As study abroad programs continue to rise in popularity, concerns about the well-being of students becomes a more frequently-discussed topic for universities, students, and parents. While there are a number of precautions that can be take to maximize safety, one of the most important is purchasing an international student insurance plan.
As the AIFS (American Institute for Foreign Students) Foundation points out on their web site (www.aifsfoundation.org), international study programs have seen their greatest surge in popularity over the past 30 years, but that health and safety concerns really began drawing the most attention in the 1990s. While most students are focused on the exciting opportunity that awaits them, health and safety issues are something students should be cognizant of, and something they should prepare for with international student medical insurance.
There are many different ways for students to become ill or injured while studying abroad, with food poisoning, auto accidents, viruses, and sports mishaps being just a few examples. Some of these may be preventable through education and being careful, but others are going to happen no matter how careful a student is. When these situations arise, it is important to have international student medical insurance in order to minimize your costs.
As a student, you are likely used to being covered by your parent’s insurance plan, so you may not be aware of how expensive it is to get medical care without the benefit of insurance. If you do not have international student health insurance, you will be responsible for the full cost of healthcare, which may be anywhere from hundreds of dollars to several thousand.
Study abroad insurance minimizes those costs, which is especially important to you since most students have very limited financial means. A small investment can save you thousands of dollars, making it an essential component of your international student wellness program.
Students, parents, and schools themselves should share in the responsibility of promoting wellness in study abroad programs, according to the AIFS Foundation. The group makes several recommendations as to how risky scenarios can be eliminated or minimized. Once those situations have been prevented, students can then rely on their international student health insurance policy to cover problems that can’t be.
Students can avoid many types of illness and injuries simply by researching the area they will be visiting. They can learn what major health risks to avoid are, as well as how to treat some common problems. This way, even if you have taken the wise step of protecting yourself with study abroad insurance, you decrease the odds that you will need to use it.
Staying safe and healthy during a study abroad trip is a responsibility that is shared between everyone involved. It requires research, proper preparation, and protecting yourself with a good international student medical insurance plan in case an illness or injury does occur.