The opportunity to study abroad can open up new horizons and frontiers, but it also presents unique challenges. Whether it is your first time venturing overseas for academic reasons or you have been there multiple times, the need for insurance as you study abroad cannot be overstated. In this guide, we will learn what this type of insurance entails and how to make the best choice.

Study Abroad Health Insurance: What Is It?

“Study Abroad” health insurance goes by multiple names including “International Student Insurance”, “Student Travel Medical Insurance”, and “International Student Medical Insurance.” These names describe any insurance policy that covers the healthcare and emergency medical needs of students attending school abroad.

Who Needs It?

This type of insurance is important for anyone taking part in an academic, professional, or personal development program overseas. Take a look at some individuals and groups who benefit from it:

International students attending full-time school programs often have to deal with unfamiliar healthcare systems, medical emergencies, routine checks, and ongoing treatments.
Exchange students on short-term programs often need to fill the gap when domestic policies do not cover their needs during the one or two semesters they spend abroad.
Interns, scholars, and researchers often have to stay for extended periods abroad and having insurance gives them access to quality medical care.
Gap-year students and volunteers might find themselves in remote or underdeveloped areas with limited healthcare infrastructure and often require vaccinations, medical care, and in some cases, evacuation.

What Does It Cover?

Emergency Medical Treatment

If you fall sick or get injured during your time away from home and require urgent medical treatment.

Coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions

Students with pre-existing health conditions can choose a specific policy that includes medical care for their condition. Most international health policies cover these conditions, but you have to meet specific criteria such as purchasing the policy within 14 days after booking your trip.

Vaccinations

In countries with stringent vaccination requirements for visiting students, it is important to purchase a policy that covers this to minimize out-of-pocket expenses.

Chronic Condition Management

The costs of managing a chronic condition overseas can quickly add up when you have to pay for every doctor’s visit, medication, and support for urgent care needs. A good policy covers this and allows you to seamlessly access quality care in your host country.

Prescription Medication

Health insurance for overseas students covers prescription medication you may require during your stay abroad.

What Does It Not Cover?

Common Exclusions

Common exclusions are elective procedures, self-inflicted injuries, or accidents resulting from intoxication and drug use. Some also exclude sports injuries, mental health care, and the treatment of nervous disorders. Be sure to read through the fine print to select a policy that covers the things that matter to you.

Coverage Limits

Every policy has a maximum amount of coverage for different services, limiting what the insurer will pay in case of a claim. These include inpatient and outpatient care limits, evacuation limits, limits on prescription medication, and preventive care. Understand these limits before purchasing a plan to avoid unexpected expenses

It’s important to note that study abroad health insurance is not the same as general travel insurance for students studying abroad. These plans are geared toward covering medical expenses for international travelers. Incidents like loss of checked luggage, natural disasters, trip cancellations, flight delays, and the like would fall under international travel insurance policies, which may need to be purchased separately.

Benefits of International Health Insurance for Students

Avoiding the Financial Burden of High-Cost Healthcare Countries

Countries such as Switzerland and Japan have high-cost healthcare systems. Students with health insurance are able to get treatment without breaking the bank or getting into debt.

Compliance in Jurisdictions Requiring Mandatory Insurance

Certain countries including those in the Schengen area of Europe require proof of health insurance as part of the student visa application process. Similarly, F-1 visa holders in the US are required to take out insurance policies that meet specific requirements. Getting a policy is part of compliance and increases your chances of a successful application.

Coverage in Programs Including Sports, Physical Activities, and Adventure Outings

Programs that include adventure, sports, and other physical activities pose a high level of injury risk. With the right coverage, you can focus on fun activities and and have the protection you need.

Types of Insurance for Overseas Study Programs

There are a few types of international insurance all students should be aware of when studying abroad. While we alluded to this earlier, it’s worth repeating here just to ensure that all students are fully protected on their travels.

International Health Insurance

Students abroad face a unique set of challenges including language barriers and unfamiliar diets to expensive medical care and difficulties in accessing good quality medical care. The comprehensive coverage that comes with international health insurance makes it easy to cover all bases.

International Travel Insurance

Traveling abroad comes with various travel risks such as flight cancellations, lost luggage, missed or delayed departures, medical emergencies, and stolen travel documents. International travel insurance covers all of these, depending on your choice of plan and provider.

Study Abroad Health Insurance Vs. Domestic Health Insurance

The majority of domestic health insurance plans limit their services to geographical boundaries and will not cover students abroad. This is why having health insurance while studying abroad is important; you generally would not have to pay for medical expenses out of pocket and get access to quality medical care in another country. Additionally, a good policy can provide comprehensive coverage that includes medical evacuation and repatriation in the event you require healthcare services in a different location.

How to Choose the Right Plan for Your Overseas study Program

There are countless student medical insurance plans from various providers, and narrowing down your options to the right one can feel daunting. Here are some factors to keep in mind so as to make the best choice:

Mental Health Coverage: As mentioned before, many policies exclude mental health issues, but it is important to choose a policy that includes this. Being in a different environment, away from home, without social or emotional support can be hard on students. With the right mental health support, they can get through the hard times and focus on their studies.
Host Country Requirements: Most countries have a specific set of requirements that you have to meet to comply with visa or residency regulations. Understand these requirements and choose the right plans to avoid visa application rejection or non-compliance issues down the line.
Duration of Coverage: Make sure that the policy you choose aligns with the length of the academic or personal development program. Certain plans offer the flexibility to extend coverage if necessary.

Finding Insurance from Trusted Providers

One of the most common mistakes for individuals seeking study abroad insurance is purchasing a plan that merely meets your visa or school requirements. While this may get your application approved, it may not provide the protection you need when you need it. It is therefore important to think about your priorities and find a plan that meets your needs and is within your budget.

We at Friendly Global focus on finding the right coverage for your time abroad at a reasonable price point.

Over the past 25 years, we have acquired extensive experience in insurance matters, and we take great pride in using our expertise to help you make the best choices.

Ready to get started? Get Your Quote for study abroad health insurance today!