Live in America

This is online community of international students studying in the USA.
The site where students help students to survive and thrive during their stay in America.

Neo
Major: International Business
Status: Light Keeper

A person with strange ideas in my head and strange feelings in my heart...

Live in America
Andy Neo

Health Insurance

There is no socialized medicine in US. Be sure that you have health insurance. If your sponsor provides health coverage, be sure that it covers treatment in US and that it covers catastrophic illnesses. Otherwise, purchase medical insurance for yourself and your dependents through your campus health insurance plan or through a US health insurance agent. Medical insurance is absolutely essential to meet health care cost in US. Many schools require medical insurance proof for international students who enroll, and all j-1 exchange visitor students are required by law to carry medical insurance. But whether your school requires insurance or not, you should buy it as soon as you arrive. Policies differ in the expenses they will pay; find a policy with a reasonable deductible, affordable co-payments, and limited exclusions. To learn more about how to shop for a health insurance policy, consult with the student health service or international student adviser on your campus.
Be prepared for the cost of health care in US. Services available on your campus may be provided at a low cost, but most university health centers only take care of routine problems. If you have a major health problem or a serious accident, you will probably be sent to an off-campus hospital. you will be expected to pay the charges yourself. Health insurance is a must when living in the U.S., as medication and hospital bills are very expensive. Your university will usually sell health insurance at very reasonable rates (even though it might seem quite expensive to you). Average health insurance rates per semester are likely to cost between $400 - $600 depending on the coverage of the health insurance plan. Some plans will only cover emergency situations (and are therefore cheaper). Other plans cover various medical treatments but require you to pay a fixed amount - called a deductible - before they take effect. If your deductible is $200, then you would pay $200 worth of medical bills before the insurance plan covered you. Make sure you go through the details of the health insurance plan and understand what you are and are not covered for.
Some international students find it cheaper to get international health insurance from their home countries. Before coming to the U.S., you may already have health insurance through your parents. Check with them to see if the same health insurance plan can work in the U.S.
Getting health insurance from a provider independently is likely to be a lot more expensive as universities get bulk rates for their students. One provider you may want to contact is Empire Blue Cross/Blue Shield .
Also visit www.internationalplan.com .

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