<p>I am a international student, and I am a new arrival to the US. I have no idea about the health insurance, I just purchased my insurance at school, but it was really expensive. Any opinions about student health insurance? Thanks.</p>
<p>Health insurance in the US is expensive because medical care is expensive. For example, I once paid $3,000 to have an injury treated at the ER - just x-rays, antibiotics and bandages. For better or worse, the student health insurance plan offered by your university is probably your best option.</p>
<p>Travel health insurances that you can buy in your home country are probably cheaper, but they’ll have lots of exclusions in the fine print. For example, they may not cover injuries stustained during sport/exercise or any kind of chronic condition (pre-existing or not). For example, if you get diagnosed with diabetes in the US, travel insurance may only pay for acute exacerbations (e.g. if you need emergency treatment because your blood sugar went too high or too low) but not for the day-to-day management of the condition (injectible insulin and such). </p>
<p>Both of my kids had health insurance through their US universities. They were very different plans depending on the uni. The good thing is that all services are covered - doctor visits, emergency room visits, surgery, prescriptions, mental health care, birth control, etc. The bad part is that the insurance may not cover 100% of expenses. You may have to pay a co-pay of $10-$25 for every service, or like my son’s coverage, 20% of every charge. Read the fine print of the policy - both of my children’s policies (different unis) were very different. Son’s plan requires us to pay costs up front and then get reimbursed. </p>
<p>If you come from a country with nationalized health care (like we do), you might be shocked at the cost of US health insurance. But remember, you probably pay more in taxes than US citizens do. We did some cost comparisons, and the university plans are about the same cost as a “bronze” plan under the Affordable Health Care act. My biggest complaint about US health care is the number of forms to fill out. </p>
<p>It’s also a good idea to get the Travel insurance from your home country. It will cover expenses if you go anywhere besides the US and also, repatriation costs, if you need to fly home because of medical emergency. </p>
<p>The health insurance is required and it is expensive, but it is so worth it when you get your first 2 week flu and need medications.</p>
<p>As an international student, your school health insurance is usually the best value. They get discount more than you doing it yourself. This is based on some sort of policy clause that relates that they are non-immigrants and does not have that much funds as students to make the full pay that Americans do,
So stick to it, and if in doubt check out what the American Kids on your campus are paying and you will be thankful for what they asked you to pay.
It looks expensive because of the currency, but compared to our current health care cost in this country, International students have the best deal. (the free unlimited campus clinic and affiliated hospitals check-ins, discount prescription almost lower than senior citizens, free physicals etc…)
That is just from my friends and other campuses that I am aware of.
Best of luck to you.</p>
<p>PS. How much are you paying yearly of I may ask?</p>
<p>around $2,500 per year.</p>