<p>My student will be spending first semester abroad! It is all very exciting! But I am wondering what to do about the health insurance issues. We are covered at 80% but I am considering getting a supplemental policy. Does anyone have any advice? Thnk you!</p>
<p>When my D went to Africa for a semester last year it worked in a few different ways. At her school we paid her second semester tuition as usual, and the school paid the tuition then to the study abroad program she attended. The Program itself had very well explained and expanded insurance program. First, let me back track a bit. At her small LAC, all students are required to either have proof of private health insurance or buy a policy thru the school. So all study abroad students were insured. The Program and the college itself each had policies in effect for students in foreign countries. This policy covered the unpleasantries but necessary coverage for evacuation due to medical emergencies, political unrest or threats or natural emergencies, and actually details the repatriation of remains. I know, such an awful thought, but should the unthinkable happen, especially in a third world country they not only paid for but expedited the process which evidently can be horrendous.<br>
Other than that, it was to be a matter for our private insurance, which sounds like yours, ridiculous deductible followed by 80% coverage, blah, blah. The first thing I did was have H go to the HR dept and discuss with them and get IN WRITING what was covered and how. and then I called the actual insurance carrier and also got a letter sent detailing coverage while out of the country. She was actually covered quite well, and the HR guy at H's company said he couldn't think of a supplemental type of policy that would not be redundant. BUT...that was bc her school and program both covered all the extra stuff - a MUST to check on, and purchase if not in place. Believe me, knowing the school's insurance would arrange, expedite and pay to get her out of Africa should there be unrest put my mind at ease. It is nearly impossible to do this on your own without some heavy duty connections. Check, check and double-check with your son's college on this point.
The strangest thing I found was that D had to take anti-malarial drugs before, during and after the 4 month trip. Our insurance would not cover this Rx ($850) unless she actually GOT malaria. Huh? Nor did it cover the myriad of innoculations she needed. But check with your school or local Travel Clinincs @ hospitals, sometimes these shots are much cheaper in these settings.
Oh, and one more thing...She had to have access to $500 (a LOT of money in Africa, lol) in case she needed to be taken to a hospital..in most cases they demanded that amount up front before agreeing to treat foreigners.<br>
Good luck to your S, I think generally ins co.'s are pretty reasonable as long as they are aware the student is out of the country, but I'd get everything in writing. And regardless of where they are going, even London for example...thoroughly check the school's policy on evacuation in the event of political unrest, earthquake, etc. If they do nothing, def look into buying such a policy.</p>
<p>It's really hard to answer these questions without looking at the specifics. For example, my daughter's study abroad program included a nominal fee for insurance rider that covered medical evacuations, etc.</p>
<p>You really have to look at the specifics of the study abroad program or college policy as it could vary widely from program to program.</p>