Lori Meadows
International students who are in between jobs can opt for visitor insurance, which can cover them for new, unexpected medical conditions for anywhere from a few days up to one year or longer, depending on the plan selected. This insurance is not full health insurance coverage but can prevent students from falling into major debt if they have a sudden injury or illness before returning home. While some schools may offer health insurance plans for international students on Optional Practical Training (OPT), this is not typical, and the plans are often prohibitively expensive. International students can also explore short-term health insurance plans or travel insurance plans to cover them during periods of unemployment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| OPT insurance eligibility | OPT medical insurance is not available to all OPT participants |
| OPT insurance duration | OPT insurance can be purchased for as few as 15 days at a time and can be kept for up to four years |
| OPT insurance vs. visitor insurance | Visitor insurance is not full health insurance coverage, but it can prevent you from falling into major debt if you have a sudden injury or illness prior to returning home |
| OPT insurance cost | The cost of OPT insurance depends on the length of stay, whether F2 dependents are covered, and the specific plan chosen |
| OPT insurance providers | OPT insurance providers include Insubuy, InternationalStudentInsurance.com, and InternationalInsurance.com |
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What You'll Learn
OPT health insurance for international students
International students on Optional Practical Training (OPT) are typically not eligible for their school's insurance plan, and their employer may not provide international student health insurance. Therefore, it is recommended that they purchase an OPT international student insurance plan. OPT is a period where international students on an F1/M1 visa can work legally in the United States after graduation. Students can apply for F1 OPT beginning from 90 days before their academic program ends, up until 60 days after it ends.
There are several OPT insurance options available, including the Student Secure plan, which can be purchased while the student is still in school and kept throughout the OPT period, or after graduation. This plan can be purchased for as little as 15 days and kept for up to four years. The Atlas Travel Medical Insurance plan is another option, offering monthly international student health insurance coverage with monthly payment options.
OPT health insurance plans offer comprehensive coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, and prescription medications. They also include emergency medical assistance, such as emergency medical evacuation services, and telemedicine services, allowing students to consult with healthcare providers from home. Many plans also include coverage for pre-existing conditions after a specified waiting period.
The cost of international student health insurance in the US depends on various factors, including the length of stay, the specific plan chosen, and whether any dependents are covered. It is important for students to carefully review the different plans and choose the one that best fits their needs and budget.
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Employer-provided health insurance
International students seeking health insurance have a variety of options, including employer-provided health insurance. This type of insurance is typically available to international students who are employed under the OPT (Optional Practical Training) program, which allows international graduates with F1 status to work and gain practical training in the US for up to 36 months.
While some employers may offer health insurance as part of their benefits package, it is not guaranteed, and there may be a waiting period before new employees become eligible for these benefits. In such cases, international students may consider purchasing their own short-term health insurance plans to bridge the gap until their employer-provided insurance takes effect.
There are several organisations that provide health insurance plans specifically tailored to the needs of international students, including IMG and ISO. These plans can offer worldwide coverage, international claims specialists, 24/7 emergency assistance, multilingual staff, and coverage for physical health, mental wellness, financial protection, crisis support, and personal property.
It is important to note that international students on OPT are typically not eligible for their school's insurance plan anymore, and their employer may not provide international student health insurance. Therefore, it is recommended to explore the various insurance options available and choose one that best suits your needs and budget.
Additionally, it is worth considering the duration of coverage, as some plans have maximum time limits, and coverage cannot be provided in a person's home country. International students should carefully review the terms and conditions of any insurance plan before purchasing it to ensure it meets their specific needs and requirements.
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Temporary health insurance
International students can opt for temporary health insurance to cover them between jobs. This is because, after graduation, students on OPT (Optional Practical Training) are typically not eligible for their school's insurance plan, and their employer may not provide international student health insurance.
International student health insurance plans are designed to meet visa requirements and provide coverage that schools want, such as mental health, sports, and maternity. They are also comprehensive and affordable, with monthly payment options available. Students can purchase these plans for as little as 15 days at a time, which is useful for those who are job searching initially after graduation or are in between jobs.
There are several providers of international student health insurance, including International Student Insurance (ISI), which offers plans for both international and study abroad students. IMG is another provider, offering worldwide coverage, international claims specialists, and access to 24/7 emergency assistance services with multilingual capabilities.
When choosing an international student health insurance plan, it is important to consider factors such as the length of stay, whether any dependents need to be covered, and the specific plan chosen. Additionally, students should verify their visa requirements, as their host country may require insurance for international students.
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Travel insurance
International students can opt for visitor insurance in between jobs. International Student Insurance (ISI) offers a range of international student insurance options to meet school and country requirements, including for those on F (includes OPT), M, or J visas as well as for students studying abroad. OPT health insurance is medical insurance specifically for international students taking part in Optional Practical Training, or OPT, which allows international graduates to remain in the US for up to 36 months to gain relevant work experience.
International students can purchase the Student Secure insurance plan while they are still in school and keep it throughout their OPT period. They can also purchase it after graduating and starting a job or while waiting to find a job on OPT. The Student Secure plan can be purchased for as little as 15 days and can be kept for up to four years.
International students can also opt for travel insurance plans specifically designed for students, such as those offered by Allianz Global Assistance and Travel Guard. These plans provide coverage for medical expenses, trip interruptions, and 24/7 emergency travel assistance. Travel Guard offers customizable plans with different benefit limits, such as the Deluxe, Preferred, and Essential plans.
It is important to note that some plans may have restrictions, such as not providing coverage in the student's home country or having a maximum duration of 364 days. Additionally, J-1 and J-2 visa holders must ensure their insurance coverage meets the minimum standards set by the US Department of State.
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Visitor insurance
For international students in the US, graduating from university is an exciting time. However, it is important to make sure that you continue to have access to healthcare. While enrolled in school, you may have been covered by international student insurance, either through your school or purchased independently.
Once you have graduated, you may no longer be eligible for international student insurance, and your employer may not provide international student health insurance. In this case, you may want to consider purchasing visitor insurance, which can cover you for new, unexpected medical conditions for anywhere from a few days up to one year or longer, depending on the plan. Visitor insurance is not full health insurance coverage, but it can prevent you from falling into major debt if you have a sudden injury or illness prior to returning home.
It is important to note that visitor insurance is not a substitute for comprehensive health insurance and may not cover all your medical needs. Be sure to check the benefits and coverage of the visitor insurance plan, as well as any requirements specified by your school or employer. Additionally, some visitor insurance plans may not be available in certain locations or for all ages, so it is important to review the plan details carefully.
If you are participating in Optional Practical Training (OPT), a program that allows international graduates to remain in the US for up to 12-36 months to gain work experience, you may have additional insurance options. OPT students are typically not eligible for their school's insurance plan, but some schools may work with insurance carriers to extend eligibility. You can also explore OPT-specific insurance plans, temporary medical insurance, or short-term health insurance until your employer-provided insurance begins.
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Frequently asked questions
OPT stands for Optional Practical Training, a program that allows international graduates to remain in the US for up to 36 months to gain relevant work experience in their field of study.
While some schools may try to work with their insurance carrier to extend eligibility, students on OPT are typically not eligible for their school's insurance plan.
One option is OPT medical insurance, although not all OPT participants are eligible for this coverage. Another option is to look into temporary medical insurance or travel insurance plans.
When selecting a plan, carefully consider your own needs and those of your family. Purchasing appropriate medical insurance coverage is the only way to protect yourself and your family from potential medical bills.
