Study Abroad Insurance Plans
Participating in study abroad programs is getting more popular among American students. For many students, this is their first experience living outside the U.S., and falling ill can be scary in a foreign country. However, dealing with an environment different than the one at home can put a tremendous strain on the health of a student, and it is best to be prepared with international student health insurance.
Some preparation in terms of health immunization is required before departure. Obviously, the insurance will only help with the financial aspect of things. Around a month before your scheduled departure, check with your healthcare provider about the immunizations you need for travel to your destination.
Most immunization shots will be effective up to two weeks before travel to their destination. It is also important to purchase appropriate international student insurance. It is best to purchase insurance with some coverage for emergency medical evacuation.
When purchasing insurance, it is always best to also check out the processes and procedures in case the student does fall ill and requires medical attention. Receiving care at the university health center first might be a way to keep out-of-pocket expenses low.
Apart from basic precautions, the student will do well to have a basic kit always stocked and ready. You can add to it medication for common conditions you might come down with: common cold, high temperature, and insect bites. You should also include a first aid kit and a supply of your regular medication, if any. Your study abroad insurance will probably not cover prescription medication that you are already taking.
To know more about the illnesses common in your host country, bookmark the U.S. Centers for Disease Control Web site. The site will also give you timely travel alerts for countries around the world. As is advised on the site, it is a great idea to prepare a letter about the student’s medical history and allergies, and keep it in his/her wallet. If a medical emergency strikes, this information could be a lifesaver when receiving care under study abroad insurance.
It is important to remember that study abroad insurance, being short-term insurance, covers unplanned medical conditions, and usually covers hospitalization, consultation, prescription drugs, diagnostics, surgery, and ambulance services. Only some international student insurance plans cover maternity and pre-existing conditions.
However, insurance only takes care of the finances of an illness—it is always best that international student health insurance remains unused.