If you are considering studying abroad, one of the most important (and often overlooked) components of your planning should include obtaining adequate health insurance.

For the most part, all international students will be required to provide proof of health insurance before they will be permitted to enroll in schools in the United States. Many European countries have this requirement, as well, so it is important that you research this aspect of studying abroad as you create your student check list.

In addition, you should keep in mind that colleges and universities do not provide, or offer, insurance coverage to international students.

Governments do not offer health insurance, either, so you will need to obtain coverage on your own well in advance of when you plan to start attending school.

Choosing the Best Plan

The type of insurance plan that you choose should be based on specific criteria. For example, if you are a student planning to study abroad for at least one year, you will want to choose an insurance plan with comprehensive coverage so that you will have maximum protection during your travels away from home.

Look for a plan such as the Student Secure plan sponsored by InternationalStudent.com, which provides full medical coverage for students who are planning to study anywhere in the world. The best plans will provide medical and prescription coverage, as well as mental health, sports related injury, maternity, and terrorism coverage.

If you will only be studying abroad for a short period of time, such as during the summer or for one semester, then you will be better off choosing a plan that can be purchased for shorter periods of time. The most ideal types of plans should offer coverage for as little as five days, or as long as 12 months.

The best short-term plans will offer coverage that includes:

• Emergency Dental coverage

• Physical Therapy

• Terrorism and Medical Evacuation

• Inpatient and Outpatient Medical

• Lost Luggage

Atlas International is one example of a reliable short-term insurance plan. Backed by Lloyds of London, Atlas plans meet all requirements for
students from the United States and most European countries.

Types of Coverage

As you explore different insurance coverage options, there a few different things you should consider.

Deductibles - with most health insurance policies, some type of deductible will apply. As a general rule, the lower your monthly or annual premium, the higher your deductible will be. Deductible amounts can range from $50 to $2,500. If you are willing to pay a much higher premium, you might also be able to obtain an insurance policy with no deductible.

Coinsurance – coinsurance amounts are what you have to pay per doctor visit after your deductible has been met. In most cases, your coinsurance amount will be 20%.

Maximum limits – many health insurance policies have maximum limits that apply to each policy. Whatever your maximum out-of-pocket obligation is per calendar year, that amount is all you will have to pay once it has been met. For example, if your out-of-pocket maximum is $5,000, then once you have paid that much in applicable medical expenses, you won’t have to pay anything else for the remainder of the year.