International Education Week

November 7th, 2023 by Leslie Reynolds

International Education Week 2023 is November 13-17. This initiative is a collaboration between the US Department of State and the US Department of Education that began in 2000 under the Clinton administration. President Clinton issued an executive memorandum where he highlighted the United State’s commitment to cultural exchange through international education. The first IEW was celebrated later that year and has been a cornerstone program of ISSS and Education Abroad offices around the country ever since.

As international educators, we welcome the opportunity to highlight why it’s important to travel outside of your comfort zone, meet and interact with people from different countries, and explore cultures that are different from your own. Cultural exchange leads to cross cultural understanding, which helps to make our world a more peaceful and welcoming place. 

If you don’t have the means or ability to travel outside of the United States, that’s okay! Remember that there are thousands of international students on college campuses all over the country who are eager to share more of their culture with you. The US is a country of great diversity, and many different cultures and customs can be experienced without the need to get on a plane. In particular, on a college campus, you have access to lots of resources and programs that are designed to build your understanding of other cultures and countries. IEW is a week that showcases this type of event and will make them even more accessible to you, so be sure to find out how YOUR school is celebrating.

Each year, a theme is selected for IEW. This year’s theme is “International Education is the Future,” a strong statement about the importance and impact of cultural educational exchange. Within the overall theme, the departments also select a focus for each day. This year’s daily themes are: 

  • Open Doors to the Future
  • You are the Future!
  • The Future is Global
  • Innovate the Future
  • Lead the Future

While the Bureau of Educational & Cultural Affairs (a bureau of the State Department) offers these themes, the ways in which institutions choose to celebrate IEW can vary widely from year to year and from campus to campus. 

Examples of events that you might see on a college campus during IEW include:

  • Study Abroad information sessions or fairs
  • Speakers covering current global issues
  • Events highlighting post-graduate international opportunities such as Peace Corps and Fulbright
  • Opportunities for international students to share about their home country and culture
  • International festivals
  • Travel photo and video contests

To see how some of our partner schools are celebrating, click the links below. Then, comment to let us know what kind of events your college or university is hosting this year, and how you’re planning to participate!

https://today.troy.edu/news/international-education-week-2022/

https://www.rmc.edu/news/randolph-macon-celebrates-international-education-week/

https://isss.fiu.edu/events/international-education-week/

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

International Student Insurance Coverage for International Student Athletes

July 14th, 2023 by Leslie Reynolds

What type of sports insurance coverage do your international students need? Sports and athletic coverage can be a bit confusing when it comes to international student insurance, so let’s break it down!

Insurance plans typically use the following language to distinguish between types of sports coverage: intercollegiate sports, interscholastic sports, intramural sports, recreational sports, club sports, and adventure sports. 

Intercollegiate Sports

Intercollegiate sports refers to sports that are played for a college or university. In the US, these typically fall under the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), and often schools will have their own insurance plan that helps to cover NCAA athletes in the event of injury (during practice or a game). However, it is helpful to have students on a comprehensive private insurance plan in case something happens on or off the field (or court) and will help protect from losses on the school’s athletic policy.It’s important to check the policy wording to make sure that every sport the students are playing is covered – and always review the exclusions on a policy in full!

Interscholastic Sports

Typically, this term is going to refer to high school or middle school sports–NOT college sports. Not every plan will cover an organized school sport so be sure to confirm that your secondary students have interscholastic sports coverage included. You may also want to verify the area of coverage, especially if the team is involved in traveling.

Intramural Sports

Intramural sports are recreational organized sports and for the purpose of recreation and having fun. Oftentimes, intramural sports are run by student organizations and are more casual. However, students who plan to participate in intramural sports should have coverage for sports-related injuries. Again, it’s important to review policy wording to be sure coverage is in place for when something happens while participating in the sport.

Club Sports

Club sports are typically viewed as more competitive than intramural sports, but less competitive than intercollegiate sports. They often require tryouts and can be organized by different organizations on campus such as different schools on campus, fraternities/sororities, clubs/groups, etc. Students who participate in club sports are not necessarily considered “college athletes,” since they are not playing for the school, but they should have coverage for sports-related injuries. Club sports are sometimes separated out from intercollegiate and intramural sports so, once again, check policy wording carefully!

Recreational Sports

Recreational sports are sports that are participated in non-professionally and in a non-organized fashion. For example, a group of friends playing a pick up game of basketball. Or, a student playing racquetball at the local gym. These may or may not be covered based on the policy wording of the plan.

Adventure Sports

Adventure sports, also known as Extreme Sports, refers to the adrenaline-rush type of activities such as skydiving, bungee jumping, white water rafting, caving, cross-country skiing, or paragliding. These are often excluded from base plans, but in some cases can be included with an add-on. Be sure to check the policy wording for the list of extreme sports before students engage in those activities. Often, you will find more information about excluded sports by checking the exclusion section of the policy wording.

Know Your Policy

If you’re advising student athletes, know your policy and its fine print. Be able to communicate these details to your international students. If they have questions about the claims process when dealing with a sports-related injury, please have them contact the insurance for further clarification on how the plan works!

Why is Sports Coverage Important?

Sports injuries are inevitable. And, they can often snowball, requiring surgeries, physical therapy, braces, and other care that can add up quickly. Ensuring your students are properly covered in the event of an athletic injury is important for your student’s well being and the health of the athletic team. We never want to see students (or institutions) worry about how they are going to pay very expensive medical bills, and athletic injuries can sometimes result in costly medical bills. So make sure your student athletes are covered! 

For non-student athletes, it’s best to have a policy that covers intramural, recreational, and even club sports, since many students do choose to participate in these activities. Same as above, it would be awful to see a student wind up with piles of medical debt because they hurt themselves while playing a game with friends. 

If you ever have questions or need further guidance about athletic coverage for your students, please know our University Relations team is here to guide you and can help you find the best option for your population.

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Posted by Leslie Reynolds in Insurance Explained, International Student Health Insurance, International Students in the USA, Sports Coverage | No Comments

Dental and Vision Health Insurance Plans: A Great Supplement to Traditional Health Insurance for your International Students 

June 30th, 2023 by Sally McLeod

Whether you’re deciding on a group plan, or offering your international students different health insurance options, dental and vision health are often overlooked aspects of students’ needs. Many international student health insurance plans focus solely on their general health, but dental and vision has continued to be a requested benefit from many schools and students alike. Having the option for a dental and vision plan supplement for your students on a group or individual basis can create an even more all encompassing plan for your students, offering enhanced coverage and additional benefits. In this blog, we will explore the significance of dental and vision health insurance and some new options available to you and your students!

The Importance of Dental Health Insurance

Comprehensive Dental Coverage: Dental health insurance plans typically cover a wide range of preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dental procedures. From routine check-ups and cleanings to fillings, extractions, and even orthodontic treatments, having dental coverage ensures that you can maintain your oral health without worrying about the high costs of dental procedures.

Early Detection of Dental Issues: Regular dental check-ups can help detect oral health problems at an early stage when they are more manageable and less expensive to treat. Dental insurance encourages individuals to visit their dentists regularly, promoting preventive care and reducing the risk of developing more severe dental issues down the line.

Financial Protection: Dental procedures, especially major ones like root canals or dental implants, can be costly. Dental health insurance provides financial protection, helping individuals manage their dental expenses more effectively. By paying a monthly premium, students can gain peace of mind, knowing they have coverage for unexpected dental emergencies or planned treatments.

The Significance of Vision Health Insurance

Comprehensive Vision Care: Vision health insurance plans encompass a variety of services, including routine eye exams, prescription glasses or contact lenses, and even surgical procedures such as LASIK. With vision coverage, individuals can maintain their eye health and receive necessary vision correction, reducing the strain on their budget.

Early Detection of Eye Conditions: Regular eye exams play a crucial role in identifying potential eye diseases and conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, or macular degeneration. Timely diagnosis and treatment can help prevent or minimize the progression of these conditions, preserving one’s vision and overall quality of life.

Affordability of Eyewear: Prescription glasses or contact lenses can be quite expensive, especially for those with complex vision needs. Vision health insurance plans often offer discounts or allowances towards the purchase of eyewear, making it more affordable for individuals to access the corrective lenses they require.

The Benefits of Dental and Vision Health Insurance Plans

Holistic Approach to Healthcare: By incorporating dental and vision coverage into the overall health insurance strategy for your international students, you ensure that you are addressing additional aspects of their well-being. Good oral and vision health contribute significantly to one’s overall quality of life, and having separate insurance plans for these areas allows for comprehensive and focused care. 

Cost Savings: Dental and vision health insurance plans provide financial protection against unexpected expenses, enabling students to receive necessary treatments without facing exorbitant out-of-pocket costs. Routine preventive care covered by these plans can also help prevent more significant issues that may require costly interventions.

Access to Specialist Care: Dental and vision health insurance often allows for referrals to specialists when needed. This ensures that you have access to the expertise required for more complex dental or eye conditions, facilitating specialized treatments and improved outcomes.

Dental and vision health insurance plans are a great supplement to traditional health insurance for international students. By offering these types of plans, you can ensure that students’ dental and vision needs are met, promoting preventive care, earlier detection of issues, and financial protection. Our Dental and Vision plans come in various levels of coverage and can be purchased individually by students or added on as a supplement to your current group plan. These plans are available across the entire United States for international students and other foreign nationals living in the United States, in addition to US citizens and permanent residents. 

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Posted by Sally McLeod in Insurance Explained, International Student Health Insurance, International Students in the USA, Product Information, Student Insurance | No Comments

How to Help Your Students Find Discounts on Prescription Medication Costs

February 3rd, 2023 by Leah Hammond

After visiting a doctor, your students may be prescribed medication, and they may come to you with questions about how to get these medications from the pharmacy and the amount they need to pay out-of-pocket. If your students do not have a health insurance plan in place or if they need to pay for the medications upfront, students may be looking to minimize the amount they have to spend on prescription medications.

There may also be times when a medication isn’t covered under their plan – for example, if a student is taking medication that was prescribed to them before they arrive in the United States, this likely won’t be covered due to pre-existing condition limitations. They may also be prescribed medication that is related to a condition excluded from their plan, like contraceptives or medication for acne. 

In this blog, we’ll discuss different ways for students to find discounts on prescription medication costs, from discount drug cards, online cost comparison platforms, and pharmacy discount programs. We’ll offer suggestions on ways to receive discounts on non-covered medications, and we’ll also look at different options for discounts on birth control methods that would not normally be covered under an international health insurance plan. 

Discount Drug Programs

Students can utilize discount drug programs to reduce the out-of-pocket expense they would need to pay at the pharmacy, and they can also use these programs for prescription medication that may be related to a general exclusion of the plan that wouldn’t be covered. Below, we’ll look into some different options available to your students to help with the expenses associated with covered, and non-covered, prescription medications. 

Discount Pharmacy Cards

Most of the plans offered through ISI come with a discount prescription pharmacy card. This is not insurance coverage, but instead, is a discount card students can present at the pharmacy when picking up their prescription medication that offers a discount on the amount that needs to be paid out of pocket.

For example, our Student Secure plan includes the VantageAmerican Discount Pharmacy Card, which will offer an average savings of 5% to 15% off brand drugs and an average of 15% to 40% off the price of generic drugs. Once the discount is applied to the prescription, the remaining expenses can still be submitted to the insurance company for reimbursement as usual.

These cards sometimes include discounts on routine vision and dental services as well, which are not generally covered by international student health insurance plans, so the benefit of these kinds of discount programs goes beyond just prescription medication. These cards will be included in the policy fulfillment students receive when they purchase the plan, and if they have questions about these programs, they can contact our customer service team for more information. 

GoodRx 

GoodRx is an online platform that allows students to compare prices and find discounts on prescriptions being paid for without insurance coverage. By using GoodRx, students will be able to find the pharmacy in their area that has the lowest price for their prescription, and they can also find coupons that will provide a discount on the amount they need to pay out of pocket. Once the discount is applied, they will need to pay the remaining amount at the pharmacy, and can then submit a claim to their insurance company to be reimbursed per the plan’s benefits. 

Pharmacy Discount Programs 

Some pharmacies, like Publix and Walmart, offer certain prescriptions at a set price, making it more affordable for those who have to pay out of pocket for their medication. 

For example, Publix offers certain maintenance medications, including Metformin, Lisinopril, and Amlodipine, for $7.50 for a 90-day supply, and antibiotics like Amoxicillin for $7.50 for a 14-day supply. You can view a full list of discounted medications offered through Publix here. 

Walmart offers a variety of 30-day medications for just $4.00, as well as some 90-day doses for just $10.00. You can view a list of discounted medications offered through Walmart here. 

CostPlus Drug Company

CostPlus is a great option for those who may have a condition that is not covered by their plan and need prescription medications for this condition. CostPlus charges the true cost of each medication – they cut out the pharmacy middleman and negotiate directly with the manufacturer to get the lowest price possible, and only charge a small administrative fee. 

CostPlus does require a prescription from a U.S.-based provider, so students would need to visit a doctor to get a prescription before they can take advantage of this service. If the condition at hand is excluded from their plan, they would be responsible for any costs associated with the visit, but they can then use CostPlus to keep their prescription expenses low moving forward.

Birth Control Options without Insurance

In the United States, birth control is only available with a prescription from a doctor. Contraception methods are commonly excluded by international student health insurance plans, which means the initial visit to the doctor and the prescription would not be covered. We understand access to birth control is important, and the good news is there are quite a few low-cost options available for students, both online and in-person, that will offer discounts on the costs associated with birth control prescriptions. 

Online

There are many online retailers that offer telehealth appointments with a doctor for birth control, and this can be a convenient way for students to get a prescription without having to pay for an in-person appointment. These platforms are a great option for those who don’t have insurance, and the prescription will be mailed directly to the student. Below you’ll find a few different options you can suggest to your students, but a quick Google search will provide you with a variety of different options available in your state. 

Nurx

Nurx offers various services, tests, and birth control ordering options. Options without insurance include the birth control pill starting at $15, the birth control shot ranging from $75 every 3 months, and the birth control patch starting at $180 per month. 

Hers

Hers includes a free initial medical consultation, with birth control options starting as low as $12 a month without insurance. 

SimpleHealth

SimpleHealth makes it easy with affordable birth control options, free delivery, automatic refills, and unlimited access to speak with a doctor without health insurance. 

In-Person

Some students may want to see a doctor in person before getting a prescription for birth control. Instead of making an appointment with a gynecologist, which would generally not be covered under their plan and could be expensive without insurance coverage, there are other low-cost options they can explore.

Planned Parenthood

Planned Parenthood works to make healthcare in the United States accessible and affordable. They offer wellness exams, birth control prescriptions, and STI testing at low costs, and some centers even charge based on income. Students can find a Planned Parenthood location near them online and can contact them to find out more about the costs associated with a visit and a birth control prescription. 

State Reproductive and Sexual Health Services

Different states around the country offer reproductive and sexual health services at low-cost, including comprehensive birth control options, pregnancy testing, STI testing and treatment, and reproductive cancer screenings. Students can find clinics that offer these services online here, and the cost of these services are based on each individual’s ability to pay. 

Discount Drug Programs

As mentioned earlier, there are quite a few discount drug programs students can utilize when paying for their prescription medications. These programs work for birth control prescriptions as well, so if a participant does visit a doctor for a birth control prescription, they can compare prices and look for the most affordable option through platforms like GoodRx and RxSaver.

At ISI, we believe prescription medication, whether covered or not through insurance, should be easily accessible for your students at affordable prices. If students come to you with questions about prescriptions, you can provide them with the different discount options we’ve discussed in this blog to ensure they’re aware of the different resources available to them to help keep the costs associated with their prescriptions as low as possible! If you have any questions about certain prescriptions or any of the discount programs mentioned above, please don’t hesitate to contact our customer service team at ISI and we’d be happy to help! 

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Posted by Leah Hammond in International Student Health Insurance, International Students in the USA, Product Information, Student Insurance | No Comments

Common Questions: Is the Affordable Care Act Suitable for International Students?

December 6th, 2022 by Jennifer Frankel

The Affordable Care Act – also referred to as ACA, Obamacare, or PPACA – has now been around for over a decade having been signed into law by former President Obama on March 23, 2010. The ACA required US citizens and permanent residents to maintain “minimum essential healthcare coverage” or be subject to pay a fine when paying taxes to the International Revenue Service (IRS). This fine has since been eliminated in many cases but it changed the landscape of the way that US insurance companies did and continue to do business.

While the initial intent of the bill was to expand coverage to US citizens, there were questions surrounding its impact on international students, scholars, and other populations. Now, having been in existence for a while, there is a lot of clarity about what school and student responsibilities are. In this blog, we will examine some popular questions regarding ACA coverage.

Does the ACA apply to international students?

If a student is holding an F, J, M, or Q visa in the U.S., they are considered a non-resident alien for tax purposes for the first 5 years and are exempt from the mandate. There is no insurance requirement for F1 students, and it is up to the school to determine what the requirements are.

Does the ACA apply to J visa holders similarly?

Similar to the requirement for F visa holders, any J visa holder who is a non-resident for tax purposes is also exempt from the ACA. But, unlike F1 visa holders who have no federal requirements, the Department of State does require that all J1 and J2 visa holders maintain a certain level of insurance requirements while in the US at all times (which is significantly less than what the ACA requires).

>>Learn the insurance requirements for J visa holders

How are schools navigating their group insurance plan for students?

Many schools throughout the US do require some level of health insurance; however that can vary by school. The most common ways to administer a school’s insurance plan includes:

  • A group plan just for international students (which may or may not include scholars)
  • A group plan for all students, including US and international students
  • No group plan, but may require all students to enroll in an individual plan that meets certain requirements

While the way in which insurance is administered can vary school by school, it is important that all international students carry some insurance while they are in the US. It can be challenging to explain how expensive the healthcare system in the US is and how there is no national or universal healthcare system. 

What does an ACA compliant plan mean?

An ACA compliant group plan is often found on college campuses when both domestic and international students are on one plan, but it doesn’t have to be. ACA coverage requires the plan to be filed in that state and to also meet the “minimum essential healthcare coverage”. The 10 benefit requirements are:

  1. Ambulatory patient services (outpatient care you get without being admitted to a hospital) 
  2. Emergency services
  3. Hospitalization (like surgery and overnight stays)
  4. Pregnancy, maternity, and newborn care (both before and after birth)
  5. Mental health and substance use disorder services, including behavioral health treatment (this includes counseling and psychotherapy)
  6. Prescription drugs 
  7. Rehabilitative and habilitative services and devices (services and devices to help people with injuries, disabilities, or chronic conditions gain or recover mental and physical skills)
  8. Laboratory services 
  9. Preventive and wellness services and chronic disease management 
  10. Pediatric services, including oral and vision care (but adult dental and vision coverage aren’t essential health benefits)

In addition to these 10 requirements, these plans are also required to include coverage for both birth control (https://www.healthcare.gov/coverage/birth-control-benefits/) and breastfeeding (https://www.healthcare.gov/coverage/breast-feeding-benefits/). These plans must also provide unlimited coverage, pre-existing coverage from day one, including wellness, and maternity must be covered the same as any other illness.

Due to rising costs, many schools have decided to look at alternate options since prices are on the rise and students struggle to afford to pay the high costs. And since international students and scholars don’t need ACA compliant coverage, schools have more flexibility to build a plan more in line with the needs of international students, both in terms of budget and benefits.

What does it mean if I don’t have an ACA compliant plan?

Many schools and students have been questioning how essential an ACA compliant plan is as the costs are often thousands and thousands of dollars every year. But schools may appreciate the comprehensive benefits an ACA plan might bring.

For plans that are not ACA, you can customize the plan specifically to meet the unique needs of your international student population (which may or may not include those essential benefits discussed above). This means you can still have unlimited coverage, if you think that’s appropriate – or you can have wellness included. However, you do not have to. By being able to customize your plan, you can get the benefits you want with more flexibility to customize the plan. 

What are the advantages of a non-ACA plan?

A non-ACA plan allows you to customize your insurance plan based on the benefits you need. Many times these carriers are more in tune with the unique needs of your student or scholar population and may also include:

  • Emergency medical evacuation – required on a J visa!
  • Repatriation of remains – required on a J visa!
  • Emergency reunion
  • 24-7 multilingual travel assistance

You will also find that these plans are much less expensive and have a lower out of pocket cost (the deductible, copays and coinsurance tend to be lower) when students use the plan.

It is important no matter the plan, that you understand what it does and doesn’t cover. Reviewing the master policy is essential to understanding your policy. Ask for it and do not rely solely on the brochure. Once reviewing this document, carefully review the exclusions to know what is and what isn’t covered. 

What questions should you ask about your insurance proposal?

If you are reviewing an insurance plan, it’s important to review the policy in full and know what it does and doesn’t cover. Questions you can ask include:

  • Provider Network – How much do you pay inside and outside the network? Are there providers nearby and what does the claim process look like?
  • Coverage Area – Where are my students covered (in the state, throughout the US, or outside the student’s home country?)?
  • Insurer – Who is insuring the plan and what is their rating by A.M. Best or Standard and Poor’s?
  • Claims – Where are the claims processed? How long should it take? Is there a way for students to follow up on their claim? Is it by reimbursement or will it be paid directly to the provider?
  • Benefits and Exclusions – Look through the policy and be sure to understand the benefits and exclusions to understand how your policy will be paying out claims. When in doubt, ask!

If you or your organization is looking at group plan options, our team would be happy to help provide you with a customized proposal for your school. To get started, please request a quote and our University Relations Team will be in touch with you shortly.

<Request A Quote>

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Posted by Jennifer Frankel in Insurance Explained, International Student Health Insurance, Student Insurance | No Comments

Telemedicine Services for Your International Students Group Insurance Plan

November 4th, 2022 by Alejandra Ramirez

Nowadays, a lot of products and services have turned to technology to offer online solutions to their customers, and healthcare is no exception. In this post, we will outline when telemedicine services are a better option for your international students or program participants to seek medical care. We will also discuss the variety of telemedicine companies we work with in case you are interested in adding one of these services to your existing group plan or if you would like to get a quote for a plan that includes these services.

When to use telehealth services

Some facilities now encourage patients to use their online services instead of going in person.

Social distancing helped us be more open to receiving online healthcare services when in-person care was not available. However, it has also shown us how convenient they are as we don’t need to drive to a facility full of other sick people and wait for a doctor to become available if we don’t have an appointment. Typically, online telemedicine services are offered 24/7 and all you need is a wi-fi connection and either a computer or phone.

If your international students or participants have a non-urgent medical need that they would like to receive care for such as flu symptoms, allergies, mild illnesses or injuries, etc. they can choose to use the telemedicine services that are offered at a lower cost than their deductible (if their plan has one) and sometimes even for free with some of our group plans.

What to expect during a telemedicine visit

Typically, students and participants can expect to be able to speak to a licensed physician within minutes after requesting a visit during business hours and they can choose between a phone or video consultation.

Once the phone or online visit begins, the physician will review their medical history and ask questions about their symptoms and their current condition to give a diagnosis and treatment plan. This process typically takes around 5-30 minutes.
Telemedicine doctors are able to issue prescriptions if needed and will send them to a pharmacy of the participants choice for pick up.
If the condition requires additional or in-person care, the telemedicine provider will refer the participant to the nearest urgent care center or emergency room if needed.
Please note that if the insured needs following in-person visits and treatment, they will be subject to the corresponding out-of-pocket expenses depending on the plan such as deductible, co-pays, coinsurance, etc.

Telemedicine and Online Counseling Services

We have partnered with some of the most reputable telehealth providers to offer immediate reliable healthcare solutions to your students and participants 24/7 no matter where they are. Please see below for a few examples of the additional online services we offer:

General Medicine

The companies we have partnered with offer 24/7 care for non-emergency conditions like cold & flu, sinus infections, allergies, and more. Medical care can be available in both English and Spanish with the option to request an interpreter for all other languages if needed depending on the telemedicine service provider.

If your students or program participants need coverage in the US we offer the option to add one of the following service providers depending on the plan.

If your students or program participants travel anywhere outside the US they can have access to telemedicine through one of the following service providers depending on the plan.

* Only available in specific countries.

Some of our group plans include this type of service at no cost or at a low copay for participants! You may contact your account manager for more information about your current plan benefits. If you would like to get a quote for a plan that includes this service, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Mental Health

Online counseling services allow students to schedule a visit with a therapist or psychiatrist wherever they are for challenges like depression, anxiety, stress, and many others. Therapists are typically available by phone or video 7 days a week and the hours may vary depending on the different platforms. Our plans offer this type of service through the following companies.

This type of service can be offered to participants for free, for a limited number of visits, or at a low copay depending on the plan that you choose.

You can contact us to learn more about a specific telehealth service or to get a quote for a plan that includes one or more of these services.

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Posted by Alejandra Ramirez in Health & Safety Abroad, International Student Health Insurance, International Students in the USA, Product Information, School Resources, Student Insurance, Study Abroad | No Comments

Suicide Prevention Awareness Month 

September 1st, 2022 by Sutherland Beever

As schools in the United States begin to hum with the excitement of a shiny new school year and the rhythmic sounds of students’ laughter and voices once again echo down long hallways, it’s easy to fall into the mindset of thinking that all students are elated to be back in the classroom.

While most students have been looking forward to the newfound freedom and experiences that the school year offers, others are crippled with overwhelming amounts of anxiety, homesickness, and general feelings of hopelessness. 

Suicide is the 12th leading cause of death in the United States and is estimated to be the second leading cause of death among young adults, according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. 

With September being Suicide Prevention Awareness month, the team here at InternationalStudentInsurance.com felt called to help raise recognition for this important cause and help ensure that young people everywhere are given the resources they need during such a challenging time of their lives.

As administrators, teachers, and role models for the next generation, the adults that help mold young minds hold an incredible power – to help ensure students receive the support and help that they need. Below you will find a great deal of information to help identify students who may be suicidal and resources to offer any students that fall into this category. This information is provided by the National Institute of Mental Health.

Warning signs that a student may be at risk of attempting suicide: 

  • Talking about wanting to die or wanting to kill themselves
  • Talking about feeling empty or hopeless or having no reason to live
  • Talking about feeling trapped or feeling that there are no solutions
  • Feeling unbearable emotional or physical pain
  • Talking about being a burden to others
  • Withdrawing from family and friends
  • Giving away important possessions
  • Talking or thinking about death often

Other serious warning signs that a student may be at risk for attempting suicide include:

  • Displaying extreme mood swings, suddenly changing from very sad to very calm or happy
  • Making a plan or looking for ways to kill themselves, such as searching for lethal methods online, stockpiling pills, or buying a gun
  • Talking about feeling great guilt or shame
  • Using alcohol or drugs more often
  • Acting anxious or agitated
  • Changing eating or sleeping habits
  • Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge

24/7 Resources:

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988
Chat at 988lifeline.org
Crisis Text Line
Text “HELLO” to 741741

How to Help Hurting Students:

The COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated the anxiety that younger generations are facing, and that combined with homesickness and culture shock can be a deadly combination. Use this blog as a starting point to help keep suicide prevention and awareness at the forefront of your thoughts this semester. 

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Posted by Sutherland Beever in Health & Safety Abroad, International Student Health Insurance, International Students in the USA, School Resources, Study Abroad | No Comments

Mental Health, Alcohol and Insurance

August 4th, 2022 by Angela Perrilliat

Pandemic pandemonium

The COVID-19 pandemic has been rough on everyone, and people began coping in different ways. Some people began exercising extensively, while others started on their journey to become the best bread maker they could be. However, some people focused their stress and anxiety into less healthy coping mechanisms, such as drinking or doing other various drugs. 

Pre-pandemic perception

According to the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 53% of full-time college aged students ages 18-22 reported drinking alcohol in the previous 30 days, and 33% reported engaging in binge drinking. Binge drinking is defined as drinking alcohol with the intent to raise your Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) to .08 or above. This is about 5 drinks in 2 hours for males, and 4 drinks in 2 hours for females. 

Note: Although this study was conducted on students between the ages of 18 and 22, it is important to note that 21 is the minimum age for alcohol possession and consumption in the United States!

On-pandemic status

Even though drinking was used for coping with the stress and anxiety that COVID-19 brought, the statistics above dropped off in 2020 and 2021 as colleges and universities had been having online classes rather than in-person learning. In addition, social distancing may have made college parties fewer and further between, as people generally did not feel comfortable in large groups. 

Post-pandemic status 

With on-campus learning resuming this year, in addition to the COVID-19 vaccine being widely available, these statistics may begin to resume as new domestic and international students leave home and begin to experience college life in the United States. Also, students may continue their current alcohol use or form different habits around drinking as they begin to take part in more social activities. 

Long-term effects of alcohol use

Using alcohol may alleviate anxiety and stress in the short term, but prolonged alcohol use can be detrimental to students. 

The long-term mental effects of alcohol use can result in: 

  • Memory loss
  • Higher risk of anxiety and depression
  • Mood swings or changes in personality
  • Disrupted sleep
  • Learning difficulties
  • Loss of attention span
  • Diminished brain matter (which in worst case scenarios may result in trouble with speaking and understanding language, dementia, seizures and/or stroke)

As you may see, most of the symptoms can really affect a person physically and mentally, and impair many abilities that you need to have as a student, such as memory, good attention span and learning. It is highly encouraged that you get help if you drink regularly and notice any of these symptoms or if family or friends feel concerned for your well-being and bring this issue to you. Even if you are physically well, mental health issues may bring you physical problems and become a very big worry.

Insurance and inebriation  

Besides long-term symptoms on the brain and illnesses (such as liver disease, pancreatitis, chronic gastritis, etc.), there are immediate risks such as bicycle/car accidents caused by driving under the influence or other physical accidents due to numbness in the extremities or poor coordination. It is important to note that many international student insurance plans specifically do not cover injuries sustained while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This is often listed in the exclusions of your plan, and as always, we encourage you to read through all the benefits and exclusions of your plan.

However, our student plans do include coverage for alcohol and substance abuse treatment as a mental health benefit! As mentioned above, your well-being is of the utmost importance and you can ask for help or counseling at any time.

So, don’t forget! We at ISI wish everyone a safe and healthy return to campus as things slowly start to return to normal, and if you are going to have some drinks with friends or campus colleagues, try to do it safely. 

This video teaches international students how to deal with drugs and alcohol on college campuses including an overview of the laws, how to act responsible, consequences, and how to get help.
Please visit www.internationalstudentinsurance.com/explained/ for more information.

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Posted by Angela Perrilliat in Health & Safety Abroad, International Student Health Insurance, International Students in the USA, School Resources, Student Insurance, Study Abroad | No Comments

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