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If you are an international student studying in the United States and are nearing graduation, you may be considering Optional Practical Training (OPT) to gain valuable work experience in your field of study.
OPT allows you to work in the US for up to 12 months after completing your degree, or up to 36 months if you have a qualifying STEM degree. While the OPT program is an exciting opportunity, it is important to understand the requirements and responsibilities that come with it, including the need for health insurance.
In this blog, we’ll explain the basics of what you need to know about OPT, how to apply, and helpful resources. Then, we’ll cover important information about OPT student health insurance and finding the best medical coverage for your needs.
OPT, short for Optional Practical Training, is a program that allows F1 visa holders to work in the US for up to 12 months (36 months for STEM degrees) before or after completing their degree program. During this period, you can gain valuable work experience in your field of study and apply the knowledge you gained in your studies to the real world.
Most international students choose post-completion OPT, which is after graduation. After applying, you’ll receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) with a start and end date of legal employability in the US.
To apply for OPT, international students must graduate from or be attending a SEVP-certified university or college and meet the following criteria:
International students in a science, technology, engineering, or math degree program can apply for STEM OPT, which extends their employment authorization by an additional 24 months. In total, STEM OPT students can work up to 36 months.
International students can apply for OPT by following these steps:
It’s essential to time your OPT application so you can be eligible to work right after graduation. The earliest you can apply is 90 days before graduation, and the latest you can apply is 60 days after graduation.
Be sure to read more about the OPT timeline in our previous blog post.
OPT student health insurance is specifically designed for international students working in the US while on OPT.
OPT students are in a unique situation because they often are not eligible to keep an insurance plan provided by their university or college. Or perhaps you’re still looking for employment and need health insurance coverage. These are just two reasons why many international students purchase OPT health insurance.
OPT student health insurance is essential for international students. OPT insurance can provide coverage for unexpected medical care, emergency medical evacuation, medicine and treatments for pre-existing conditions, and so much more.
Without OPT health insurance, you may be responsible for paying high out-of-pocket medical costs. Finding an affordable health insurance plan is possible and having such a plan can help you significantly reduce possible financial burdens related to the cost of healthcare while working in the US.
To determine when your OPT coverage should begin, you must first determine when your current insurance plan ends and when your OPT begins. You can look at your current student insurance plan or ask an international student advisor for help.
When to purchase OPT health insurance can also depend on when you start your job. Most full-time employees have insurance through their employer.
As an OPT student, you may be covered by your current student insurance plan for up to 60 days after graduation. If not, you can purchase OPT health insurance to cover this time period.
Once international students have their OPT start date, they have up to 90 total days to find employment. You can purchase or extend your OPT health insurance coverage for the full 90 days.
But say right after graduation you start a new job. Do you still need to purchase medical insurance? It depends on your employer.
Some companies have a waiting period before you can use your employer-provided health insurance plan. Or, after reviewing your employer’s health insurance plans, you may determine they are too expensive. In either scenario, you can choose to purchase or extend your OPT health insurance.
Our team at Lewerglobal recommends buying at least 120 days of OPT health insurance that begins from your graduation date. Unless you start a job the day after graduation and have employer-provided insurance beginning the first day of employment, a 120-day plan can provide medical coverage and peace of mind.
Here are some key questions OPT students should keep in mind when shopping for OPT medical insurance:
Finding affordable medical insurance that meets your needs after graduation should be stress-free. Lewerglobal has comprehensive international student insurance plans built specifically for OPT so you can focus on your career.
Learn more about OPT student health insurance by visiting our website. You can also live chat with us, email [email protected], or call (800) 821-7711.