Starting a new life in a new place is always an adjustment.
Starting a new life in a foreign country is a big adjustment.
For international students studying in the States, or Americans
venturing abroad, there are essential things to keep in mind
before going global.
Planning an extensive stay in a foreign country can be exciting,
stressful and incredibly overwhelming at times. Travel
accommodations, housing, and what to pack often overshadow the
logistical items that matter most.
Health insurance, medical coverage, and travel insurance are
necessary parts of going abroad. Neglecting to include them
could turn a minor injury into a giant hassle. People of the "it
won't happen to me," mind-set, unfortunately, are often the ones
who end up needing medical coverage the most.
International students studying in the U.S. encounter a very
different health system than what they are used to. Unlike
public health care systems in other countries like Britain and
Canada, most people in the U.S. depend on private insurance
companies for medical needs and emergencies.
Finding the insurance that works for you isn't always easy. As
an international student, multiple plans are usually offered
through the university sponsoring your education. However, these
plans aren't always the cheapest, and often do not provide the
most extensive coverage. The most important thing to remember
before you leave your home country is to shop around for
options. International Student Organization, (
www.isoa.org) is a
membership based organization started by former international
students to fill the need for affordable international health
and travel insurance. They offer an extensive selection of
options for students in a variety of payment plans, as well as
helpful outlines to determine which plan fits your financial and
medical needs. ISO also covers the most important "items" in
your life, your family. ISO's plans offer health coverage for
international student's immediate family members. You can enter
into a plan and manage your account online.
ISO also has a variety of health and travel insurance options
available for U.S students studying abroad.
Getting health coverage before going overseas is essential to a
safe and happy experience abroad. Without the appropriate
insurance, the simplest thing could cost you. Look into the
necessities you need before you leave your home country, and
shop around to find the plan that fits your needs.
About the author:
Nina Nocciolino is a copywriter with DMI Partners, an
interactive marketing agency specializing in higher education,
finance, retail and real estate. For more information, visit
www.dmipartners.com.
