Studying in the United States opens up an exciting world of opportunities for international students and student-athletes, offering a chance to learn at top-notch institutions and experience diverse educational settings. But one important detail can’t be overlooked: healthcare coverage. This guide offers colleges and universities, including NAIA and two-year colleges, essential information about international student insurance that can help ensure students and student-athletes focus on their studies and activities rather than worrying about medical expenses.
Your Guide to Health Insurance for International Students and Student-Athletes
Navigating health care and health insurance in the U.S. can be challenging for us, but it can be even more complex for international students who usually don’t have to deal with insurance at home. For these students, international student insurance is essential to ensure they have reliable healthcare support during their time at school in the U.S.
Why Coverage Is Necessary
International student-athletes face the same likelihood of requiring medical attention for various issues, from illnesses to sports-related injuries, as their peers in the United States. However, unlike other countries that offer universal healthcare—where people have access to the care they need without financial hardship—in the U.S., the healthcare system is primarily privatized and can be expensive. (Unfortunately, the U.S. has the highest healthcare costs in the world.) Without insurance, even minor medical treatments can result in significant out-of-pocket expenses. This makes it essential for international students to have health insurance to avoid the burden of medical costs.
Who Is Eligible for Coverage
Students and student-athletes on F-1 and J-1 visas studying at U.S. colleges and universities (including NAIA and two-year colleges) and residing here are eligible for coverage.
- F-1 Visa: Most educational institutions require it as part of their enrollment requirements.
- J-1 Visa: Health insurance is mandatory. The U.S. Department of State stipulates specific minimum coverage requirements, and students must ensure their insurance includes these benefits.
What To Look for in International Student Protection Insurance
- Coverage and benefits for:
- Hospitalization
- Emergency services
- Doctor visits
- Prescription medications with low copayments
- Cost: The plan should offer flexible premiums, deductibles, copayments, and out-of-pocket maximums.
- Network Providers: The plan should offer an extensive provider network.
- Customer Service and Support: The plan should have reliable customer support to assist with claims and other services and benefits critical to international students, such as medical evacuation and repatriation.
Where To Find This Kind of Coverage
All colleges and universities, especially NAIA and two-year colleges, may be interested in a plan like A-G Specialty’s new international student protection.
This plan provides international students and student-athletes with financial protection from unexpected medical emergencies during their stay. These comprehensive benefits include:
- Accident and sickness medical expense coverage
- Prescription drugs, with copays as low as $20
- Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation
- Optional sports benefits of $10,000, $15,000, and $20,000
- Access to the United Healthcare national PPO network
- Two flexible coinsurance options to help control costs
- Interpretation/translation services
- 24/7 travel assistance services
- Visits by family members/friends because of an emergency
- And much more
Check out our complete benefits list here.
What To Look for in a Provider
When it comes to insurance for international students, the insurance company that provides the coverage should have a solid reputation, excellent customer service, a strong claims administrative background, access to risk management strategies, the ability to lower costs, and experience in the collegiate space, with a strong understanding of the needs of NAIA and two-year colleges. These attributes will provide peace of mind to the school and students alike.
A-G has been protecting students and student-athletes at 725+ colleges and universities, 3,200+ K-12 schools, school systems, and youth sports organizations for more than 40 years. Our claims administration leads the industry in client satisfaction and eliminates paperwork, while our ability to work with providers to control costs is second to none. Factor in our risk assessment programs and our commitment to keeping students and student-athletes safe from financial stress, and you can trust we’ll provide a worry-free experience whenever they’re sick or injured during their time here.
How To Learn More About the Plan
Helping your international student-athletes have the best experience possible during their school years in the U.S. is essential. Ensuring they can easily safeguard against unexpected medical expenses will greatly contribute to their peace of mind throughout their stay. Talk to A-G about how we can help your school to set up an international student-athlete health insurance plan. Just complete this form, and we’ll arrange a convenient time to learn more about your needs and explain how we can help.
