Essential Guide: International Student Medical Insurance

Planning to study abroad as an international student? It’s important to understand how international student medical insurance works to ensure you meet your school or visa requirements and have coverage for the unexpected while you’re away from home. With the right insurance, you can focus on your studies and adventures without worrying too much about unexpected medical expenses.

This guide will walk you through the basics of what you need to know about how international student medical insurance works: what it is, eligibility requirements, how to get coverage, when your coverage starts and ends, how to use your insurance, how to submit a claim, and how to get help while abroad.

At WorldTrips, we offer insurance plans designed specifically for the needs of students studying overseas.

What Is International Student Medical Insurance?

International student medical insurance can provide reimbursement for unexpected medical expenses to students studying abroad. Many schools and international student visas require students to have medical insurance, so it can be a necessity to meet requirements. Covered events under an international student medical insurance plan might include:

  • Physician visits
  • Urgent care visits
  • Emergency room expenses
  • Local ambulance services
  • Outpatient prescription drugs
  • Vaccinations
  • Sports injuries
  • Mental health care

WorldTrips’ StudentSecure plan offers international student medical insurance designed specifically with study abroad students’ needs in mind. We offer four levels of coverage – Smart, Budget, Select, and Elite – to fit various coverage needs and budgets.

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Deductible vs. Coinsurance vs. Co-Pay

There are several terms that are important for you to understand when assessing potential student insurance plans, including deductible, coinsurance, and co-pay. Let’s break down each term:

  • Deductible – the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance pays covered expenses
  • Coinsurance – the percentage of costs your insurance pays after meeting your deductible
  • Co-pay – a fixed charge for each medical provider visit

Keep these terms in mind when reviewing and comparing international student medical plans.

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Am I Eligible for International Student Medical Insurance?

Many international student travel medical insurance plans require you to meet the following qualifications:

  • Be a full-time student at a college or university (excluding online universities),
  • Be a student under 19 years old enrolled in secondary school, or
  • Be a full-time scholar affiliate with an educational institution, working at least 30 hours per week.

Ensure you review your plan’s eligibility requirements before purchasing.

How To Get Coverage

Obtaining international student insurance is a straightforward process with the StudentSecure quote engine. Follow these steps to get coverage:

  1. Visit the StudentSecure quote engine.
  2. Enter your trip details, including destination, trip duration, and birth date.
  3. Select whether you would like to view single payment prices or monthly payment prices.
  4. Review and compare plans, including exclusions and limitations.
  5. Select a plan according to your needs and budget.
  6. Complete the online form with your details.
  7. Enter your payment details.
  8. Receive a confirmation email with your policy fulfillment documents.

It’s important to compare plans before purchasing. Consider factors such as coverage limits, deductibles, benefits, and exclusions to ensure the plan meets your needs. You can compare StudentSecure plans here.

PRO TIP! Students who purchase a StudentSecure policy have the option to pay in full at the time of purchase or spread their payment into monthly installments. You can save money on monthly payment fees by purchasing your policy in full.

How To Use Your Insurance

Let’s explore how to use your international student medical insurance, with StudentSecure as an example.

Step 1: Review Plan Policy Documents Prior to Leaving

Before departing, carefully review your plan’s policy documents to understand the coverage provided, as well as any exclusions.

Step 2: Study Abroad with Confidence

While abroad, prioritize your safety and keep your medical ID card and policy documents easily accessible. If you seek medical treatment while abroad, provide your ID card at the time of treatment, and request your medical records and an invoice. Keep your receipts for any payments made – they’ll be needed when you submit a claim for any covered events.

Read “Understanding Your WorldTrips ID Card.”

Step 3: Submit a Claim

If you experience a covered event, submit a claim following the claim procedures outlined in your policy. If you have a StudentSecure plan, you can submit a claim through the Member Portal. Log in, visit the Claims and Appeals page, fill out the required information, and upload supporting documents that support your claim.

What Supporting Documents Do I Need to Submit a Claim?

When submitting a claim to your international student medical insurance provider, you may need to provide the following documents:

  • Medical Records – Include relevant medical records to provide evidence of your condition and treatments, including treating physician notes and communication with your healthcare provider.
  • Itemized Bills and Receipts – Keep all itemized bills and receipts for payments made as evidence of incurred costs.

Additional documentation may be required based on your unique claim. Review your policy or contact your provider for specific instructions regarding the necessary documentation.

PRO TIP! Be sure to include as much information as you can when submitting your claim to help ensure a smooth and speedy process.

Step 4: Keep in Touch

Keep tabs on your claim status. If you have a StudentSecure plan, you can track the status of your claim via the Member Portal. Your insurance provider may request additional documentation to support your claim. Submit this documentation in a timely manner to help expedite the processing of your claim.

Step 5: Receive Payment or File an Appeal

If your claim is approved, payment will be processed as specified on your claim form. This may be through a bank transfer, check, or other means. If your claim is denied and you disagree with the reasoning, you may appeal the denial following the procedure outlined by your insurance company. Review the denial letter carefully to ensure you respond accordingly and provide any additional evidence needed.

What If I Need Assistance While Studying Abroad?

Studying abroad can be exciting but also challenging. StudentSecure policyholders have access to travel assistance services, including:

  • 24/7 emergency travel assistance
  • Tracking lost luggage
  • Emergency message relay
  • Emergency cash transfers
  • Prescription drug replacement
  • Medical monitoring
  • Assistance with lost passports and travel documents
  • Referrals to local service providers (i.e., doctors, hospitals, and legal professionals)
  • Embassy and consulate referrals
  • Emergency travel arrangements
  • Legal and accounting referrals
  • Bail bond assistance
  • Translation and interpretation assistance
  • Dispatch of physician/nurse
  • Credit card/traveler check replacement

WorldTrips understands that being a student in a foreign country can be overwhelming. Our travel assistance services are designed to help support you throughout your study abroad journey. Learn more about our travel assistance services here.

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WorldTrips international travel medical insurance products are underwritten by Lloyd's. WorldTrips is a service company and a member of the Tokio Marine HCC group of companies. WorldTrips has authority to enter into contracts of insurance on behalf of the Lloyd's underwriting members of Lloyd's Syndicate 4141, which is managed by HCC Underwriting Agency, Ltd.