Dr Mohammad Shafiq
Health insurance works as a backup payment for your medical expenses. Of course, you have to pay a monthly premium payment. A health insurance for international students in USA covers all medical costs, like unexpected accidents, injuries, or damages, and saves them from severe financial risk.
According to Census.gov, around 92.1% of people, or 304.0 million people, will have health insurance in 2022. In the USA, international students make up 5.6% of the total U.S. student population. Around 15.64 million students have health insurance out of 17 million.
The U.S. healthcare system is a combination of private and public care to provide service for more than 330 million people. The country has several public health insurance companies, such as Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children's Health Insurance Program.
Health insurance can be beneficial for individuals and families to access various health services, prevent diseases, and protect individuals from unexpected, high medical costs. It is also associated with better health outcomes, reduced death rates, and increased productivity. Besides, tobacco users will be motivated to quit their tobacco consumption as it leads to double or triple premium payments.
According to the USA State Department, international students have no particular insurance requirements. However, it is important to maintain adequate health insurance while studying in the USA.
Most universities have specific health insurance plans for international students to cover their medical needs and expenses. It helps them meet unexpected medical costs in case of an emergency. The best part is that university-specific health insurance plans have a low cost compared to outside private insurance.
There are a lot of university or college health insurance plans in the USA. Their cost ranges from $1500 to $2500 per year. It will vary depending on the additional features and extras. International students will get more advantages if they choose a plan before coming to the USA. It enables you to use your healthcare information in your visa application. However, high-benefit plans are a bit expensive as they are ACA-compliant.
A good number of private health insurance plans are available in the USA. If you want more tailored coverage and flexibility, private health insurance plans are an excellent choice. Besides, you can choose a particular hospital and doctor based on your preference. International students will also enjoy tax benefits and mental health coverage, as well as specialized drugs and treatments. You will have faster access to medical services, ensuring less waiting time.
International students can use their European Health Insurance Card in the European Union (E.U.), Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. However, international students can use them only in public healthcare providers.
They are not eligible for use by private healthcare providers. Besides, some health insurance plans may work in the USA if the company is multinational and has an office there. Of course, the rules and regulations must comply with the U.S. healthcare policy. Also, you can't use an EHIC card if you live in the USA for less than six months.
The government healthcare system of the USA is cost-effective. However, there is limited access to such services, especially for international students, as they are typically not eligible for most programs. It is best to choose a reliable healthcare program before studying in the USA.
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It is crucial to consider the cost of premiums, deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance to ensure affordability and understanding of out-of-pocket expenses for comprehensive coverage.
Another mandatory point that should not be overlooked is the coverage area. You must consider what is included in the plant and what is not. Check and review each plan to find the best option based on your health needs, budget, and preferences. It will provide comprehensive benefits and minimize potential gaps in medical services.
International students must consider the hospitals, doctors, and specialists they will have access to from the specific health insurance plan. It will ensure students get their preferred healthcare providers and facilities, enhancing the overall effectiveness of the coverage.
Most U.S. health insurance is only eligible for U.S. residents. It will cover only your particular state or some certain states. A few health insurance companies may provide coverage if you travel or visit your home country. It is only applicable to emergencies. Read their terms, rules, and regulations to have a clear overview of their services.
Previewing the policy of pre-existing condition exclusions is necessary to understand limitations on coverage for existing health issues, prevent surprises, and ensure comprehensive protection.
The first important step for obtaining health insurance as an international student is understanding your insurance needs and budget. It should align with your medical requirements while you remain financially manageable. You should not extremely struggle to pay the premium.
The next step is researching and comparing all potential health insurance options to identify the most suitable coverage. You don't want to overlook important attributes like personal health needs, budget constraints, network preferences, and extra benefits during the comparison. This will help you make the most out of it.
The following are the common documents an international USA student will need to apply for health insurance in the USA:
Once you choose a plan, understand how it works to maximize its benefits, avoid surprises, and ensure optimal utilization of coverage. It will enhance overall healthcare and financial well-being. You will get your insurance card from the company. Present it to the healthcare providers to get the coverage.
You can read various case studies of international students from online sources to get real-world insights. It will help you understand how the particular health insurance plan works in various healthcare situations, let you make informed decisions, and maximize coverage benefits.
International students may face various challenges while choosing a health insurance plan in the USA. Some common challenges are given below:
You can follow the below-mentioned suggestions to tackle challenges in choosing a health insurance plan:
Illness and unexpected accidents can occur at any time, anywhere. The average medical cost of a USA resident is around $12,900. This country has one of the most expensive healthcare systems. Health insurance for international students in USA can save them from paying a huge amount of money during any illness or accident. Before choosing a particular option, contact your preferred health insurance provider and clear your queries properly. Also, keep in touch with some experts who can give you valuable suggestions and advice to avoid making expensive mistakes.
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