By Jessica MacDonald and Michael Conway

Over one million international students come to the U.S. each year to study,1 while 188,000 U.S. students head abroad.2 Universities must ensure both groups have the right insurance to protect them from accidents, political instability, and medical emergencies, all while reducing institutional liability.

Comprehensive insurance coverage is essential. Without it, both students and institutions could face significant risks, from unexpected medical bills to emergency evacuations. It’s essential to work with a broker that knows the student insurance landscape to identify the right policies, address any coverage exclusions, and ensure your institution and students are fully protected with these key coverages:

• Student athlete insurance—Many student athletes are familiar with insurance policies due to the inherent risks involved in sports. However, student athletes traveling domestically or internationally face additional risks that require special protection.

Consider the East Coast university soccer team traveling for an international tournament. The bus ride to the event resulted in a serious accident with severe injuries and that required immediate medical evacuation for multiple athletes. Without student athlete insurance to cover competitions abroad, the school may have had to absorb the associated expenses.

• International student insurance—International students coming to the U.S. are required to have accident and sickness insurance to meet visa regulations. This coverage is typically bundled with tuition fees. However, navigating the U.S. healthcare system—particularly the complexities of co-pays, deductibles, and private healthcare—can be challenging for international students.

Universities need to not only ensure that the right policies are in place but also to collaborate with a student health insurance partner that can provide guidance to international students on how to file claims, find in-network providers, and access care.

• Accidental death and dismemberment and evacuation and repatriation—Accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) policies, including repatriation of remains, are critical for both U.S. students studying away from home and international students studying in the U.S. In tragic situations, this coverage ensures that students can be safely evacuated or, in the worst case, have their remains returned home.

Consider the student studying abroad that gets injured when a building collapses during a hurricane. With an overwhelmed local healthcare system a student’s AD&D and emergency evacuation and repatriation policy covers a medical evacuation back to the U.S.

• Accident insurance—Accident insurance covers all students on campus, ensuring protection during school-sponsored events and helping reduce the institution’s financial liability.

Whether students are participating in a school activity or simply on campus, accident insurance provides critical coverage that helps both the students and the university in the event of unexpected incidents.

Educate and engage: 5 tips to school students on navigating their insurance

Finding the right insurance coverage for international and domestic students is the first step. To fully support students as they navigate the U.S. healthcare system for the first time, it’s important to partner with a student health insurance partner to create a robust communications plan:

1. Prioritize pre-enrollment communication—Start communication with incoming students before they arrive on campus. This, ideally, would begin in April or May—months in advance of the new school year. Many families don’t realize health insurance is mandatory, so starting the conversation early is helpful for all involved.

2. Include insurance education into orientation—Once on campus, continue insurance education during orientation. Offer dedicated sessions for international students explaining the U.S. healthcare system and their insurance plan.

3. Engage in ongoing communication—As the academic year progresses, maintain open communication. Design wellness and preventative care initiatives to help reduce emergency room visits, such as educating students on the importance of flu shots in the fall and reminding them to take care of their well-being and mental health during mid-terms and finals.

4. Offer behavioral health support—Many international students struggle with homesickness, cultural adjustments, and academic pressures—especially around the holiday season. Help your students get the care they need with a Student Assistance Program (SAP), or peer-to-peer platforms, which provide mental health support.

5. Use social media and in-person sessions—Provide helpful tips and information on insurance through social media, and consider offering in-person sessions or office hours for international students to help them navigate the U.S. healthcare plan.

Comprehensive coverage that keeps students on course

Students have unique needs and challenges, making it critical for universities to secure comprehensive insurance coverage to protect students near and far. Venbrook Student Insurance is a full-service brokerage that can help your university navigate the complexities of student insurance.