University of South Florida International Student Health Insurance 2013-2014
July 18th, 2013 by Ross MasonThe University of South Florida has selected ISI as a pre-approved insurance option for international students. Learn more and apply online to meet your school’s requirements.
Florida is a great destination for international students, a fantastic climate, great access to the Caribbean and South America – and of course some fantastic schools. The University if South Florida is one of them, and for students looking to study there – they will require you to have adequate insurance coverage in place before you can register for classes.
Like many schools, you can purchase the University of South Florida International Student Health Insurance plan, and as an international student, you are eligible for the Mandated/Supported Plan. This can be purchased through your school. However, you do have the option to waive out of their offered insurance plan and purchase your own insurance. This is very often the cheaper option, and therefore popular with international students who are living on a budget.
One such comparable plan is the Student Secure-USF plan. This plan meets all the requirements set by the University of South Florida, and is also less expensive than the Mandated/Supported Plan that the University of South Florida offers. For example, if you are an international student 24 years of age or younger:
Mandated/Supported Plan – $2,957 per year
Student Secure Select Plan – $741 per year
Saving you $2,215 per year!! Apply Online Now!
With the Student Secure plan, you can pay up front and purchase online with a debit or credit card. You may purchase coverage up to 364 days, with the possibility of renewal up to four years. The Student Secure-USF plan was built with the needs of international students and the requirements of The University of South Florida. You can even keep the plan while you are on OPT!
If you would like to learn more about the Student Secure-USF plan, please visit our website, or you can call our customer service team, any member of which will be more than happy to assist you. You can also learn more about the requirements and the steps to waive your schools insurance plan by visiting our University of South Florida International Student Insurance page.
International Student Health Insurance | University of Hawaii
July 15th, 2013 by Ross Mason
International students studying at the University of Hawaii can enroll in the ISI insurance plan which will work for your school.
Hawaii is a huge draw for many international students as it is undoubtedly one of the most tropical destinations to study in the USA. It is for this reason that we see many students opting to study at the University of Hawaii and one of their main campus locations – either at the Manoa Campus, Hilo Campus or West O’ahu campus. Then there are all the community colleges that you can study at too that are part of the system as well; Hawaii, Honolulu, Kapi’olani, Kaua’i, Leeward, Maui and Windward – there is certainly not a lack of choice for students!
For those that do choose to study there, obtaining adequate international student insurance coverage for your time there is a requirement of all the schools – and they all have varying benefit levels you need to meet, which can be a little confusing.
However we are here to help – the Student Secure is an ideal solution that can be purchased online and works for all campuses. Benefits of the Student Secure include:
- Up to $5,000,000 policy maximum
- As low as $25 deductible in-network
- Doctors Visits/ Hospitalizations
- Maternity/ Mental Health
- Evacuation/ Repatriation
- Pre-existing condition coverage
The Student Secure plan starts at $97/ month for ages 24 and younger for the Select Level and moves up from there – you can also apply for coverage online directly through our website.
To find your specific schools insurance requirements, please see your school name below:
- University of Hawaii – Manoa
- University of Hawaii – Hilo
- University of Hawaii – West O’ahu
- Hawaii Community College
- Honolulu Community College
- Kapi’olani Community College
- Kaua’i Community College
- Leeward Community College
- Maui Community College
- Windward Community College
Please contact us if you need further assistance, our team are on hand to help you through the process.
Updated August 7th, 2020
Is Your Roommate Making You Depressed?
July 12th, 2013 by Jennifer Frankel
Being an international student comes with many challenges. You are far from home, adjusting to a brand new culture, and possibly having to operate using a second or third language. Many international students are accustomed to being high achieving students, and may underestimate the effect that culture shock and other adjustments may have no their academic success. Although studying internationally can be an exciting and rewarding experience, the challenges that it presents can become overwhelming. For this reason, international students are particularly vulnerable to depression.
Depression Study
In a recent paper published in the journal Clinical Psychological Science, psychologists Gerald Haeffel and Jennifer Hames examed the question, “Is your roommate making you depressed?” According to the report, results found that roommates can have strong effects – both positive and negative – on each other’s mental health.
Haeffel and Hames studied students’ reactions to doing poorly on a test; students who reacted with “catastrophic thinking” – who blamed themselves for doing poorly and imagined failing the test or even college entirely – were at a higher risk of depression than students who merely thought “I will do better next time,” and bounced back.
In the study, Haeffel and Hames measured the way students responded to these situations, then tracked pairs of roommates who had similar thinking styles and pairs who had different thinking styles. They then measured to see how these roommates affected each other.
The Results
The study showed that negative thinking was “contagious” – that if you came to college and your roommate had a very negative thinking style, your own thinking style became more negative. The reverse also proved to be true: students who tended to have more gloomy outlooks who were paired with roommates with cheery outlooks found themselves adopting their roommates’ more positive thinking styles. Haeffel compares this phenomenon to learning a language: if you are suddenly immersed in a culture in which everyone speaks a new language, you will pick up the language more easily. The same applies to moods.
Conclusion
International students might find it helpful to bear this in mind while adjusting to their new environment: positive thinking is contagious, not just your own, but others’ as well. Try not to let minor setbacks spiral into something bigger; remember that you are resilient, and you can bounce back. If at all possible, try to spend time with optimistic, cheerful people, not only because their moods might rub off on you, but also because there are genuinely enjoyable to be around. Also check out our top 5 tips for staying fit and healthy when abroad, your general well being physically will go a long way to helping you mentally!
NHS in the UK to Charge International Students
July 11th, 2013 by Ross Mason
Over this past week, Jeremy Hunt, the Health Secretary for the British Government has unveiled sweeping plans that could change the way international students interact and access the UK’s National Healthcare System, otherwise known as the NHS.
So why is the NHS in the UK to Charge International Students? Although hailed around the world as a prime example of nationalised healthcare, the British NHS does come under fire for long wait times to access medical care, and it is suffering from budget cuts. To combat this the health secretary has come up with new plans, amongst them the ones that will directly impact international students are:
- Restricting free healthcare for those from outside the European Economic Area (EEA)
- £200 per year fee for international students (unless they have private medical insurance)
- Improving how short term non-EEA are charged for services
- Improving the way charges are collected
Currently, if you are a short term visitor from outside the EEA, you should be charged for access to the NHS, but in theory this does not happen. This includes short term students studying courses such as English as a Second Language, so most likely these students will be impacted. The £200 fee per year for international students could also likely rise, and will be added to students visa application fees – unless they can show proof of private medical insurance.
The message appears to be clear from the British Government, they will be changing the way international students access healthcare in the UK so the best course of action would be to make sure you have an adequate private medical insurance plan. Not only will it provide many added services that the NHS does not provide, but you will be able to jump any wait times if you need medical care with private medical insurance. To learn more about UK International Student Insurance coverage for the UK, please visit our dedicated section for more information.
Don’t Blow It – What to expect at your F1 visa interview
July 8th, 2013 by Victoria Troupe
If studying in the US is part of your higher education plans, you’ve probably been working hard to obtain your F-1 student visa. Check out this article on How to Apply for an F1 Visa to learn about the entire application process. Although extensive, most of the F1 visa application steps are straightforward, and if you can afford the fees, finance your education, and hack the academic preparation to score well on your tests, you are probably a good candidate for the F-1 visa. However, not all of the F-1 visa checklist items are based solely on your academics and paperwork. You can also be denied a visa if you blow your F1 visa interview.
On paper you might be a solid applicant, but what about in person?
The F-1 visa application will require you to attend an interview at the US consulate. You will have a list of documents and receipts to bring with you to this interview, the absence of which will be detrimental to your chances of visa approval. Additionally, the officer conducting your interview will have the ability to approve or deny your application based on personal questions regarding your plans for study and stay in the US. This part of the interview is very important and can make or break your entire case.
Most questions will be related to these 5 categories:
- Your study plans
- Your university choice
- Your academic capability
- Your financial status
- Your post-graduation plans
Knowing what questions to expect can be a huge advantage! You will need to be prepared to answer these questions in such a way that your interviewer is satisfied. If, for any reason, your interviewer believes that you are being dishonest or are in some way unprepared financially, educationally, or culturally for life and studies in the US, they can turn you away without thinking twice. Learn more about Questions to Expect during your F1 Visa Interview here. You should be prepared for these questions ahead of time, and know how you will discuss each subject.
Most important, be open and honest.
Obviously, some interviewers will be tougher than others. Some students simply answer one or two questions and are approved. Some must sit and review every document they’ve brought with them while giving specific details about their family, job, income and future goals, over the course of an hour or more.
If you are well prepared with all of the required documents and receipts, and have thorough, legitimate reasons for applying for the F1 visa, you should have no problem getting through the interview in one piece. This will also help you to remain calm during the interview process.
Take my advice, and don’t blow it! For more information please visit our F1 Visa Insurance section.
5 Things Not To Do In Sweden
July 5th, 2013 by Ross Mason
There are a number of factors why studying abroad in Sweden is so great! Free education is probably top of that list, however when actually there, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the customs of your host country before you set out. The more familiar you are with these customs, the less likely you are to accidentally insult someone. Here is a list of 5 things not to do in Sweden, specifically if you are an international student planning to study there.
You will find that most Swedes are fairly forgiving of these social faux pas, but it is still best to avoid them entirely.
1. Don’t be loud or flashy
The Swedes are a fairly moderate people when it comes to most things. If you show up in Sweden and are disruptive or flashy in any way – whether it be in your clothing or behavior – you will find that the Swedes avoid you like the plague. Try not to call too much attention to yourself.
2. Don’t talk for the sake of talking
Americans are socialized to feel uncomfortable with silence, and will sometimes attempt to fill what they perceive as an awkward silence with small talk and irrelevant chatter. Not so with Swedes; Swedes speak directly and when they have something to say; what you might think of as an awkward silence is a comfortable pause to Swedes. Don’t feel pressured to fill it with whatever comes to mind.
3. Don’t assume all Swedes speak English
Although the majority of people in Sweden do speak English, you should not assume that everyone you meet does. Learn a few basic Swedish phrases before you set out, and always ask if someone speaks English before you try to converse with them in English. Often, Swedes will warn you that their English is not very good, but you will be surprised by just how good their English turns out to be.
4. Be mindful of your body language
Scandinavians are not generally an animated people. Non-Scandinavians often don’t realize just how animated they can be in conversation, or just how excited they can get. If your voice begins to carry, you can expect to be gently reprimanded. If you notice that someone you are talking to is subconsciously turning their body away from you, or shielding their eyes as if to block out the sun, this is your cue that you need to tone down your body language a bit.
5. Respect personal space
The Swedes are not a touchy people; they enjoy their personal space. Do not intrude on this personal space; for example, don’t sit next to a stranger on the bus if there is an available seat elsewhere. Be mindful of everyone else’s personal bubble.
To learn more about Sweden, its customs and what its like to study in Sweden, please see our Sweden International Student Insurance section for more information and advice.
July 2013 Travel Warnings
July 1st, 2013 by Ross Mason
The July 2013 travel warnings are a listing of any warnings that have been posted by the US Department of State in the month of June, 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 June 2013 include:
Egypt – 28th June 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 due to unrest focused on the first anniversary of the President’s assumption of office.
Somalia – 21st June 2013
The State Department continues to warn against all travel to Somalia as the security situation inside Somalia remains unstable and dangerous. Terrorist operatives and armed groups in Somalia have demonstrated their intent to attack the Somali authorities, African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), and other non-military targets. Kidnapping, bombings, murder, illegal roadblocks, banditry, and other violent incidents and threats to U.S. citizens and other foreigners can occur in any region.
Israel, the West Bank and Gaza – 19th June 2013
The security environment remains complex in Israel and the West Bank, and travelers need to be aware of the continuing risks in these areas, such as the Gaza Strip. Furthermore, with the exception of Jericho and Bethlehem, personal travel to the West Bank by U.S. government employees is prohibited.
Honduras – 17th June 2013
Travelers are warned against travel to Honduras, a country that has the highest murder rate in the world. Tens of thousands of U.S. citizens visit Honduras each year for study, tourism, business, and volunteer work without incident. However, crime and violence are serious problems throughout the country and the Government of Honduras lacks sufficient resources to address these issues. These threats have increased substantially over the past several years and remain high. Incidents can occur anywhere.
Niger – 14th June 2013
The Department of State warns of the risks of travel to Niger, and recommends caution due to ongoing electricity, water shortages and recent terrorist attacks that took place on the 23rd May 2013. The entire river region including the cities of Niamey, Dosso, and Tillaberry is currently experiencing electricity shortages because of damage to a major power line that provides over half of Niger’s electricity, and difficulties with producing and transmitting electricity in Niamey. In addition, as a consequence of the electricity shortage, the Niamey water supplier has been struggling to supply water to the city.
Chad – 11th June 2013
The State Department warns of the risk of travel to Chad, and in particular the Eastern region of Chad and border regions. The security situation in Chad has slowly but steadily improved since the conclusion of an effective peace agreement between Sudan and Chad in early 2010. You should note, however, that despite recent stability, the security environment has been historically volatile and could still deteriorate unexpectedly.
Libya – 7th June 2013
As we reported in our June 2013 Travel Warnings post, on May 8, 2013, the Department of State ordered the departure of a limited number of U.S. government personnel from Libya following the seizure of Libyan government buildings in Tripoli by armed groups in a dispute over a law regarding officials of the former regime. Since that time, tensions have eased, and therefore; as of June 6, the U.S. Embassy in Libya is no longer on ordered departure status but remains an unaccompanied post due to security concerns. The situation in Libya still remains unpredictable, and thus travel is not advised to this part of the world.
Nigeria – 3rd June 2013
The State Department warns of the risks of travel to Nigeria and recommends the avoidance of all travel to Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe states because of the proclamation on May 14, 2013, by the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria of States of Emergency in those three states. The Department also continues to recommend against all but essential travel to the following states due to the risk of kidnappings, robberies, and other armed attacks: Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Niger, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, and Zamfara.
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.
What’s the point of having travel insurance?
June 28th, 2013 by ahoontrakul
So you’re traveling abroad to another country and you heard that you should get travel insurance for yourself and wonder do I really need it? And what’s the point of having travel insurance anyway?
Most people think that its either too expensive, or won’t cover me for what they need. We are here to dispel these myths and answer the question “What’s the point of having travel insurance?”
First, lets check what you know about travel insurance! Most people may think of travel insurance as something that will reimburse you money for your trip cost if your flight or cruise line gets cancelled and you can’t go on your vacation anymore. Well you are partially right! There are varieties of travel insurance plans out there, but most fall into two main categories, trip cancellation insurance and travel health insurance. The point of getting these plans is that you are protected financially if something were to happen either before your trip or during your trip. But there are inherent differences in both plan types and one may be better for you than the other.
Trip cancellation travel insurance is just as you expected, it protects you from losing all your money if, for some unexpected reason, you have to cancel your trip abroad or you have to end your trip earlier than expected. If you or an immediate family member gets seriously sick or hurt in an accident, a natural disaster occurs at your destination or there is a strike – these are some example of things that could occur and trip cancellation insurance would protect you.
The other main type of travel insurance is travel health insurance. These plans are designed primarily to cover you in case you get sick or injured while you are traveling abroad. They are important because in most cases, your insurance back home will not cover you abroad, or if it does, it will only be for a limited amount. Having travel health insurance, means that you can go to the doctor or hospital locally for general accidents and illnesses and they would be covered.
So…. the point of having travel insurance is that these events are covered, and you are protected financially. With trip cancellation you are insuring and protecting your investment in the trip abroad, and with travel health insurance you are protecting yourself from the costs of medical care abroad. Of course, in today’s world there are also hybrid plans that include both types of coverage – but its important to know and have an understanding of travel insurance benefit differences in these plans to help you pick the right coverage for you!
Summer Travel Strikes in Europe
June 24th, 2013 by Ross Mason
It seems that as another summer rolls forward, we have yet more summer travel strikes in Europe. Last week we not only had the air traffic controllers in France striking, we also had the French rail network (SNCF) being crippled by strikes at the same time. The air traffic controllers caused the more widespread issues this time, with flights being cancelled coming into and out of France – plus it also affected the whole of Europe as planes were limited in their ability to fly through French airspace.
Coupled with that, we now have news that the Air Berlin pilots have been locked in a pay dispute for the past month, and it looks like July could see them also taking strike action. All these different events, and their timing with the heavy summer travel months means that to the average traveler, you could expect to be hit with delays and cancellations – and I can imagine more will be coming.
How to Protect Yourself
As a consumer, of course you can keep an eye on current events and try not to book travel on those airlines that look as though they may be having strike action over the coming months. However this is highly impractical, as in most cases you are booking your travel months in advance and you will have no way of knowing. That is where european travel insurance comes into play, as purchasing travel insurance coverage can cover you in the event of strike action or delays like many passengers experienced last month.
Europe Travel Insurance in particular will be your best option, and for example our Europe Travel plan includes trip cancellation (among other benefits) that would protect you in the event of strike action. You will however want to check the fine print on the insurance policy, as not all travel insurance plans are the same – some may not include trip cancellation insurance, or they may include it but then exclude for strikes – so do you research in advance.
Also be wary about purchasing travel insurance for Europe through your airline or travel provider, although it might be easier – some basic research online will help you find policies that are often more comprehensive and in some cases cheaper!
Top 5 Summer Travel Gear Items
June 20th, 2013 by Ross Mason
Summer is in full swing and many international students will be making their way back home or doing some exploring. Either way, we will all be traveling this summer and so we thought it would be a perfect time to put together our top list of travel gear items to make your trip easier!
Technology is changing, styles are changing – and if you have not looked at the latest and greatest travel items in the past year or two, you might actually be surprised at what you can get now. So here are our top 5 summer travel gear items available today:
Probably some of the coolest bags available at the moment, the Timbuk2 messenger bags not only hold everything you need – such as iPads, Laptops, and documents – but they are also customizable through their website. They are certainly our bag of choice whenever we travel at the moment – comfortable and practical!
What better way to keep all your items together than the GridIt travel organizer. It saves you just throwing everything into your bag, and then having to go digging to find what you need. The grid keeps everything in place, and will save you time when you need to find something.
We all know international travel and your mobile phone do not play nicely, you will either find an extremely large phone bill or you may lose access to the world if you switch your phone and data off. There are new affordable solutions – for example global sim cards if you have an unlocked phone – and if you don’t have an unlocked phone, there are cheap unlocked android phones that now cost around $100. For sim cards, check out the range here and for a cheap android unlocked mobile phone, we use the Sony Xperia EC 1604.
Lets face it, when you travel abroad you are constantly taking photos with your camera and then backing them up to your laptop or tablet whenever you get a chance so that you do not lose anything. Now there are WiFi enabled SD memory cards that connect to WiFi networks when you are in range and automatically back up your photos and makes them available on your smart phone or tablet through the dedicated apps. You then have them at your fingertips to instantly share with friends and family, and you have no need to worry about clumsy wires anymore!
We all know that we need to get insurance, but when it comes down to it, it’s hard to find the time to do the research. In most cases your credit card’s insurance plan will not pay the benefits you need – or provide you with the assistance in case something happens. Save time now and do your research in advance and learn about international travel medical insurance and trip cancellation insurance and learn about which one you will need.
Wherever you are traveling – enjoy your time abroad and if you have other travel gear suggestions, let us know in the comments.
