International Student Health Insurance for Studying Abroad

Student Health Advantage

You Are the One in Control

When you take out your own international health insurance for studying abroad with us you will have a health plan that is specifically designed for your needs as a foreign student studying abroad. You own the policy.  Consequently you decide the level of coverage you need. But you save money by not having pay for coverage that  you don’t need.

Why Global Trek Health?

Regardless of where you’re from or where you want to study, Global Trek Health makes it as simple and easy to find out if getting your own coverage is possible or not.  Since we’ve already laid out the roadmap, all you have to do is just follow the steps outlined below.  

There When You Need Us

You’ll have access to more than 17,000 providers when seeking treatment outside the U.S. using our International Provider AccessSM and if you’re a foreign student studying in the US you will also have access to local providers through the independent PPO.

How do I get International Student Health Insurance?

1. First, find out what your school’s and host country’s coverage requirements are.

2. Then confirm that your school allows you to waive the university-sponsored plan.  You can download a copy of the plan brochures with the links below.

3. Next, search for the right plan for you.  Paying close attention to coverage and cost.

4. And finally buying the best study abroad student health plan that fits your needs and submit the waiver to your university.  Also be sure to provide proof of coverage and any other paperwork they may need.

Click on images to download brochures.

Who are these plans designed for?

  • Individual and groups of students participating in international programs
  • Cultural exchange participants 
  • Graduate international students 
  • Scholars and educators 

Your educational adventure should be enjoyable and gratifying. So with the goal of maintaining the ability to be flexible and responsive, IMG developed Student Health Advantage, an International Student Health Insurance plan designed to specifically meet the needs of international students. The plan offers a complete package of international benefits available so you’re covered 24 hours a day.

Above all, you will have access to more than 17,000 providers when seeking treatment outside the U.S. using our International Provider AccessSM (IPA).  What’s more you can also reduce your out-of-pocket expenses when seeking treatment in the U.S. by locating providers through the independent Preferred Provider Organization.

Frequently asked questions

US schools usually only offer group policies designed to cover injuries and illness without limits, even if they were pre-existing (so if you find yourself in need of that type of coverage, then the school plan probably would be your best option).  Additionally, most collegiate health plans also include and (charge for) maternity benefits, even if your a male.  So you can save a lot of money by signing up for only the coverage that you really need through Global Trek Health.  

International students were never subject to the ACA health insurance mandate.  However, beginning in 2019 the mandate for US citizens to have coverage was eliminated.  Even though there is no government requirement for you have health insurance, most colleges and university still require all students to have coverage.  Most domestic students are likely covered under their parents coverage since they can stay on those plans until they turn 26.  International students unfortunately do not have that option.  Other countries health plans general do not extend coverage in the US. Considering that health care in the US can be quite expensive, you will need to either enroll in your schools expensive plan, or buy your own (if permitted) International Student health Insurance plan and save money.

Once that you’ve bought your International Student Health Insurance plan and you have your plan documents, you will have all the information you’ll need to complete your school’s waiver. 

Just check with your school to get your waiver status.

To show proof of insurance, simply download or print a copy of your ID card and/or confirmation letter and provide it to your school’s program administrator.

Yes you can.  Even if you’re on your college’s international health insurance plan, you can usually save a lot of money by putting the spouse on their own plan.  If maternity coverage is required, be sure to enroll in a plan that offers that benefit (Student Health Advantage – Platinum).

Because insurance prices are regulated by the government.  That means no other website can beat our rates.  So you can be sure you won’t find a better price on IMG International Student Health Insurance plans than Global Trek Health.