the USA’ Category

Immunizations For Studying In The USA

Saturday, April 7th, 2012

International students coming to study in the US need to prepare many things prior to actually arriving and starting their classes here in the United States. Between getting accepted to study, buying plane tickets, taking care of getting their visa processed and setting up living arrangements, it is not a surprise that some things are forgotten. One of the most common things international students often forget to arrange before coming to the US is their immunizations for studying in the USA.

Most schools have a requirement that their students must have a set of immunizations for studying in the USA done before students are allowed to register for any classes. The most common diseases that colleges and universities require immunization against include Measles, Mumps and Rubella, these are often referred to together as a MMR vaccine. Different schools may have different sets of requirements and may also include Hepatitis A and B vaccines, tuberculosis testing, etc.

These diseases can be severe and life threatening, and should be prevented even if not requested by the school. For example, meningitis, an inflammation of the protective membrane covering the brain and spinal cord can be caused by mumps or other viral/bacterial infections. Different types of forms that will need to be completed will also differs between schools, so it is a good idea to check with the school’s representatives beforehand.

While it is possible for students to get their vaccines in order to meet their requirements for immunizations for studying in the USA after they have already arrived, it is often more cost effective and less of a hassle to have it done beforehand. Many health insurance policies for international students may not cover immunization costs, and the plans that do cover immunization are often much more expensive to purchase, costing more than what it would take to pay off the immunization costs yourself.

 

Student Health Insurance for the University of Florida

Friday, March 30th, 2012

Are you an international student at the University of Florida that would like to have an extra $120 in your pocket? This amount might not sound like a lot, but with the rise in gas prices, spring break bills to pay off and a new semester right around the corner, $120 could boost many students’ bank accounts.

Having this extra money is possible, simply by exploring your international student health insurance options for the University of Florida. The University of Florida offers its international students an insurance plan that students can either accept, or they can waive out of after purchasing comparable coverage that will meet the school’s insurance requirements. However, having health insurance in the US is not just about meeting a school’s requirement. Because of high health care costs in the US it is important to have health insurance that will meet your needs. Since not all coverage is created equal, knowing what you are paying for by researching what your prospective plan includes and excludes can save a lot of headaches later on.

After comparing the coverage of plans to find student health insurance for the University of Florida, you will also want to compare costs. The University of Florida’s annual student insurance plan through the school costs $1,311 for an international student aged 24 or younger.

The Student Secure 6 month pre-ex plan meets and exceeds the University of Florida’s insurance verification waiver form and costs $1,188 annually for international students younger than 25.

University of Florida Insurance Plan: $1,311 per year

Student Secure Insurance Plan: $1,188 per year

Your savings: $123 per year!

For more information on Student Health Insurance for the University of Florida you can contact one of our licensed agents today. After your plan is purchased we can approve your University of Florida verification form.

 

*The University of Florida’s insurance cost is based on the available 2011/2012 information.

 

Student Health Insurance for University of South Florida

Saturday, February 11th, 2012

Since it was founded in 1956, the University of South Florida has grown and become one of the largest public universities in the US with well over 45,000 students enrolled. Today, the university has more than 1,400 international students and 200 research scholars from over 150 countries around the world.

The University of South Florida, also known as USF, is located in Tampa. As one of Florida’s major metropolitan cities, Tampa has a lot to offer including many crystal clear beaches, world class museums, and even two major amusement parks. USF gives international students a great city to call home during their study in the US.

As with many major universities, international students are required to have health insurance while they are studying at University of South Florida. Every semester, international students consider the choices for their student health insurance for University of South Florida. International students have the choice of enrolling in the insurance plan that the university offers or purchasing their own health insurance plan that meets all the requirements listed on the university’s student health insurance compliance form.

International Student Insurance has a plan that is designed to provide coverage that meets the requirements for University of South Florida called the Student Secure 6 Month Pre-ex Plan. This student health insurance for University of South Florida provides comprehensive coverage for sicknesses and injuries including doctor visits, hospitalization, prescription medication, sports coverage, mental health, and pre-existing condition coverage (after a 6 month waiting period). This is a great choice for international students because it provides great coverage at a much more affordable price compared to the university’s plan. Here’s a comparison of the cost for USF’s insurance plan to the Student Secure 6 Month Pre-ex Plan for 19-24 year old students:

USF Insurance plan cost – $1,806 per year

Student Secure plan cost – $1,188 per year

Total Saving- $618 per year “Apply Now

If you choose to purchase this plan as your student health insurance for University of South Florida and wish to not be charged for your school’s insurance plan, you will need to complete the USF student health insurance compliance form. After you have purchased our plan, you can simply email or fax us your school’s insurance waiver form. Make sure that you have completed the student section, and we’ll complete the insurance section and fax it to your school. There is often a deadline to complete this process in the beginning of the semester, so be sure to complete this in advance! Otherwise, you might get stuck buying the school’s expensive plan for another semester! If you have any questions, feel free to contact our International Student Insurance agents.

 

International Students in Ohio

Sunday, January 29th, 2012

International students in Ohio can look forward to a plethora of outdoor activities. With 134 state nature preserves, not even the ice and snow of winter can keep locals indoors; the cold months only provide more activities like ice skating, snowmobiling, winter camping, sledding and ice fishing. Ohio maintains its outdoor appeal since it offers a vast array of scenery with its prairies, wetlands, Lake Erie and the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. International students in Ohio who want to enjoy the land but are not sure how, are able to take advantage of the state’s outdoor programs. Year-round Ohio offers assist in learning the outdoors through fishing workshops, hunting shows and archery tournaments.

International students coming to Ohio also have the opportunity to get a rare glimpse into the Amish community lifestyle. Located in the central-eastern portion of the state is an Amish community of approximately 40,000 Amish individuals. Here you are able to experience the Amish way of life through “home-style” dining, country inns and handmade items. This community offers those from abroad a look into what American life was like before telephones, electricity or vehicles were abound.

Students who would like to study in Ohio but are more interested in city life are able to explore their options in Columbus or Cleveland. The cities of Ohio also provide plenty of entertainment with its numerous museums including the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the International Women’s Air and Space Museum and the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. Just as any other city in the US, there is also an array of restaurants, parks and other sightseeing choices.

International students in Ohio who need to ensure they have adequate health insurance coverage might be eligible for the Student Secure plan. This plan meets and exceeds many school and government requirements. For information on this plan and its benefits you can contact one of our licensed agents today.

 

Find a Doctor in the US

Thursday, January 26th, 2012

It’s the New Year’s and you have discovered that you can purchase our more affordable insurance plan instead of your university’s plan. As an international student, you may wonder to yourself, “how do I find a doctor in the US?” or “can I visit any doctor I want to?”

Whether you have purchased our Student Secure plan, Atlas plan or Citizen Secure plan, you can find a doctor in the US very easily. All three plans are what are referred to as a preferred provider organization, or PPO.  PPO is an optional network with contracted doctors or hospitals that you can go to. While this network is not required, these doctors and hospitals usually have discounted rates and have agreed to accept direct payment from the insurance company (this means that the insurance company pays covered expenses directly to your doctor or hospital, instead of paying first and being reimbursed).

If you choose the Student Secure Select level, the Atlas Plan or the Citizen Secure. By choosing a provider that is inside the network, you will receive 100% coverage for eligible expenses after you have met any deductible (up to your policy maximum). Coverage may change if you are outside the network so be sure to check the benefits on your plan as this is common in PPO networks.

Whether you go to a doctor or hospital in or out of the network, simply show your insurance ID card to the doctor office. Your doctor can then call the phone number located on your insurance ID card to arrange direct payment.

With any of these plans, you can simply use our online provider search tool to find a doctor or hospital anywhere around the US. We have multiple plans available to fit your needs; if you need help choosing the right plan contact our insurance agents to assist.

 

Nepal International Student Insurance

Thursday, January 19th, 2012

Many international students coming to the US from Nepal will need to purchase a Nepalese student health insurance. The United States is the most expensive country for medical care costs according to the World Health Organization, and it is important to purchase insurance to help cover any medical expenses that may come up when you study in the US. Here is a simple guide to follow to make sure you are properly insured when you come to the United States:

1. Insurance School Requirements – If you are coming to the US on a F-1 international student visa, insurance requirements are typically set by your school. Some colleges, universities, and even high schools may have a mandatory insurance plan in place. Others may not require any insurance, or, in other situations, you can purchase your own Nepal international student insurance plan as an alternative. Before purchasing insurance, we recommend that you contact your school or check out our School Requirements Database to see what your school requires.

2. Purchasing Your own Nepal International Student Insurance - There are a few situations where you may be purchasing your own student health plan. In some cases, schools may not have insurance or any requirements for their international students. Since health care can be expensive to cover out of pocket, most people will purchase their own Nepal international student insurance to help cover the high costs in case the unexpected happens. Even with schools who have a student health plan, many schools allow their students to waive with an alternative insurance plan. If this is your case, check with your school to see if there are minimum requirements that your alternative insurance plan must meet. Some students will choose an alternative insurance plan for a few reasons:

I. Coverage may be more comprehensive than what is currently being offered.
II. Rates may be more affordable for an international student.
III. Students want more flexibility with their plan. Many school-sponsored insurance plans will end once the student begins their OPT. With many individual plans you may be able to continue coverage while on OPT or CPT.

3. Waiver and Compliance Forms - If you purchase your own Nepal international student insurance, you may need to notify your school of your alternative student health plan. Depending on your school, this could mean showing them the brochure, completing the school’s waiver/compliance form, or have the insurance company present a letter to show proof of coverage. Either way, check with your insurance company before purchasing to make sure they can assist you with the paperwork you need.

4. Begin Your International Experience - As a Nepalese student studying in the US, this is an opportunity of a lifetime! Enjoy yourself, step out of your comfort zone, and know that in case the unexpected happens that you are properly insured. International Student Insurance works with students around the world and are familiar with the steps involved. If you are unsure of how to get started, contact one of our representatives to help review your insurance requirements and see that you are properly insured.

 

Student Health Insurance for Broward College

Monday, January 9th, 2012

With all of the sand, sun and outdoor activities that Ft. Lauderdale, Florida has to offer it is understandable why international students choose to study at Broward College. If you are one of the many students gaining your overseas experience at Broward College this year it is important to ensure your health insurance meets their requirements. Without coverage that complies with the student health insurance for Broward College standards, you are unable to enroll in classes.

International Student Insurance offers the Student Secure plan which not only complies with the student health insurance for Broward College requirements but has many other benefits as well. To give you an idea of the cost, the Student Secure Budget plan for 12 months of coverage including the  U.S. is $564.00 for international students between the ages of 19-24. The budget level meets the Broward College requirements by providing medical evacuation, repatriation of remains, hospital room and board, physician visits, surgery, hospital miscellaneous, and anesthesia. It also provides benefits that are not required by Broward College like maternity, emergency dental, mental health disorders, terrorism and organized sports activities.

The Student Secure plan offers 24/7 worldwide travel and medical assistance that includes lost luggage assistance, pre-trip destination information and travel document replacement. You will also have access to the Student Zone which allows you to retrieving plan documents and managing your account online.

To have your compliance form approved and sent to your college is a simple process. After you purchase the Student Secure plan, sign the international student health insurance for Broward College compliance form then fax or email it to us. We will take care of the rest for you.

If you have any questions regarding this plan please feel free to contact us and one of our licensed agents will assist you with any questions you might have.

 

Student Health Insurance for University of Hawaii

Monday, January 2nd, 2012

Aloha! Are you looking to study abroad in one of the most tropical locations the United States has to offer? If so, you have more than likely checked out Hawaii and considered joining the 1.3 million people that occupy the islands. Hawaii has a number of Universities for you to consider, the University of Hawaii alone has multiple locations to choose from. If you select the University of Hawaii you will need to also decide if you will be purchasing student health insurance for University of Hawaii from the university health insurance plan or looking elsewhere. To assist you in weighing your options, I have included some information that might be helpful.

The student health insurance for University of Hawaii offers all eligible students a few insurance plans that they can elect to purchase or waive out of. The university medical plan does not come standard with repatriation or accidental death and dismemberment benefits. If you do elect to waive out of this plan you will need to find a plan that meets the university waiver form requirements.

With the Student Secure 6-month Pre-Ex plan, select level, you will go above and beyond the requirements. Also, the Student Secure plan will save you money! Take a look below for a comparison of the student health insurance for University of Hawaii versus the Student Secure plan (6-month Pre Ex) for a 19 to 24 year old student.

              University of Hawaii                  Student Secure Select Plan

$2518.56 per year                       $1,764 per year
That saves you over $754 per year!!  Apply Now

The Student Secure plan includes emergency medical evacuation, repatriation of remains, doctor office visits, maternity, mental health, sports coverage and more. If you would like more information or to purchase this International Student Health Insurance plan feel free to visit us online or contact one of our licensed agents who would be more than happy to assist you.

 

Winter Break Trip Insurance

Saturday, December 17th, 2011

It’s winter and the school semester is almost over! During this winter break if you are not returning home, why not take a trip abroad and experience the season in another country?

Whether you are going to the famous Christmas Market in Germany, going skiing in the Swiss Alps or flying to the other side of the world to escape the cold, it is best if you are prepare for your trip with winter break trip travel insurance.

Many students looking for travel insurance for winter break will find that our Atlas Travel Medical plan provides comprehensive medical sickness and injury coverage for an affordable price whether it is a few days or a few weeks. Because it can be purchase for as little as 5 days and can provide coverage worldwide outside of your home country it is very flexible and will fit the need for most trips. This plan covers you for doctor visits, hospitalization, emergency medical evacuation, repatriation, and much more.

If you will be participating in more adventurous sports on your trip such as skiing, you can also add the optional sport rider to the plan to cover those activities as well!

You can get your insurance documents and ID card right away, so if you need proof of insurance quickly you will be able to provide it if it is required by the local authority of the destination country.

If you are worried about inclement weather disrupting your trips and causing your flight to be canceled, be sure to check our previous blogs about how to avoid stress while traveling during the holiday season.

Feel free to contact any of our licensed insurance agent if you have any questions about your insurance needs for an upcoming trip and we would be happy to help you!

 

Student Health Insurance for Florida International University

Wednesday, December 14th, 2011

Every year, international students flock to Florida International University (FIU) to begin their studies in the United States. FIU has the second highest number of foreign students in the state of Florida with 2,677 students, a 4% increase over last year’s figures. And, who can blame them? Located in Miami, Florida International University hosts a variety of activities for international students both on and off campus. As we enter the new academic semester, many international students are evaluating their student health insurance for Florida International University.

FIU has an existing health insurance plan that students can enroll in or, alternatively, they can choose to purchase their international student insurance plan as long as it meets their stated requirements on their compliance form.

International Student Insurance offers the Student Secure 6-month Pre-Ex plan that will meet the requirements of FIU. This student health insurance for Florida International University offers comprehensive coverage including doctor visits, hospitalization, prescription medication, sports coverage, mental health, and pre-existing condition coverage (after a 6 month waiting period). Not only is the plan comprehensive, but it is also more affordable – take a look at the cost of the FIU insurance plan compared with the Student Secure plan for a 19 to 24 year old student:

FIU Insurance Plan Student Secure Plan
 $1,905 per year  $1,188 per year

That is a saving of over $717 per year!! Apply Now!

If you choose the Student Secure plan as your student health insurance for Florida International University, you will need to complete their compliance form to remove any hold to register for classes. To do this, once you have purchased the plan, you can email or fax your compliance form to us. Make sure that you have completed the student section, and we’ll complete the insurance section and fax it to your school. We can typically get this processed in less than one business day! Contact our insurance agents if you have any questions. Good luck Panthers!