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International students

Navigating health care in the Unites States can be complex, especially for international students. This guide makes it easier to understand your insurance options and access the care you need during your studies.

Why do you need insurance in the U.S.?

Coming to the United States for college is an exciting adventure. But health care here works differently than in many other countries. In the U.S., health care is not a public service. Most people, including students, are required to purchase health insurance to access affordable care.

 

Unlike national healthcare systems or pay-as-you-go models, U.S. health care can be very expensive without insurance. That’s why having a plan like Aetna Student HealthSM is important. It helps protect you from high medical costs and gives you access to quality care when you need it.

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How insurance works in the U.S.

Health insurance helps you pay for medical care. Here are a few key terms to understand:

 

  • Premium: The amount you pay each school year to be enrolled in your health insurance plan.
  • Deductible: The amount you must pay out-of-pocket for health services before your insurance starts helping cover the costs.
  • Copay and coinsurance: After meeting your deductible, you may still pay a portion of the cost for services.

Your insurance plan gives you access to a network of doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies. When you visit a provider in-network, your costs are typically lower. Always carry your insurance ID card when you seek care. It helps providers verify your coverage and bill your insurer directly.

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How to get your insurance ID card

 

You don’t need a Social Security number to get your card. Just follow these steps:

 

  1. Visit Get Your ID Card.
  2. Select your school.
  3. Enter your student ID, date of birth and email.
  4. Submit the form to receive a secure email with your card as a PDF.
 

  • Why your ID card matters

    Always bring your ID card when you visit a doctor, pharmacy or hospital. It helps providers verify your coverage and ensures you’re billed correctly. Without it, you may have to pay out-of-pocket for care and file claims manually.

  • Need to register for the Aetna Member website?

    You don’t need a social security number to register. You can use your student ID to create your Aetna member account and use that information to login to the Aetna Health app.

  • Dental and vision coverage

    Dental and vision care are not included in standard health insurance plans. Some schools offer dental plans or vision plans. Otherwise, you’ll have to pay out-of-pocket for routine dental and vision needs.

Questions? We’re here to help. 

If you need help understanding your plan, get in touch with us. We can go through it together.

 

Contact us

Legal notices

Student health insurance plans are insured by Aetna Life Insurance Company. Self-insured plans are funded by the school and administered by Aetna Life Insurance Company. Aetna Student HealthSM is the brand name for products and services provided by Aetna Life Insurance Company and its affiliates (Aetna).

Health benefits and health insurance plans contain exclusions and limitations.