Mentor Advice
Question
3 Replies from Mentors
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Rae RaeSenior Year StudentLoyola Marymount UniversityMaybe. 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.
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PriscillaGraduate StudentUniversity of California at BerkeleyIt 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.
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Malaika Marable SerranoAssistant Director of Global CommunitiesUniversity of MarylandAbsolutely! Some US insurance companies do not cover clients abroad. In addition, many do not include emergency medical evacuation or repatriation.