Frequently Asked Questions About International Student Insurance
This is a composition of the international student insurance frequently asked questions. The purpose of the Student Insurance Advocate is to educate students and staff throughout Minnesota State about the international student insurance benefits and help students with questions, problems, and concerns with the insurance. This information is to be used only as a resource, not as a guarantee of payment.
Questions about insurance benefits and claims can be directed to the SCSU Student Insurance Advocate:
Email: studentinsurance@stcloudstate.edu
Phone: 320-308-4855
1. Why is it required for international students to have health insurance?
- There is high quality health care in the US; however, it can be very expensive at times.
- Health insurance offers some protection against these high prices.
- If you were to get seriously ill or hurt you could seek medical attention with less worry of excessive financial strain.
2. Why have the insurance costs gone up?
Students have requested more benefits; because of this demand additional benefits have been added to your insurance. The more benefits students receive the higher the premium price. The more out of pocket expenses a student has to pay reduces the cost (higher deductible).
Along with the additional benefits, the cost of health care (in general) has gone up, this also increases the cost of insurance.
The Minnesota State Student Insurance Committee meets yearly to discuss the insurance plan and make any necessary changes to the plan always with students in mind.
3. Is there optional dental and vision coverage?
4. Is there insurance available for dependents?
5. Does my insurance cover the Residency Application Medical Exams?
Residency Application Medical Exams
Immigration medical examinations required by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will not be covered by the mandatory Student Insurance. In most cases, the medical exam has to be done by a Civil Surgeon (Medical Clinic is NOT a Civil Surgeon provider). However, the Medical Clinic does provide many of the required tests and immunizations you will need for immigration. You may be able to decrease your out-of-pocket expenses by having these services done at the Medical Clinic.
6. Why was UnitedHealthcare Student Resources Insurance selected as the Insurance carrier?
There are three main reasons why UnitedHealthcare was selected:
- Cost. Minnesota State has a committee that screens different insurance companies to ensure that you receive the best coverage for the lowest price. We understand that money is very tight for students; however, it is very important that students receive proper medical care.
- Repatriation. In the unlikely event of a student’s death, repatriation will ship the student’s remains back to their home country.
- Medical Evacuation. Medical Evacuation is when a student is critically ill and needs medical transportation back to their home country.
Repatriation and Medical Evacuation are crucial pieces of this insurance because they are not readily available in other insurances that students could purchase individually. Due to many regulations both of these are very expensive. If these were not covered by the insurance you the student, your family or the school you attend may be held liable for these costs. Therefore the insurance is another form of protection for you.