International Student Insurance -A mandatory requirement under the U.S. laws.

Most American colleges and universities have on-campus clinics and health care services for students which are generally free or nominally charged. However, the university health services are limited to only minor health issues. Emergency medical care and serious health problems are always taken care of by the hospitals. Since medical care is very expensive in the U.S. all International Students attending American universities on F1/J1/M1 visas are required by federal law to have mandatory Medical Insurance that covers them, their spouses and children against unforeseen events. International Student Health Insurance plans cover medical expenses (pre-existing conditions & pregnancy may be covered), prescription drugs expenses, emergency medical evacuation and repatriation etc.

International Student Insurance plans are designed according to the special needs of international students enrolled in the U.S. universities. Spouses and children (dependents) of international students (F1 visa) are also eligible for these plans. International Students and their dependents (F4 visa) are usually not eligible for mainstream U.S. health insurance coverage because most of mainstream policies require local residency (6 months to 2 years) or US citizenship.

International Student Insurance plans focus on providing coverage for medical expenses resulting from sudden illness or injuries during your period of study. International Student Insurance plans typically offer coverage for 4 or more years.

A few plans for international students offer maternity coverage provided conception occurs after a certain period of coverage (can range from 3 months to 2 years).

It is strongly recommended that students purchase the medical insurance from Indian companies before leaving for the United States, for the simple reason that you will get the same insurance cover as available in the U.S., but at 30-40% of the cost.

To the right are links to all the prominent Indian as well as U.S. based companies providing student insurance. You can navigate all these links and compare the different plans based on their price and different offerings. You can then select the one that suits you the best and purchase it directly on that company's website through online payment.

International Student Health Insurance-The Benefits

Most plans under the U.S. Immigrant Medical Insurance category offer the following benefits. General descriptions of the various benefits are offered below. Please note each plan may have unique requirements for offering these benefits and you are encouraged to review the individual policy brochures or policy certificate.

Emergency Medical Expenses

International Student Insurance plan will pay for Hospital, in-patient and out-patient medical expenses incurred due to the treatment of injuries or illness occurring during the trip. Covered expenses include hospital room, intensive care, surgery, diagnostics, X-rays, tests etc.

Dental Expenses

Most International Student Insurance plans include accidental dental coverage (expenses related to teeth injured in an accident) but very few offer emergency dental coverage (expenses related to sudden tooth ache, infection etc.).

Organ Transplants

Most International Student Insurance plans include coverage for expenses related to organ transplants.

Preventive & Wellness Checkups

Most International Student Insurance plans include coverage to visits to hospitals for preventive and wellness checkups. Most of the tests conducted are covered.

Prescription Drugs

Most International Student Insurance plans treat prescription drugs as emergency medical expenses and hence covered.

Pregnancy & Maternity Expenses

In the event of pregnancy and childbirth a few select plans will pay for the associated costs. This benefits is only available to those who have been covered by the plan for a certain minimum number of months (the minimum number varies by the plan).

Emergency Medical Evacuation

If the attending Physician determines that adequate medical treatment is not locally available, the plan will pay for evacuation to the nearest adequate medical facility.

When Emergency Medical Evacuation or Repatriation is ordered and the attending Physician recommends that a family member travel with the Insured, the program will pay for the costs of a person accompanying the insured.

Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D)

In case the Insured is injured or dies in an accident during the Trip, the policy will offer certain pre-determined amounts for loss of life, loss of one limb, loss of two limbs, loss of eyes etc.

Flight Accident or Common Carrier Accidental Death & Dismemberment(CADD)

In case the Insured is injured or dies on a commercial flight during the trip, the policy will offer certain pre-determined amounts for loss of life, loss of one limb, loss of two limbs, loss of eyes etc.

Home-country Coverage

During a long USA stay (H1B, H4, J1 workers, F1, F4 students, Green Card holders awaiting citizenship) if you have to make unexpected short incidental trips to your Home Country the plan can extend coverage in India as well.