Foreign Exchange Student Health Insurance

Studying as a foreign exchange student in the United States is an unforgettable, life-changing experience, offering the chance to explore new cultures, gain global perspectives, and make lasting memories. However, amidst all the adventure and learning, one important aspect that exchange students, natural parents, and host families need to be aware of is foreign exchange student health insurance. 

Ensuring you have the right health insurance coverage during your time abroad is not just a requirement for many exchange programs, but also a crucial step in safeguarding your well-being. Health insurance provides financial protection in case of medical emergencies, routine doctor visits, or unexpected health issues that may arise while participating in international student exchange in the United States. 

Navigating the complex world of foreign exchange student health insurance can be challenging, especially with varying insurance programs, policies, and government requirements. In this article, we’ll explain what you need to know about foreign exchange student health insurance, including: 

1. United States health insurance basics
2. Why health insurance is necessary for international exchange students 
3. Health insurance requirements for foreign exchange students in the USA
4. The types of health insurance plans available for international students 
5. What to know about your health insurance plan
6. How to handle healthcare insurance claims and medical emergencies 

At AYUSA, we know health insurance can be daunting, especially for teenagers thousands of miles away from home! Our insurance specialists and Community Representatives provide all the help and support exchange students, natural parents, and host families need to navigate health insurance and deal with any claims or medical expenses that arise during the exchange program. 

Whether you’re an AYUSA exchange student, the natural parent of a student studying in the United States, or a family hosting foreign exchange students, it’s important to understand how foreign exchange student health insurance works. 

Read on to discover everything you need to know about health insurance for AYUSA exchange students, or learn more about becoming an AYUSA host family here. 

Understanding Foreign Exchange Student Health Insurance

When preparing to join a study abroad organization, students are often focused on academics, cultural experiences, and travel plans. However, one of the most important aspects of planning for an overseas study experience is securing appropriate health insurance. 

Health insurance for foreign exchange students is a specialized form of coverage designed to meet the unique needs of students living and studying in the United States. It provides essential protection against unexpected medical costs, ensuring that students can access healthcare without incurring excessive financial burdens. 

What Is Foreign Exchange Student Health Insurance?

Foreign exchange student health insurance is a policy designed to provide medical coverage to students studying abroad in the United States. It covers a wide range of healthcare services, including doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, and, in many cases, emergency care and evacuation services. 

Why Is Health Insurance Necessary for Foreign Exchange Students?

International students who participate in study abroad programs in the United States do so via the J-1 visa program. All J-1 visa holders must have health insurance before they arrive in the United States. The U.S. Department of State sets the regulation of what requirements the insurance must meet, which can be found on the Code of Federal Regulations website. 

Without getting into too much detail, these requirements include: 

• Minimum coverage of $100,000 per accident or illness
• A deductible that does not exceed $500 per incident
• Medical evacuation coverage of at least $50,000
• Repatriation coverage of at least $25,000

Failure to maintain adequate insurance while studying abroad in the USA can result in the termination of the student’s visa. Health insurance is a legal requirement for exchange students studying in the United States, but it’s important for a number of other reasons as well: 

1. It ensures that students can receive medical care in the event of illness or injury without facing exorbitant costs. 
2. It enables students to access healthcare services while studying abroad and doesn’t leave them vulnerable in a medical emergency. 
3. It provides peace of mind for natural parents and host families alike, allowing students to focus on their studies and cultural experiences knowing they are protected.

Navigating the health insurance requirements in the U.S. can be challenging, but ensuring compliance with visa and study abroad program requirements is essential for a successful and stress-free exchange experience.

An Overview of Health Insurance With AYUSA

All AYUSA students are provided with travel insurance as part of their program. Insurance is usually arranged by the organization the exchange student is working with in their home country, who are AYUSA's Overseas Partners (OSPs). For the organizations we work with, some opt to use companies they have dealt with in the past such as DR Walter, Tasman, Allianz Global or DHIG. However, most of the organizations we work with opt to use AYUSA's choice company, IMG through Envisage. 

How Does Health Insurance Work With AYUSA?

AYUSA students and their natural parents don’t need to choose their own insurance provider or coverage plan, but they do need to become familiar with what’s included in their coverage (and where to find this information online for reference) and the steps to take in the event of a medical emergency or issue. 

We know this can be difficult for exchange students, natural parents, and anyone who hosts a student to navigate, which is why AYUSA provides several layers of support for exchange students, starting with our OSPs, who can answer your insurance-related questions from the very beginning. 

Information about insurance and procedures is given at the students' AYUSA pre-departure orientation by our OSPs, and also at the host family orientation and student arrival orientation. Once an exchange student arrives in the United States as part of our high school study abroad program, we provide local support and 24/7 emergency assistance for any issues that arise. 

What Role Do AYUSA’s Insurance Specialists Play?

AYUSA’s insurance specialists ensure each exchange student coming to the United States has adequate health insurance coverage. Our insurance specialists work with our OSPs to coordinate choosing an insurance provider and plan that meets the U.S. Department of State criteria. 

Our insurance specialists are available to answer questions and manage any insurance-related issues that arise, and also liaise with insurance providers or respond to collection agencies if needed. Students, natural parents, and host families will all have the contact information of an AYUSA insurance specialist—an amazing resource for any insurance-related questions or issues. 

How do AYUSA Community Representatives Help?

AYUSA has two main tiers of support for foreign exchange students studying in the United States. Our Community Representatives (CRs) offer hands-on support for host families and exchange students alike. AYUSA CRs: 

• Initially screen and connect host families to AYUSA exchange students 
• Coordinate with local high schools to place exchange students 
• Perform regular check-ins with host families, exchange students, and schools 
• File periodic progress reports outlining the student’s experiences 
• Offer support every step of the way on the student’s AYUSA exchange journey 

A CR is the first point of contact for anything that comes up during the exchange program, including healthcare and insurance issues. If you’re interested in becoming an AYUSA Community Representative, learn more here! 

A CR can escalate to the second tier of support, AYUSA’s Regional Support Specialists (RSS). Our RSS team can notify our OSP, and work with both exchange students and insurance providers to ensure all the necessary information and documentation is provided in the event of a claim. 

It’s a lot to take in, but the most important thing to remember is that our exchange students are never alone! We have multiple levels of support to assist and guide international students, natural parents, and anyone who hosts a high school exchange student through any type of medical issue or insurance claim. 

What You Need to Know About Your Foreign Exchange Student Health Insurance

For host families, natural parents, and exchange students, it’s important to have at least a basic understanding of foreign exchange student health insurance. Make sure you’re familiar with: 

• What the coverage includes, and importantly, what it doesn’t include
• The steps to take in the event of a medical emergency or issue
• How to find your insurance information online 
• What documentation you need in the event of a medical appointment or insurance claim

It’s essential to understand these principles, because in the unlikely event that a medical emergency does occur, you want to already have an understanding of how to handle the situation.

What’s Included In and Excluded From Your Health Insurance Coverage?

First and foremost, it’s important to understand what is and isn’t covered in the health insurance policy. The details of each policy varies, so it’s essential to understand this information for your specific policy, and also to know where you can find this information online should you need to reference it in the future. 

As an example, almost all health insurance policies for foreign exchange students don’t cover injuries sustained during contact activities like wrestling. Some policies cover activities like horseback riding, skiing, and hiking, while others don’t. Some policies allow students to see any doctor, but most require students to see an in-network provider. 

If you host an international student, you need to understand what’s covered and what isn’t, as it may affect the types of activities and hobbies the exchange student can participate in during their academic year in America. If there’s a specific activity or sport that isn’t included, it’s sometimes possible to take out additional coverage or riders to ensure you have the coverage you need.

Coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions

For pre-existing conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or chronic illnesses), it’s important to ensure that the health insurance plan covers these conditions. Not all plans include coverage for pre-existing conditions, and those that do may have certain limitations or waiting periods. During this period, any treatments related to the condition may not be covered. 

Some health insurance plans for foreign exchange students may cover pre-existing conditions from the start, allowing students to receive ongoing treatment or medication without delay. If the plan doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions at all, students may need to take out a secondary policy to ensure their pre-existing condition is covered during their exchange student program. 

The Cost of Foreign Exchange Student Health Insurance 

It’s difficult to predict the exact cost of a health insurance policy, because it depends on several factors, including the duration of the program and the insurance company. A ballpark figure is $600 to $700 for a basic 10-month policy, plus an additional cost for any secondary policies or additional coverage that’s required. This resource gives you an estimate of what you can expect to pay for foreign exchange student health insurance. 

Insurance Cards and Documentation

Insurance documentation will be sent to both exchange students and their host families before the program starts. Students will receive their insurance card, while host families will receive the medical release and loco parentis forms required by the providers. Students and host families are encouraged to review the insurance materials, and the information should be kept in a safe and accessible place, known to both the student and the host family for international students. 

The student should always keep a copy of their insurance ID card on them, as it contains important information about their medical plan (including how to contact their insurance company) that will be required in an emergency. The host family should also keep a digital copy of the card. For students in our high school exchange programs in the USA, detailed insurance information is always accessible in the Resources section in the Student and Host Family Portals on the AYUSA website.

What to Do When You Need Medical Assistance 

Most students don’t require medical care during their exchange program, but it’s still smart to have a plan in place. Here’s a basic overview of the steps for exchange students and those hosting international students to take in the event of an accident or illness: 

1. Always contact the insurance company before seeking any type of medical care
2. Contact your Community Representative, who can help you navigate what’s needed
3. Make sure you only see in-network medical providers
4. Before making an appointment, ensure the provider doesn’t charge a fee to “establish care”
5. Be sure to take the medical release and in loco parentis letter to the appointment 
6. Instruct the provider to file the claim using the address on the ID card
7. If you get to the provider and run into any issues, call insurance or your RSS

If all of this sounds confusing, don’t worry! Let’s break down each of those points more clearly. 

Always Contact Your Insurance Company First 

Unless it’s a genuine emergency, make sure you contact your insurance company first. You’ll find the instructions on your insurance ID card and other insurance documentation. If you have a document where you’re keeping important contact information, make sure you add it there as well. Contacting the insurance company allows them to (in most cases) open a claim file and guide you on the steps you need to take. 

Reach Out to Your AYUSA Community Representative 

Insurance claims can be confusing and complicated, but your AYUSA CR can help you navigate the process. Any time you may need to use your medical insurance, please notify your Community Representative first. They can explain what you’ll need, and make sure you have all the necessary documentation and information for your insurance company. 

Make Sure You Only See In-Network Medical Providers 

If your insurance policy is part of a provider network, this means that the insurance company only supports certain doctors and clinics. You can find this information on your insurance ID card. Common networks are United Healthcare Global (UHCG), Aetna, and First Health Network. 

For students in foreign exchange student programs who do have insurance in a provider network, it’s a good idea to do this ahead of time. You can go to the insurance website or call the number on the insurance ID card to find providers in your area, planning out where you would go if you needed urgent medical care. If there isn’t an in-network provider within 30 miles of your location, most insurance companies will allow you to visit an out-of-network provider. 

Ensure There’s No “Establish Care” Fee

Before making a doctor’s appointment, make sure the provider does not charge a fee to “establish care”, as this is not covered by student insurance. In most cases, it is best to visit an Urgent Care clinic to avoid charges that are not covered. For AYUSA YES Grant students, making an appointment involves a lower copay, but either way, it is reimbursable through your expenses.

Take Your Documents to the Appointment 

Be sure to take the Medical Release and in loco parentis letter with you and give them to the provider when you provide the insurance ID card or document. You will receive these forms from your AYUSA Regional Support Specialist via email. If you don’t have them or can’t find them, please reach out to your RSS. If you were given a claim or reference number when you called your insurance company, give that to your provider as well.

Call Your Insurance Provider or RSS for Support

Instruct the provider to file the claim using the address on your insurance ID card. If there’s no address on your ID card, instruct the provider to call your insurance provider using the number provided for instructions on filing the claim. If you get to the provider and you run into any issues, call your insurance company or your RSS. If it’s after hours, you can call the AYUSA emergency number at 1-800-727-4540.

You’re in Safe Hands with AYUSA! 

Health insurance is an essential safeguard for foreign exchange students navigating the U.S. healthcare system, but it can be very complicated. At AYUSA, we make sure every exchange student has the coverage they need, as required by the U.S. Department of State. We provide information about the health insurance policy that’s easy for students and their host families to understand, and have in-person support for exchange students during their time in the United States. 

Whether you’re a prospective exchange student or a U.S.-based host family, the AYUSA team ensures you’re never on your own when it comes to navigating foreign exchange student health insurance. Our local Community Representatives, 24/7 emergency support, and expert insurance specialists are always available for your questions, concerns, or medical emergencies. 

If you’re interested in opening your home to an exchange student, there’s no better organization to work with than AYUSA. Learn more about becoming an AYUSA host and the incredible cultural impact it can have on you and your family!