Crushing Student Insurance Myths
August 5th, 2013 by ahoontrakul
“So if it wasn’t confusing enough that I’m moving to an entirely different country to study, learn a new culture and make a new set of friends all over again – I have to figure out their insurance/ health system too?”
Ok, so this may not be exactly what international students in the US are thinking, but often times, students are confused about the purpose of health insurance and how it works in the US compared to other countries around the world.
Sure, as an international student you can ask your American friends to help you out, but that can cause even more confusion. For example, your American friends may be covered under their parent’s insurance policy and those are very different when compared to international student insurance plans. Benefits are different, access to care may be different, regulations on those plans are different – you get the picture!
To help you through this process, and crush those student insurance myths – here are two of the most common myths that international students (and sometimes even Americans) have about student insurance.
#1 – “I can just buy insurance when I need it, worst case I might just have to pay a little bit more”
FALSE! If you get sick or injured today and you want to buy an insurance policy so that you can use right away for that injury/ illness – it will not work! The plan will not cover you. Think about it, would you be able to buy home insurance to cover your home against it burning down, after it has already burnt down? With all insurance, it is meant to protect you against something that may happen in the future, not what has already happened.
#2 – “A good insurance plan will cover me for everything”
FALSE AGAIN! Not many health insurance plans cover you for “everything”. A good student insurance plan will cover you for your medical costs if you get sick or injured. However, all insurance plans includes some exclusions or limitations. For example, many insurance plans will not cover you incase your injured while participating in dangerous sports. Some may not cover you if you injure yourself while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. So it’s important to read your insurance policies benefits and exclusion in detail, and perhaps a better question than “does the insurance cover everything?” ask “what are the exclusions on the insurance?”
There are many other myths about student insurance out there. To read more about them, check out our article on Student Insurance Myths and Realities. And if you have any insurance myths to share, post it in the comment section.
Not sure if what you heard is a myth or reality? Ask our insurance agent so they can tell you the fact and bust those myths for you!
Florida Atlantic University International Student Health Insurance
August 3rd, 2013 by Ross Mason
International students from all over the world are attracted to Florida’s sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and world-famous attractions. These students study at any one of Florida’s many high-quality colleges and universities, including Florida Atlantic University. As an international student studying in the United States, it is likely that your school requires you to show proof of sufficient international student health insurance coverage for the duration of your studies. Your school will probably offer a sponsored health insurance plan for its students, but you may choose instead to purchase your own private health insurance. This often proves to be the cheaper option!
Alternative Insurance Coverage
At Florida Atlantic University, international students are allowed to register for classes only after they have demonstrated that they hold medical insurance coverage that meets the guidelines set by the Florida Board of Governors Regulation BOG 6.009 and FAU Regulation 4.009. International students with either F-1 or J-1 status must maintain continuous insurance coverage for the entire duration of their studies at FAU. For more information about the Florida Atlantic University International Student Health Insurance requirements, please visit their school requirement page.
Florida Atlantic University offers a school sponsored health insurance policy and the annual cost for this plan for an international student is $1,475.
Although this insurance plan is perfectly adequate, you may choose instead to purchase a less expensive health insurance policy elsewhere. Our Student Health Insurance plan Select and Elite Level, for example, meets all the health insurance coverage requirements set by Florida Atlantic University, and costs less. For an international student aged between 18 and 24, the annual cost on our plans are:
- Select – $1,066.52 per year
- Elite – $1,961.96 per year
Updated June 21, 2019
August 2013 Travel Warnings
August 2nd, 2013 by Ross Mason
The August 2013 Travel Warnings are a listing of any warnings that have been posted by the US Department of State in the month of July, warning travelers who plan to visit those countries. Remember to exercise extra care if you are visiting these countries, and check with your travel insurance provider to make sure you still have coverage in place – sometimes coverage can be excluded to countries that are under a travel warning.
Countries listed through the month of July 2013 include:
Saudi Arabia – 25th July 2013
Department of State urges travelers to carefully consider the risks of traveling to Saudi Arabia. As the August 26, 2012, arrest of two terrorist cells by Saudi security authorities indicates, there remains an ongoing security threat due to the continued presence of terrorist groups, some affiliated with al-Qaida, who may target Western interests, housing compounds, hotels, shopping areas, and other facilities where Westerners congregate.
Mali – 18th July 2013
The U.S. Department of State warns against all travel to Mali because of ongoing conflict in northern Mali, fluid political conditions, and continuing threats of attacks and kidnappings of westerners. While the security situation in Bamako remains relatively stable, there are ongoing security concerns and military operations taking place in the northern and western parts of the country.
Yemen – 16th July 2013
Due to the ongoing unrest in the Yemen, the security threat level in Yemen is extremely high. In September 2012, a mob attacked the U.S. Embassy compound. Demonstrations continue to take place in various parts of the country and may quickly escalate and turn violent. Travelers are urged to avoid areas of demonstrations, and to exercise extreme caution if within the vicinity of a demonstration.
Niger – 15th July 2013
The U.S. Department of State warns of the risks of travel to Niger. Those considering travel to Niger should evaluate their personal security situation in light of continuing threats to safety and security. On June 13, 2013, the Department of State approved authorized departure for family members of Embassy personnel because of security concerns. Since that time, circumstances have improved and, as of July 12, the U.S. Embassy in Niger is no longer on authorized departure status.
Mexico – 12th July 2013
Although millions of travelers visit Mexico each year, the department feels travelers should be aware that the Mexican government has been engaged in an extensive effort to counter Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs) which engage in narcotics trafficking and other unlawful activities throughout Mexico. The TCOs themselves are engaged in a violent struggle to control drug trafficking routes and other criminal activity. Crime and violence are serious problems and can occur anywhere. Visitors have fallen victim to criminal activity, including homicide, gun battles, kidnapping, carjacking and highway robbery. While most of those killed in narcotics-related violence have been members of TCOs, innocent persons have also been killed.
Philippines – 5th July 2013
The Department of State warns of the risks of travel to the Philippines, in particular to the Sulu Archipelago and the island of Mindanao due to the continuing threats in those areas due to terrorist and insurgent activities. It is recommended to defer non-essential travel to the Sulu Archipelago, due to the high threat of kidnapping of international travelers and violence linked to insurgency and terrorism there.
Kenya – 5th July 2013
The U.S. government continues to receive information about potential terrorist threats aimed at U.S., Western, and Kenyan interests in Kenya. Terrorist acts can include suicide operations, bombings, kidnappings, attacks on civil aviation, and attacks on maritime vessels in or near Kenyan ports. Therefore they are recommending that those traveling to Kenya should evaluate their personal security situation to make sure they are prepared.
Egypt – 3rd July 2013
Due to the continuing political and social unrest, the State Department advises that all non-essential travel to Egypt should be postponed until the situation improves. Political unrest, which intensified prior to the constitutional referendum in December 2012 and the anniversary in 2013 of Egypt’s 25th January Revolution, is likely to continue in the near future.
While traveling, please keep these June 2013 travel warnings in mind. Additionally, travelers are advised to enroll through the U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to stay up to date on travel security information.
University of Central Florida International Student Health Insurance
July 31st, 2013 by Jennifer FrankelThe University of Central Florida has selected ISI as a pre-approved insurance option for international students. Learn more and apply online to meet your school’s requirements.
Because health care costs in the United States can easily add up, many colleges and universities in the US require international students to purchase medical insurance coverage for their time abroad. Depending on the school, international students may be required to purchase the school’s group plan unless they can show proof of an alternate health insurance policy that meets a certain set of insurance requirements.
UCF Insurance Requirements for International Students
The University of Central Florida is one of these schools that requires their international students to purchase health insurance plan for the duration of their studies. UCF does have a group health insurance plan, however if international students are able to show proof of insurance that meets their minimum health insurance requirements, they can opt out and choose a plan of their own. Many times, these options can be more affordable and allows students to choose a plan that will meet their particular health needs.
Alternative Health Insurance
If you are interested in University of Central Florida International Student Health Insurance for the 2020-2021 year, there are certain requirements that you will be required to prove in order to choose your own international student insurance. Among the requirements, you must have a plan that has a policy maximum of $100,000 per injury/illness, mental health, maternity, has a $50 deductible at the Student Health Center, and more.
Our StudentSecure -UCF Plan will meet these and the other listed coverage requirements set forth by the University of Central Florida. While UCF offers an excellent insurance plan, our plan can save you money for the new school year. If you are an international student ages 24 and younger, here’s how the costs stack up:
- University of Central Florida’s Group Plan: $2,923 per year
- Our Student Health Plan
- Select – $1,161.16 per year
- Elite – $2,140.32 per year
If you are interested in learning more about our plan, please check out our benefits page or speak to a representative who can help you navigate your international student insurance. You can also learn more about the International Student Health Insurance for the University of Central Florida, check out the insurance requirements on our school requirements page.
Updated July 29, 2020
Visit Thailand | Ayutthaya Heritage City
July 29th, 2013 by Ross Mason
International students studying in Thailand have a plethora of things to do and see when there, but one place that you should not miss the opportunity to visit is the Ayutthaya Heritage City.
Ayutthaya is the capital city of Ayutthaya province in Thailand. It was founded as the capital of Siam in 1350 by King U Thong, who escaped there from a smallpox outbreak in Lop Buri. It was chosen for strategic reasons: it is surrounded on all sides by rivers and a man-made canal, which acted as barriers against Burmese invaders. Following its founding, the kingdom flourished. Its kings poured wealth into the construction of temples and religious monuments as well as the arts.
Ayutthaya’s wealth attracted traders and emissaries from across the continent as well as Europe. At its height of prosperity, Ayutthaya maintained close diplomatic and trade ties with Louis XIV’s court in France, Portugal, Holland, Persia, China and Japan. It fell in the final battle of the Siamese-Burmese Wars in 1767, when it was ransacked and burned completely to the ground.
Ayutthaya is now the home of the Ayutthaya historical park, the ruins of the former capital of the Kingdom of Siam. It is now recognized internationally as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is located about 76 kilometers north of Bangkok, and it is certainly not something you want to miss. It houses four temples of the Early Ayutthaya period, as well as many other elaborate temples and ruins, including the only temple in Ayutthaya that survived post-war looting and arson attacks.
When you visit Ayutthaya, remember that palaces and temples, including their ruins, are considered to be sacred places. Therefore you will need to dress appropriately before entering. This means no shorts or sleeveless or spaghetti-strapped tops. Be respectful of the area around you; do not try to pick at or remove bricks or stones from their original locations. To learn more about Thailand and all the international insurance requirements for those visiting, please see our Thailand International Student Insurance pages for more information.
Louisiana State University International Student Health Insurance
July 27th, 2013 by Jennifer FrankelInternational students who choose to study in Louisiana have the chance to study in some of the country’s top rated cities in some of its best colleges and universities. International students are drawn to Louisiana’s warm climate, unique cultural influences, and famous festivities. Louisiana offers a number of great colleges and universities for international students, including Louisiana State University.
As with most colleges and universities in the United States, Louisiana State University requires that all international students on J and F visa status have acceptable international student health insurance coverage, and this coverage must meet LSU’s specific policy requirements. LSU offers its students a school sponsored insurance plan through Gallagher, and the school’s policy states that all international students (excluding ISEP students) will be charged for LSU health insurance coverage upon arrival, unless LSU receives proof of alternate insurance coverage that meets LSU’s requirements. For more information about Louisiana State University’s international student insurance requirements, you can visit their website.
Alternative Health Insurance
Although LSU’s health insurance policy is perfectly adequate, it is fairly costly in comparison to other insurance plans. International students might find that it is advantageous for them to purchase an alternate, less expensive personal insurance policy. Our Student Health Insurance plan levels of the Budget, Select and Elite will meet Louisiana State University’s health insurance requirements at a much lower cost than the school sponsored insurance plan. For example, for an international student ages 24 and younger studying in the United States:
- Louisiana State University Sponsored Plan – $2,728 per year
- Our Student Health Insurance plan:
- Budget level – $513.24 per year
- Select level – $1,161.16 per year
- Elite level – $2,140.32 per year
For more information please visit our website or contact our customer service team, who will be more than happy to assist you. If you would like to learn more about the Louisiana State University international student health insurance requirements, you can visit our school requirements page.
Updated August 6th, 2020
Top 5 Study Abroad Health and Safety Apps
July 26th, 2013 by Ross Mason
Smart phones are all over the place now, and as the cost of international roaming starts to gradually fall (as is happening within the EU), and with the rise in cheap local sim cards – we are finding that more and more students are taking their smartphones with them when they travel.
Not only is this great from the perspective of keeping in touch with friends and family – but you can still be connected to all your favorite apps like Facebook, Twitter to chart your experiences and keep them in your history.
But what are the Top 5 Study Abroad Health and Safety Apps?
Here we chart the best apps to keep you on the straight and narrow:
Dropbox – iOS, Android, Blackberry, Kindle (Free)
You may wonder why we have chosen dropbox as one of our first apps for this section – and the reason is simple, with dropbox you can access pretty much all your documentation in one place, whenever you need it! Before you depart abroad, make sure you have copies of your passport, important insurance documents, vaccinations cards – pretty much everything you can reasonably think of scanned in and stored in a dropbox folder. Its there if you need it in case something happens, and you have quick and easy access to it in case you lose something, like your passport or insurance documentation.
Jet Lag App – iOS ($2.99)
We have all been there with jet lag – wide awake at 2am in the morning, only to them suffer through the day struggling to keep your eyes open through that class or meeting. The Jet Lag app is here to help you! Simple enter in your travel details and the time zones you will cross – and the app will give you a customized schedule you can follow to minimize the impact of jet lag.
Jibbigo Translator – iOS, Android (Free + $4.99 for language packs)
For the international traveler, having access to some translation help could be vital (especially in an emergency). There are many apps available that can help you, but this is the best app out there as it offers offline translation – so unlike Google Translate, you do not need to be connected to the internet. Once you have paid for your language pack, you download it and off you go!
City Maps 2Go – iOS, Android ($1.99)
Similar to the translator app, City Maps 2Go is an excellent app for those that do not have a good internet connection or who have limited data when abroad. You can download the maps you need to use when on wifi, and they will be stored on your device so that you can use them when you do not have a data connection. Most usual maps apps will not work without a data connection. It will save you getting lost and potentially taking a wrong turn into the wrong parts of a city!
Hopefully with these apps, it will make your travel abroad experience that much better! Do not also forget to download the International Student Insurance Student Zone app, allowing you to manage your insurance plan online with your phone too – so that all your insurance information is in the palm of your hand!
Safe travels!
University of Memphis International Student Health Insurance
July 24th, 2013 by Ross Mason
The Student Secure Elite and the Student Health Advantage Platinum will meet the University of Memphis’s health insurance requirements.
Why the University of Memphis?
International students with a love of country, rock and roll, or the blues might be considering studying abroad in Memphis, Tennessee. Tennessee boasts a mild climate, with temperatures ranging from 80 plus degrees in the summer and 40 degrees in the winter months. Major industries in Tennessee include manufacturing, health care, and automotives, so international students interested in any of these fields might consider basing their studies in Tennessee.
Health Insurance Requirements for International Students
The University of Memphis requires that all international students who are enrolled in credit or non-credit courses at the university maintain adequate international student health insurance coverage for major medical, repatriation of remains, and medical evacuation throughout the duration of their studies at the university, including periods when the student is not registered for classes. The student’s insurance coverage must include:
- Major Medical Expenses Coverage: $500,000 USD per injury or sickness to match the current plan
- Repatriation Expense: In the event of the death of the insured person, expenses as may reasonably be incurred will be payable up to $50,000 USD for returning the body of the insured person to his/her place of residence in his/her home country.
- Medical Evacuation Expenses: If the insured person is unable to continue his/her academic program due to injury or sickness, expenses as may reasonably be incurred will be payable up to $25,000 to evacuate the student to another medical facility or to their home country.
While the University of Memphis does offer a school sponsored health insurance plan, it can be more expensive than other insurance policies that offer just as much coverage.
Alternative Insurance Coverage
The Student Secure – Elite plan and our Student Health Advantage – Platinum plan will meet the University of Memphis’s insurance requirements. Both of these plans are ultimately less costly than the plan offered by the University of Memphis and will meet all of their requirements. The cost of these plans for a student aged 18 to 24 is:
- Student Secure – Elite – $2,140.32 per year >> Apply Now
- Student Health Advantage – Platinum – $1,704 per year >> Apply Now
Updated August 7, 2020
5 Things To Do In Seoul
July 22nd, 2013 by Ross Mason
If you are an international student studying in Seoul, chances are you will be spending much of your time exploring Seoul as the capital city of South Korea. Here are 5 things to do in Seoul that you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to experience while you are studying there:
1. Gyeongbok Palace – Korea’s most famous royal palace, located at the northern end of Seoul’s main boulevard, Sejongro. Gyeongbok was built in the late 1300s, and since then has been destroyed and reconstructed numerous times. Tours conducted in English are available about three times every day, if you are interested in learning more about Korea’s court customs and architectural traditions.
2. Bugaksan – One of mountains that ring Seoul, located behind the President’s pad, Cheongwadae or Blue House. It is one of the best mountains to climb around Seoul. Trailheads take hikers through reconstructed 15th-century gates and along Seoul’s ancient fortress wall. You will have an amazing view of the capital from the top of the 112-ft. ascent, and follow in the footsteps of North Korean commandos who climbed the mountain in an unsuccessful attempt to assassinate the president around 40 years ago.
3. Itaewon – A major draw for foreigners in Seoul, Itaewon is an expat-friendly neighborhood near the main US Army base. It is home to many bars, clubs, restaurants, and shops that sell everything from reproduction Korean furniture and tailored suits to jewelry and Korean pottery. Itaewon also houses one of the best clubs in the city, Club Volume, in the basement of the Crown Hotel.
4. Namdaemun Market – This is a fantastic place to pick up inexpensive clothing, houseware, fabrics, toys, jewelry, accessories, food, flowers, and appliances. It is seemingly open round the clock, and has thousands of stores located in around 30 multistory buildings, as well as innumerable street-vendor stalls.
5. War Memorial of Korea – Learn about the troubled history of Korea here, particularly its relationships with its near neighbors. It is not, strictly speaking, a memorial; it is actually a large military history museum, with tanks, planes, and guns on display.
If you would like to learn more about studying in South Korea, and all the South Korea International Student Insurance requirements please see our Korea page for more information.
Study Abroad Myths Exposed
July 19th, 2013 by Bryanna Davis
Studying abroad can sometimes get a bad reputation, depending on who you have talked to in the past about their experience. To clear the air and give this international adventure the reputation it deserves, we are going to de-bunk some common myths about studying abroad.
Study Abroad Myth 1: It Will Cost Too Much
While studying abroad might mean you have to worry about the exchange rate of the currency in your home country against your host country, this doesn’t always mean you can’t afford it. There are a number of financial aid options available that make becoming an international student a possibility including scholarships, loans and tuition waiver programs. Between finding aid and keeping to a budget, studying abroad doesn’t have to be a financial burden.
Study Abroad Myth 2: Studying Abroad is an Excuse to Party
A college experience is what you make of it. While there are study abroad students who enjoy going out and take full advantage of more lenient laws in countries abroad- this is not the case across the board. One of the benefits of studying abroad is the opportunity to pursue a degree while experiencing a different educational approach. In fact, just the opposite of this myth is true, more than 80 percent of students who study abroad develop an increased interest in education according to a recent study conducted by the Institute for the International Education of Students.
Study Abroad Myth 3: I Won’t Graduate On Time
One of the benefits of studying abroad through your school is that you can have a great experience abroad and continue with your studies! To make sure your credits will transfer as needed, choose your classes and check beforehand that your school in your home country will approve them when you return home.
Study Abroad Myth 4: It’s Dangerous
Like any travel adventure, accidents can happen, when you study abroad it can be as safe or dangerous as you make it. It’s important to prepare ahead of time by checking travel warnings issued, purchasing study abroad insurance, and making a list of emergency contacts within your host country.
If you are still on the fence about studying abroad schedule an appointment with your school’s international student office. They will be able to provide you with further information on what you can expect from a journey abroad and if it’s a good option for you.
