The Variables In An International Student Health Insurance

Mar 26, 2010 by BusinessBlogger

It is almost a no brainer that when you travel abroad for studies you need to have an international student health insurance. Many universities in US mandate the need to have insurance but even otherwise it is a very sane decision to take. The first reason is that being exposed to new environmental conditions, your chances of falling sick or affecting your health increase.

There are also other risks of travel including dilemmas with travel trips, Visa, your plans while you are studying etc. All these need the protection of insurance to ensure your plans are not dashed by a sudden health issue that has proven to be very expensive. Choosing international student health insurance generally revolves around the terms and the coverage.

Premium per month and coverage

Student insurance could be basic or a select plan. A basic plan could incur a premium of 25 – 30 dollars and a total coverage of up to 200,000 dollars while a select insurance will buy more coverage of around 300,000 dollars.

Deductible

This is the amount you will have to pay. Higher deductible means you will have to pay fewer premiums but a greater part of the costs if and when you incur. Lower deductible means higher premium. Usually it could range anywhere between 100 dollars to 2000 dollars. There is another term in international student health insurance called coinsurance which is the ratio of the costs to be paid by the student with the insurance and the insurance company. 80% coverage means the company pays 80% of the expenses.

Prescription Medication

This is another variable that finds mention in an international student health insurance. This takes care of the prescription drugs which some students need for various medical reasons. Another variable related to this is the pre-existing medical issues. Some provide coverage for pre-existing conditions like asthma while others do not. There is also a stipulation laid by the university.

Other costs

International student health insurance includes various other features which find their place in the insurance and you need to decide what you need and raise the premium and what you can do without. Some insurance give you accidental dental issues’ coverage. Physical therapy and therapeutic treatment are also optional costs. Sports coverage where a student sustains injuries while playing game is another optional feature.

One can also choose the kind of treatment which could change the premium and the policy cost itself. This includes the kind of outpatient treatment and intensive care unit facilities available as per the coverage. You will be able to avail the local ambulance costs which have a certain limit in cases where hospitalization for the medical issue is required.

Other medical charges could include those made by surgeons, radiologists, anesthesiologists and other specialists and the charges made for sutures, casts and other physician recommended supplies except those which are meant for reuse at home. These charges will also cover maternity coverage and newborn care or the costs of any medical complications during the period.

To know more about other variables used in international student health insurance and international student medical insurance, you can visit zinternationalstudent.com