Insurance Information

As you plan your study abroad program, we want to remind you of the importance of having adequate medical coverage for your time abroad. Your health and safety are extremely important, therefore GVSU requires all students to have health insurance coverage for the duration of their study abroad program. We hope the following information proves to be useful in the planning process.

GVSU Policy
All GVSU study abroad students are required to show proof of sickness and injury health insurance that is valid in the host country for the duration of the study abroad program.

To show proof, you must provide the following

1) Complete the online Insurance Information Form available through your OASIS account.

2) Provide a photocopy of your health insurance card or other written proof of coverage.

Recommendations
1) It is strongly recommended that you have a thorough medical and dental examination prior to your departure for your study abroad program.  

2) Keep in mind that all students have varying medical needs and that each program location will not provide the same health care services. We feel that you need to personally make an assessment of your needs while taking into consideration the location in which you will be studying, what care will be readily available, and any special medical needs you may have.   

Note:  You will be required to e-sign the Health Insurance Coverage form notifying us of your medical coverage, whether it is the GVSU student plan or a private carrier.  

Please take time to review your current coverage and any supplemental plans available to you.  

3) We suggest that you make a list of insurance coverage you have, for example, the GVSU student plan or private carrier, the International Student I.D. card, and any coverage that may be provided by your study abroad program.

4) After reviewing your coverage, if you feel you do not have adequate protection, we can suggest a variety of supplemental plans specifically designed for international travel and study.  

The Padnos International Center does not endorse any specific insurance plan; however, we can suggest some insurance carriers that have comprehensive coverage.

Questions to ask your insurance provider:

1) Does the insurance cover students engaged in studies while outside their home country?

2) Is prior authorization from a primary care provider required before any services can be rendered?

3) What is the claim process if the doctor or hospital abroad will not bill your insurance company (which is most often the case)? You should request an itemized bill in English, if possible, for reimbursement. Without a receipt, and possibly the bill, you may not be able to collect on the claim.

4) What is the maximum sickness and injury benefit?

5) Are pre-existing conditions covered?  How are they determined and by whom? What is excluded?

6) What is the maximum coverage for dismemberment?

7) Does the policy cover emergency medical transportation/evacuation and if so, what is the maximum payable?

8) Does the policy cover repatriation of remains and if so what is the maximum payable?

For information on a variety of supplemental insurance providers, visit the Padnos International Center.

International Student Identity Card (ISIC)
Student travelers can often get discounted prices when traveling, especially in Europe.  Your own college ID will not be accepted as valid proof of student status in most other countries.  The best bet is to invest in an ISIC.  The ISIC also gives you sickness and accident insurance, including $25,000 emergency evacuation coverage, plus access to a 24-hour traveler's assistance hotline in case of a medical, legal, or financial emergency. 

The ISIC can be purchased at the Records Office on the Allendale campus or at the Transaction Windows in the DeVos Center.  The cost of this card is $28.00 and takes about two business days to process. Some student travel agencies require an ISIC number in order to secure a discounted seat for a flight. 

Visit the ISIC webpage to learn more about the ISIC card.

Optional Insurance Providers
www.internationalsos.com
ASCA (American College Student Association)
CISI (Cultural Insurance Services)
HTH Worldwide U.S. Study Abroad Helath Plan
IEES (International Educational Exchange Services, Inc.)
IMG Patriot Travel Medical Insurance
iNext
Insurance Services of America
ISIC
Medex Insurance Services, Inc.
Rust international associates:Global Coverage
SOS Insurance Plan
CMI Insurance Worldwide
International Student Organization
Gateway International
Student Assurance Services Insurance Plan
The MEGA Life and Health Insurance Company 
Wallach & Company, Inc.