Health insurance for international students in the US
The US is a popular choice for international students, but understanding health insurance can be tricky. Here, we explain how the healthcare system works and why international students need a healthcare plan while studying in the US
Grace McCabe
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Healthcare in the United States is very different from systems in other countries as there is no national or universal healthcare system that international students can access.
Anyone who needs health insurance in the US must choose from individual private care providers and the plans they have on offer. International students will need to research health insurance options before they begin their studies in the US so that they are covered as soon as they arrive.
Why should I take out healthcare insurance in the US?
Medical costs that you may incur in the US can be expensive and difficult to cover without help. With an X-ray costing from $100 (£82) to $22,000 depending on the area of the body, these are expenses that may be too much for an international student to keep up with.
However, there are health insurance plans that can cover you for most medical expenses. For example, students can find low-cost plans designed specifically for students. By taking out a plan that covers you as an international student away from your home country, you will be covered for any medical care or treatment that you might need while at university.
How much does healthcare cost in the US for international students?
Each policy will vary depending on your university, state or health background. Some universities offer a plan in which all students must enrol so they know that everyone attending the institution is covered. Your visa category may affect what requirements you need to meet when applying.
If a plan isn’t offered by your university, there are other ways to take out a health insurance plan.
Health insurance plans for university students can start from $1,500 to $2,500 annually and increase depending on added extras and features you might want on your plan; for example, sport cover for athletes may have more cover for a higher cost. Often international students will receive a better deal if they find and begin their plan before they come to the US. You can then use that healthcare information in your visa application.
How does health insurance work in the US?
Each type of health cover works slightly differently.
Healthcare insurance providers based in the US are part of a network where they can pay your medical bills directly to the doctor, hospital or clinic and remove the need for you to pay anything yourself. These plans often come with a set amount of cover: for example, two X-rays a year and one specialist appointment. Sometimes you will be asked to pay an excess, too, which might be $100 or so, but the provider will then cover the rest.
Some providers will reimburse you for any costs you paid up front. However, this does mean that you may have to pay a few thousand dollars initially before you get any money back. It’s important to check with your chosen supplier how financing your medical bills works to avoid being caught out by this step.
Finally, some insurance companies ask all clients to fill out claim forms and submit documentation to support their claim before they decide whether to pay out on the claim or not. This does not guarantee your costs will always be covered. If the insurance company finds that you have broken any rules or lied on your application about anything, they may not cover you at all, so ensure you are honest and include all your details from the beginning.
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How can I find the right insurance plan?
Many universities in the US offer a group plan to students, so you can speak to them about what is covered. However, there are other plans that students can choose if their university does not offer cover.
Some universities offer a healthcare plan that students must buy separately, while others recommend affordable health insurance for international students that they believe will fit their students’ needs.
To choose the best plan, you should consider the following questions:
- What can I afford to pay in a medical emergency?
- What is the cost of the insurance plan?
- What can I afford to pay monthly/annually for cover?
- Do I have any current illnesses that need healthcare cover?
- Is there a chance I might need medical care in the future?
- Do I play any sports for which I should have medical insurance?
Once you understand the type of cover you need and how much you can afford, you can begin to compare the plans on offer and choose the one that fits you best. Make sure you fully research each plan and cross-check that it offers all the cover you need. The cheapest choice might not cover everything, so check all the details.
How do international students get healthcare in the US?
Here are the steps to secure health insurance as an international student:
- Check if your university has a plan that covers your needs.
- Ask them if the cost is covered by your tuition payments or whether there is an added charge.
- Search for companies that offer health insurance for international students in the US.
- Check with health insurance brokers who may be able to get you a good deal.
- List what you need from your health cover and compare it to the plans you have on offer.
- Check whether you can include dependents (if applicable).
- Select the most suitable plan for you and pay.
What are recommended health insurance plans for international students?
Many companies offer health insurance plans for international students. Highly rated ones for international students include:
- IMG Global – Patriot Exchange Program, Student Health Advantage and Student Health Advantage Platinum
- Cigna Global
- Allianz Worldwide Care – Allianz Care Basic, Allianz Care Pro and Allianz Care Plus
- Foyer Global Health – Essential, Special and Exclusive
- HCCMIS – StudentSecure
- GeoBlue
- Global Underwriters – Diplomat America plan
- Now Health International
