Student Secure International Student Insurance Plan

You are pursuing an overseas education, whether as a grad student, professor or under a research grant. You’re probably required to get international health insurance coverage. And if it’s not required, you’ll surely want to get it.

You’re smart enough to realize that you’re only one uninsured illness or accident away from ruining your life-changing opportunity and suffering a potentially huge financial setback. Why take a big risk that is so easy to avoid?

Why do I Need Medical Insurance to Study Abroad?

If you’re planning to study abroad, there are three key reasons why you will need an international student health insurance plan:

Visa/Proof of Subsistence: Most countries require incoming international students to possess a visa while studying abroad. Several of these countries, such as the United States, ask for proof of subsistence for things like food and medical expenses incurred while traveling.
Study Abroad Program: Many study abroad programs, like in Australia, France, and Spain, require students to either register for a predetermined plan or provide their own student medical insurance.
Unexpected Medical Costs: If you are studying in a country that offers universal healthcare (like many in Europe), you will not be covered! And quality healthcare is expensive. A plan can help mitigate out-of-pocket spending for unexpected medical costs. Students studying abroad, especially on a budget, should consider investing in a health insurance plan.

Which Visas Require Medical Insurance?

Depending where you plan to study in Germany, England or Australia, you should research your destination country’s visa requirements in order to know if you’ll need medical insurance. Every destination is different. However, some countries ask visitors to provide proof of subsistence for medical expenses in order to obtain a visa. An international student health insurance plan may not be required like in the U.S., but it is commonly used as proof of subsistence for medical costs. There are a few visas that do require insurance:

Student Schengen Visa: Non-European citizens who plan to study in Europe must apply for a student Schengen visa. The Schengen visa not only allows you to study in Europe, it also allows you to travel to other European countries that are part of the Schengen area. Click here for more information about student Schengen visas.
F-1 Visa: International students looking to study on a long-term basis and receive a degree in the United States will need an F-1 visa. Discover everything you’ll need for an F-1 visa.
J-1 Visa: These visas are issued for international visitors enrolled in a short-term, work-and-study based exchange programs in the United States.

Which International Student Insurance Plan Does GNI Recommend?

Fortunately, many international student health insurance plans offer low deductibles, comprehensive coverage and the peace of mind knowing that you are covered by a global network of healthcare providers at all times. One international student health insurance plan highly recommended by Good Neighbor Insurance is the HCC Student Secure International Student Insurance plan. In addition to being affordable, this plan offers four levels of benefits to choose from, based on your destination and needs.

The HCC Student Secure International Student Insurance plan is good for:

Study Abroad Insurance– This coverage is for full-time undergraduate students who are pursuing an education outside of their home countries. Study abroad insurance is available both domestically and for students visiting the U.S. on an educational visa.
Teach Abroad Insurance – Native English-speaking teachers are in high demand around the world. Teachers who temporarily go abroad for teaching purposes need international health insurance to provide financial protection from the costs associated with medical attention in a host country.
Graduate Student Insurance – Graduate students often choose to pursue higher education abroad, as international study can enhance the value of a degree program. Graduates who study full-time in a host country need reliable international graduate student insurance coverage.

Which Medical Insurance Plan Covers Studying in the U.S.?

If you are an international student planning to study in the U.S., HCC Student Select has a plan for you. It offers many of the same benefits to those studying in the U.S.

What are the Strengths of the HCC Student Secure Plan?

Exceeds all J1-visa requirements and for both U.S students going overseas to study as well as scholars and graduate students doing research abroad and needing quality health care coverage
Maternity care is covered under three of the coverage levels
Intercollegiate, interscholastic, intramural, and club sports are covered under three of the coverage levels
Covers pre-existing conditions after a waiting period of 180-days (Elite & Select) or 1 year (Budget)
The four levels of coverage, Elite, Select, Budget and Smart, ensure that you can find the appropriate plan to fit your needs and budget
Provides $5,000,000 (Elite), $600,000 (Select), $500,000 (Budget), or $200,000 (Smart) maximum medical benefits
Provides $500,000 (Elite), $300,000 (Select), $250,000 (Budget) or $100,000 (Smart) of coverage per injury/illness
Ambulance, mental health, emergency dental, emergency medical evacuation, and much more…
HCC has a financial strength rating of AA (Very Strong) by Standard & Poor’s and Fitch Ratings and A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best Company

Who is Eligible for the HCC Student Secure Plan?

To be eligible for the HCC Student Secure plan, you must be under age 65 and:study full-time in a host country need reliable international graduate student insurance coverage.

A full-time student at a college or university, excluding online colleges and universities. Or
Within 31 days of being a full-time student at a college or university. Or
A student under age 19 enrolled in a secondary school. Or
A full-time scholar affiliated with an educational institution and performing work or research for at least 30 hours per week. And
You must be residing outside your home country for the purpose of pursuing international educational activities. And
You must not have obtained residency status in your host country. And
If in the U.S., you must hold a valid education-related visa. A copy of the I-20 or DS2019 may be requested.

What is the Maternity Coverage Under the HCC Student Secure Plan?

Maternity benefits are provided when conception occurs after the effective date of coverage. These benefits include pre-natal, delivery and post-natal care, as well as expenses for miscarriage and complications of pregnancy. Routine nursery care of newborns is also covered, subject to the maximums shown below:

Elite – Up to $25,000
Select – Up to $10,000
Budget – Up to $5,000
Smart – does not provide maternity or newborn care coverage

What is the Sports Coverage Under the HCC Student Secure Plan?

Intercollegiate, interscholastic, intramural, and club sports are covered under three of the coverage levels up to the maximums shown below:

Elite – $5,000 per injury or illness
Select – $5,000 per injury or illness
Budget – Up to $3,000 per injury or illness
Smart – does not provide coverage for organized sports activities

What is the Terrorism Coverage Under the HCC Student Secure Plan?

The Elite, Select and Budget plans provide a terrorism benefit of up to $50,000 lifetime maximum for eligible medical expenses. The Smart plan does not offer this coverage.

What is the Medical Evacuation Coverage Under the HCC Student Secure Plan?

The HCC Student Secure plan provides medical evacuation coverage. Would you know what to do if you found yourself in a life-threatening situation far from home? HCC has experienced customer service in arranging emergency medical evacuations.

This plan will cover the necessary expenses to transport you to the nearest medical facility qualified to treat your life-threatening condition. We also understand the importance of family support in these difficult situations. It will cover the transportation, lodging, and meal costs for a relative to join you after an emergency medical evacuation up to the lifetime limit.

# # # #

Good Neighbor Insurance has been in business for over 24 years! Every one of our internationally trained and licensed insurance agents has a heart to serve you, our guests. It’s a joy to know that we can provide you peace of mind with one of our many international student insurance options to safeguard from financial calamity as well as providing you the best overseas medical care during your studies and travels.

Please call one of our licensed agents at 866-636-9100 or locally at 480-633-9500 if you have any questions. You may also reach us via email at info@gninsurance.com.

We thank you for giving us the privilege of serving you as you fulfill your dreams!

Have amazing and safe travels!