Florida Student Health Insurance
January 13th, 2014 by Ross Mason
Florida Student Health Insurance
As an International Student, Florida is a huge draw as a study destination. Not only does it have some of the best schools in the country, but the climate means that pretty much all year round it’s sunny and warm – and so you will not have to deal with the sub-zero temperatures of the North-East such as in Boston, New York or DC in wintertime.
Many international students are often surprised by the quality and cost of schools in Florida, as they often can cost much less than schools in other states. This excellent guide to the State of Florida for International Students, outlines some excellent reasons why students opt to study here. There is also a very comprehensive search tool of schools in Florida that accept international students, so if you are still looking we highly recommend that resources to you.
Once you have secure your place at a Florida school, obtaining Florida Student Health Insurance will be a requirement by most schools, and those requirements will vary from school-to-school. For example you have schools such as the University of Miami that requires all their international students to enroll in the school sponsored health insurance plan, there are no opportunities to waive out and purchase alternative coverage. However, many schools will allow you to purchase your own coverage – and this can sometimes be recommended if the school insurance plan is over $1,000 per year.
To view all school insurance requirements for the state of Florida, please visit our Florida page for more details.
In most cases the Student Secure plan will meet most school requirements and will provide international students with an excellent Florida Student Health Insurance plan for their time studying in the USA. It offers:
- Easy monthly payment options
- Up to $300,000 in coverage
- $25 deductible at the student health center
- Maternity and mental health benefits
- Quick waiver processing
- Coverage starting at $29/month
We hope you have fun in Florida!
Top Travel Etiquette Tips
January 10th, 2014 by Ross Mason
Travel Etiquette
A recent guide published by the tourist authority Visit Britain outlined a number of cultural “Dos and Don’ts” when it comes to handling foreign guests in the UK. This list is interesting, and in some parts funny – a few highlights of the list:
Dos
Do: Understand that Indians are amiable but have a tendency to change their minds quite frequently.
Do: Ensure tourists from Russia – a “tall nation” – are housed in rooms with high ceilings and doorways.
Do: Realize that Australian people are being endearing when they make jokes about “Poms” [Aussie slang for British people].
Do: Anticipate all of the needs of a Japanese visitor – even if they haven’t told you what they are.
Do: Deal promptly with any complaint from German or Austrian tourists, who can be “straightforward and demanding” to the point of “seeming rude and aggressive.”
Don’ts
Don’t: Ask superstitious people from Hong Kong to sleep in a historic property or a four-poster bed, because they associate them with ghostly encounters.
Don’t: Exchange a smile or make eye contact with anyone from France who you do not know.
Don’t: Describe a visitor from Canada as “American.”
Don’t: Try to talk to Belgians about their country’s politics or language divisions.
Don’t: Say “no” in a direct way to a Japanese tourist – instead think of a “nicer alternative.”
Are there any top travel etiquette tips that you can share with us about certain nationalities? We look forward to your comments!
Carlos Albizu University International Student Insurance Requirements
January 8th, 2014 by Victoria Troupe
International Student Insurance offers the Student Secure plan which meets and exceeds the requirements for the Carlos Albizu University.
Carlos Albizu University, located in Miami, Florida, is a popular destination for international students in the US. Like many other schools in the US, students at this school are required to show proof of insurance. The Carlos Albizu University international student insurance requirements include proof of insurance coverage for a period of 52 consecutive weeks or the complete time the insured will be attending Carlos Albizu University. The insurance must provide basic benefits as set forth by the Department of State J-1 visa requirements. Those benefits are:
- Medical benefits with at least $50,000 per illness or injury
- A deductible not to exceed $500 per illness or injury
- Repatriation coverage of $7,500 or more
- Medical Evacuation coverage of $10,000 or more
- Must meet a minimum rating of at least A- by AM Best or other financial rating systems
- Continuous coverage
Students at Carlos Albizu do not have a school-offered insurance policy and therefore need to search for an individual plan. Search no further! Our International Student Health Insurance plan will meet all of these requirements. The plan offers four different levels of coverage to choose from so that you can choose a policy that fits your needs and your budget. Our plans start as low as $31 per month! Start here for a free quote and for more information.
Students at Carlos Albizu University are exempt from these insurance requirements only if they are covered by an approved sponsorship or embassy, or if their spouse’s employer’s insurance covers the student for the benefits listed above.
After you purchase your insurance plan, you can email or fax us your Carlos Albizu University Compliance Form. We are happy to complete this form and either fax it or email it to you or directly to your school. Keep in mind that your compliance form is due BEFORE the first day of school starts for the new semester, so be sure to purchase your policy and have your compliance form completed as soon as possible.
For more information regarding Carlos Albizu’s insurance requirements and international admission information, check our Carlos Albizu School Requirements page.
2020/2021 Update:
Carlos Albizu University has approved the International Student Health Insurance plan for their international students for the 2020-2021 school year. The waiver form is due before the first day of class so after you purchase your plan, email us your waiver form and we’ll fax it to the school for you. Please visit the links above for more information and let us know if we can help you!
Updated August 5, 2020
January 2014 Travel Warnings
January 6th, 2014 by International-Student-Insurance
January 2014 Travel Warnings
The January 2014 travel warnings are a listing of any warnings that have been posted by the US Department of State in the month of December, warning travelers who plan to visit those countries.
Countries listed through the month of December 2013 include:
Honduras – December 24th, 2013
Due to the very high levels of crime and violence still present in Honduras, and the fact that the local government lacks the resources to combat it, the Department of State continues to warn travelers to this region. Honduras currently has the highest murder rate in the world, and international travelers could be specifically targeted so all travel to Honduras should be avoided.
Republic of South Sudan – December 17th, 2013
Due to the ongoing political and social unrest in the Republic of South Sudan, the Department of State has suspended their Embassy services there until further notice. They therefore recommend that all travel to the Republic of South Sudan be avoided.
Libya – December 12th, 2013
The Libyan government is still working to rebuild its military and police forces and improve security following the 2011 revolution. The security situation remains unpredictable and unstable. Many military-grade weapons remain in the hands of private individuals, including antiaircraft weapons that may be used against civilian aviation. For this reason, the Department of State warns of the risks of traveling to Libya and strongly advises against all but essential travel to Tripoli.
While traveling, please keep these travel warnings in mind and remember to exercise extra care if you are visiting these countries, and check with your travel insurance provider to make sure you still have coverage in place – sometimes some benefits can be excluded for countries under a travel warning. Travelers are also advised to enroll through the U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to stay up to date on travel security information.
International Student Health Insurance for the University of Alabama – Tuscaloosa
January 3rd, 2014 by Bryanna DavisISI is offering our Student Secure plan which will meet the health insurance requirements for international students at the University of Alabama Tuscaloosa. Learn more by checking out their page.
The new year is here! This is great news for students who are ready for change and excited for new classes to start. For international students at the University of Alabama Tuscaloosa – it also means your deadline to enroll in international student health insurance is almost here!
Health Insurance Options at the University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
If you’re not sure where to start, it’s important to first know that your school offers a plan that you can purchase. However, the University of Alabama Tuscaloosa also allows international students to explore other insurance options as well. This means you can choose to purchase an alternate plan that will meet the following requirements:
- Unlimited dollar amounts for medical expenses incurred outside the student’s home country
- Has no pre-existing medical conditions exclusions
- $25,000 coverage for repatriation of mortal remains
- $50,000 coverage for emergency medical evacuation
- A deductible that does not exceed $350 per person per policy year for in-network care and does not exceed $750 per person per policy year for out-of-network care
If you decide to opt out of your school’s insurance plan, you will need to submit a compliance form to show that your alternate plan meets their requirements.
Waiving Out and Saving Money
If you are looking for options to save you money, one popular option is the Student Secure Budget plan as it provides comprehensive coverage anywhere in the US, including in Alabama, and will meet all of the University of Alabama Tuscaloosa’s insurance requirements.
Compare the costs here:
University of Alabama plan: $2,076 annually
Student Secure Budget plan: $513.24* annually
Annual savings: $1,562.76!
Along with saving you money, the Student Secure Budget plan will provide you coverage for doctor’s visits, hospitalization, maternity, mental health and wellness. It also includes emergency medical evacuation and repatriation of remains- two benefits that international students need.
Explore other insurance options and get more information on international student health insurance for the University of Alabama Tuscaloosa here! If you choose the Student Secure Budget, Select or Elite plans, after your purchase you are able to send us your waiver form to be completed!
Contact us for more information on how to buy international student health insurance for the University of Alabama Tuscaloosa.
*The Student Secure Budget rates are based upon those who are 24 years old or younger
Updated August 6, 2020
Top 5 Documents Needed When Studying Abroad
December 30th, 2013 by Jennifer Frankel
Planning your study abroad trip can be fun, but making sure you bring all the necessary documents can be painful to remember. After all, what should you bring and what should you leave at home? Don’t wake up the night before you leave stressing whether you’ve got everything packed. Plan ahead, so you’ll be prepared. Don’t only pack your airline tickets, but remember these documents while studying abroad:
1. Passport – This is the most important document you will bring with you. Pack it last, and remember where you put it! Not only that, but be sure to check if you need a visa to enter the country. There’s nothing worse than a long airplane flight only to find that you’ve got to return home since you don’t have the required documents. Don’t only contact your school about what you need, but confirm with your embassy. Be sure to print out a copy of your passport and visa so that you can leave the original in a safe place and just bring the copy with you.
2. Health Insurance ID Card – Many study abroad insurance plans now allow you to print the ID card or to present an electronic ID card. Some insurance plans may give you a physical ID card. Either way, be sure to carry your health insurance ID card with you to make sure you are covered in case the unexpected happens and you need to seek medical care.
3. International Immunization and Vaccination Records – Some countries require that you have certain vaccinations before you go abroad. Check the US Department of State’s website as they will indicate health concerns and what additional vaccinations you may need.
4. Drivers License – Many study abroad students bring their drivers license to verify their age (so you don’t have to go to a bar with your passport!), to conduct transactions requiring two forms of ID, and to drive in their host country. If you don’t have a drivers license, that’s okay. Many countries issue an official ID card that has your personal information so be sure to get one before you leave.
5. Contact Information – Staying in touch with family and friends is important. Bring important mailing addresses so that you can send postcards – because even though it’s going out of style, we can all admit that nothing beats getting a hand-written letter! Your cell phone may not work overseas, or you may choose to leave it at home. But with the internet (and the old fashion calling cards), you can stay in touch no matter where you travel – that is, as long as you have their phone numbers. Bring an address book, or put the information on your computer, so that you can keep in touch.
While we also recommend scanning your important documents into your computer and hosting it on the cloud. That way in case something gets stolen, or you lose your paperwork, you can more easily retrieve it. Good luck on your travels – and pack well! For another article of interest, check out our article on Preparing for Your Study Abroad Experience.
Let us know what you think the top documents are for studying abroad? Do you have something else that you found to be invaluable? Share it with us in the comments below or through Facebook, Google + and Twitter.
Why Study in Italy?
December 23rd, 2013 by Ross Mason
What is not to love about Italy? The food, the wine, the incredible countryside – the list goes on and on! It is also a destination of growing importance for international students as the number of international students studying in Italy has rocketed in the past 10 years. In the last 10 years alone, it has grown over 121% to just over 60,000 students who are from a foreign country – with over half coming from non-EU countries.
So, why study in Italy?
Cost of Living
One of the major draws for many students is the relatively cheap cost of living compared to other parts of Europe, especially if you select a school that is located outside of a major city. When you couple this with the relatively low cost of food, you can see why students select Italy over countries such as Norway, Sweden, and the UK where typically these costs are much more.
Cultural Immersion
From its famous landmarks, to unique regional and local cuisines and dialects, Italy has such as varied landscape that you will never be bored. It has something to offer all students and if you have the chance to travel the country, you will really see all the differences.
Education System
With 58 State Universities, and many more language center options – Italy has a wide ranging choice that will fit most students. Students will definitely find the right fit for them, and in many cases fluency in Italian is a not a requirement (but it does help).
These are just a few of the reasons why students study in Italy, to learn more about the country and if you plan to travel there don’t forget to pick up adequate Italian international student insurance coverage.
Backpackers Insurance Plans
December 20th, 2013 by Ross Mason
With your backpack strapped to your back, no real itinerary set out apart from a vague idea of where you want to go – the thrill of backpacking around the world is second-to-none! The friendships you also make along the way are some of the things that will make the trip what it is, but what you do not want is for something to come along and ruin it all for you. If there is one item therefore that you should take care of before you travel, it is to make sure you have checked out all the best Backpackers Insurance Plans and work out the one that will meet your needs.
As a traveler myself, there is nothing worse than getting sick or injuring when you are abroad. You are outside of your comfort zone, in a strange and foreign land – and the last thing you want to be doing is lying in bed. That is why it is so important to make sure you buy an insurance plan that will help you in the event something happens medically. There are many great insurance plans out there for backpackers, however some of them focus on the wrong benefits – trip cancellation, lost/stolen items, travel delay, missed departure, etc… The list goes on, and while they are excellent benefits to have, sometimes the more important benefits are the ones that get you help when you are sick or injured, when you really need help.
So here are a few things to consider:
Medical Care
Medical cover is the number 1 benefit you will want to make sure is rock solid! Not only should this cover hospitalization and doctors visits, but also medical evacuation (in case you are in a place where you need to be evacuated quickly), repatriation (in case the worst happens) and even emergency reunion (to bring your family to your bedside if you are hospitalized). Without these benefits, if you do get sick or injured you could be stuck without the benefits you need and could be having to pay for these things yourself.
Emergency Assistance
There is nothing worse that being abroad and trying to navigate a healthcare system where you have no idea how it is meant to work. Therefore access to an emergency assistance team 24 hours a team, ideally with toll free access around the world will really make the difference for you. They should be able to refer you to local providers and in some cases make all necessary arrangements for you to visit a provider. Having that helping hand is sometimes really useful!
Provider Payments
In some cases, it may be easier to just pay a provider and submit a claim form – but what if that bill gets too large? Will your insurance provider pay a provider direct? What are their threshold limits to do this? If an insurance plan will not pay a provider direct, it could leave you in hot water if you cannot pay them yourself. Therefore it’s always good to make sure your plan will work with providers around the world, and to see if there is a worldwide network they can tap into. Without this, you could be looking for a doctor yourself, and hope they can speak English!
The best advice is to always look at the insurance fine print and to work out what benefits are most important to you and if you are looking for a solid travel health insurance plan, the Atlas Travel is a great product, offering up to $1,000,000 in coverage with some hazardous/extreme sports included without any extra charge.
F1 Visa Students Have Work Opportunities Too
December 16th, 2013 by Victoria Troupe
College is expensive. It’s no secret, and many students find themselves working at least part-time to finance their education and living expenses. But working during college is not just about making money, it’s also about building a resume and gaining first-hand experience in your field of study. International students have even fewer options when they find themselves with empty pockets and an entry-level resume. But there are options for international students too!
As an F1 visa holder, you are considered an academic student in the US. You must maintain full-time status at an accredited university, college, or other academic institution that is authorized to accept international students. F-1 students are allowed to accept on-campus jobs, with certain restrictions and regulations, but are not allowed to work off-campus, like a typical US student can, during the first year of their academics. After the first year, your international office and the Department of Homeland Security can grant special permission for you to work off-campus. There are three program options that a student can apply for for off-campus work:
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
What is CPT? Check out this descriptive CPT article for more information.
Optional Practical Training (OPT) (pre-completion or post-completion)
What is OPT? Check out this descriptive OPT article for more information.
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Optional Practical Training Extension (OPT)
Graduates in the STEM fields – science, technology, engineering and mathematics – can apply to extend their OPT for an additional 17 months to increase their hands-on education. In this case, the total time available for post-graduation OPT can be up to 29 months.
All of these programs require your job to related directly to your area of study. Working off-campus without one of these three types of special permission is a huge violation of your F-1 visa and could result in the revocation of your visa. InternationalStudent.com has put together a comprehensive resource regarding this topic. Check out their Working in the US section for more information on eligibility and applying for these work opportunities.
Read more about OPT and CPT health insurance options
Keep in mind that it is crucial to have health insurance while in the USA to protect you from any unexpected illnesses or accidents while abroad. We offer student health insurance plans perfect for your F1 visa status:
Friday the 13th – International Superstitious Dates
December 13th, 2013 by Jennifer Frankel
Every US child knows to be careful of Friday the 13th. Ever since the 19th century, Friday the 13th has been a source of superstition. Several theories have been proposed concerning the origin of the Friday the 13th superstition, including the theory that it combines two already existing superstitions: that 13 is an unlucky number and that Friday is an unlucky day.
Though no one is quite sure of its origin, its impact is quite evident. Many people will purposely avoid doing anything significant—such as business meetings, socials, banquets, etc. — due to the belief that the day is cursed and will bring about ill fortune.
The idea of superstitious dates is not limited to the US, although the unlucky day varies according to different cultures. For example, in Italy it is not Friday the 13th, but Friday the 17th that is considered unlucky. In Italian culture, the number 17 is thought to be unlucky, because when it is viewed as the Roman numeral XVII, and then changed anagrammatically to VIXI, it reminds Italians of the Latin phrase meaning “I have lived,” the perfect tense implying “My life is over.”
Additionally, if Friday the 17th falls in November, that is considered to be the unluckiest day of all, because November 2 is memorial day to the deceased in Italy. When this occurs, November is referred to as “the month of the deceased.”
In Spanish speaking counries, it is not the date but the day that is different. Rather than Friday the 13th, Tuesday the 13th is traditionally unlucky. The Greeks also consider Tuesday (and especially the 13th) an unlucky day. The fall of Constantinople to the Fourth Crusade occurred on Tuesday, April 13, 1204, and the Fall of Constantinople to the Ottomans happened on Tuesday, May 29, 1453. Both events served to strengthen the superstition surrounding Tuesday. In addition, the name of the day in Greek is Triti (Τρίτη), meaning literally the third (day of the week). This adds weight to the superstition, as bad luck is said to come in threes.
In India, Friday the 13th is not considered to be unlucky, nor are there any superstitions connected to the number 13. However, Fridays in general are considered to be particularly auspicious days.
In case you were curious, the fear of Friday the 13th is called “friggatriskaidekaphobia” — try saying that five times fast!
