Health Insurance Plans for International Students

Insurance is Regulated by States

• Each state in the U.S. has its own regulations and laws regarding health insurance. International student medical insurance may be offered by independent health care insurance providers in a given state. It may also be offered through the university or college's student health department. International students may be able to discover their college's or local area's health care insurance options by contacting the college admissions office. In some instances, insurance plans may be available at a discounted rate for international students.
  
  For example, Oregon State University requires that its non-resident international students are covered by health insurance that meets not only OSU requirements, but also the requirements of the State of Oregon and the visa requirements of the U.S. government. At this university, international students are required to enroll in a specific plan, the OSU International Student Insurance Plan. Other universities differ.
  
  

Insurance Requirements

• Virtually every U.S. university and college that accepts international students on a visa will require the student to provide proof of financial ability before enrollment is accepted. If a student cannot prove that he is able to provide his own financial support or is otherwise ineligible to enroll in a study program within the U.S., his enrollment may be denied. Having appropriate health care insurance coverage in place is an important aspect of proving financial ability.
  
  

Levels of Coverage Available

• The cost of health care insurance for international students depends on a variety of factors. The state, the institution, the insurer, the student's medical history, and the terms and limits of the plan all influence cost. Students who generally experience good health may want to enroll in the most basic of coverage that satisfies their school's requirements. Students who have a condition that requires medical attention and those who want great freedom and flexibility associated with their medical care may want a higher cost option.
  
  

Consequences of Non-insurance

• International students may face consequences if they do not comply with their college's mandate. At some colleges, students who register for at least one educational credit hour have the cost of their health insurance premium charged automatically to their student account. If the student neglects to pay the amount charged, his account may be flagged and his registration placed on hold. If an international student is otherwise insured through a different program, the student may have the opportunity to submit evidence of other insurance and to request a waiver for a limited time. In some instances of inability to cover medical expenses, the individual may have to forfeit student status and return to his home country.