If you've done any research into studying internationally, you know that most schools require that you carry international student insurance. This is a good requirement, since domestic health insurance policies do not cover medical expenses incurred abroad, and it is in the best interest of each international student to carry such insurance. However, the university's plan may not be in the best interest of the student.
When it comes to international student insurance, there are options! Unfortunately, many students simply sign up for the plan the university offers without doing any research. What an irony! Students travel across the world to study, yet they don't spend any time researching their options for how to best take care of themselves! Students incorrectly assume that the university plan is their only option, or that it is the most affordable, or that shopping around for other policies would be too time consuming. They couldn't be more wrong!
The University's Plan is not your only option.
There are a myriad of companies that offer policies for international students. In most cases universities have requirements for coverage, but they do not require students to purchase their plan. Those requirements can be met by purchasing an individual policy that allows you to set the price and choose your desired type of coverage. It may well be that the university plan does not cater to your specific medical needs the way other policies could.
The University's Plan is not always the most affordable.
You may assume that since your school works with many other international students, that they offer the most affordable policy. This may well not be the case. In many instances you can find a less expensive policy elsewhere. Even in those instances where the university policy costs less, a private policy purchased through an independent company may still be the most affordable in the long run. Consider this: if you purchase a low-cost policy with a high deductible that requires that you pay many of the everyday medical costs (prescription drugs, doctor's visits) out-of-pocket, you may end up paying more in the long run. Looking beyond the university's plan allows you the flexibility to look for exactly what you want.
Shopping for International Student Insurance is Easy.
Not only is shopping around for your international student insurance going to make certain you get the product you want at the best price, it is also very easy. It's always good to research a few different internet sites. Hundreds of dollars can be saved by spending a few minutes discovering what is available.
Chances are, if you are about to study abroad, you didn't just choose the first school you saw. You did some research, evaluated the pros and cons, and chose the school that would best enable you to meet your educational goals, while staying in line with your financial ones. Why should insuring your health while at school be any different?
When it comes to international student insurance, there are options! Unfortunately, many students simply sign up for the plan the university offers without doing any research. What an irony! Students travel across the world to study, yet they don't spend any time researching their options for how to best take care of themselves! Students incorrectly assume that the university plan is their only option, or that it is the most affordable, or that shopping around for other policies would be too time consuming. They couldn't be more wrong!
The University's Plan is not your only option.
There are a myriad of companies that offer policies for international students. In most cases universities have requirements for coverage, but they do not require students to purchase their plan. Those requirements can be met by purchasing an individual policy that allows you to set the price and choose your desired type of coverage. It may well be that the university plan does not cater to your specific medical needs the way other policies could.
The University's Plan is not always the most affordable.
You may assume that since your school works with many other international students, that they offer the most affordable policy. This may well not be the case. In many instances you can find a less expensive policy elsewhere. Even in those instances where the university policy costs less, a private policy purchased through an independent company may still be the most affordable in the long run. Consider this: if you purchase a low-cost policy with a high deductible that requires that you pay many of the everyday medical costs (prescription drugs, doctor's visits) out-of-pocket, you may end up paying more in the long run. Looking beyond the university's plan allows you the flexibility to look for exactly what you want.
Shopping for International Student Insurance is Easy.
Not only is shopping around for your international student insurance going to make certain you get the product you want at the best price, it is also very easy. It's always good to research a few different internet sites. Hundreds of dollars can be saved by spending a few minutes discovering what is available.
Chances are, if you are about to study abroad, you didn't just choose the first school you saw. You did some research, evaluated the pros and cons, and chose the school that would best enable you to meet your educational goals, while staying in line with your financial ones. Why should insuring your health while at school be any different?