Types of International Student Health Insurance in the USA

International health insurance for students helps college students reduce their unexpected medical expenses while studying abroad. At Visitor Guard®, students can find affordable and comprehensive international student insurance plans to cover their back in the US. Our plans provide key coverage to mental health, maternity, sports, urgent medical attention, and more.

Our mission is to secure international students from out-of-pocket hospital bills so that they can make most of their college or university life without worrying about additional expenses. As an international student, you may not know which plan suits you the best. We are here to help you right from understanding the plans to filling the application forms.

Before going ahead with buying an insurance policy, students need to check their insurance requirements for their schools. If their schools don’t have mandatory insurance plans, students can sign up for insurance outside the school.  You might need to fill out a waiver form to sign up for insurance policies outside of school.

Who needs International Students Insurance?

You need to show proof of medical insurance while enrolling for classes if you are an international student (F-1, J-1or M1 Visa) or a dependent (F-2 or J-2 visa). You will need this insurance plan if-

1. You are a student studying in the US away from your home country
2. In an English as a second language program (ESL)
3. In a technical school
4. Or in an OPT program

The USA is expensive in medical treatment- even a minor injury can cost you a significant amount! So, having health insurance can protect you in maintaining a budget and getting treated properly without fretting about the payment.

1. J1 Visa Health Insurance

The J-1 Visa allows approved individuals to enroll in work and study-based exchange programs to teach, study, conduct research, or receive job training. The US Department of State has minimum insurance requirements for the J1 and J2 visa holders. The sponsoring organization might also have additional insurance requirements for scholars, exchange students, and Au Pair.

We have been offering affordable J1 Visa health insurance plans for several years now. When you buy a policy from us, you work with the carrier directly. This gives you complete assurance that your claims will never be lost in the shuffle of paperwork or administrative barriers.

2. Health Insurance for OTP Students

Optional Practical Training insurance aims at helping students by securing various medical conditions. By working under OPT, students can get practical training to make their overseas learning experience more valuable.

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is the work permission available for F-1 students who have completed or pursuing their degrees for one academic year. Under the OPT program, students may get full-time or part-time employment up to 12 months before or after graduation.

At Visitor Guard®, students can find plans supporting their medical care, emergency transportation, COVID-19, crisis response, loss of personal belongings, Visa, accidental death and dismemberment, and more.

3. Students Travel Insurance

Traveling and staying in an unfamiliar nation involves several risks. Hence, we offer student travel insurance! The plans provide coverage to students to minimize some risks. The policies usually have trip cancellation, evacuation, and repatriation benefits included.

Student travel insurance is ideal for you if you fall under the following categories:

1. Students who plan to go abroad for studies 
2. Students who are US citizens/residents and going on a trip (either domestic or international).
3. Students on a study abroad programs

Student travel insurance can cover flight expenses if the students have to fly back home due to family emergencies. It can assist in sponsoring a close relative’s airfare tickets to and fro if they fall sick and get hospitalized.

Some cover emergency passport replacement fees if the students’ passports, cash, and wallets get pick-pocketed. Emergency medical evacuations, accidental sickness, dental expenses, trip delays, cancellation, or interruption can also be taken care of.

4. Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation Insurance

Medical Emergency evacuation insurance makes arrangements to transport a patient to a qualified medical facility. Repatriation of Remains arranges for the return of the deceased remains to the place of residence.

Students, Faculty, J visa scholars and their dependents engaged in international education/exchange in the US and/or outside their home country are eligible for this plan. The medical evacuation and repatriation insurance plan also provide several assistance services, such as:

1. Travel assistance like changing airline, car, hotel reservations, and more. 
2. Arranging emergency cash by transferring funds from the insured’s credit cards or family members. 
3. Replacing lost traveling documents like passports, birth certificates, airline documents, etc. 
4. Forwarding an emergency message to an employer, family member, or traveling companion if the insured cannot reach them. 
5. Tracking of luggage lost in transit.
6. Arranging an initial telephone meeting with a lawyer.

This guide may not be enough for you to make a final decision. To know about the plans, schedule a call with us.