Insurance Explained Category

Blog posts that explain insurance terminology and features.

Coverage for Maternity in the U.S. for International Students

September 21st, 2018 by Leah Hammond

Maternity expenses in the United States are significantly higher than around the world, and the cost to have a baby can add up quickly. Most insurance plans in the U.S. will not cover a pregnancy if you become pregnant before your policy becomes effective – so be prepared with this tips!

Does my health insurance cover car accidents?

June 22nd, 2018 by Ross Mason

When searching for health insurance, there are lots of things you need to take into consideration before purchasing coverage to ensure the plan fits your needs. There is the cost of the plan, making sure the benefits are what you need and required by your school (if they have requirements) and then there are the […]

Student Secure and Patriot Travel Insurance Changes for 2018

May 4th, 2018 by Juncal Caballero

Good news! Our Student Secure and Patriot Travel plans have also been updated for 2018, and now the plans offer even more coverage than before! Student Secure Updates Beginning on May 1st, 2018, the Student Secure plan offers more comprehensive coverage at better rates. The main highlights of the Student Secure updates include: New policy […]

Do International Students Need Dental Insurance?

April 13th, 2018 by Sutherland Beever

As with most things in life, the answer to the question ‘Do international students need dental insurance?’ isn’t black and white. On one hand, it’s possible that you buy dental insurance and never use it, but on the other, you could end up using it several times (and each time thank your lucky stars). What we can be sure of, is that dental visits in the US don’t come cheap and it’s always good to hope for the best but prepare for the worst!

HIPAA and Privacy Laws in the US

January 12th, 2018 by Jennifer Frankel

Many people would agree that medical information should be confidential, and in the US, there are laws that govern what information can be given out to third parties. This law, called HIPAA (or Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), protects the “privacy and security of certain health information.” If you have ever had medical treatment […]

How do I Know What my Plan will and Won’t Cover?

November 15th, 2017 by Sutherland Beever

  It’s important to keep in mind that health insurance plans in the United States aren’t designed to cover everything and different types of insurance plans will cover different things.  Ideally, an insurance plan will help cover a large portion of the bills that you incur from a doctor’s office or hospital, but there is […]

The Ins and Outs of Pre-existing Conditions

October 20th, 2017 by Yessica Prato

If you are an international student or traveler, we recommend that you have a health insurance plan in case there is an accident or you suffer an illness and need to seek medical attention. When it comes to choosing an insurance plan, there are many important aspects that you should consider while you travel abroad. […]

Insurance Carrier Ratings and Why They Matter

September 19th, 2017 by Leah Hammond

The rating of the insurance carrier shows the financial strength and stability of the company, and their ability to pay for eligible medical claims. To help with making your decision, we will explain insurance carrier ratings and why they matter, the different credit rating agencies, and the ratings of the plans we offer at International Student Insurance.

School insurance plans or my own insurance – which is better?

July 14th, 2017 by Ross Mason

When looking for insurance coverage as an international student in the USA, there are often a few options for you to consider. The three most common ones are outlined in our “School health insurance in the US” insurance explained article – but basically it boils down to a school mandated plan offered by your school, […]

How to Schedule a Doctor’s Appointment in the US

June 15th, 2017 by Bryanna Davis

Visiting the doctor in a new country is easier said than done. If you’re not sure how to schedule a doctor’s appointment in the US, or how to even find a doctor, following these steps can help simplify the process

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