International Student Plans vs Visitor Insurance Plans: What are the differences in Coverage? 

When planning a trip to the United States as an international student or a visitor, understanding the differences between international student insurance plans and visitor insurance plans is crucial. Both types of insurance offer essential coverage, but they cater to distinct needs and have specific features. 

Table of Contents: 

• Understanding International Student Insurance Plans 

• Understanding Visitor Insurance Plans 

• What Are the Differences Between the Two? 

• FAQs 

• Conclusion 

Understanding International Student Insurance Plans 

International student insurance plans are designed specifically for foreign students studying in the United States. These plans typically offer comprehensive coverage that includes medical expenses, medical evacuation, repatriation of remains, pre-existing conditions, pregnancy (after a waiting period), mental health disorders, accidental death, and dismemberment, and more. These plans often are renewable with longer coverage periods, allowing students to maintain insurance throughout their studies. They may also have specific insurance requirements tailored to their visa status. 

Understanding Visitor Insurance Plans 

Visitor insurance plans are designed for individuals visiting the US for a temporary period for the purpose of leisure, business, and entertainment. These plans typically offer coverage for medical expenses, trip interruption, lost baggage, and personal liability. These plans may have shorter coverage periods, as they are designed for shorter stays. They may also have limitations on coverage for certain activities or medical conditions. 

What Are the Differences Between the Two? 

Category	International Student Plans	Visitor Insurance Plans
Suitable for	Designed for international students coming to the US on J1, F1 and M1 visas and their dependents.	Designed for non-US citizens/residents coming to the US as a visitor for a temporary stay.
Coverage	Depending on the plan, the coverage can be between 5 days to a maximum of 4 years.	Depending on the plan, the coverage can be between 5 days to a maximum of 3 years.
Visa status	Eligibility on plans state that you must have an F1, J1 or a student visa, enrolled as a full-time student or full-time scholar affiliated with an educational institution and performing work or research.	Though there is no specific requirement on the visa status, these plans provide coverage outside the country of citizenship or country of residence.
Copay	Some plans have $5 in Student Health Centre	Some comprehensive plans have a co-pay for Urgent Cares
Pre-existing conditions	Some plans offer coverage to pre-existing conditions after a waiting period.	Most plans exclude pre-existing condition coverage but offer coverage for a non-chronic acute onset of pre-existing conditions.
Mental Health Disorder	Some plans offer coverage for mental/nervous disorders.	Most visitor insurance plans do not cover mental or nervous disorders.
Pregnancy	Some plans may cover maternity and newborn care after a waiting period. Some plans cover complications of pregnancy up to 26 weeks (about 6 months) of gestation.	No coverage for pregnancy, maternity, and newborn but may have coverage for complications in pregnancy up to 26 weeks (about 6 months) of gestation

FAQs 

Can I use a visitor insurance plan if I am an international student? 

It will depend on how much coverage you need. If you are an international student on a F visa, you will have to meet your university’s minimum insurance requirement. Visitor insurance plans might not meet all those requirements. If you do not have any requirements to meet, you can consider the visitor insurance plans. If you are in the US on a J1 visa, you must meet the J visa insurance requirements. There are specific insurance plans catering to J visa meeting the minimum level of benefits laid down by the State Department.  If you are travelling outside the US as a Study Abroad student for a short duration you can consider the visitor insurance plans.  

Can I customize my international student or visitor insurance plan? 

There are standard benefits designed for international student insurance plans and visitor insurance plans. Some insurers offer optional coverage  to add  to tailor the plan to your specific needs. E.g., Sport Rider, Enhanced Accidental and Death and Dismemberment Rider.  

Can I extend my international student or visitor insurance coverage? 

Yes, you may be able to extend your coverage for an additional period depending on the plan you have bought. If your policy can be renewed, you may extend it before the expiration date. Once the policy expires it cannot be renewed. It is advisable to talk to your insurance provider. 

Can I add dependents to my international student insurance plan? 

Yes, you may be able to add your spouse or children to your coverage at the time of application. Once the policy is active, you cannot add a dependent. However, a new application can be completed.  

How can I avoid language barriers when dealing with insurance providers? 

Look for insurers that offer customer service in your native language or use translation services. 

What happens if my visa status changes during my stay? 

You may need to update your insurance coverage to reflect your new visa status. Talk to your insurance provider to understand if your insurance coverage meets your new visa status insurance requirements. 

Conclusion 

The best choice for you depends on your specific needs and circumstances. If you are planning to study in the US for an extended period, an international student insurance plan is the best option. If you are visiting for a shorter period, a visitor insurance plan may be sufficient.    

Remember to carefully review the eligibility, terms, and conditions of both types of plans to understand the coverage limits, exclusions, and costs. By making an informed decision, you can ensure that you have adequate protection for your trip to the US. 

To know more, please do not hesitate to contact Visitor Guard®.