If you are an international student, you’ll soon realize that the first thing that Hollywood did not prepare you for is the high cost of U.S. healthcare. You must navigate the world of insurance, and to do that successfully, you must understand at least the rudiments of international student medical insurance.

Most colleges and universities require that a student be adequately insured when enrolling as a full-time student. Usually, colleges and universities have a basic student insurance plan in place that students are enrolled in by default. Students can opt out of the college-sponsored plan by providing proof that they have other comparable health insurance coverage.

U.S. students may be eligible for insurance under their parents insurance plan and may not purchase any additional insurance. International students must either enroll in the college-sponsored plan or look for international student health insurance elsewhere. Oftentimes, outside coverage is less expensive than the college-sponsored plan, and is much more flexible.

If you opt for a international student health insurance outside the college, you can either contact an agent, or search for plans on the Internet. Several comparison sites help you to compare the prices and coverage of plans in a relaxed environment, so that you can make the best decision for you.

Coverage for dependents is an important factor when shopping for international student insurance plans online. Dependents cannot be covered under student insurance plans separately they must either be added to the student’s health insurance plan, or purchase other short-term coverage.

To release their liability, most colleges require an international student to sign a waiver in case he/she opts for outside insurance. To sign this, the student must have insurance that satisfies the college’s specified criteria. Insurance comparison sites that provide a range of insurance products are usually able to clarify questions about this aspect.

Some usual benefits of international student health insurance are consultation and hospitalization, prescription drugs, maternity, mental health, emergency medical evacuation, accidental death and dismemberment, and repatriation of remains in case of death. Most plans also cover sports injuries, in addition to medical diagnostic tests.

International student health insurance is only valid until the plan holder remains a full-time student. Coverage may not extend to the Optional Practical Training period after graduation. Short-term insurance plans provide good coverage for such stop-gap insurance needs.

Dan Miller often writes about international student insurance.

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