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Medical care is very expensive in the United States, and consequently, insurance is a necessity, not a luxury. You must navigate the world of insurance, and to do that successfully, you must understand at least the rudiments of international student insurance.

Every international student must have health insurance. Your institution will likely offer an insurance plan that might be automatically applied to your account, unless you opt out of it. They require that students provide proof of insurance before they register for courses. If a student has similar insurance from elsewhere, the college -sponsored plan can be waived.

Students who are U.S. citizens might already have coverage through their parents’ insurance policy. However, international students must enrol in an international student insurance plan, either through the college or purchase outside insurance. College- sponsored plans may be more convenient, but they are often inflexible, may not offer all the benefits that you want, and may also be more expensive than other plans in the market.

There are two ways to go about purchasing international student insurance outside the college: calling an agent or checking prices online. Going the online route can provide the convenience, flexibility and non-pushy atmosphere that an international student will benefit from to make the best choice.

Coverage for dependents is an important factor when shopping for international student insurance plans online. However, they can be added to the international student health insurance plan. They can also be covered under separate short-term insurance plans.

If an international student decides to purchase outside international student health insurance, the college may require a waiver form to be filled. To sign this, the student must have insurance that satisfies the college’s specified criteria. With a simple phone call, most online insurance Web sites will be able to guide and suggest insurance products that meet the criteria.

Some usual benefits of international student health insurance are consultation and hospitalization, prescription drugs, maternity, mental health, emergency medical evacuation, accidental death and dismemberment, and repatriation of remains in case of death. Most plans also cover sports injuries, in addition to medical diagnostic tests.

International student health insurance is only valid until the plan holder remains a full- time student. If a student is under the Optional Practical Training period after graduation, he/she must look for other insurance. A good option for that time is a short-term insurance plan.

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