International students in US are required to have health & accident insurance

The US government requires all international students enrolled at American universities and colleges to have year-round health and accident insurance throughout the duration of their studies. Insurance coverage must be maintained during the summer months as well, even if travelling out of the United States or returning to home country. Many colleges and universities in the US offer a school-sponsored health insurance plan. Many schools require that you enroll in the school-sponsored plan unless you are able to show that you are already covered by another existing international insurance.

The general rules to be followed for the college-sponsored insurance are -

1. Insurance premiums must be paid in full for the Fall and Spring semesters.
2. Payment should be made at the start of each semester.
3. Failure to pay insurance premiums may result in a denied enrollment for future semesters.

It is advisable for international students to go for college-sponsored insurance as they are a lot cheaper than the ones purchased personally. The reason behind the price difference between the two is that the colleges offer group insurance to students, like employers. But if a student wishes, s/he can opt for personal insurance. But it is important to first check whether that insurance is recognized by the college or not.

One more benefit of school-sponsored insurance is that you may enroll dependents into the insurance plan. This option is subjected to each university’s policies. Once you graduate and plan to stay back in the country, you have the option of purchasing a continuing policy. You need to contact the insurance providing company for more information on this, as universities are not concerned with post-studies insurance plans.