Yet the U.S. health care system is difficult to understand, even for Americans. New and pending legislation within the federal government complicates matters even further. Quality health care is available everywhere in the country from a variety of sources. The key lies in knowing the proper procedures, and in knowing where to go for specific kinds of care. This knowledge can save an international student significant amounts of time and money.
During your first week on campus, take a copy of your medical records (including immunization and vaccination records and prescriptions) to the school's health care center or infirmary.
In case of serious emergency, go to the nearest hospital emergency room -- by ambulance if necessary. Hospital emergency rooms are designed to treat life-threatening ailments; this is typically the most expensive place to receive care.
The deductible is the amount that the insured person must pay before the insurance company starts paying.
Co-Insurance is the percentage that the insured person pays after the deductible is paid. For example, if co-insurance equals 20 percent, then the insured person pays 20 percent and the insurance company pays 80 percent.
Expenses are the costs for services such as surgery, hospitalization, x-rays, prescription drugs, and/or laboratory tests; expenses are defined in the individual insurance contracts.
Does the health insurance plan cover both accidents and illnesses?
Does the plan cover costs incurred outside of a hospital setting?
Which doctors or hospitals does the plan recognize?
What exactly are the exclusions and limitations?
International students are responsible for the expenses they incur while in the United States. As such, U.S. law requires universities to verify that international students on J-1 visas (and their J-2 dependents) have health insurance before allowing them to enroll. The federal government does not require students on F-1 visas to have health insurance, but many schools require it.
The most important thing you can do is learn more; study the details of your insurance plan, and get familiar with its rules and regulations. Also, try to maintain a healthy lifestyle to minimize your chances of illness or injury that may require medical treatment while you are studying in the United States.