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Health Insurance Plans to Study Abroad
Gaining acceptance into a college and pursuing higher education abroad requires extensive preparation. This preparation goes beyond just focusing on academics and includes various other requirements such as completing numerous paperwork for admission and visa applications. However, one crucial aspect that often gets overlooked is the importance of having health insurance plans.
1. Health Insurance Plans for Study Abroad
For international students who are starting a new life in a foreign country, health insurance plans can be a lifesaver and are mostly a prerequisite of the host country. When students decide to study abroad, they often overlook the importance of considering health problems and how to handle them. However, this does not diminish the seriousness and significance of having insurance. Without adequate insurance coverage, even a small ambulance bill or a dental filling can significantly impact a student's budget. Therefore, it is highly recommended for students starting their journey in a new place to have insurance coverage. In the worst-case scenario, these healthcare plans also cover hospital bills and the cost of evacuation.
2. Health Insurance Terminology
Before delving into the specifics of different health insurance plans to study abroad available for students, let's first explain some commonly used terms related to insurance:
Claim: A claim is sent if an accident occurs. You can do this by hand or online. You usually need to submit receipts, reports, and photos with this.
Premium: This is what you pay every month/every six months/annually or one time, to get an insurance cover.
Deductible: The deductible is simply part of the risk you’re taking on in case of trouble. This is a predetermined amount that you must pay in an insurance claim BEFORE the insurance coverage kicks in and the provider begins paying you. Once you pay your deductible, the insurance provider will pay you the rest of the claim value up to the policy limits and conditions. A deductible can range significantly and will impact your premiums; the higher your deductible, the lower your monthly costs generally are.
Co-Insurance: Beyond your deductible, your plan might include co-insurance payments, which is a percentage of what you’ll be charged after your deductible is reached/exceeded. This is typically a percentage, like 10%.
Let’s say your health insurance plan’s allowed amount for an office visit is 2100 INR and your coinsurance is 20%.
If you’ve paid your deductible: You pay 20% of 16600 INR, or 340 INR, while your insurance provider pays the rest.
If you haven’t paid the deductible: you pay the total allowed amount of 1600 INR.
Keep in mind that allowable costs increase for insurance against high medical costs, changing the above-mentioned scenario.
Co-payment or co-pay: This is similar to a co-insurance provision, except that co-pays require the insured to pay a fixed amount directly to the doctor when services are rendered.
In and out of network: When you have health insurance in the United States, it will likely fall into one of two categories HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) or PPO (Preferred Provider Organization). With an HMO plan, you pick one primary care physician. All your health care services go through that doctor. That means that you need a referral before you can see any other healthcare professional, except in an emergency. PPO plans give you flexibility. You don’t need a primary care physician. You can go to any healthcare professional you want without a referral.
3. Benefits of Health Insurance Plans for Abroad Studies
Some of the benefits which make student insurance a must for every student are listed below:
No Government-Sponsored Healthcare: Without a government-backed insurance plan, students studying abroad may face significant hospital bills if they experience health issues. Depending on the location, these bills can be very expensive and disrupt a student's time studying abroad. Having health insurance in such cases can cover unexpected costs and allow students to continue studying in their chosen location.
Subsidized Doctor Fee: In the United States, the average cost of a single doctor visit without insurance ranges from 8300 INR to 16600 INR. For a simple emergency room visit or overnight stay, the cost can escalate from 124300 INR to 248500 INR. Health expenses are both unavoidable and unpredictable. If students are not prepared, a minor health problem can end up costing more than an entire semester's tuition. Health insurance helps control these unexpected costs and prevents financial issues for students.
Dedicated Benefits: Student Health insurance plans are designed with the specific needs of international students in mind. Many of these plans cover pre-existing injuries, mental health, sports injuries, maternity expenses, hospitalization, and prescription medications. They are suitable for covering extended treatments that can quickly deplete a student's funds.
Renewing an Insurance Plan: Unlike regular insurance plans that need annual renewal, student plans provide insurance coverage for the duration of the student's course. Generally, students only need to purchase one insurance plan at the beginning of their course, which helps keep costs manageable.
Lower Insurance Premium: Since students are typically young and healthy, the premium for their insurance plans is more affordable compared to regular insurance plans. Therefore, these plans offer better cost-saving options.
All the popular study-abroad destinations have made student insurance plans mandatory for both international as well as domestic students. Some universities include health insurance costs in the course fee to make sure that students get necessary medical attention whenever necessary. The reason for such an excessive emphasis on health cover is the exorbitant medical cost and, as students are expected to stay for an extended duration, i.e. 2 to 3 years, no student will be able to bear the medical cost without insurance coverage.
4. How to choose the best health insurance plan for yourself?
While choosing a health insurance plan one should consider these three points:
Frequency of Doctor Visits: If you have a medical condition that requires frequent visits to the doctor, it is advisable to have a healthcare plan that covers these specific issues.
Medical Coverage: If you are taking medication and need to take it consistently, it is important to select a plan that includes coverage for those medicines.
Coverage Extent: In case you suffer from a medical condition, you should enquire about the full extent of coverage provided by the plans available and choose the one which offers complete backup.
5. Health Insurance Plans in Popular Study abroad destinations
When you look up international student health insurance options abroad you should also consult the regulation of the institution where you are registered, to make sure in case they have any specific requirements. Here are some countries mentioned with their health insurance plan services:
5.1 Australia
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is a health cover the Australian government designed to help international students cover their medical and hospital care while studying in Australia.
- As an international student, you will need to have an Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your studies.
- Dental care, optical services and physiotherapy are not typically included in basic OSHC plans but may be available as part of more comprehensive coverage from some providers.
- Basic OSHC provides coverage for doctor's visits, hospital treatments, limited pharmaceuticals, ambulance service, prosthetic devices, and access to private hospitals and day surgeries.
5.2 Canada
Students planning to study in Canada should research the availability of insurance in their intended province of study.
- International students in Canada are required to obtain health insurance for the duration of their stay in Canada.
- Certain provinces offer provincial health coverage to certain international students, either for free or for a premium. Often, in cases where provincial health insurance is not available, students are required to purchase private insurance. This can often be done through their school in Canada.
- Institutions in provinces that do not offer provincial healthcare coverage to international students may require these individuals to subscribe to mandatory health plans, while other institutions may offer optional coverage plans.
- A basic health insurance plan will cover you for services such as ambulance, prescription drugs, hospital stays, and depending on the program, a percentage of dental costs. Medically unnecessary cosmetic surgery is not covered.
5.3 USA
The USA Healthcare system includes Insurance plans for International students which include:
- Not all international student medical insurance plans offer dental coverage. Therefore, you may have to purchase an additional dental insurance plan, which can be as an add-on to your existing plan (meaning you’ll have to pay a little extra on your monthly premium) or as a separate plan altogether.
- There are educational institutions in the US that do not have mandatory plans with pre-determined coverage, therefore students are free to select whatever plan they like.
- Here are the best health insurance plans for international students in the USA:
|
Exchange Guard. |
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Patriot Exchange Program. |
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Student Secure. |
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Student Health Advantage. |
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Study USA. |
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Navigator Student |
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Patriot America |
- They provide more comprehensive coverage, including:
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Coverage for Maternity |
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Pre-existing Conditions Without a Waiting Period |
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Mental Health |
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Wellness |
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Preventative Care |
5.4 France
Health insurance plan for International Students in France includes:
Emergency care: All major cities and towns in France have an emergency ambulance service, and A&E services are a component of the public healthcare system.
Doctors: Under the state system, a visit to the doctor costs 2300 INR. Healthcare insurance reimburses medical care expenses.
Pharmacies: When purchasing medicine in a pharmacy, you will only be required to pay the part that the state does not cover. This avoids having to pay the whole cost and then make a request for partial reimbursement.
Specialists: Although specialists in France may charge a higher rate than general practitioners, the fees will still fall within the range of the national standard for public healthcare. For your expenses to be reimbursed, your general practitioner must refer you to the specialist.
Dentists: Dental checkups are covered by the French public healthcare system. Dental care does, however, have its fees and reimbursement rates. General dental care is covered in the same way as other specialist care, although some advanced procedures are more expensive, and reimbursements for them are often lower.
6. Table of Health Insurance Plans in India For Abroad Studies
List of Top health insurance plans in India for Overseas studies with company name and offers it provides:
|
Company Name |
Plan Name |
Plan Offers Coverage |
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Future Generali India Insurance |
Student Suraksha Insurance |
Medical expenses including evacuation and repatriation. Dental Pain relief. Personal Death, Accidental Death or injury cover. Cover during events of suicide, passport loss, loss of laptop, and loss of check-in baggage. Entry Age: 18 years -35 years |
|
Care Health Insurance |
Student Explore Plan |
Medical expenses and the repatriation of mortal remains. Includes cover for accidental death, permanent total and permanent partial disability. Includes cover for loss of passport, loss of baggage and compassionate visit. Entry Age: 12 years -40 years |
|
HDFC Ergo Health Insurance |
Student Suraksha |
Medical expenses are covered during emergencies including evacuation and repatriation. Cover for accidental death or permanent total disability. It also covers loss of baggage and loss of passport. Entry Age: 16 years -35 years |
7. Conclusion
If you are the one who is Securing the right health insurance plan which is a crucial step for a smooth study abroad experience. Prioritize your well-being by choosing a plan that aligns with your medical needs and provides comprehensive coverage during your educational journey.
8. Who are we?
At Career Clinic, we are your dedicated partner in making your study abroad dreams a reality. With years of experience, we understand the intricacies of international education and the challenges that come with it. Our team of experts is committed to guiding you through every step of your journey, from choosing the right course and university to handling paperwork and securing essential services like health insurance. We believe in empowering students with the knowledge and resources needed to make informed decisions for a successful academic and personal experience abroad. Connect with us today for the upcoming 2024 intake.
Frequently Asked Questions
Health insurance is vital while studying abroad because it safeguards you against unexpected medical expenses. It ensures access to quality healthcare and covers hospitalization costs, doctor visits, and emergency services. Being in a foreign country without insurance can be financially risky, and having coverage provides peace of mind, allowing you to focus on your studies and experience without the worry of unforeseen medical bills.
In Health Insurance, "In-network" refers to healthcare providers or facilities that have a contract with your health insurance plan, offering services at a lower cost. These providers have agreed to a negotiated rate with the insurance company. "Out-of-network" refers to providers who do not have such an agreement, often resulting in higher costs for the insured individual when seeking medical care.
Yes, you have the freedom to choose a health insurance plan for studying abroad. However, it's advisable to select a plan that meets your specific medical needs, aligns with your university's requirements, and complies with the regulations of your host country. It's crucial to ensure that the chosen plan offers comprehensive coverage and adequate protection during your time studying overseas.
The deductible is the initial amount you must pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage begins. Co-insurance, on the other hand, is the percentage of covered expenses you're responsible for paying after meeting the deductible. While the deductible is a fixed sum, co-insurance involves sharing a portion of the costs with the insurance company until reaching the policy's maximum limit.
According to different study destinations, coverage for pre-existing conditions varies among health insurance plans for international students. Some programs may offer a range after a waiting period, while others may exclude pre-existing conditions altogether. It's crucial to carefully review the plan's terms and conditions to understand the extent of coverage and any limitations related to pre-existing conditions before making a decision.
