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      1. The White Paper for F1 Students
      2. F-1 Living in U.S.
      3. Insurance

      F-1 Insurance: Travel Insurance

      This article explains when international students should consider purchasing travel insurance and introduces key insurance terms.

      Although F-1 students are required to have health insurance, they may also need travel insurance when traveling to or working in other states. Most health insurance plans are HMOs (Health Maintenance Organizations), which only cover medical services from in-network providers within a specific state, leaving policyholders uninsured when out of state. Therefore, international students may want to consider travel insurance for interstate travel.

      Additionally, F-1 visa holders in the U.S. can travel to nearby countries or islands without a new visa. For these trips, purchasing travel insurance is also a wise choice.

      Please refer to:

      F-1 Travel: Visa-Free Travels with an F-1 Visa

      When Should You Purchase Travel Insurance?

      • Vacation Travel: When traveling within the U.S. or to other countries, travel insurance can be helpful.

      • Temporary Return to Your Home Country: If you are visiting family back home, where your U.S. health insurance does not cover, you may need travel insurance.

      • Participating in Special Activities: If you plan to engage in high-risk activities like diving, rock climbing, or similar adventures, travel insurance can be essential.

      • Unexpected Events: Travel insurance can help in situations like lost luggage, flight cancellations, or emergency medical situations.

       

      Travel Insurance Terms

      • Trip Cancellation Insurance: It covers the prepaid expenses if you need to cancel your trip due to an emergency or unforeseen circumstances.

      • Trip Interruption Insurance: It provides partial compensation if you have to return home for specific reasons.

      • Emergency Medical Insurance: It pays for medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling.

      • Baggage Loss Insurance: This insurance offers compensation if your luggage is lost or stolen during your trip.

      • Accidental Death & Flight Accident Insurance: These plans provide a certain amount of compensation to your family or beneficiaries if a fatal accident occurs during your trip.

      • Coverage Limit: The maximum amount an insurance company is willing to pay for a specific insurance item.

       

      How to Purchase Travel Insurance

      • Compare Prices: Websites such as InsureMyTrip, Squaremouth, and TravelInsurance.com allow you to compare travel insurance quotes from different companies.

      Note:

      The cost of travel insurance depends on key factors such as age, trip duration, expenses, and the range of coverage. It is not influenced by your destination or your previous medical or claims history.

      • Consult Your School: Some schools may have partnerships with insurance companies, offering special travel insurance discounts for students.

      • Purchase Through an Agent: Travel agents or insurance brokers may offer travel packages that include travel insurance.

      • Social Media: You can explore experiences and recommendations from other travel insurance policyholders on platforms such as Reddit and Facebook.

       

      Considerations

      • Understand the coverage, like whether it covers high-risk activities or specific geographic areas.

      • Consider more than just price; factors like claims processing and customer service are also important.

      • Carefully review health-related terms before purchasing an insurance plan, especially if you have pre-existing conditions.