Posted on Friday, February 22nd, 2013 at 10:00 am

Participating in Optical Practical Training (OPT) is an exciting and useful opportunity for international students, giving them the chance to gain real-world work experience in a new culture. As beneficial as partaking in OPT may be, there can be a few hurdles involved as well. One common setback that many students on OPT come across is finding international student health insurance that they are eligible for while on OPT. Many student health insurance plans have an eligibility requirement that the purchaser must be a full time student at a college or university and not in OPT status.

However, there are plans available for those on OPT status. Individuals who need health insurance while on OPT often purchase the Student Secure plan or the Atlas Travel plan.

Those who are on OPT and maintain their F1 visa status can purchase the Student Secure plan and enjoy the comprehensive benefits the plan has to offer like maternity, mental health, doctor’s visits, hospitalization, emergency medical evacuation and repatriation of remains. This plan also works well for an individual on a financial budget since it allows a monthly payment option.

Another popular option for those needing health insurance while on OPT is the Atlas Travel plan. This plan is great for individuals who need coverage for less than one year and are in need of core medical coverage such as hospitalization, doctor’s visits, prescriptions, emergency medical evacuation and repatriation of remains. The Atlas Travel plan allows the purchaser to choose their coverage amount and which deductible they would like. This provides coverage flexibility along with cost flexibility. More importantly, this plan does not have a student status eligibility requirement.

Finding adequate health insurance while on OPT doesn’t have to be a challenge. Find out more on the Student Secure or Atlas Travel plan and if you still have questions please contact one of our licensed agents for assistance.

Posted by Bryanna Davis

Bryanna joined International Student Insurance in 2011 after returning to the United States from teaching English in China. Her interest in international education, sparked initially by her own study abroad experience in Wales, led her to the company. Bryanna is originally from Missouri and is a graduate from the University of Central Missouri.