Lori Meadows
International students often face challenges when it comes to navigating healthcare services in their host country. Before travelling abroad, it is recommended that students undergo a comprehensive health check-up in their home country to ensure they are in good health and that their immunizations are up to date. This proactive approach can help prevent unexpected medical expenses overseas, as many international student insurance plans do not cover wellness or preventive care, and costs for services like dental and vision care can add up quickly. Understanding the healthcare system of the host country is crucial, as is registering with local healthcare providers as soon as possible upon arrival. This guide will explore the steps international students can take to maintain their health and access necessary healthcare services while studying abroad.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Country | United States, United Kingdom, Australia |
| Health Insurance | Purchase an insurance plan in the US; International health insurance plans may not cover pre-existing conditions, dental, vision, or wellness/preventative care |
| Health Examinations | See your primary care doctor for a regular health checkup, dental check-up, and eye check-up before leaving your home country; Get your most up-to-date immunization record |
| Medication | Ask your doctor to prescribe a longer supply of your medication to take with you |
| Mental Health Support | Schedule an appointment with your GP to discuss your mental health concerns; Access talking therapies like CBT, counselling, or psychotherapy |
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What You'll Learn
Understanding health insurance in your host country
When moving to a new country, it is important to understand the healthcare system and your health insurance options. Here is a guide to help you navigate health insurance in your host country.
Understanding the healthcare system in your host country
First, it is important to familiarize yourself with the healthcare system in your host country. Different countries have different healthcare models, such as public vs. private systems, or a mix of both. Understand the options available to you as an international student or resident. For example, in the EU, your social security and health cover depend on your economic status and place of residence, not your nationality.
Research health insurance options
Next, research the health insurance options available to you in your host country. There may be public or private insurance plans, or a mix of both. If you are an international student, there may be specific insurance plans catered to your needs. Understand the costs and coverage of each plan, including any exclusions or limitations. For instance, many international student insurance plans in the US do not cover wellness or preventive care measures, dental, or vision services.
Understand your specific needs
Consider your specific healthcare needs and priorities. Do you have any pre-existing conditions that require regular treatment or medication? Are there any specific healthcare services you anticipate needing, such as dental or vision care? Make sure the insurance plan you choose covers your unique needs.
Understand the claims process
Understand how to make a claim with your insurance provider in case you need to access healthcare services. Know the steps to take, the documentation required, and the reimbursement process, if applicable.
Stay informed about changes
Finally, stay informed about any changes or updates to your health insurance coverage. Understand the terms and conditions of your policy, including any exclusions or limitations, and be aware of any renewal or termination dates.
Navigating health insurance in a new country can be challenging, but with thorough research and understanding of your options, you can make an informed decision about your healthcare coverage.
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Getting a general health check-up before you leave
International students often struggle with understanding how to use their insurance plan and healthcare systems in their host country. For instance, in the US, international student insurance plans often do not cover wellness/preventative care measures, dental, or vision services. In the UK, the National Health Service (NHS) provides comprehensive healthcare services that are free at the point of use, funded by taxes paid by UK residents.
Therefore, it is important to get a general health check-up before leaving your home country. This will ensure that you are in good health and that your immunizations are up to date. Most schools in the US require specific immunizations before enrolment, and it is usually more cost-effective to take care of these before departure. You can get confirmation of what state your health is in and whether there are any other types of screening or testing you should get before leaving.
You should see your family/primary care doctor for a regular health check-up. During this time, you can ask if there are any large procedures or treatments that you should have done in the foreseeable future and try to schedule them before leaving. You can also ask your doctor to prescribe a longer supply of your medication to take with you while abroad.
Additionally, you should visit your dentist and eye doctor, especially if you wear glasses or contacts. At the dentist, you can get a regular check-up or cleaning and see if the dentist recommends any treatments. If you wear contacts, get an eye check-up to update your prescription or order new pairs of contacts. It may also be worth purchasing a backup pair of glasses.
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Ensuring your immunisations are up-to-date
International students often need to complete specific immunisations and health checks before they arrive in their host country. These requirements vary depending on the country and the institution, so it's important to research the specific mandates for your destination. Here are some guidelines to ensure your immunisations are up-to-date:
Research Country and Institution Requirements
Before you depart, research the immunisation requirements of your host country and chosen institution. For example, students travelling to the United States should be up-to-date with their measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccines, and the hepatitis A (HepA) vaccine is recommended. Additionally, some schools in the U.S. mandate specific immunisations, so it's best to confirm and complete these requirements before leaving your home country.
Consult Your Doctor
Schedule an appointment with your primary care doctor or a medical practitioner to review your immunisation history and determine if any additional vaccinations or screenings are necessary. They can advise you on any outstanding vaccinations and provide the necessary documentation.
Complete Necessary Forms
Some institutions require students to submit a Student Immunisation Record Form, which must be completed by a medical practitioner in English. Ensure you are aware of any such requirements and have the necessary documentation ready.
Plan for TB Testing
Tuberculosis (TB) screening is often included in new student orientation schedules, and it must be completed within the host country, particularly for students from high-risk TB countries. For example, Oregon State University in the U.S. requires students from high-risk countries or those who have answered "yes" to any questions on the TB questionnaire to complete TB testing upon arrival.
Understand Exemption Policies
Note that immunisation requirements may be waived for students with certain medical conditions, such as pregnancy or diseases that lower resistance to infection. Non-medical exemptions may also be granted for students with beliefs, practices, or ethical values that prohibit immunisations.
By following these steps, you can ensure your immunisations are up-to-date and meet the requirements of your host country and chosen institution. Remember to plan ahead and allow sufficient time for multiple vaccine doses or clinic visits if needed.
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Dental and vision care
Dental Care:
Dental insurance for international students can vary depending on the country and the specific insurance plan. In some cases, international student health insurance may only provide partial coverage for dental treatments, so it is important to review your insurance details and understand your coverage before seeking dental care. Some countries may offer specific dental insurance plans for international students, while others may include dental coverage as part of their general health insurance plans.
To save costs, it is advisable to visit dentists within your insurance plan's network, as going out-of-network can result in higher expenses. Additionally, international students can often take advantage of student discounts offered by various dental clinics, even if their insurance plan does not cover the full cost of treatment. Regular dental check-ups, teeth cleanings, and x-rays are important to maintain good oral health and prevent more serious dental issues from developing.
Vision Care:
Vision care services, including eye exams and corrective lenses, can also vary in cost and coverage depending on the country and insurance plan. In some cases, vision care may be included as part of the health insurance plan, while in other cases, separate vision insurance may be required. Similar to dental care, it is advisable to check if your insurance plan covers vision services and to take advantage of any available student discounts.
In the United States, for example, international students can explore options such as EyeMed Vision Care, which offers a large network of providers, or VSP, which provides the nation's largest network of independent providers. These plans often include coverage for lenses and frames, with the option to pay monthly or annually. In the UK, the National Health Service (NHS) provides comprehensive healthcare coverage, but eye care is not fully covered, and you may need to contribute towards the cost of treatments.
Dental and Vision Insurance Options:
International students have several options when it comes to dental and vision insurance. Some countries may offer specific insurance plans designed for international students, such as the Primestar Dental Insurance Plan in the USA, which offers coverage for preventive, basic, and major dental services, with the option to add vision coverage. Additionally, students can explore insurance providers like Cigna, which offers affordable dental plans for students and young adults, covering preventive care and major dental treatments.
It is important to carefully review the details of any dental or vision insurance plan before purchasing, including understanding deductibles, coinsurance, and potential out-of-pocket costs. Additionally, students can consider seeking discounted dental work through local dental schools, where licensed dentists supervise dental students providing services. Remember to always prioritize your oral and eye health and seek regular check-ups and treatments as needed.
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Mental health support
International students can face challenges when it comes to their mental health and accessing support services. Adjusting to a new culture, language barriers, and academic stress can all impact the mental health of students studying abroad. It is therefore important for international students to be aware of the mental health support services available to them and to feel empowered to seek help when needed.
One source suggests that many services in higher education institutions may not be adequately designed to meet the needs and experiences of international students, creating barriers to support access. To address this, universities can focus on delivering culturally sensitive and comprehensive services, with active faculty involvement and suitable physical environments to promote overall student well-being and academic success.
Another source highlights the importance of training for professionals, offering expansive mental health services, incorporating diverse approaches, and ensuring confidentiality. Multicultural self-awareness, a focus on reparative services, and mainstream mental health theories and approaches are also key considerations for professionals supporting international students' mental health.
In the United States, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers a free, confidential treatment referral and information service. This includes the Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH), a toll-free crisis support service available 24/7 to residents experiencing emotional distress related to disasters. Additionally, organizations like ISO offer affordable insurance plans for international students and provide multilingual customer service in several languages.
Prior to travelling abroad, international students are advised to visit their family doctor or primary care physician for a regular health check-up, which can include a mental health assessment. This proactive approach can help ensure that any mental health concerns are identified and addressed early on, providing a solid foundation for students embarking on their studies in a new country.
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Frequently asked questions
International students in the UK can access health check-ups through the National Health Service (NHS). To do so, students must first register with a General Practitioner (GP) at a local GP surgery. Once registered, students can book appointments for general health concerns, vaccinations, and mental health support.
International students in the US are advised to get a health check-up in their home country before arriving in the US. This is because health insurance in the US can be complicated and expensive, and many international student insurance plans do not cover wellness/preventative care measures.
A health check-up in the US typically includes a physical exam and preventative care measures such as screening tests and vaccines.
Before your health check-up, it is important to understand what is included in your insurance plan. You should also ask your doctor about any large procedures or treatments that may be needed in the foreseeable future.
If you are an international student in the UK, you can access free mental health support services through the NHS. This includes talking therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), counselling, and psychotherapy. Many UK universities also have their own on-campus health centres, which offer mental health support services. If you are an international student in the US, understanding how to use your insurance plan can be challenging. ISO prides itself on being a leader in providing international students with affordable insurance plans and multilingual customer service.
