Health insurance for international students
Unlike health care costs in many countries, health care in the United States is very expensive. To provide affordable and easy access to medical care while you are studying in the United States, Calvin College requires all international students to enroll in the Student Health Insurance Plan (KnightCare).
The most common problems with other insurance you may purchase includes paying out of pocket first and then being reimbursed for charges later; paying a high deductible every time you go off campus for medical care; exclusion of mental health benefits; etc.
This is why all international students are required to enroll in KnightCare in order to meet the college's minimum insurance standard. Do not purchase other travel insurance or other emergency-only plans. They are not considered comparable, and do not meet Calvin College's minimum insurance guidelines.
Conditions to opt out of KnightCare
To meet Calvin College's insurance requirements, private health insurance must meet the following conditions:
- Provides coverage for medically necessary care in the greater Grand Rapids area and anywhere in the United States.
- Provides coverage for the entire academic year.
- Provides coverage for at least $50,000 per year.
- Covers both outpatient treatment and hospitalization for mental health problems.
- Covers both medically necessary outpatient treatment and hospitalization for medical and surgical services.
- Plan is not a travel plan or an "emergency only" plan.
If you do not know if your current health insurance plan meets these requirements, contact your plan administrator to get accurate information before submitting a waiver form.
Additional information
For additional information, see the American College Health Association guidelines concerning insurance for international students.
Enroll in KnightCare
You don't have to do anything to enroll in KnightCare. You will be enrolled automatically, and your coverage will begin on August 15, 2011 and last through August 14, 2012. (Coverage begins on January 1, 2012 for Spring enrollees.)
The cost for the 2011-2012 plan is $1216.00. The charge will be added to your account by Financial Services.
You will receive your health insurance card in the mail at your local address in August. Please remember to keep this insurance card with you and present it any time you receive medical care off campus.
