Before applying to a higher education institution overseas, many students must first learn the native language in that country. Many international students may want to study in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, or New Zealand. The common thread among these countries is that the native language, and thus the language of instruction, is English. That being said, whether you want to apply to Cambridge in the United Kingdom or Harvard in the United States, you must first learn English and prove that you can succeed in an environment that requires you to write, speak, listen, read and understand English.
Because of this, many students decide to enroll themselves in an English language school that specializes in English as a second language (also known as ESL). Many of these programs provide students with the foundation needed to be successful all the while introducing them to both the culture and traditions that they will be exposed to later as an international student. In either case, before you leave for your English language program, it is important to become familiar with your destination country’s health care system. Many countries, like the United States, have private health care which leaves it up to the individual to cover the cost of medical treatment. Because of this, it is important to have an ESL insurance plan that will be comprehensive enough to cover illnesses and injuries that may occur during your program.
Students planning to learn English overseas must also think about their ESL program. There are a variety of English language programs that students can choose from that expose students to college campus life, local activities, conversation and much more! You can find a program that will teach you general English – or you can build a program focusing on your area of concentration (such as business English). You may find some programs that may also allow you to play sports. After you have decided on the program that you want to study, you will need to ask them whether they provide each participant with their own ESL insurance. Find out what it covers and see if it will cover you if you arrive early, or leave late. If you plan on playing intercollegiate or club sports – does your ESL insurance plan cover this? Keep in mind that if your English language program has limited health insurance, you may be responsible for any excess expenses.
Alternatively, some language programs do not provide insurance to students and they are required to purchase their own individualized plan. You can purchase your own ESL insurance plan for the full duration of your program – and some plans do not require you to be a student so you can use the plan as international gap insurance as well. These insurance plans cover doctor visits, hospitalization, prescription medication, labs, x-rays, emergency medical evacuation, repatriation and much more! Contact our insurance agents to find out the plan that is best for you.
Category: International Student Health Insurance, International Students in the USA
Tags: ESL Insurance
