Key Takeaway
A health insurance plan provides a solid foundation of care for many international students. In addition to a medical plan, there are a variety of add-ons and optional coverages that students can use to build the best possible plan for their needs. Students should reach out to an insurance representative to better understand their coverage if they have any questions.
Before you arrive in the U.S. to study, it is important to determine whether your school offers medical insurance. If they do, you must enroll in coverage before the school year begins as it is a visa requirement. If they do not, do not worry. You may qualify for state medical benefits or Marketplace plans.
If, after enrolling in coverage through those options, you realize they do not meet your full health and wellness needs, consider purchasing additional coverage through Lewerglobal. We offer supplemental coverage for a variety of scenarios and services.
A word about cost
International students likely have a monthly or yearly budget allocated for the purchase of health insurance. While customizing an insurance plan will provide the best possible coverage, add-ons typically cost extra. Students should research all costs associated with additional coverage before making any purchases.
Organized sports
Organized sports coverage is very important for international students coming to the U.S. on a sports-based scholarship, those who will be playing on a college team, and those who plan on joining an intramural or club-based sport. Basically, if a student joins a group that requires organized practices or events—or a group that has a coach—it’s considered an organized sport. Before purchasing coverage, students should know which level they will be participating at:
- Intercollegiate Sports: Organized sports activities between educational institutions sanctioned by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), or National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA)
- Intramural Sports: Recreational sports activities within a particular school
- Club Sports: Recreational sports activities within a particular school that include competition with other schools
Injuries sustained while participating in sports may not be covered by a base plan, which means an add-on may be necessary. Better yet, choose a plan that includes sports coverage in the base cost, like any of the Lewer F-1 International Student plans!
Note: Most organized sports coverages are not inclusive of semi-professional and professional sports.
Extreme/Adventure Sports
Thrill-seeking students may consider even more insurance to cover their participation in extreme sports. Extreme sports, also called adventure sports, are recreational activities with a higher level of danger. For instance, bungee jumping, zip-lining, whitewater kayaking and rafting, and windsurfing would qualify as adventure sports—just to name a few.
Basically, the more frequently students expose themselves to the possibility of injury, the more they need additional protections. Base plans and organized sport insurance typically won’t cover injuries sustained during extreme sport activities, which means an add-on is advisable. Often, an extreme sport add-on will specifically state the activities that are covered, which means all activities that are not listed are not covered. When in doubt, call and ask!
Before participating in these activities, students should check in with their health insurer. It is much better to plan ahead and purchase the coverage you need than to rush forward and sustain an uncovered injury.
Dental and Vision
Preventative dental and vision care is advised for all students, and especially for students who need vision correction. However, international students may be surprised to discover that dental and vision coverages are most often not included in their medical healthcare plan. Students will need to consider purchasing dental and vision add-ons to help cover costs related to teeth and eye care.
Most dental plans cover preventative care like regular exams, cleanings, and x-rays as well as basic procedures like cavity fillings. Major procedures like bridges and crowns and orthodontic treatment are typically not included. Dental insurance must be purchased BEFORE any dental care or treatment has occurred. Most vision plans help cover costs of regular eye exams and eyeglasses or contact lenses, but typically will not cover major surgeries.
Increased AD&D
International students who have dependents or are planning to travel frequently may consider increasing their Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage.
In the event of a student’s death, a payment is made to their beneficiaries. In the event of dismemberment—an injury like the loss of a limb, blindness, or paralysis—this coverage will help pay for treatment of the injury.
When it comes to AD&D, it’s important to remember it only pays in the event of an accident or unforeseeable event. AD&D will not cover natural causes of illness or injury, extreme sports injuries, drunk driving injuries, drug overdoses, or suicide. Student base plans will usually include some amount of AD&D coverage, but again, the more students expose themselves to hazards, the more coverage they should consider.
