International Students: Canceling Health Insurance, Is It Possible?

International students can get affordable health insurance coverage for their time studying outside of their home country. International student health insurance is compulsory for students at some universities, such as McGill University, and is required for students to get a visa/resident card in Germany. Students can choose from a range of plans, including comprehensive, budget-friendly, and travel insurance plans. Students can also choose from multiple levels of coverage, such as the StudentSecure plan, which offers varying benefits. While the exact cancellation process will vary depending on the insurance provider and country, students can generally cancel their health insurance if they graduate, withdraw from their university, or become a permanent resident of their host country.

International student health insurance cancellation policies

International student health insurance is a necessity for students studying outside their home country. It is designed to meet visa requirements and provide key coverage in areas like mental health, sports, and maternity. The cost of health insurance in the United States can be high, and it is a complex system to navigate. However, there are a variety of providers that offer plans tailored to international students, with some offering plans from as little as $29/month.

International Student Insurance (ISI) is a well-known provider with a 5-star customer service rating. They offer plans for international students on F (includes OPT), M, or J visas, as well as students studying abroad. Compass Student Insurance is another provider that offers plans for international students, scholars, and professionals in the U.S. with F-1, J-1, M-1, and H-1B visas, as well as those on OPT. They work with UnitedHealthcare PPO, one of the largest U.S. networks, and are known for their affordable and flexible plans.

ISO International Student Insurance is the world's largest international student insurance manager, offering plans since 1958. Their plans are designed to meet school waiver requirements or visa status at an affordable rate. For those looking for short-term coverage, International Student Insurance also provides travel insurance plans for international students travelling outside their home country. These plans offer coverage for emergency medical situations and can include supplemental international evacuation and repatriation insurance.

While the specific cancellation policies for each provider are not outlined, it is important to note that cancelling a health insurance plan can have consequences. For example, if you cancel your insurance plan and then decide to purchase a new one, you may not be given a special enrollment period for the remainder of the calendar year. Additionally, if you are leaving a country and cancelling your insurance, do not remove your payment method until you have officially opted out of the plan, otherwise, charges and interest may continue to accrue.

Cancelling health insurance before travelling abroad

If you are an international student with health insurance in your home country and you are considering cancelling it before travelling abroad, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to understand that health insurance policies and regulations vary from country to country, so be sure to familiarize yourself with the specific rules and requirements of your home country.

In some countries, such as the United States, health insurance can be complex, and cancelling your policy while living or travelling abroad may have certain implications. For example, if you cancel your US health insurance plan, you may not be eligible for a special enrollment period to enroll in a new plan for the remainder of the calendar year. Additionally, your US-based health insurance provider will most likely not cover your medical treatment abroad, so it is essential to understand what medical services your insurance will cover while you are overseas.

If you are planning to be abroad for an extended period, you may want to consider purchasing a long-term international travel health insurance policy. These policies are specifically designed for individuals who live or work abroad and offer routine medical coverage, rather than just emergency coverage. They typically have higher limits than standard travel medical insurance policies and can provide coverage for family members as well.

Before cancelling your current health insurance, be sure to carefully review the terms and conditions of your policy, as there may be specific requirements or restrictions regarding cancellation. Additionally, consider reaching out to your insurance provider directly to discuss your options and understand the potential consequences of cancelling your coverage before travelling abroad.

Lastly, remember to familiarize yourself with the healthcare system and regulations of the country you are travelling to. Each country may have different requirements for insurance coverage, medical evacuations, and medication allowances. By taking the time to understand your options and plan accordingly, you can ensure that you have the necessary coverage and support while studying and living abroad.

Sample termination letter for health insurance

Yes, you can cancel your health insurance as an international student. However, it is important to note that health insurance requirements vary depending on the country and specific student visa requirements. For example, in Canada, international students may be required to enrol in a provincial health insurance plan, such as the MSP in British Columbia, and can opt out of this coverage if they have alternative insurance. In the United States, health insurance requirements for international students may depend on the type of visa and the specific regulations of the state they are residing in.

Now, here is a sample termination letter for health insurance:

[Your name]

[Your address]

[City, State, and Zip Code]

[Date]

[Name of Insurance Company]

[Address of Insurance Company]

[City, State, and Zip Code of Insurance Company]

Re: Termination of Health Insurance Policy

Dear [Name of Insurance Company Representative/Claims Department],

I am writing this letter to inform you of my decision to terminate my health insurance policy with your company, effective immediately. My policy number is [XXXXXXX], and the policy is under my name, [Your Name].

Please let this letter serve as formal notification that I am cancelling my health insurance plan due to [state your reason for cancellation, such as switching to a different insurance provider, no longer requiring the insurance, or any other relevant reason].

I kindly request that you process the cancellation as soon as possible and provide me with written confirmation of the termination of the policy. Please let me know if there are any additional steps required from my end to finalise the cancellation.

Thank you for your attention to this matter, and I look forward to your prompt response. Please feel free to contact me at [your contact number] or [your email address] if you require any further information or documentation from my end.

Yours sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Your Signature]

This letter conveys your intention to cancel your health insurance policy and provides the necessary details for the insurance company to process your request. Remember to keep a copy of this letter for your records, and if possible, send the letter via certified mail or with a return receipt requested to ensure that you have proof of delivery.

Health insurance refunds for unused months

Refund Policies

Some health insurance companies offer refunds if they do not spend a certain percentage of premium dollars on medical care. For example, under the Affordable Care Act, insurance companies are required to provide refunds if they do not spend at least 80% of premium dollars on medical care. This ensures that insurance companies are held accountable for the money their customers spend on healthcare.

Grace Periods

Health insurance plans often have grace periods, which are short periods of time after a monthly premium is due, during which customers can still make the payment without losing coverage. Grace periods typically last for three months. However, it is important to note that if a customer does not pay all owed premiums during the grace period, they may lose their coverage dating back to the first month they missed the payment.

Special Enrollment Periods

Special enrollment periods are times outside the yearly open enrollment period when individuals can sign up for health insurance. These special periods are often triggered by certain life events, such as losing health coverage, moving, getting married, having a baby, or adopting a child. Additionally, households with incomes below a certain amount may qualify for a special enrollment period.

International Student Health Insurance

International student health insurance plans are designed to meet the specific needs of international students, including those on visas or studying abroad. These plans are typically comprehensive yet affordable, covering areas such as mental health, sports, and maternity care. International student insurance providers offer various levels of coverage and allow students to choose a plan that fits their budget and requirements.

Cancellation Policies

It is important to note that the process of cancelling international student health insurance can vary. Some insurance providers may require customers to call and speak to a representative, while others may have online cancellation processes. Understanding the specific cancellation policy of your insurance provider is crucial to avoid unexpected charges or complications.

Health insurance coverage for international students in Germany

Health insurance is mandatory for all international students in Germany. This applies to everyone who stays long-term in the country, regardless of whether they are students or not. You will need to have health insurance before you complete your enrollment at your university.

If you need a student visa for Germany, you must provide proof of travel health insurance during your visa appointment. This type of insurance is short-term, and you will only need this for your visa application until you get long-term health insurance when you arrive in Germany. For your appointment, travel health insurance that fulfills the following criteria is sufficient:

• Has a minimum coverage of 30,000 EUR
• Is valid in the territory of all Schengen states
• Includes emergency repatriation
• Includes emergency treatment in a hospital
• Is valid for the entire duration of your trip

Note that travel health insurance is not sufficient for long-term stays in Germany, which is why you also need health insurance for your university enrollment.

In Germany, most international students are eligible for public health insurance. Public health insurance is usually more affordable for students, while private insurance has more benefits at a higher cost. Some of the cheapest public health insurance providers in Germany for students include:

• Techniker Krankenkasse (TK)
• AOK
• Barmer
• DR-WALTER

Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) is one of the biggest healthcare funds in Germany, with over 8.8 million people signed up. One of the many benefits of choosing TK is that it offers online and phone support seven days a week and boasts an English-language support portal and an English-language application form.

If you are from a country that Germany has signed a social security agreement with, you may be able to use the insurance you already have in your home country. However, it is important to note that insurance coverage from these countries may not cover all healthcare services, so it is recommended to also get statutory health insurance or sufficient private insurance from Germany.

To terminate your health insurance coverage after you finish your studies, simply notify your insurance company, and they will guide you through the next steps.

Frequently asked questions