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International student health insurance reviews: What You Need to Know

International student health insurance reviews: What You Need to Know

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May 08, 2024 (UTC +04:00)

This article offers International student health insurance reviews, providing information about their benefits, coverage, and suitability for students studying abroad. By exploring various insurance plans and highlighting their key features, you can make informed decisions when selecting the right insurance plan for your international academic pursuits.

With our guide you can make informed decisions when selecting the right insurance plan

With our guide you can make informed decisions when selecting the right insurance plan

1. Importance of Health Insurance for International Students

Health insurance holds profound importance for international students, providing them with invaluable support and security while pursuing their academic endeavors in foreign countries. Let's delve deeper into the significance of health insurance by exploring its various benefits:

Ensuring Access to Quality Healthcare
One of the primary reasons health insurance is essential for international students is to ensure access to quality healthcare services. Being in a foreign country means navigating unfamiliar healthcare systems and potentially facing language barriers when seeking medical assistance. Health insurance provides international students with the assurance that they can access necessary medical care, including doctor visits, hospitalization, prescription medications, and emergency treatment, without worrying about the financial burden.

Financial Protection against Medical Expenses
Medical emergencies can occur unexpectedly, regardless of where a student is studying. Without proper health insurance coverage, international students may find themselves burdened with exorbitant medical bills, which could jeopardize their academic pursuits and overall well-being. Health insurance offers financial protection by covering the costs associated with medical treatment, ensuring that students can focus on their studies without the added stress of financial uncertainty.

Health insurance offers financial protection by covering the costs associated with medical treatment

Health insurance offers financial protection by covering the costs associated with medical treatment

Compliance with Visa Requirements
In many countries, having health insurance is a mandatory requirement for obtaining a student visa. Without proof of adequate health insurance coverage, international students may face difficulties in securing their visa or may even be denied entry into their host country. Therefore, having health insurance is not only essential for protecting one's health but also for ensuring compliance with visa regulations, thereby facilitating a smooth transition into the academic environment abroad.

Peace of Mind for Students and Families
For both international students and their families back home, having health insurance provides invaluable peace of mind. Knowing that they are protected against unforeseen medical expenses allows students to fully immerse themselves in their studies and cultural experiences without the constant worry of potential healthcare costs. Similarly, families can rest assured knowing that their loved ones have access to necessary medical care, even when thousands of miles away from home.

2. International student health insurance reviews

For students seeking international student health insurance, two suitable options are the Patriot Exchange ProgramSM and the Student Health AdvantageSM. Below is a summary of each plan and a comparison between the two:

Patriot Exchange ProgramSM
1	Age	be at least 31 days out but not yet 65 years old
2	Period of coverage	1 month up to 12 months - renewable up to 48 months
3	Subject	Be an active participant in a study or exchange program (i.e. student visa, exchange visa, visitor visa), the spouse of the participant, or a dependent traveling with the participant
4	Sumary	Medical insurance for students studying abroad or participants of cultural exchange programs Most plan options are designed to meet the U.S. J1 and J2 visa travel insurance requirements

Student Health AdvantageSM
1	Age	be at least 31 days out but not yet 65 years old
2	Period of coverage	1 month up to 12 months - renewable up to 60 months
3	Subject	Be a full-time student or scholar, the spouse of the full-time student or scholar, or a dependent traveling with the full-time student or scholar
4	Sumary	Comprehensive medical insurance for international students or scholars participating in a sponsored study abroad program This plan meets student visa requirements, includes benefits for maternity, mental health, organized sports and international emergency care.

COMPARISON
	Patriot Exchange ProgramSM	Student Health AdvantageSM
Maximum Limit	5,000,000	Student: $500,000; Dependent: $100,000
Medical Expenses	In-Network: 90% Out-of-Network: 80% International: 100%	In-Network: 90% Out-of-Network: 80% International: 100%
Covid-19 Medical Expenses	Covered and treated as any other Sickness	Covered and treated as any other Sickness
Student Health Center	Copayment per visit: $5	Copayment per visit: $5
Emergency Medical Evacuation	$50,000 maximum limit	$500,000 maximum limit
Emergency Reunion	Up to US$ 15,000 for a max of 15 days	$50,000 maximum limit
Incidental Trip	Maximum 14days In-Network: 90% Out-of-Network: 80% International: 100%	Maximum 14days In-Network: 90% Out-of-Network: 80% International: 100%
24-Hour Accidental Death and Dismemberment	US$ 25,000	US$ 25,000

3. Travel Insurance for Students Studying Abroad

Another insurance option available to international students is travel insurance. It differs from health insurance in several ways. Below are some highlighted benefits:

Coverage for Medical Emergencies
Travel insurance for students studying abroad typically includes coverage for medical emergencies, such as illness or injury during the trip. Review the policy details to ensure adequate coverage limits and benefits.

Trip Interruption or Cancellation Coverage
In addition to medical benefits, travel insurance may provide coverage for trip interruption or cancellation due to unforeseen circumstances, such as natural disasters or travel advisories. Check the policy for reimbursement options and exclusions.

Additional Benefits
Some travel insurance plans offer additional benefits, such as emergency medical evacuation, baggage loss or delay coverage, and 24/7 assistance services. Consider these extra features when comparing insurance options for students studying abroad.

4. Student travel insurance reviews: Best travel insurance for international students

For international students seeking single trip travel insurance, we recommend the Patriot Travel Series. Here are the highlighted benefits of this plan:

Patriot Travel Series (Single Trip)

Age: Suitable for individuals aged 14 days to 99 years.
Period of Coverage: Flexible coverage options ranging from 5 days to 12 months.
Summary: Each plan within the Patriot Travel Series provides various levels of coverage for individuals, families, and groups traveling outside of their home country for business or pleasure.

Highlights:

Maximum Limit: Up to $8,000,000.
Medical Expenses: Covered up to the maximum limit.
COVID-19 Medical Expenses: Covered and treated as any other sickness.
Emergency Medical Evacuation: Up to the maximum limit.
Emergency Reunion: Up to $100,000 maximum limit.
Identity Theft: Covered up to $500 maximum limit.
Lost Luggage: Covered up to $500 maximum limit, $50 per item.
Personal Liability: Combined maximum limit of $25,000.
Return Travel: Maximum limit of $10,000.
24-Hour Accidental Death and Dismemberment: Principal sum of $50,000.

Get Patriot Travel Series and travel with confidence

Get Patriot Travel Series and travel with confidence

For international students seeking multi-trip travel insurance, we recommend the Patriot Multi-TripSM plan. Here are the highlighted benefits of this plan:

Patriot Multi-TripSM (Multiple Trip)

Age: Available for individuals under the age of 76.
Period of Coverage: Coverage for multiple trips throughout the year, with flexibility to travel as many times as needed.
Summary: Designed for those who take multiple trips throughout the year outside their country of residence.

Highlights:

Maximum Limit: Varies based on age, up to $1,000,000.
Medical Expenses: Covered up to the maximum limit.
Emergency Medical Evacuation: Up to the maximum limit.
Emergency Reunion: Up to $50,000 for a maximum of 15 days.
Trip Interruption: Up to $5,000.
Identity Theft Assistance: Up to $500.
Lost Baggage: Limit of $250, $50 maximum per item.
24-Hour Accidental Death and Dismemberment: Principal sum of $25,000.

These travel insurance options provide comprehensive coverage and peace of mind for international students, ensuring they are protected during their travels abroad.

5. International student insurance review: Which one should students choose?

When it comes to ensuring their well-being while studying abroad, international students often face the decision between international health insurance and travel insurance. Each type of insurance offers distinct benefits and coverage options, making it essential for students to carefully consider their individual needs and circumstances before making a decision.

International Health Insurance
International health insurance is specifically designed to provide comprehensive coverage for medical expenses and healthcare services while studying abroad. It typically includes benefits such as coverage for doctor visits, hospitalization, prescription medications, emergency care, and mental health services. International health insurance offers peace of mind knowing that students have access to quality healthcare without the financial burden in the event of a medical emergency.

Travel Insurance
On the other hand, travel insurance is designed to provide coverage for various travel-related risks and emergencies, including trip interruption, cancellation, baggage loss or delay, and emergency medical evacuation. While travel insurance may include some medical benefits, its primary focus is on providing coverage for non-medical emergencies and disruptions during travel. Travel insurance offers flexibility and convenience for international students who may be traveling frequently or participating in short-term study abroad programs.

	International Health Insurance	Travel Insurance
Pros	Comprehensive coverage for medical expenses. Access to quality healthcare services worldwide. Financial protection against unexpected medical bills. Peace of mind for students and families.	Coverage for non-medical emergencies such as trip cancellation or interruption. Additional benefits such as baggage loss or delay coverage. Flexibility for short-term study abroad programs or travel adventures. Lower premiums compared to international health insurance.
Cons	Higher premiums compared to travel insurance. Limited coverage for non-medical benefits such as trip cancellation or baggage loss.	Limited coverage for medical expenses compared to international health insurance. May not provide comprehensive coverage for pre-existing conditions or chronic illnesses. Does not offer long-term health insurance benefits for extended periods of study abroad.

The decision between international health insurance and travel insurance ultimately depends on the individual needs and circumstances of each student. For those prioritizing comprehensive coverage for medical expenses and healthcare services throughout their study abroad experience, international health insurance may be the better option. However, for students seeking coverage primarily for non-medical emergencies and travel-related risks, travel insurance may suffice, especially for short-term study abroad programs or travel adventures.

6. Conclusion

When choosing between international health insurance and travel insurance, students should carefully consider their specific needs and circumstances. International health insurance provides comprehensive coverage for medical expenses, ensuring access to quality healthcare services while studying abroad. On the other hand, travel insurance focuses primarily on non-medical emergencies during travel, such as trip interruption or cancellation.

Both options offer essential benefits for international students, contributing to their overall well-being and peace of mind throughout their academic journey abroad. By reviewing international student health insurance reviews, students can make informed decisions that align with their individual preferences and priorities.