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Before coming to the U.S., international students need to research American health insurance terminology and shop around for the best plan if their school does not offer a group plan. As they research their options, students may find that base-level plans are a great start, but don’t quite meet all of their needs. This is where optional coverages and add-ons come into play. These kinds of plan customizations allow students to build the best health insurance plan for their unique situation.
International students likely have a monthly or yearly budget allocated toward the purchasing of health insurance. While customizing an insurance plan will provide the best possible coverage, add-ons typically cost extra. Students should research not only the cost of the base plan but the costs of additional coverages as well. This will ensure students understand the total monthly cost associated with their desired plan and will help them stick to their budget.
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:
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.
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.
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.
For more information on dental and vision plans, check out this video!
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.
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.