Health Insurance When Studying in the U.S: What International Students Need to Know | IDP Vietnam

Buying health insurance when studying in the U.S. is not only a mandatory requirement for many schools, but also a smart and necessary financial decision. Here are the reasons why you should buy health insurance when studying in the U.S.:

2.1. Mandatory Requirements from Universities

The majority of universities and colleges in the U.S. require international students to have health insurance as a prerequisite for admission and student status. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in denial of admission, loss of visa status, or inadmissibility to enroll in courses. In addition, possession of valid health insurance is also a condition for maintaining your F-1 visa status .

2.2. Medical costs in the US are quite expensive

The health system in the US is famous for the world's top quality of service, but it comes with extremely expensive costs. A typical medical visit can cost 100-200 USD, while the cost of a surgery or treatment for a serious illness can reach tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. Without insurance, you will have to pay the entire amount yourself, resulting in facing a huge financial burden.

2.3. Ensuring health care benefits and risk prevention

When studying and living in a brand new country, international students often face many changes in their living environment, climate, and living habits, which can affect your health. Health insurance helps prevent health risks, ensuring you have access to high-quality medical services immediately when you need them, without worrying about costs. At the same time, this brings peace of mind, helping you focus fully on learning and experiencing a new life.

3.1. Insurance packages provided by the university

Many universities and colleges in the U.S. will offer separate health insurance plans for international students. This is usually the most popular and safest option because these packages have been designed to fully meet the school's and visa requirements, and often have a medical network directly linked to on-campus medical services. The application and payment process is also very simple as the cost of insurance is usually integrated directly into the school's tuition fees. However, school insurance plans usually cost more than private plans, and you also have fewer choices in coverage.

3.2. Private insurance plans for international students

In addition to the university's insurance plans, you can also purchase health insurance while studying in the U.S. from private insurance companies that specialize in offering packages specifically for international students. These plans are typically more flexible in terms of benefits and costs, allowing you to choose the plan that best suits your needs and budget. However, when choosing private insurance, you need to make sure that it meets all the university's insurance requirements, has a network of hospitals and clinics near you, and ensures timely support throughout your study abroad.

3.3. Insurances through organizations

Some study abroad consulting organizations or international educational institutions may also partner with insurance providers to provide health insurance packages for international students. For example, IDP Education has partnered with IFS (International Student Insurance) to provide a comprehensive health insurance solution with a global coverage for international students in the United States.

The cost of health insurance for international students in the U.S. can fluctuate significantly depending on many factors such as age, duration of coverage, coverage of benefits, and insurance provider. On average, the cost of health insurance for international students can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per year. When choosing, you should not only look at the monthly premium, but also carefully consider the deductibles, copays, and maximum payment limits to choose the insurance plan that best suits your needs and financial capabilities.

To choose the right health insurance package when studying in the US, you need to consider many factors to ensure that the insurance not only meets the requirements of the school but also suits your needs and budget. Here are the important factors you need to keep in mind.

5.1. Scope of benefits of insurance

The scope of benefits directly determines how you will be covered when you need medical care. Therefore, before buying, you need to read the contract carefully to understand what services are covered and the limit of payment, including:
• Medical examination and treatment: Expenses for doctor's examination, testing, and diagnostic imaging.
• Hospitalization: Expenses for hospital room, surgery, and intensive care.
• Medications: The cost of prescription medications as prescribed by a doctor.
• Mental health care: Some insurance plans may include psychological counseling services and psychiatric treatment.
• Dental and Ophthalmology: Some plans may include basic dental and vision benefits, but you will often need to purchase an additional plan to use this benefit (dental & vision plan)
• Emergency: Emergency medical expenses and transportation.

Make sure that the plan you choose must meet the minimum benefits and payment limits. Don't forget to double-check your school's insurance requirements before purchasing to avoid being denied admission or having to purchase an additional package.

5.2. Network of hospitals and clinics

When choosing health insurance, give preference to companies with extensive networks of hospitals, clinics, and doctors, especially in areas close to schools and where you live. This will make it easier for you to access medical services when you need them without having to travel too far.

You also need to understand the difference between in-network and out-of-network coverage. Using in-network medical services will save you significant costs, as medical facilities have signed agreements with insurance companies. Conversely, if you use an out-of-network service, the cost will be much higher.

5.3. Validity period of insurance

Generally, the insurance will be effective from the date of official enrollment or the date you arrive in the U.S. In addition, most U.S. student insurance plans are valid throughout official school holidays (such as summer vacation, Thanksgiving, winter break) as long as you remain enrolled in the school. However, if you decide not to enroll in a particular semester or leave the U.S. for an extended period of time, you need to double-check the terms of your policy to make sure you're still protected.

5.4. Insurance costs and deductibles

• Premium: The amount you pay periodically (monthly, quarterly, yearly) to maintain your coverage.
• Deductible: The amount you have to pay for medical expenses out of pocket before the insurance starts paying. The higher the deductible, the lower the premium, and vice versa. International students need to consider their financial ability to choose the appropriate deduction.
• Claim: Even if you only have a minor cold or an injury such as a broken arm, you can submit a claim to your insurance company for partial or full reimbursement of the cost of treatment. Usually, the insurance will pay the remaining cost after deducting the deductible and coinsurance.
• Coinsurance: After you've paid the deductible, coinsurance is a percentage of your medical expenses that you have to pay out of pocket, with the rest covered by your insurance. For example, at an 80/20 ratio, the insurance company will pay 80% of the cost, and you will cover the remaining 20%.
• Copay: Copay is a fixed amount of money that you pay every time you use medical services or buy a drug, regardless of the actual total cost. For example, last month you went to the doctor and paid a fixed co-payment. This month you come back with a cough and need an X-ray – even though it costs more, you're still paying the same co-payment as last time.
• Expenses: The total amount you pay for medical services, including deductibles, coinsurance, and copays. Simply put, this is the part of health care costs that are not covered by insurance. For example, if your surgery costs $1,000 and the deductible is $200, you'll pay the full amount out of pocket until this $200 is full. After that, you only need to pay the co-payment – let's say $100 – and the insurance will cover the rest ($700).
• Affordable Care Act (ACA): This is a health reform law enacted in the United States in 2010, with the goal of expanding access to health insurance for the uninsured and improving the health insurance market. Many universities in the U.S. require students to have a health insurance plan that meets the ACA standards as soon as they enter the school, to ensure that you are fully protected throughout your studies.

The process of applying for health insurance for international students in the U.S. typically includes the following steps:

Step 1: Check the school's requirements

Visit the website or contact the International Student Services or Student Health Center directly to find out if:

• Whether the school is required to buy school insurance or not.

• Does the tuition fee you pay include insurance?

In addition, you also need to understand the minimum insurance standards if you want to buy insurance plans offered by private units or organizations.

Step 2: Review the Waiver Policy

Many schools allow students to deny school insurance if you purchase outside insurance that meets the standard.

If applicable, you'll need:

• Fill out the waiver form provided by the school.

• Attach an insurance certificate for approval by the school.

Step 3: Choose the right insurance plan

Consider between insurance provided by the university and insurance from private entities. Besides, don't forget to compare factors such as benefits, cost levels, hospital networks, and validity periods. An important factor you need to keep in mind is to choose insurance that is valid throughout the entire semester and vacations.

Step 4: Pay and activate insurance

If you purchase insurance through the school, the premium will usually be charged together with the tuition fee and automatically activated when you enroll. On the contrary, if you buy external insurance, you will need to pay directly to the provider, then get the insurance card and manual.

Whichever form you choose, double-check the effective date of the policy to avoid falling into a coverage gap, when you are not covered but may still incur medical expenses.

In order to use health insurance when studying in the US effectively and avoid unnecessary troubles, you need to note the following:

7.1. Always carry your Insurance ID Card

An insurance card is proof that you have health insurance. Always carry this card with you or save an electronic copy on your phone in case you need to see a doctor, hospital, or buy medicines. The information on the card will help medical providers verify your coverage and process claims.

7.2. Understand the scope and limitation of benefits

Understand what services are covered by insurance and what is not covered by insurance. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact your insurance company or international student support for answers.

7.3. Priority use of in-network services

To optimize costs and benefits, try to use hospitals or clinics that are in-network of your plan. This list of hospitals or clinics is usually available on the insurance company's website or through their mobile app.

7.4. Extension of insurance on time

Make sure to renew your coverage before the policy expires to avoid coverage gaps. If your coverage is interrupted, you will not be covered when you need medical care and may violate school requirements or visa conditions – which can seriously affect your studies and stay.

With more than 40 years of experience providing insurance to international students, Insurance for Students (IFS) is more than just a health insurance package – it also provides peace of mind for both students and parents from the moment they arrive in the United States. For only $2,074 for 12 months, IFS offers a reasonable, unlimited fee during the holiday season like many of the university's insurance plans. Global coverage, extensive medical network in the U.S., and unlimited coverage for each illness or disability ensure you are always fully protected.

The big plus of IFS also lies in the fast registration process, 24/7 support services not only for medical issues but also mental health, financial advice, legal support and many other valuable services. In addition, IDP and IFS are always ready to support international students through their website, hotline, and quick response – helping you study and live in the U.S. with peace of mind.

Purchasing the insurance packages offered by IDP not only meets the requirements of the university but also offers benefits that are superior to many other insurance plans.

Contact IDP to choose the right insurance plan for you

Health insurance when studying in the U.S. is not only a mandatory expense but also a smart investment in your health. Thorough research, choosing the right insurance plan and mastering how to use it will help you feel absolutely secure, avoid unexpected financial risks and focus entirely on your studies. Hopefully, the above information will help you best prepare for your study abroad journey.

If you still have questions about health insurance while studying in the U.S., don't hesitate to contact IDP for advice and support completely free of charge. IDP also provides essential support services for international students through finding housing, booking airline tickets at discounted rates, international money transfers, and opening bank accounts for international students, equipping them with pre-departure sessions.

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