EducationUSA Ukraine

PRE-DEPARTURE ORIENTATION 2013

HEALTH INSURANCE
No one intends to have an accident or to become seriously ill; however, accidents do happen and
people do become ill. Health care in the U.S. is extremely expensive. There is no national medical plan or
health care service in the U.S. (Employers oten provide health insurance or employees and their amilies;
those who do not have such protection provided or them purchase health insurance!. In the U.S. health
insurance has become a necessity.
University Health Care
"ost colle#es and universities in the U.S. have clinics or some other orm o health care service or students.
The $health ee$ the student pays each term #oes toward providin# such service. %owever, the university
health services are limited to minor and emergency care. &n case o a serious health problem, the university
would reer the student to a medical acility in the community, and, o course, the student would have to pay
the costs involved.
Health Insran!e Plans
& the university does not provide health insurance or you, it is e'tremely important that you (oin a health and
accident insurance plan. &t is the only way to protect yoursel a#ainst e'traordinary hi#h medical char#es
should you be seriously in(ured or ill. Write to the Foreign Student Advisor for guidance re: health and
accident insurance. The materials sent to you by the admissions oice o the university you will attend should
discuss health care services provided or students, and the ees involved.
1. University Health Plan
Some universities re)uire that all students carry health and accident insurance. This is in addition to the
$health ee$ #enerally char#ed at the be#innin# o each school term.
2. Special Plan for Foreign Students
ou need to !rite to the Foreign Student Advisor for information re: health insurance plans for the foreign
student. *ou need an insurance policy that is speciically desi#ned to meet the needs o orei#n students in the
U.S. These policies are comprehensive and reasonably priced. & your spouse or amily will be with you in the
U.S., ask about amily plans.
3. Sponsored Foreign Students
& you have a sponsor (private or have received an award or are part o an e'chan#e pro#ram! or a scholarship
from the university" you probably are already provided with health insurance throu#h the sponsor. +e sure that
you understand which health care services are provided or you and which are not, (to know in advance what
the insurance company will and will not pay or!. & your spouse or amily will be with you, ask what
provisions are made or their health care.
,now when the date o your policy is e""e!tive# & you plan to arrive in the U.S. early and the eective date o
your insurance policy does not be#un until ater you re#ister at the university, you will not be covered durin#
the travel period rom departure to inal destination, the time prior to re#istration. Ask the -orei#n Student
Advisor or any additional inormation concernin# a short term policy. The ollowin# is a list or e$!lsi%ns&
care generally #$% &$'()(* by basic health insurance plans:
.. "aternity /are0 "ust be purchased separately.
1. 2ental Services0 &t is a #ood idea to have any work done beore you come to U.S.
3. Eye#lasses0 +rin# an e'tra pair with you.
4. E'istin# /onditions0 "ost companies will not reimburse you or treatment o a
condition that e'isted prior to the eective date o your policy.
S%r!e' Han()%%* "%r +%rei,n St(ents an( S!h%lars Plannin, t% St(y in the Unite( States