Health Insurance For Study Abroad Students

All students participating in a Study Abroad program are required to be covered by health insurance that the participant has determined to be adequate and satisfactory for any injury or illness that might befall them.

Contents:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Questions to consider while reviewing your current health insurance or plans you are considering purchasing:

Study Abroad Insurance Providers

Frequently Asked Questions: 

What determines 'adequate and satisfactory' insurance?

Only you can determine what level of coverage is adequate and satisfactory for your needs. However, minimum requirements are that the policy provide for reimbursement of medical costs from major medical situations, such as serious accident or illness.

I am covered under my parents' or the KU student health insurance policy. Is that 'adequate and satisfactory'?

You must contact your current insurance provider to determine if they will reimburse you for medical costs while you are abroad. It is recommended that you obtain a copy of their claim form if you are covered by this policy while studying abroad. Determine exactly what services and coverage limitations the policy offers while studying abroad and decide if these meet your personal needs. Obtain an insurance card if you do not already have one.

If your current policy will NOT provide reimbursement for major medical expenses incurred while you are overseas, you MUST check into other options. There is a list of providers below:

I don't have health insurance or my current policy is not adequate. What are my options?

Purchase a major medical policy of your choice, being sure that the policy will cover your study abroad program and that the period of coverage includes the entire time you will be abroad.

Consider policies designed for students studying abroad. Most cover major medical expenses, are relatively inexpensive, and can be purchased by the month. See the list of providers on the reverse side.

Should I keep my current insurance even if I purchase an additional "Study Abroad" health insurance policy?

You may decide to continue to keep your current policy in force while studying abroad even though it duplicates some coverage provided by your "Study Abroad" policy. Consider the following:

  • If you are currently being treated for a condition for which you may need continuing treatment after your program ends, it is recommended that you do not let your current insurance lapse. Your current insurance carrier may consider the original condition "pre-existing" if you have a break in coverage.
  • If you must withdraw from the study abroad program for any reason, your study abroad health insurance coverage might cease. Some study abroad policies require that you are actively participating in a study abroad program for continued coverage.
  • Conditions that develop while you are abroad would be considered pre-existing if you had a break in coverage with your current insurer.
  • Review the exclusions of your new study abroad policy. Many insurance policies, including those offered for study abroad, have limitations for various conditions. Exclusions you should check for are nervous or mental disorders, eyeglasses/contacts, dental, and routine medical exams.

I purchased an International Student Identity Card (ISIC). It provides 'supplemental health insurance.' Is that adequate and satisfactory?

NO. The ISIC card does NOT provide reimbursement for major medical costs. It is not acceptable as your only health insurance.

I have heard that while abroad I will have to pay upfront for medical care even if I am insured. Is that true?

In most cases study abroad students will need to pay at the time of treatment and submit a claim for reimbursement. It is recommended that you obtain a blank claim form(s) from your insurance company when you verify your coverage abroad or purchase a new policy.

I am currently being treated for a medical condition. Will it be covered while I am abroad?

If you have a condition that requires continuous care or monitoring by a physician, discuss your situation with your US physician(s) and with your insurance provider. This will help you anticipate your medical needs and costs while abroad and to determine if you will be reimbursed.

If you are purchasing new insurance be sure to determine if you have any "pre-existing" conditions and how they will affect your coverage.

Why do we have to have health insurance if Assist America is provided in the program fee?

Assist America is NOT health insurance. It provides services that are not covered under most health insurance policies.

I purchased a health insurance policy for students studying abroad. It includes medical evacuation and repatriation services, the same services as Assist America. Can I get a refund for the KU required Assist America policy?

NO. KU Study Abroad participants are covered under a group policy. Assist America alerts the KU OSA when services are requested. It is critical for KU to ensure that all participants are on the group policy, whether or not it duplicates personal coverage.

Questions to consider while reviewing your current health insurance or plans you are considering purchasing:

Is the policy adequate?

  • Does the plan include major medical coverage for accidents and illness overseas?
  • Does the plan cover visits to the doctor or prescriptions ordered while abroad?
  • Does the plan cover emergency room visits?
  • What are the plan's deductibles, if any?
  • Does the plan provide medical referral services for the country you will be visiting?
  • Do you know exactly what the plan covers and what the maximum coverage it will provide?
  • Are dental, mental health or vision services covered? If not, how will you handle these emergencies?
  • Does the policy cover injuries incurred during high-risk activities such as rock climbing, hang gliding, scuba diving or "contact" sports?
  • Does the policy cover you only while enrolled in a Study Abroad Program or are tourist activities before or after the program included?
  • How does this policy deal with pre-existing conditions?

How do you use the policy?

  • How do you use the plan if you have a medical emergency or need to visit a doctor while abroad?
  • Do you have contact information and numbers for your insurance company?
  • Do you know how to file a claim? Have you requested a claim form?
  • Will translation be required for the claim?
  • How long will it take to get reimbursed while abroad?

Personal considerations:

  • Do you have a way to pay for medical expenses if out-of-pocket payment is needed?
  • Do you know if you have any "pre-existing" conditions?
  • Are there reasons to maintain your current policy even if you need to purchase additional "Study Abroad" coverage?
  • Have you considered how to obtain or bring your regular prescriptions abroad?

Study Abroad Insurance Providers

The KU OSA does not endorse any particular insurance company. This list is provided to assist your investigations.

American College Student Association (ACSA)
www.acsa.com/plans/
1-800-237-0903 (X 6234)

Associated Insurance Plans International (AIP)
www.aipinternational.com
1-800-452-5772

Betins International Health Insurance and Travel Insurance
www.betins.com
1-866-552-8834

Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI)
www.culturalinsurance.com
1-800-303-8120

CMI Insurance Specialists
www.studyabroadinsurance.com/
1-800-677-7887

International Student Insurance
www.InternationalStudentInsurance.com
1-888-247-1387

Wallach
www.wallach.com/hcglobal2000.asp
1-800-237-6615