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Mentor Advice

Question

Should I seek additional health coverage in the country I am studying in even if I am covered by a health insurance company in the U.S.?

3 Replies from Mentors

  • mentor picture Rae Rae
     
    Rae Rae
    Senior Year Student
    Loyola Marymount University
    Maybe. Some U.S. insurance companies do not cover overseas expenses, so it is imperative that...
    Maybe. Some U.S. insurance companies do not cover overseas expenses, so it is imperative that you check your policy before leaving. Some insurance companies also have a remittance policy, and will refund any overseas expenses when you return home, so be sure to save all your receipts and medical records. In some countries such as England, doctor visits and medication are relatively low-cost due to a national health care system. Either way, it is best to check your policy and decide what is appropriate for you in your situation.
  • mentor picture Priscilla
     
    Priscilla
    Graduate Student
    University of California at Berkeley
    It depends on where you go. I studied abroad in Germany, where the health insurance for students...
    It depends on where you go. I studied abroad in Germany, where the health insurance for students was actually very affordable. It was also great coverage. Thus, although I was covered under my mother’s health insurance in the U.S., I still decided to get additional coverage in Germany as well. Having German health insurance made routine visits to the doctor and dentist a lot less stressful because I did not have to deal with any reimbursement issues with my American health provider. But keep in mind; it is best to make sure that you have some coverage before you travel. Even if it is travel insurance with health insurance included. It is always better to be over- insured rather than under-insured.
  • mentor picture Malaika Marable Serrano
     
    Malaika Marable Serrano
    Assistant Director of Global Communities
    University of Maryland
    Absolutely! Some US insurance companies do not cover clients abroad. In addition, many do not...
    Absolutely! Some US insurance companies do not cover clients abroad. In addition, many do not include emergency medical evacuation or repatriation.