Who Should Manage the Waiver Process for International Student Group Insurance Plans?

November 8th, 2024 by Jennifer Frankel

In last month’s blog, we discussed the importance of carefully designing the waiver process for your international student group insurance plan. But once the process is in place, the next question is: who should manage it? A well-managed waiver process ensures that your international students are properly covered and that your institution’s group plan remains stable. The choice of who manages this process can greatly affect the overall efficiency of your plan and determine whose interests are prioritized.

The Challenge of a Hard Waiver

A hard waiver system, which requires international students to demonstrate that they have comparable insurance in order to opt out of the school’s plan, demands careful oversight and evaluation. Managing this process requires dedicated staff who are trained to review insurance policies and determine whether or not they meet the institution’s insurance requirements.

For many institutions, this can present a challenge. Evaluating foreign insurance policies is not a simple task. It requires:

-A deep understanding of insurance terms and benefits.

-The ability to verify whether a plan meets your school’s specific requirements.

-Time and manpower to properly evaluate every submission to make sure it’s reviewed thoroughly and consistently.

Given the complexity and the resource-intensive nature of this process, it might seem logical to offload this responsibility to an external partner, such as your insurance broker.

Should Your Insurance Broker Manage the Waiver?

At first glance, your insurance broker might seem like the perfect candidate to manage your school’s waiver process. Brokers have the insurance expertise and the capacity to assess which plans meet your school’s insurance standards. They can relieve your team from the burdensome task of reviewing numerous waivers and making sure that only qualified plans are accepted.

However, while brokers are skilled in handling insurance matters, there are potential downsides to consider:

1.-Conflicts of Interest – Brokers may not always have the best interest of your students in mind. Since brokers often benefit financially from enrolling more students in the school’s insurance plan, they could set waiver requirements so high that very few outside plans qualify. In some cases, they may focus on technicalities like regulatory filings rather than the actual coverage. As a result, students who have suitable insurance plans may still be forced onto the school’s plan unnecessarily.

2.-Denial of Plans for Non-Substantive Reasons – Some brokers may deny student waiver requests based on minor technicalities that have little to do with the quality of the insurance plan. While this might result in more students remaining on the school’s plan, it doesn’t necessarily make sure that students are receiving the best coverage for their individual needs. Denying waivers on technicalities can also lead to frustration for international students and increase the administrative burden on your team as students appeal decisions.

3.-Balancing Expertise and Student Well-Being – To make sure that your students’ best interests are prioritized, it’s important to find a balance between leveraging the expertise of your broker and maintaining institutional oversight. You may decide to keep the waiver process in-house or put processes in place that have clear oversight in the waiver review process.

A Middle Ground: A Hybrid Approach

For many schools, the ideal solution is a hybrid approach where brokers assist in the technical evaluation of plans, but final decisions are made by the school. This blends the grounded insurance expertise but the school remains in control of how students are served and protected.

Additionally, student education should be a priority in the waiver process. Many international students are unfamiliar with the complexities of the U.S. healthcare system and may not understand the full consequences of opting out of the school’s insurance plan. Educating students about the risks of underinsurance and the importance of comprehensive coverage is crucial. You may also choose to have a list of alternative plans that you know are good quality plans with reliable service which meet and exceed the insurance requirements set forth by your school.

Deciding who should manage your international student insurance waiver process is an important decision that affects the health and financial stability of both your international students and your institution. While brokers can offer valuable expertise, schools should continue to maintain oversight so that the process is student-centered and not driven solely by financial interests. By finding a balance between expert advice and institutional control, you can create a waiver process that protects your students and provides stability to your group insurance plan.

If you’re looking for assistance in designing a waiver process or exploring group insurance options, feel free to contact us for help or request a quote.

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Posted by Jennifer Frankel in Health & Safety Abroad, Insurance Explained, International Student Health Insurance, International Student Insurance (ISI), Risk Management, School Resources | No Comments

Why a Strong Waiver Policy is Essential for a Successful International Student Insurance Group Plan

October 14th, 2024 by Jennifer Frankel

As school administrators, the well-being of your international students is a top priority, and a key part of that is making sure that students have access to a comprehensive yet affordable health insurance plan. Many institutions offer group insurance plans for their international students, but one critical piece that often doesn’t get the attention it deserves is the waiver process. The ability for students to waive their school’s plan in favor of an alternative insurance plan might seem like a good way to offer flexibility, but if not carefully managed, it can significantly impact the performance and sustainability of your school’s group plan.

Why Your Waiver Process Matters
When establishing a group insurance plan for your international students, it’s important to think carefully about what your waiver requirements will be. The goal should be to protect your institution, the integrity of your group plan, and the health of your students. Allowing students to easily waive your school’s plan can result in what is known as adverse selection, which can destabilize your insurance plan, create an unhealthy smaller pool, and lead to higher costs.

Understanding Adverse Selection

Adverse selection occurs when students who anticipate needing more medical care—perhaps due to ongoing health conditions—choose to stay on the school’s group plan, while healthier students opt to waive out and seek cheaper alternatives. If the waiver process is too lenient, the risk to your group plan increases significantly.

Here’s how it works:

  • Healthier students may waive the school’s plan, finding a cheaper insurance option because they believe they won’t need a more expensive, comprehensive plan.
  • Students with medical conditions will stay on the group plan because they know they will need medical attention.

This leads to a smaller, higher-risk insurance pool, resulting in more claims and higher costs for the school’s plan. The consequence? When it comes time to renew the policy, your premiums could increase significantly, and the plan may become unsustainable in the long run.

Setting Strong Waiver Requirements
To avoid adverse selection, it’s important to set rigorous waiver standards. This requires that students are only able to opt out of the group plan if they have comparable or higher coverage. Here are some best practices for setting waiver requirements:

  1. Require comparable or higher coverage: All approved waivers need to meet certain insurance minimums. These might include specific coverage levels for overall coverage, out-of-pocket amounts, mental health services, and wellness care.
  2. Mandate that claims be paid in the US: International plans often lack a U.S. provider network and may only cover students through reimbursement. This forces students to pay high medical bills upfront, leaving them and providers at risk.
  3. Enforce strict deadlines: Have clear deadlines for waiver submissions and require thorough documentation, such as proof of coverage and plan details. All documentation should only be evaluated in English.
  4. Educate students: Inform students about the risks of opting for cheaper, inadequate coverage. Many international students might not fully understand the complexities of the U.S. healthcare system and could end up underinsured.

Mandated Group Plan With No Waiver Option

Alternatively, you may choose to require a group plan with no option to waive. This requires that all students are covered by a robust plan, and in the event of an emergency, your staff knows exactly what to do and whom to contact. This approach also minimizes the administrative work of evaluating waiver requests and simplifies student education on how to navigate their plan in the US.

For many colleges and universities, a group insurance plan is the best way to ensure that international students have access to the care they need while in the United States. However, allowing international students to waive the school’s plan without stringent requirements can lead to adverse selection, higher claims, and increased renewal rates. By setting clear, rigorous waiver standards (or eliminating the option to waive), you can protect the health of your students and the stability of your group plan.

If you are interested in exploring group plans, please contact us for more information and to obtain a quote.

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Posted by Jennifer Frankel in Insurance Explained, International Student Insurance (ISI), International Students in the USA, School Resources | 1 Comment

The U.S. Election Season, Culture Shock, and International Student Mental Health

September 30th, 2024 by Catherine Freeman

Every four years, the federal election season gives international students at U.S. colleges and universities a unique window into American life, culture, and politics. But recent elections have been increasingly contentious, and it’s important to be aware of the potential impact on international students’ mental health. Let’s take a look at how election season may trigger or exacerbate culture shock, and what you can do to support your international students.

Culture Shock During Election Season

We know culture shock manifests in many ways, and can stem from feelings of pressure to assimilate, struggles with identity, or the desire for community. The tone of political discourse or a lack of familiarity with the U.S. political landscape may also make a student’s sense of isolation more intense. As election day grows closer, students may encounter situations that further exacerbate or trigger these feelings.

Some of these triggers may exist on campus. Class discussions of current events during an election can naturally turn increasingly political. Topics such as immigration or specific global conflicts are often points of focus. International students may be called on to engage in ways that make them feel uncomfortable, as though they must speak on behalf of their entire nationality, ethnic group, or religion. This can escalate pressure students already feel to simultaneously assimilate on campus and maintain their own cultural identity. 

Some campuses may have free speech zones where student debates take place, and others may even host formal debates for local or state elections. International students may hear inflammatory language related to their race or religion, or grow anxious if there are on-campus demonstrations or protests.

Beyond campus, there can be rhetoric used by candidates or parties that targets or stereotypes specific nationalities, ethnicities, cultural groups, or other identities. Students may be fearful of the impact of such rhetoric on their daily lives. Heated discussions around topics such as education and immigration may cause students to worry about the future of their status in the U.S. And because international students cannot vote, they may feel particularly helpless.

Supporting Your Students

The good news is, there are likely many resources for your students already on campus, and you can help make sure they are available, visible and accessible. 

–Connect your campus: Know who your mental health care partners are on and around campus. These may include the student health or counseling center, nearby mental health providers, your school’s Title IX officer, and your campus security department. It’s also important to know where to go for your school’s policies regarding hate speech, discrimination, or participating in demonstrations. Some of these partners may have specific guidance for election season, too.

–Build a resource library: In addition to your partnerships, it’s a good idea to have your own toolkit of resources for supporting your students. ISI’s Mental Health and Emotional Wellness Training is a great place to start. The training includes videos, student handouts, presentation slides, and a facilitation guide. The program focuses on normalizing mental health concepts for students and breaking down stigmas that may prevent them from seeking help. This content can be easily modified to fit your campus’ needs.

–Knowledge is power: Certain departments or campus organizations may offer election information sessions for domestic students or first-time voters that could benefit international students as well. You could also partner with a faculty member to host a session specifically for international students. Learning more about the electoral process and how students can be meaningfully engaged on campus may help relieve confusion and anxiety.

While election season may present its own challenges for international student mental health, it’s also a unique opportunity to remind your students just how much their perspectives matter, and that their presence on campus has value. By connecting your campus, building a resource library and giving students opportunities to grow their knowledge, you can help them feel truly empowered by their own experiences during election season and beyond. 

For free access to ISI’s Mental Health and Emotional Wellness Training, submit your request here.

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Posted by Catherine Freeman in Health & Safety Abroad, Mental Health | No Comments

Introducing ISI’s New School Sales Portal: Streamlining Student Insurance Management

August 1st, 2024 by Jennifer Frankel

As a school administrator, managing student insurance plans can be complex and time-consuming! That’s why International Student Insurance (ISI) is excited to introduce our new School Sales Portal (SSP), a cutting-edge tool designed to simplify this process and enhance your efficiency. The SSP offers real-time access to student enrollments, compliance monitoring, and more, providing you with the resources you need to manage student insurance plans effectively.

Real-Time Enrollment Access

One of the standout features of the SSP is its real-time enrollment access. With this portal, you can view individual student enrollments instantly, including details like plan levels, dates of coverage, and extensions or renewals. This access allows for more efficient oversight and management of student insurance plans, ensuring that you always have the most up-to-date information at your fingertips.

Comprehensive Compliance Monitoring

Making sure that all student insurance policies comply with your school’s requirements is critical. The SSP enables you to flag non-compliant policies easily. Whether it’s incorrect dates, wrong plan selection, or payment issues, you can identify and address compliance problems in just a couple of clicks. This proactive approach helps maintain compliance and gives you the confidence that your students are all meeting the necessary insurance standards.

Effective Communication

When a policy is flagged as non-compliant, the SSP initiates an outreach by ISI’s customer service team to that student. You can provide detailed notes to guide the customer service team, making sure that any compliance problems are resolved quickly. Once the plan is compliant, you will receive a notification that the student’s plan is in compliance.

User-Friendly Interface

The SSP is designed with user-friendliness in mind. Logging in is simple and secure, and once you’re in, you can access detailed reports, search and filter enrollments, and do advanced searches as needed. The portal’s customizable views allow you to tailor the displayed information to your specific needs, making the management process more streamlined and efficient.

With the launch of the SSP, ISI continues to lead the way in offering innovative solutions and state-of-the-art technology. The SSP is designed to create efficiencies for schools, helping administrators manage student insurance plans more effectively and ensuring compliance with school policies.

If you are interested in a more streamlined approach to both monitor and manage your international student insurance plans, please contact us to learn more.

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Posted by Jennifer Frankel in Announcement, Insurance Explained, International Student Health Insurance, International Student Insurance (ISI), School Resources, Student Insurance | No Comments

Navigating State vs. Federal Marijuana Laws in the US: A Guide for Educating your International Students

July 25th, 2024 by Sally McLeod

In the United States, the legalization of marijuana has created a complex legal landscape that if not fully understood, can impact not only a student’s visa status, but their international experience and overall life goals. It’s specifically important for advisors and staff to understand the nuances between state and federal laws, in order to educate their international students on what laws pertain to them versus their domestic peers. 

Understanding the Legal Dilemma

Recreational marijuana usage is now legal in nearly half of the United States at the state level. However, under federal law, marijuana remains classified as a Schedule I controlled substance, resulting in severe penalties for possession, use, distribution, and even working in the legal cannabis industry. 

Impact on International Students

For international students studying in the United States, not distinguishing the difference between state and federal laws can lead to serious impacts, such as:

  • Immigration Consequences: Marijuana use, even where legal under state law, still remains a federal offense. International students risk jeopardizing their visa status, facing deportation, or being denied re-entry to the US for admitting to ties to marijuana, even if it occurred in a state where it’s legal.
  • Campus Policies: Most universities and colleges maintain strict policies prohibiting marijuana use on campus, regardless of state legality. Violations can result in disciplinary actions, affecting academic standing and future opportunities.
  • Employment Restrictions: Many international students hope to secure employment in the US post-graduation. However, federal regulations may restrict job prospects for those with a history of marijuana use, particularly in fields requiring security clearances or federal contracts.
  • Legal Risks During Travel: Traveling between states where marijuana is legal can expose students to legal risks, as federal law prohibits transporting marijuana across state lines.

The Advisors’ Role in Guiding International Students

Given the complexities surrounding marijuana laws, advisors and staff play a critical role in supporting international students through:

  • Education and Awareness: Advisors must stay informed about the latest developments in marijuana laws at both state and federal levels. Regularly communicating updates to students to ensure they understand the legal risks associated with marijuana use is key.
  • Cultural Sensitivity: Recognizing that laws and attitudes toward marijuana vary widely across countries, advisors should approach discussions with sensitivity and respect for students’ cultural backgrounds.
  • Legal Resources: Advisors should provide international students with access to legal resources and guidance. This includes connecting students with immigration lawyers or campus legal services to address specific questions or concerns.
  • Policy Compliance: Advisors should emphasize the importance of adhering to university policies and federal laws regarding marijuana use. Encouraging students to seek clarification when uncertain can help prevent unintentional violations.
  • Support and Counseling: Understanding the stress and uncertainty international students may face, advisors should offer emotional support and be able to direct students to counseling services when necessary. Establishing rapport and trust with your international students proves vital and can make a significant impact. 

The Path Forward

As the legal landscape continues to evolve, it is essential for international students and their advisors to remain proactive and informed. By creating a space for open communication, providing accurate information, and offering continued support, advisors can empower students to make informed decisions that safeguard their academic and professional futures while residing in the United States.

Ultimately, navigating the nuances of state and federal marijuana laws requires a collaborative approach between students, advisors, and legal experts. Together, international students can thrive academically and comply with the legal obligations that govern their stay in the United States.

Utilize these resources on raising drug and alcohol awareness, along with supporting the emotional wellbeing of international students, here:

Drug and Alcohol Awareness for International Students
Emotional and Mental Health Training Program

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Posted by Sally McLeod in Health & Safety Abroad, International Student Health Insurance, International Student Insurance (ISI), International Students in the USA, U.S Healthcare System | No Comments

Updates to Student Secure Health Insurance Plans for 2024

May 24th, 2024 by Lia Malcon

Spring marks not only the return of international students to schools in the United States but also the time for reviewing and updating health insurance plans. In April, our top-selling insurance plan, the Student Secure, underwent significant updates aimed at providing enhanced coverage and benefits. In this blog, we will delve into the details of the recent updates to better serve our international student community.

Updated Benefits of Student Secure Plan

Zero Deductible: All four levels of the Student Secure plan (Smart, Budget, Select, and Elite) now feature a $0 deductible.

Copays for Essential Services: The plan now has copays for different services such as visits to the Student Health Center, Physician office visits, Urgent care/Walk-in clinic, and Hospital inpatient/outpatient visits, across all levels of the plan.

Increased Annual Maximum: The Select level of the Student Secure plan now offers a substantial $1,000,000 annual maximum, providing comprehensive coverage for eligible medical expenses.

School Sports Coverage: School sports coverage, for up to $5,000, is now included in the Select and Elite levels of the plan (it is no longer offered as a separate rider), offering peace of mind to students participating in athletic activities.

Coinsurance: In-network coinsurance rates have been updated across all levels of the plan, The coinsurance rates are now 80% up to $100,000 then 100% (Smart), 80% up to $45,000 then 100% (Budget), 80% up to $25,000 then 100% (Select), and 80% up to $10,000 then 100% (Elite).

Oral Contraceptives and Preventative Care Coverage: The Elite level now includes coverage for oral contraceptives and up to $200 for preventative care, expanding access to medical solutions. 

Mental Health Coverage: The Elite level now provides higher coverage for mental health services, including up to 40 days of coverage for inpatient mental health and up to 40 visits for outpatient mental health per certificate period, now meeting the insurance requirements of more universities across the United States.

Affordable Premiums: In addition to the expanded benefits, the Select and Elite levels now offer more affordable premiums, priced at $104 and $178 per month, respectively. These competitive rates ensure access to quality healthcare without financial strain.

The recent Student Secure health insurance plan updates underscore our commitment to providing comprehensive and affordable coverage to international students. With zero deductibles, copays for essential services, increased annual maximums, and comprehensive coverage across all levels, students can now navigate their academic journey in the United States with confidence and peace of mind.

Stay tuned for further updates and announcements as we continue to prioritize the well-being of our international student community. Please visit InternationalStudentInsurance or contact our customer service team for inquiries or enrollment.

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Posted by Lia Malcon in Announcement, Insurance Explained, International Student Health Insurance, International Students in the USA, Product Information | No Comments

Navigating Health Insurance: Underlying the Importance of Maximizing Benefits by Staying In-Network for your International Students 

March 14th, 2024 by Sally McLeod

Educating international students on the United States healthcare system is no easy feat. The bottom line is that health insurance is a must and there’s no real way around it. Whether or not your institution has a group plan or allows students to purchase coverage on their own, familiarizing students with insurance terminology is key to helping them properly understand their health insurance plan, and most effectively utilizing it. In this blog, we’ll delve into the benefits of going in-network on a health insurance plan, and what avenues to explore for making this as easy as possible for your students. 

Cost Savings for Student Budgets:

Choosing in-network healthcare providers can significantly contribute to cost savings on a health insurance plan. In-network providers have negotiated rates with insurance companies, leading to lower copays, deductibles, and overall out-of-pocket expenses. By staying in-network, students can make the most of their health insurance coverage without putting additional strain on their finances. It is important to identify what plan network(s) your students are using and educate them on how to find providers that are in-network. Opening up communication with the on-campus health center is also crucial in supporting your students. Setting up effective cost saving processes when visiting the student health center, such as direct billing on a group plan network, or with other specific provider networks, can ease anxiety about seeking treatment.

Transparent and Predictable Expenses:

The unpredictability of healthcare costs can be a source of stress for international students, and unfortunately this takes place often after it’s too late. Emphasizing that in-network providers offer transparent and predictable expenses, allow students to budget for their healthcare needs more effectively. With agreed-upon rates and standardized cost-sharing arrangements, there are fewer surprises when it comes to medical bills for students and the institution. This financial predictability fosters a sense of control and allows students to have a more positive international student experience without the added worry of unexpected healthcare expenses.

Ease of Access and Convenience:

In-network providers are strategically selected to offer convenient access to healthcare services. From routine check-ups to specialized treatments, staying in-network ensures that students can easily access a wide range of healthcare options without unnecessary travel or inconvenience. It’s important to identify and share nearby walk-in clinics, urgent care centers, and hospitals that accept the plan network that students are using. This ease of access promotes regular health check-ups and timely medical attention, contributing to overall well-being.

Streamlined Administrative Processes:

Understanding and navigating the US healthcare system can be a daunting task for anyone, especially for international students coming from countries with socialized healthcare. In-network providers typically streamline the administrative processes associated with healthcare. This includes simplified claims procedures, as in-network providers often submit claims directly to the insurance company. Such efficiency minimizes paperwork, making it easier for students to manage their health insurance-related tasks alongside their academic responsibilities.

Comprehensive Coverage Tailored to Student Needs:

Health insurance plans that are selected should cater to the unique needs of international students, providing comprehensive coverage for a variety of healthcare services. Staying in-network ensures that students have access to a network of reputable healthcare professionals, including specialists who can address specific health concerns. Comprehensive coverage contributes to the holistic well-being of students, allowing them to focus on their studies and personal growth with peace of mind.

Educating international students on the intricacies of health insurance in the U.S is a necessary time investment for administrators, as it will benefit students financially and allow for an overall more positive experience throughout their stay. As students embark on their international experience, embracing these insights will empower them to prioritize their health and make the most of their health insurance plan.

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Posted by Sally McLeod in In-Network Healthcare, Insurance Explained, International Student Health Insurance, International Students in the USA, Student Insurance, U.S Healthcare System | No Comments

Dental Insurance for International Students in 2024

March 1st, 2024 by Angela Perrilliat

In preparing to become an international student, it’s likely you’ve been warned about how expensive medical treatment can be in the United States including dental treatment. Your student health insurance plan may cover doctor visits and/or potential hospitalizations, but more than likely won’t cover your bills if you were to chip a tooth, get a cavity, or need a root canal. To add a bit of perspective, here are the average costs of dental treatments in the United States:

Routine Dental Care
Dental Examination$100-$175
Professional Dental Cleaning$75-$210
Dental Sealant$20-$50 per tooth
Root Canal Treatment$500-$1,500
Tooth Extraction$75-$220 per tooth

While you’re still trying to decide if dental insurance is a good investment, it’s important to understand how this type of coverage works in the United States and what your options are. 

Dental insurance is much more straightforward and specific than medical insurance and if you don’t have a dentist at all, you can choose from the dentists in the network and again have the option of a less expensive plan. Although dental insurance works a little like health insurance, the premiums are typically much lower. Most health insurance policies cover a hefty percentage of even large expenses once you’ve paid your deductible; but this is not the case with dental insurance, which usually follows a 100-80-50 coverage structure for in-network dentists.

We offer three different levels of coverage plans : Lite, Boost and Complete. They all offer 100% preventative coverage and a comprehensive amount starting from day 1 and increased coverage after one year. Plans are available in monthly payments, and they can start as soon as the next day of purchase. A minimum purchase of three months is required. As for cancellation of your plan, it can be canceled prior to the start date for a full refund and after the start date, it can be canceled at any time after 90 days of coverage.

In addition to dental insurance plans, you can also get dental discount options. Referred to as dental savings plans, these types of plans require you to pay an annual fee (usually very low cost) and then in turn, you receive about 10% – 60% discount on specific dental care at select dentists. One additional benefit with discount dental plans is that you’re able to purchase them in the event you need something specific done. 

So remember, dental visits in the U.S don’t come cheap and it’s always good to hope for the best but prepare for the worst! If you have any questions about dental plans please contact us, we’ll be happy to help.

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Posted by Angela Perrilliat in Announcement, Health & Safety Abroad, Insurance Explained, International Student Health Insurance, Product Information | No Comments

New York Plan

January 11th, 2024 by Leslie Reynolds

ISI is proud to introduce our new specialized New York group insurance plan, carefully crafted to meet the unique needs of your international students in New York state at affordable prices.

This new plan, insured by Crum & Forster, is ideal for schools in New York who:

  • Are interested in a group plan for international students
  • Want an affordable plan that includes wellness, maternity, and mental health coverage
  • Are looking for more support with insurance, including a dedicated account manager, 24/7 multilingual support for students, and an easy-to-use enrollment system.

Many schools realize they are ready to move to a group plan when they want to require insurance but don’t want to chase students down for compliance verification. Having a group plan is an excellent way to ensure your students have the insurance coverage you know they need while also making the management process easier on you and your team.

Specifically, the ISI New York plan meets state requirements and includes excellent benefits such as:

  • $500,000 policy maximum
  • $150 deductible per injury/illness
  • Wellness covered 100%
  • Mental health coverage
  • Maternity coverage
  • Sports coverage up to principal available
  • Network: Aetna Passport

In addition, the plan is fully customizable and can be used as a launching pad for developing the perfect group plan for your population.

Rates begin at $84.63 per month (which includes $5,000 club and intramural sports coverage). For sports that include intercollegiate up to the principal sum, the rates begin at $128.03. Of course, the rates will change with customizations, but we are committed to working with you to find the benefits and the rates that work best for your students.

Want to learn more? Contact Leslie Reynolds today! 

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Posted by Leslie Reynolds in Announcement, Insurance Explained, International Student Health Insurance, Product Information | No Comments

Open Doors Report 2023

December 11th, 2023 by Leslie Reynolds

The Open Doors report, an annual collection of data from institutions around the United States, was recently released for 2023. Schools all around the country submit their numbers and figures for both incoming international students and scholars as well as outgoing study abroad participation from the previous year. The result is the robust and comprehensive Open Doors Report, which offers a snapshot of the state of international education in the US thanks to the committed participation of a large number of institutions. The survey is “sponsored by the US Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and supported in its implementation by [the Institute for International Education] IIE.”

It’s important to note the reported timelines when reviewing Open Doors Data. For the 2023 Open Doors Report, the following time periods were reported on:

  • Fall 2022 total international student enrollment for the 2022-2023 academic year
  • Fall 2021-Summer 2022 study abroad participation

This year’s data shows that international education is beginning to recover from the decimating impact of COVID. While study abroad participation is not yet back to pre-COVID levels, there was a major increase from the previous reported year (Fall 2020-Summer 2021), with a 1,197% increase. Of course, this is due to the drastic decrease in participation in the height of COVID (2020-2021), so we anticipate this number continuing to increase and eventually surpass pre-COVID numbers within a few years. Prior to 2020, study abroad numbers were in the 300,000s; this year’s report, for 2021-2022, shows that 188,753 students studied abroad for academic credit. 

Meanwhile, the number of incoming international students, which is based on Fall 2022 enrollment, saw a nearly 12% increase from Fall 2021 with 1,057,188 reported international students. In the last reported year prior to COVID (2019-2020), there were 1,075,496 international students in the US. So, we are quickly returning to that high volume of international students, which has been steadily increasing since the 1960s.

In addition to overall numbers, the Open Doors Report also shows the top places of origin of international students and the top destinations for study abroad participants. This is helpful in understanding trends, preparing for student arrival, and understanding the student experience. 

The top 5 places of origin of international students for 2022-2023 are: China, India, South Korea, Canada, and Vietnam. Do these closely match your most popular places of origin for your international students, or does our population look quite different from this?

For study abroad participation, the top 5 destinations for 2021-2022 are: Italy, United Kingdom, Spain, France, and Germany. South Korea was the only country in Asia that appeared on the top 25 destinations list, but this will likely change as we get further out from the effects of the global pandemic. 

Overall, we at ISI are encouraged to see the numbers of international education participation increasing again after a tough couple of years. We are glad to see the entire world recovering from the global pandemic, and are eager to see more cultural exchange and educational experiences unfold as we all get back to a new normal.

For more information about the Open Doors Report, to review high level data, or to purchase the full report, please visit opendoorsdata.org.

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Posted by Leslie Reynolds in Announcement, International Student Health Insurance | No Comments

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