International Students - Insurance
Insurance
Health Insurance
All students (F-1 or J-1 visa holders) are required by Montana Tech to show proof of medical coverage or they will be automatically charged for Montana Tech's student group insurance policy (Blue Cross/Blue Shield). This insurance provides very complete health care coverage. J-visa holders who are visiting professors or researchers at Montana Tech are required by U.S. law to show proof of adequate health insurance for the duration of their stay.
Insurance is required because medical expenses in the U.S. are very expensive. People without medical coverage who need medical attention can easily and quickly find themselves owing hundreds and often thousands of dollars to pay doctor and hospital bills. A broken leg that requires surgery can result in $5,000 in medical bills, for example. Therefore it is important that students and international visitors have full coverage.
Even with full coverage, however, most insurance plans pay a percentage (75-80%) of medical costs, while the remaining percentage of the bill is the responsibility of the individual. Most insurance policies also require that the individual pay the first medical costs incurred during the year, (this is known as the "deductible" and can range from $100 to $500, depending on the insurance plan) before the plan starts paying at all. If medical insurance is from a country other than the U.S., or if a student plans to buy a plan other than the student health insurance that Montana Tech offers, it is important to be very careful to be sure that the insurance gives full coverage, especially for major illnesses and accidents in the U.S. If the cost is extremely low it may indicate that the coverage is not adequate. The Student Life Programs Office has some information available on alternative, but reliable health insurance companies. Be sure to read the policy carefully before purchasing any plan.
Automobile Insurance
If you are planning to buy a car while in the U.S., or rent one, you will also need to buy automobile insurance. Proof of insurance must be shown before a car can be licensed to drive, and anyone renting a car will need to buy insurance for the time the car is to be used. This, too, is expensive, but necessary, and the highest rates are charged to young drivers (under 25) who are considered to be inexperienced and therefore a higher risk for the insurance companies.
Auto insurance must cover repair of damage to other vehicles and treatment of injuries to persons involved in accidents. It also must protect the driver against damage or injury by an uninsured motorist who is at fault in an accident. Optional additional coverage can cover the price of renting a car while the damaged vehicle is being repaired, and other expenses or services. Shopping around for insurance by using the listings in the phone book yellow pages under "Insurance" is probably the best way to find a good price and adequate coverage. Be sure to know what is offered by each insurance agent, so that the products being compared are of equal value.
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