Health Insurance
It is imperative for all students to have health insurance, emergency medical evaluation ,and repatriation insurance if they are studying abroad. There are dozens of providers of travel health insurance to choose from. HTH Insurance is one of the largest insurance providers in the world.
Using Health Insurance While Abroad
Consider the following when deciding on Health Insurance
| Cost | Claims | Paperwork | Reimbursement |
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Do you have to pay for medical services up front? |
How do you file a claim from abroad? | What paperwork are you expected to submit to the insurance company? |
Will the insurance company send the reimbursement to your U.S. or to your foreign address? |
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To what extent does your insurance cover hospitalization? |
Can you get a supply of claim forms to take with you? | Will a notarized translation be required if supporting documents are not in English? | If you need to get a prescription overseas, will your insurance company reimburse you for all or part of the cost of the drug? |
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What is the basic medical deductible amount and what is included in it? |
How long will it take for the claim to be processed and for you to receive reimbursement? | Is a copy of your insurance policy available in the language of your host country? | What documents will you need to submit to the insurance company in order to obtain such a reimbursement? |
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Immunizations |
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Check with your local county health department for suggested and required vaccinations to enter into your host country. In addition to a comprehensive vaccination list, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention also provides general information on health concerns while abroad. Students should plan on visiting a doctor 6 to 8 weeks before they leave to discuss their international travel destination and any required vaccinations and medications they may need. Some vaccinations may require a series of shots taken months apart, so students should make their appointments soon. |