Tips on Getting Medical Insurance for International Students in the USA

  1. Know why you need international student health insurance (aka 留学生 保险).

Regardless of how old you are, how well traveled you are, or your relative health (future Olympian vs. hours-spent-watching-Sarabhai-vs-Sarabhai-on-couch-record-holder), there are very real risks that need to be prepared for before studying in the United States. Yes, remembering to pack your favorite hair products or must-have tennis shoes is important, but your international student health insurance carries even more weight. Not having health insurance coverage in the United States—a country particularly notorious for expensive cost of health insurance (aka 美国医保费用)—can have lifelong consequences for both your health AND your bank account. You will be treated in an emergency situation regardless of your health insurance coverage in the United States. However, in the instance where you are uninsured, you will have to pay out of pocket for all medical costs incurred. And trust us when we say… you better hope your pockets are DEEP.  Even something as little as a two-mile ambulance ride can rack up $2700 in bills!!!

  1. Memorize the terminology.

We know you might still be getting a handle on the English language, but as you shop around for health insurance for international students, it’s helpful to know the definitions of a few important terms, like Claim, Premium, Deductible, Co-Insurance, Co-payment or co-pay, and in/out-of-network. But no worries with TigerLess Health Inc.. All the Huhu International Student Health Insurance (aka 虎虎留学生保险) plans, Recommended OPT Health Insurance (aka opt保险) options, and U.S. Travel Insurance (aka 美国旅游保险) are in Chinese.

  1. Understand what health insurance for an international student typically covers.

There are many different organizations out there keen to provide you the type of coverage that you are looking for. International Student Vaccine (aka 留学生疫苗) coverage is ranked the top. Typically speaking, HPV vaccine is included in many school plans. The medical insurance for international students in the USA covers new illness or injuries, so wellness or preventative care is usually not covered. Emergency doctor visits and lab orders, emergency surgeries? Yes. Routine checkups? No.

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